BMW/Alfa (Was Re: alfa-digest V7 #907)

[John Karwoski Sun Microsystems NE Area Systems Engineer 610-962-5621 <John.Karwoski@domain.elided>]

I concur with the comments re: the 3 Series - even
and perhaps more so - with the introduction of the
"new" 3, or "N3W 3", to use one of their ads.

It also seems that (some of) the BMW fans agree as
well. In a Roundel (BMW Car Club of America magazine)
issue some months ago, an article lamented the
new 3 was nowhere near as interesting or as
exciting as the 156. There were comments about the
styling (staid, boring, evolutionary on the 3; bold,
new, breathtaking on 156), the technology, etc
and even the engine compartment: the Alfa takes
pride in its engine and shows it off; the BMW,
for all its engineering prowess (and marketing of
same) covers it. This is a car for enthusiasts?

When all this was brough to the attention of the
BMW execs, it didn't sit very well - they were
defensive, citing the customers wanted "evolutionary..."
design so the older cars didn't look immediately
outdated. The article concluded with predictions to
gladden an Alfisti's heart: that Alfa would be
returning to the US (well, one can hope).

John
PS Yes, I've sinned. I have a '92 535 in addition to
the Spider. It's (the 535) is for sale. 

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