Anyone else here get Bimmer magazine?
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3024
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This months issue (October 2002 ?!) seems to be hitting on a lot of hot topics. I jsut got it in the mail today and have been reading it for the last half hour or so.
First, on page 4, there is a column imploring BMW enthusiasts to reduce the population of automatic-tranny equipped BMWs-
"As BMWs become more popular among the general population, it's only natural that more BMWs will be sold with slushboxes. Rather than merely decry the trend, however, let's do what we can as enthusiasts to reverse it. If you've got a friend who's thinking about buying a Bimmer, talk to them about transmissions. Tell them how much fun a manual can be. Better still, let them drive your car - so they can find out first-hand what a BMW is really all about. It's more than just another car, but you need to shift it yourself to really understand." :thumbup:
Then, on starting on page 16 (where the letters to the editor start) are three letters tearing up Bangle and also the editorial staff for half-heartedly defending him in a previous issue. There was also much praise for Claus Luthe. There were two separate references to the front of the upcoming 5-series resembling a Pontiac Grand Am. :lmao:
Next, on page 24 in a response by Mike Miller in the Tech Q&A section to a question about steering fluid change intervals there is the quote, "Even when BMW had maintenance schedules dictated by engineering rather than marketing, we can't remember there ever being a power steering fluid drain interval." :thumbup:
Then, on page 52 (still in the letters) there is an indignant letter refering to a comment made in a prior issue comparing the automatic transmission to SPAM. The letter goes on to say they were offended as SPAM is quite good and should not be insulted like that. :lmao:
I could go on... (they do...) But I'm not done reading yet. I am just starting the actual articles so I'm sure I'll have more good quotes to add.
First, on page 4, there is a column imploring BMW enthusiasts to reduce the population of automatic-tranny equipped BMWs-
"As BMWs become more popular among the general population, it's only natural that more BMWs will be sold with slushboxes. Rather than merely decry the trend, however, let's do what we can as enthusiasts to reverse it. If you've got a friend who's thinking about buying a Bimmer, talk to them about transmissions. Tell them how much fun a manual can be. Better still, let them drive your car - so they can find out first-hand what a BMW is really all about. It's more than just another car, but you need to shift it yourself to really understand." :thumbup:
Then, on starting on page 16 (where the letters to the editor start) are three letters tearing up Bangle and also the editorial staff for half-heartedly defending him in a previous issue. There was also much praise for Claus Luthe. There were two separate references to the front of the upcoming 5-series resembling a Pontiac Grand Am. :lmao:
Next, on page 24 in a response by Mike Miller in the Tech Q&A section to a question about steering fluid change intervals there is the quote, "Even when BMW had maintenance schedules dictated by engineering rather than marketing, we can't remember there ever being a power steering fluid drain interval." :thumbup:
Then, on page 52 (still in the letters) there is an indignant letter refering to a comment made in a prior issue comparing the automatic transmission to SPAM. The letter goes on to say they were offended as SPAM is quite good and should not be insulted like that. :lmao:
I could go on... (they do...) But I'm not done reading yet. I am just starting the actual articles so I'm sure I'll have more good quotes to add.
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dont subscribe, but maybe i'll go buy it at nearest bn or borders
Oh my! I'll have to go buy one. 
G
Well, for the record, the current issue reviews the E39 530i, compares all of the 5-series engine choices (in Europe where there are 9 different engines available). They have a "comparison test" of the M6 and the Dinan 635CSi. They discuss what makes a CPO BMW CPO. Plus a couple F1 articles and an article on a massive restoration of a 2002 that was found at the bottom of a swamp.
Each issue has a truly great Tech Q&A section and lots of ads (which, in this case are a good thing).
Each issue has a truly great Tech Q&A section and lots of ads (which, in this case are a good thing).
eugeneDC/TX said:
Hey--- stop spoiling it for the rest of us!
It's my favorite car magazine.
It's my favorite car magazine.
Yeah, I was reading the E24 article at Tower last week. E24s rock!.:thumbup:
All Bimmer needs is a great classified section like Roundel to be perfect. I love the tech Q&A. It's like the BMW boards on the net, but with answers that are actually almost guaranteed to be right.
Haven't checked out the Oct issue, perhaps things have changed a little. I have always think that BIMMER is a redundant magazine. Almost all the major bookstores and stands I visit here in West LA, there are always a thick stash of them before the next issue is out. Seems like no one bother to buy them anyway. Their writings and reviews are kinda shallow with very distasteful photo shots (not everytime, but most). And when was the last time they covered any DIY or tracking a BMW?
Yup, I am bias.
Yup, I am bias.
Some good stuff, and some bad.
I've been a subscriber to Bimmer for about 3 years now, but I think I'm going to let it lapse.
Their main editor, Jackie Jouret, really honked me off when she insinuated recently that those of us Americans that are calling for Bangle's ouster were being unpatriotic. I could almost hear the fife in the background playing 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' as I was reading her scathing review of our actions. The lady's clueless and shallow if that truly reflects her attitude.
While the Tech questions and letters are excellent, and Mike Miller's contributions invaluable (best article I've seen on the CPO program), as Vinnie states above the majority of their articles are 'old news' and don't contribute much to the marque, but that's only my opinion. It doesn't help that it's only published every other month (although I think I read they will eventually increase the number of editions they put out during the year).
Also, there are just too darn many ads in it. It was cool at first, but grows old when you see virtually the same ads over and over again.
So, while I've all but decided to drop it I'll continue to track it at the newstand, but only buy those editions that I think are useful.
I've been a subscriber to Bimmer for about 3 years now, but I think I'm going to let it lapse.
Their main editor, Jackie Jouret, really honked me off when she insinuated recently that those of us Americans that are calling for Bangle's ouster were being unpatriotic. I could almost hear the fife in the background playing 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' as I was reading her scathing review of our actions. The lady's clueless and shallow if that truly reflects her attitude.
While the Tech questions and letters are excellent, and Mike Miller's contributions invaluable (best article I've seen on the CPO program), as Vinnie states above the majority of their articles are 'old news' and don't contribute much to the marque, but that's only my opinion. It doesn't help that it's only published every other month (although I think I read they will eventually increase the number of editions they put out during the year).
Also, there are just too darn many ads in it. It was cool at first, but grows old when you see virtually the same ads over and over again.
So, while I've all but decided to drop it I'll continue to track it at the newstand, but only buy those editions that I think are useful.
Re: Some good stuff, and some bad.
I agree with the ads--- too many repeats.IndyMike said:
I read bimmer and BMWCar.
What is the best read for Bimmers generally?
What is the best read for Bimmers generally?
I read Bimmer religiously and in general love it and recommend it; Mike Miller's Tech Q&A alone is worth the cover price.
Vince: Bimmer has DIY articles in almost every issue (repairing your suspension and fixing chips and dings in your paint-job are two recent articles that come immediately to mind), though you're right about tracking, there isn't any attention paid to that that I've seen.
IndyMike: I respect your opinions, but I think you missed Jouret's point in her editorial about Bangle (which, personally, I found to be a reasoned and intelligent counterpoint to all the Bangle-bashing currently en-vogue). At no point did she insinuate that it was unpatriotic to denounce Bangle, she merely attempted to accurately present Bangle's true role in the BMW scheme of things to show that he wasn't deserving of the degree of villification he's received. Jouret does insinuate that she senses a degree of America-bashing from the European press (as it is often pointed out that Bangle is an American in the very same breath that he is being reviled), but American patriotism is never made an issue. And even she herself states in the editorial, "I could hardly be described as overly patriotic, having too strong an attachment to the notion of democracy to fit within the current definition of that term," a wonderfully subversive little statement, and if "Yankee Doodle Dandy" was playing when it was written, it was playing backwards.
Vince: Bimmer has DIY articles in almost every issue (repairing your suspension and fixing chips and dings in your paint-job are two recent articles that come immediately to mind), though you're right about tracking, there isn't any attention paid to that that I've seen.
IndyMike: I respect your opinions, but I think you missed Jouret's point in her editorial about Bangle (which, personally, I found to be a reasoned and intelligent counterpoint to all the Bangle-bashing currently en-vogue). At no point did she insinuate that it was unpatriotic to denounce Bangle, she merely attempted to accurately present Bangle's true role in the BMW scheme of things to show that he wasn't deserving of the degree of villification he's received. Jouret does insinuate that she senses a degree of America-bashing from the European press (as it is often pointed out that Bangle is an American in the very same breath that he is being reviled), but American patriotism is never made an issue. And even she herself states in the editorial, "I could hardly be described as overly patriotic, having too strong an attachment to the notion of democracy to fit within the current definition of that term," a wonderfully subversive little statement, and if "Yankee Doodle Dandy" was playing when it was written, it was playing backwards.
I have been a subscriber to Bimmer for some time now, and I think I actually like it better than even Roundel; especially the tech section.
TD-
I also like Bimmer magazine-- I just read the issue you're referring to at B&N last night. Definitely one of the better issues -- all of the articles were very interesting and well written. I too enjoyed seeing all of the pot shots they took at BMW-- I was worried after Jackie Jouret's Bangle editorial that they were turning into a "puff mag"-- but they definitely had some good zingers in this past issue. I really hope that someone at BMW is home and listening...
Did you see the quote they used from Claus Luthe: "Good design should not have any mistakes"-- that was great!
I also like Bimmer magazine-- I just read the issue you're referring to at B&N last night. Definitely one of the better issues -- all of the articles were very interesting and well written. I too enjoyed seeing all of the pot shots they took at BMW-- I was worried after Jackie Jouret's Bangle editorial that they were turning into a "puff mag"-- but they definitely had some good zingers in this past issue. I really hope that someone at BMW is home and listening...
Did you see the quote they used from Claus Luthe: "Good design should not have any mistakes"-- that was great!
I was thumbing through Automobile magazine (Aug) and was laughing in the book store at the letters column. There were 3 letters slamming the new Z4, CS1 & E65 designs and Bangle.
I could have sworn they were bimmerfesters from their comments.
I could have sworn they were bimmerfesters from their comments.
There are two BMW enthusiast magazines I pick up from time to time at Border's: "Bimmer" and "BMWcar".
The English one is pretty good, the american; less filling.
Ed
The English one is pretty good, the american; less filling.
Ed
Well I've been doing my job! I've already made two of my friends get stick-shifts. They had never driven a manual before...so I taught them! :thumbup: But they didn't get Bimmers...one has a WRX, the other a Jetta VR6. Its a step in the right direction...
TD said:
I converted my wife to driving stick, but her next car won't be a BMW. She doesn't like the badge bashing Bimmer owners endure... :bawling:
I like Bimmer. I took a year trial subscription...and they've been sending it to me for over 3 years now...never charged another dime :thumbup:
Remember guys, Bimmer magazine is headquarted....drums....
In Taliban County.
In Taliban County.
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