Many of us have an affinity for BMWs because of the Germanic and European nature of the product. There has long been a tradition of modding the U.S. versions with Euro parts, removing DOT sidemarkers etc. to make them even more like the original German versions. In this case it seems incongruous to slap on characters from another culture that don't seem genuine or related to the original product design. It does not feel authentic to a global audience that is watching the company pander to a market.
I agree that it would be just as tacky and brand diluting to have a special edition for a western holiday or celebration. Would I have wanted a bicentennial "Spirt of '76" 3.0CS in 1976 in the U.S.? No, that would have been tacky and made me question the authenticity BMW in the market.
Not a repost but can we...
