BMW and Daimler in Talks to Potentially Co-Develop Vehicle Platforms

[CP911]

Originally Posted by Patrik

Don't see why you all are upset about this. Only thing this will result in is better cars and some savings for both manufacturers. This way they also stand a better chance against giants like VAG. Besides, Merc makes some badass (albeit heavy) cars.

This is incorrect. Healthy competition within an industry is what brings about better products. If each manufacturer feels their car is "good enough" because they aren't worried about the next guy eating their lunch, then where is their motivation going to come from to continue pushing the envelope and making better and better cars? Sure, in the short-term we might see a "better" product due to engineering collaboration, but over the long run when there is no new engineering knowledge to share, both companies will become that much more complacent and stagnant in their approach to making new cars.

Both companies are more than profitable at this point to stay alive and keep making cars. I'm sure the top dogs are eating well too. This will only benefit the shareholders and allow the top dogs to fatten their bellies unnecessarily.

[nick3753]

Originally Posted by Penguino

Love how every single person missed the electric platform part of this article.

Well it did say "which are designed to be "electric first," but also have the capability of using conventional powertrains. ". So they are not completely off base.

[Vpp982]

Originally Posted by themnmd

bring on the next gen C63M comp

Shouldn't that be the C63S&M comp

[themnmd]

Originally Posted by Vpp982

Shouldn't that be the C63S&M comp

lol yes

[DETRoadster]

Years ago I worked as an engineer for a company that was owned by Daimler. We did some "joint development" projects with the Daimler engineers which essentially meant "shut up and do what we say because we are Daimler and we know best." The level of arrogance on the Daimler engineering team was unlike anything I had seen before or have seen since. Good luck, BMW, you'll need it.

[brad850csi]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

Is hell freezing?

There was a song on that album called The Last Resort.....

[Powerslide]

Originally Posted by Eau_Rouge111

Haha true. I look at it like this...when I drive my Z4MC...rod bearings are in the back of my mind at all times...so...I make sure to warm up the car properly, have the oil changed well b4 mfg recommended intervals/just generally be aware of the car and it's maintenance. Owning both an AMG and an M...I'll take the M all day long! BUT...God damn rod bearings!! All E46/60/85/86/90/92M owners I'm sure can relate!

I hear ya! I loved my 2008 E93 M3 - but after 80,000 miles - and an oil test that showed concerning levels - didn't want to replace the rod bearings - or alternatively - worry about a ticking time bomb. Was already planning to switch to the F80 but the potential rod bearing issue sealed the deal for me...

[buckybadger]

Can't wait for BMW-Benz i AM3G

[Eau_Rouge111]

Originally Posted by Powerslide

I hear ya! I loved my 2008 E93 M3 - but after 80,000 miles - and an oil test that showed concerning levels - didn't want to replace the rod bearings - or alternatively - worry about a ticking time bomb. Was already planning to switch to the F80 but the potential rod bearing issue sealed the deal for me...

I like the F80...plan on one too...but the stuff I've been reading on crank hubs blowing??...plan on doing more research

[jpacc]

This would be the end

[MParallel]

Originally Posted by Eau_Rouge111

Haha true. I look at it like this...when I drive my Z4MC...rod bearings are in the back of my mind at all times...so...I make sure to warm up the car properly, have the oil changed well b4 mfg recommended intervals/just generally be aware of the car and it's maintenance. Owning both an AMG and an M...I'll take the M all day long! BUT...God damn rod bearings!! All E46/60/85/86/90/92M owners I'm sure can relate!

You forgot E36M...

[jimbobiggens]

This reads like Mercedes and BMW are teaming up in hopes of keeping up with the electric automobile trend. Maybe Tesla has tapped into a market that these two thought would never materialize - can they build a $35,000 electric that people will want? Desperate times/desperate measures....

[RyanBMW]

Sleeping with the enemy does happen

[530iDriver]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend...

[///M TOWN]

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

[haggag]

this is what Sergio Marchionni was talking about in what is now an infamous presentation. automakers are basically losing profit because they spend so much money developing technology independently.com it's a good read if you have time:
https://www.autonews.com/assets/PDF/CA99316430.PDF

[cc3]

The future could be challenging for existing brands on all fronts

https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/j...igital-future/

[ShawnPaul]

Maybe they wouldn't need to platform share if they didn't make 7 SUVs. All the money is spent on bumper designs, market research and advertising. Both companies are putting out worse and worse products. Reliability is tanking for both in recent years and neither of the brands has a personality to differentiate themselves. This joint venture is the final sign that they really don't care anymore. All car companies were started by engineers that wanted to make something unique or better. None of that spirit exists now; it's just stare holders thinking short term hype to make the price jump, and accountants as ceos who like to make things look good on paper to meet their next bonus checkpoint. Glad I drive an older bmw.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

Is hell freezing?

Yes. When society is driving the market to autonomous cars (err... Pods), what is the point of differentiation.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by ShawnPaul

Maybe they wouldn't need to platform share if they didn't make 7 SUVs. All the money is spent on bumper designs, market research and advertising. Both companies are putting out worse and worse products. Reliability is tanking for both in recent years and neither of the brands has a personality to differentiate themselves. This joint venture is the final sign that they really don't care anymore. All car companies were started by engineers that wanted to make something unique or better. None of that spirit exists now; it's just stare holders thinking short term hype to make the price jump, and accountants as ceos who like to make things look good on paper to meet their next bonus checkpoint. Glad I drive an older bmw.

Well said. And it is not just unique to the automotive industry. When shareholders are considered the Customer, the real customers lose out and diversity dies in the shadows of Wall Street.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by jimbobiggens

This reads like Mercedes and BMW are teaming up in hopes of keeping up with the electric automobile trend. Maybe Tesla has tapped into a market that these two thought would never materialize - can they build a $35,000 electric that people will want? Desperate times/desperate measures....

LOL, can Tesla?

[LemonOne]

A///MG