Re: Reality cheques

[QSHIPQ <QSHIPQ@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-04-04 04:27:05 EST, you write:

<< you reckon that bmw goes "m" 'without a boxful of special parts?' huh?
last
 >time i checked, the m3 was very, very different from the bread and butter. 
 >like new motor, not available for anything other than the m3 and the z3.
lets
> not mention the brakes, or the diff, or the gearbox.  am i missing something
> (and yes i'm aware that the usa didn't get the real motor)?  wanna talk
about
> the old m5 as well?  sorry, but you're well off-base.
I happen to have the microfiche for both your RS2 and the 1995 M3.  Apples to
oranges in argument and part numbers.  Lots of the 'bread and butta' parts are
interchangeable from the M3 chassis to the 328.  Like, lights, turn signals,
uprights.  I'm not sure you, of all folk, believe the RS2 to be made of
something other than gold when you step up to the parts counter and hand a RS2
suffix part number to the counter guy.   My experience with the A8 suffixes
too.  Lots of posts from this very archives on mediocre prices on bmw parts.
That mediocrity is one to be proud of, IMO.  M3 and Z3 share an awesome 6.
The other cars don't need it, a nice v8 line exists for that.  Sharing is a
cost too.  Can't share?  Price goes up for that exclusivity.  Your RS2 point
of fact.  
 
> what you fail to appreciate scott, is that audi is rebuilding in the usa.
what
> is their sales volume compared to bmw? 1/4?  that limits the options some. 
> audi are now where bmw were in the early 90's getting their arse kicked by
> lexus.  as i said, do audi even offer the 'sport' pack on the a8?
No and one needs to ask why?  A few reasons in my book.  When the A8
absolutely is THE most expensive car in it's class and ranks midpack, I don't
fault the coaches for being a little gun shy bringing in the S car.  You want
to change the argument to apples to apples on the S8.  Can't do it, don't have
it here.  Back to A8 test.
 
> at least audi have kicked bmw with quality, both perceived and actual (jd
> powers).  bmw must know it has a problem, we'll see if the e46 can rectify
it.
I don't quote J.D Powers for much of anything.  I look at the top of their
lists, and only give them credit for publishing numbers that make
leasors/buyers pay for nothing and get cool cars to drive when serviced to
keep the numbers up.  I remember filling out those internal customer CSI
surveys on the customers behalf many a time when selling cars.  Understand
where and how those numbers are derived and influenced before you quote them.
Regardless, think on that statement for a minute.  Why, if that was so true to
'value', does residual value on the Audi come in dead last in a lease
(including the VDP?!?) and second only to the VDP on a buy?  Perceptions and
actual of JDP, don't add VALUE.  Appears a lot of 'real' world and actual,
specifically actuary, things dictate value.
 
> in europe, it's different.  the a4 is outselling the 3, the s4 is released
and
 >has reveiwed very well.  the s8 is unopposed by bmw, and the v8 a6 models
are
> months from release.  the tt and tts are also out shortly, as is the s3.

Sounds good to me.  Europe, it's different.  Here, we get mediocre reviews,
the S4 ain't here yet, the S8 probably never will be, and the v8 A6 better be
soon...  The s3?  Well, that could be an interesting test vs a M3tii.  Many a
tuner has shown that possible, and all the toys are ready. The tt and tts and
the S3 have lagged a little behind, as has the S4, they were supposed to be
out some time ago.  'Months from release' could very well redefine 'shortly'. 

Look, I don't wave the BMW flag.  I just have driven some fine products of
theirs and compared them to the latest audis.  Subjectively, and objectively
audi has a long road ahead of them here in the states.  Not so BMW.  'Europe
is different'.  Hmm, does that make US buyers optimistic about our choices?
With which marque?

Scott Justusson