My feeling is that up to a point BMWs were designed by engineers, then, as everywhere, the "designers" and marketing people took over. I had a 1983 320i that was really built to last, and a 6 cylinder engine of 2000cc. No power steering (absolutely no need for it) and a delight to drive. Now have a 1999 528i, thankfully still with 6 cylinders. A bit overloaded with gadgets, but still a serious, solid machine.
Today you can't get a 6 cylinder engine unless you get one of the big, 400+ HP turbo models. All 4 or even 3 cylinders, some models are FWD. Almost impossible to get a simple manual gearbox. So another set of computers in the transmission.
I know all the propaganda about fuel economy, emissions. But I would just like 3 litres, RWD, 6 cylinders, manual gearbox, no turbo. Not available.
Oh, and the styling, especially inside, is all glitzy plastic brothel. And even the "leather upholstery" feels like plastic.
Anyone know what happened to leather?