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RE: The new 3 series

Stuart Metcalfe wrote:

Jonathan, it's called evolution. I believe you are expecting a
revolution - this ain't BMW's way. They have a successful formula so
they
develop and gradually improve it over the years. Check out the 911 and 
XJS for other examples. Manufacturing processes have improved since the
E36
was designed so BMW will be incorporating the latest changes in order to 
reduce costs and remain competitive. If you want a ground up redesign
with each model change then perhaps you need to buy Japanese.


Stuart,

The E36 looks very different from the E30, and the new 5-series looks
more like the current 3-series than the previous generation 5-series;
therefore, you're incorrect in claiming that it ain't BMW's way to
revolutionize. The auto industry is dynamic and it would be foolish to
keep using the same old formula, however successful it has been in the
past.  Look at Mercedes -- their E-series has been a success partly
because they've made a complete redesign.  Indeed, one could say that
(until recently) the reason for Jaguar's poor sales over the past 10
years (or so) was because they never made any significant model
changes.  As far as Porsche is concerned, you cite the 911, however, the
928 and the 944/924 models have been discontinued because of poor
sales.  Had they redesigned these models at any time during the past 10
years, these models may still be with us.  But then we'll never know.

Further, your generalization and oblique criticism about Japanese
automobiles is undeserved.  Case in point, the "new" Lexus LS400 looks
very much like the "old" LS400, and the American automotive press have
criticized Toyota for this lack of change.

Steve