BMW Magazine

[ChrisF]

My wife got the mail yesterday and told me I received a BMW magazine. I thought that was strange 'cause it was too early for the next issue of BMWON. Turned out it was the BMW Magazine from BMWNA.

I guess NA figured since I recently purchased an RT, I might be in the market for one of their four-wheelers. I've admired the four-wheeled product, but not to the point of considering buying one. Has anyone else received a copy after a recent two-wheeler purchase?

I enjoyed the articles, expecially the ones on vintage BMW's. OTOH, I noticed the majority of ads were for expensive watches (jewelry for the wrist, if you will), almost all of which were from companies I never heard of . Acknowledging that ad content is not the same as editorial content, I got the impression that BMWNA thinks of their products as "jewelry for the road". I got my RT for its functionality as a long-distance tourer, not to show off around town (can anyone say "HD"? :D ).

[kbasa]

Yeah, I get it too. I think you get a subscription for a year when you buy a new bike.

I like the cars and stuff, but it doesn't really hold my interest. :dunno

[SNC1923]

Bought my RT on September 1, but no four-wheel magazine. Just as well, after buying the bike, my wife won't let me buy a bicycle, let alone a car. :cry

[BradfordBenn]

Yup, I get the 4Wheel edition every so often. Kind of reminds me of Cigar Aficiando, lots of expensive stuff.

However I did get my ON amazingly early on Tuesday the 23rd! :brad

[lkchris]

It's always a bit unflattering to poo-poo things we can't afford and to criticize those that might have them.

Despite our own personal rationalizations as to why we own BMW motorcycles, marketing experts recognize a long list of descriptors for customers of a certain product, and we're on the list somewhere.

But, should you ever find a time when it could be "fun" to drive a car rather than your bike, BMW definitely makes some of the most fun cars you can encounter. Especially if you're a techno-geek (which I observe happens a bunch in motorcycling) you'll be pleased, as the technology of BMW's cars is about 15 years advanced over its bikes.

BMW gasoline car engines these days--like diesels--do not have power robbing and fuel wasting throttle plates, but rather control engine speed via adjustable camshaft timing. Some have electrically controlled antiroll bars. Full belly pans. "Steered" headlights. Speed compensating variable-ratio steering. The new M5 has 507 horsepower, unless you flip the switch to limit it to 400.

The performance equation relating fuel consumption to vehicle weight, load capacity and ultimate performance makes BMW's bikes look like gas hogging dinosaurs in comparison to its cars. It's always good to keep informed.

[Braddog]

However I did get my ON amazingly early on Tuesday the 23rd! :brad

Me, too! And in my opinion, it's one of the best issues I've seen for awhile. Lots of good information and reading.

[Cliffy777]

Me too. I get the 4 wheel mag (quarterly??). Once in a while they do mention a motorcycle in it.
RE: "steerable headlights". Yup - new technology. Well it was when Mr Tucker first put it in his cars in 1948. Ever since I visited a car museum earlier this year and saw and read about the Tucker I get a laff when the car companies brag on their "new" steerable headlights. Tucker put a steerable light in the middle of the two other headlights.
Sorry - I now return you to your regularly scheduled thread......

[Ksrob]

Regarding the Bimmers; Yeah the cars are fun to drive but not to own. I bought a 528i a couple of years ago based on my experiances with my bikes. The car has been in the shop more in those 2 years than the '97 RT, '96 RS combined. For things that a $45k auto shouldn't have to worry about.

Bimmers need either deep pockets or the desire/skill to do the work yourself.

The car did bring my love of driving back but I won't own one again. I may lease one based on the 50k miles of free maintainance program.

[dlearl476]

I received the BMW Magazine the entire time I had my BMW Financed through FS. I found it quite nice, but not enough to re-up for money once my bike was paid off, even with the great deal they offered.
I'm a big fan of BMW bikes AND cars and I thought there was plenty of moto content based on the percentage of bike/car business BMW actually does.
Rob, sorry to hear of your misfortune. My BMW cars have been the most dependable and reliable I've ever owned. But then, I never took them to the dealer to complain about radio knobs falling off or other whine-y drivel that I've seen occur on numerous occasions. Some people are just much happier in Toyotas.

[Ksrob]

David, I don't consider myself a whiner (I ride oilheads:_)) but at 77k miles, I've had the A/c compressor go out, a rear window regulator quit in 20 degree temps, w/s washer pump replaced, drivers interior door handle breaking, paint that chips if you look at it hard. I could expect that type of quality on "lesser" brands not a car that presents it's self as a premier model.

Yes, I guess that some are more comfortable in Toyota's. I know my wife's Highlander that is 3 years old has no time in the shop other than maintainance (tires and fluids). While I don't enjoy driving it, I know that if I jump into it, the Toyota will get me where I'm going and back. The Bimmer, I will enjoy driving it but in the back of my mind, I worry about the next thing that will break.

The thing is, my RT has had no problems. I expect that a mc would have the issues not the car.

Definately YMMV!

Best,

[dlearl476]

Rob, what a bummer. Does your state have good lemon laws? I'd be checking into that. You must have got an "octoberfest" car.
I think your experience it way outside of normal.

[Grey Matter]

Well it was when Mr. Tucker first put it in his cars in 1948.

Not to mention Duesenberg's steering headlights back in the 30's

But, should you ever find a time when it could be "fun" to drive a car rather than your bike, BMW definitely makes some of the most fun cars you can encounter. Especially if you're a techno-geek (which I observe happens a bunch in motorcycling) you'll be pleased, as the technology of BMW's cars is about 15 years advanced over its bikes.

I know what you mean, I buddy of mine just bought a BMW 645. I was visiting him in Las Vegas last week & he let me drive two hundred of the shortest miles I have ever driven.

If you have to drive the 645 is a good way to do it.

[Visian]

I got this magazine for a few years after I bought my son his high school graduation present. Yeah, I know... dad drives a Subaru and the son cruises for chicks in the 328. Now that he's in grad school, he came to his senses and bought a WRX like dad's. (Jeez that beemer was expen$ive to own!)

Anyway, the magazine wrote an article about the BMW CCA, so I thought they'd be interested in knowing about the BMW MOA on our recent 30th birthday. So I queried the editor and.... :)

Here is the article, and if you'd like to read it, Page 1 (http://www.visian.nu/images/page1.jpg) and Page 2 (http://www.visian.nu/images/page2.jpg) are available for your perusal.

Enjoy! It may be another thirty years until you see bikes in the car book again!

Ian

[mthelmet]

Me too. I get the 4 wheel mag (quarterly??). Once in a while they do mention a motorcycle in it.
RE: "steerable headlights". Yup - new technology. Well it was when Mr Tucker first put it in his cars in 1948. Ever since I visited a car museum earlier this year and saw and read about the Tucker I get a laff when the car companies brag on their "new" steerable headlights. Tucker put a steerable light in the middle of the two other headlights.
Sorry - I now return you to your regularly scheduled thread......

Tucker had the first single steerable headlight, but CORD in the 30's had the headlight in the wheel pods which turned with the wheels.
:twirl