[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by vegasevo9

Leasing or financing any car is not at all an intelligent financial decision indeed.

Say what? At today's interest rates, anyone paying cash for a car has lost their mind.

[Efthreeoh]

[QUOTE=SCOTT26;19921923]From the actual Press Release from BMW AG regarding the X1.

[the BMW X1 is the likewise newly developed chassis technology, which ensures not only precisely controllable handling, but also noticeably improved ride comfort. Together with the car’s low centre of gravity, virtually perfect 50 : 50 weight distribution, a wide track, short overhangs, optimised weight and the impressive rigidity of the body and chassis, this lays the foundation for a driving experience familiar to BMW drivers but without parallel in the segment./QUOTE]

Let's focus on the word "virtual". One definition is "not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so." I think this is the case of the press release verbiage. With the advent of x-drive and brake system control, BMW (and other manufacturers) can simulate the chassis behavior of a natural 50/50 weight balanced chassis via software coupled with driveline components (e.g. electronically controlled diff and x-fer case clutches). IIRC Ford Motor Company pioneered some of this technology with advent of its rollover technology for the Explorer post the Firestone tire debacle.

So as others have stated, the Marketing language is just that... Marketing. 50/50 weight distribution was the hallmark of BMW and an engineering axiom of the company at one time. Some of us still what naturally aspirated I6's and natural 50/50 chassis balance. Not even BMW can engineer a balanced chassis using a front-drive architecture; the numbers prove that. BMW has morphed into every other manufacturer and has lost is special-ness. Sorry.

[cwg]

Originally Posted by Ghetto2315

The sales program that BMW financial provides to dealers to base the lease/finance offers is not good right now. Money factor went up and residuals went down. Until BMW financial gives better sales support, inventory will sit. For now, certified pre-owned is increasing as a result.

My thoughts exactly

[cwg]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

They won't have a choice (in the USA) come 2018 when rear view cameras are mandatory. In the meantime, they will continue to milk the customer as best as possible -- witness the F80, where if you even want just rear PDC, you still have to buy the $3500 "Executive Package".

PDC is the only thing I really want in the exec package. So. Frustrating it's not offered separately.

[HawaiiG80Green]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Say what? At today's interest rates, anyone paying cash for a car has lost their mind.

You lost me on your comment. Haha