R50/53 Rebadging as a BMW
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
From: Goodbye Milwaukee, Hello Carson City, NV
Hey not-so-red!
Originally Posted by cct1
Yep, you're absolutely right. Blatant silly badging is one thing, an attempt at humor, debadging is another, and rebadging is simply an effort to impress others. Nothing more, nothing less. It doesn't bother me, but whenever I see it, I snicker to myself, as do most (not all, but most) other people. Actually, I suppose it should be called Nonblatant silly badging, to stick with eVal's semantics. I suppose rebadging is no worse than the compulsion of many here to join as many nonexistent owners clubs as they can, and create silly badges for these...
For what it's worth, I wanted a Mini BEFORE I found out it was BMW owned, not after. I honestly didn't know of BMW's involvement until after I started researching it.
For what it's worth, I wanted a Mini BEFORE I found out it was BMW owned, not after. I honestly didn't know of BMW's involvement until after I started researching it.
Looks like that stick's got 2 ends!
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Hmmmm, never realized there's such polarity amongst the German-designed, English-built car owners here.
I jokingly refer to my car's color as Bavarian Racing Green. I would have said "Bayerische" but that requires too much explanation to the average Joe.
I don't think I would have even test-driven a new Mini if it had not been engineered by BMW. Sorry folks, I admire and respect what German engineers have brought (and continue to) to the world of sports car design/technology.
Despite the rumbling and rambling coming from purists in each camp, I think the car is a fabulous and successful marriage of two motor companies.
I wouldn't rebadge it as a BMW, though.
I jokingly refer to my car's color as Bavarian Racing Green. I would have said "Bayerische" but that requires too much explanation to the average Joe.
I don't think I would have even test-driven a new Mini if it had not been engineered by BMW. Sorry folks, I admire and respect what German engineers have brought (and continue to) to the world of sports car design/technology.
Despite the rumbling and rambling coming from purists in each camp, I think the car is a fabulous and successful marriage of two motor companies.
I wouldn't rebadge it as a BMW, though.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 0
From: Cherry Log, Georgia USA
So, funnily enough, while out today I pulled into Home Depot and spotted a CR MCS with an empty space next to it, YAY. I pulled in and noticed it had a dealer tag, but not from a MINI dealership but from a used car place. When I walked away and did my usual glance back I saw that the CR had a HUGE round BMW logo sticker on the center of the windshield. Obviously the previous owner put it there as it looked pretty weathered. I wonder if the new owner will leave it there, not knowing the controversy he may get into 
.
Annette
.Annette
Originally Posted by m332is
I am not sure who told you this, but it is wrong... BMW NA has NO, NONE, ZERO oversite of the BMW CCA. We are a club that is brought togheter around the marque, but not owned or dicated to by the marque. BMW has never told the Club what cars to include or exclude in any Club event.
Have you read Roundel (the BMW CCA magazine) lately? My monthly column is 100% dedicated to the MINI and is run every month under the title Bimmer Lite (see early post re BMRLITE). We have also had columns on various MINIs and we are looking to even more content.
As a matter of fact, BMW CCA see MINI owners as the biggest growth opportunity for the Club.
BMW Club Racing has the MINI classified so it can race in our series too.
Our local Chapter even has a MINI day during our autocross series sponsored by the local MINI dealership which allows MINI to run free for the day.
We like and want MINI owners in the BMW CCA.
Vince
Have you read Roundel (the BMW CCA magazine) lately? My monthly column is 100% dedicated to the MINI and is run every month under the title Bimmer Lite (see early post re BMRLITE). We have also had columns on various MINIs and we are looking to even more content.
As a matter of fact, BMW CCA see MINI owners as the biggest growth opportunity for the Club.
BMW Club Racing has the MINI classified so it can race in our series too.
Our local Chapter even has a MINI day during our autocross series sponsored by the local MINI dealership which allows MINI to run free for the day.
We like and want MINI owners in the BMW CCA.
Vince
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Yes, as I also said (as a member with a Mini), the BMWCCA welcomes Minis and I've recommended it to a lot of Mini owners, it just has not featured them... well, I think I stated it all already 
Enjoy!
(And I do hope there will be a MINICCA or join the companies together more in the BMWCCA in order to see more Mini presence in discounts, tech & other info, and the Member Rewards program.)
Enjoy!(And I do hope there will be a MINICCA or join the companies together more in the BMWCCA in order to see more Mini presence in discounts, tech & other info, and the Member Rewards program.)
I am not sure who told you this, but it is wrong... BMW NA has NO, NONE, ZERO oversite of the BMW CCA. We are a club that is brought togheter around the marque, but not owned or dicated to by the marque. BMW has never told the Club what cars to include or exclude in any Club event.
Have you read Roundel (the BMW CCA magazine) lately? My monthly column is 100% dedicated to the MINI and is run every month under the title Bimmer Lite (see early post re BMRLITE). We have also had columns on various MINIs and we are looking to even more content.
As a matter of fact, BMW CCA see MINI owners as the biggest growth opportunity for the Club.
BMW Club Racing has the MINI classified so it can race in our series too.
Our local Chapter even has a MINI day during our autocross series sponsored by the local MINI dealership which allows MINI to run free for the day.
We like and want MINI owners in the BMW CCA.
Vince
Have you read Roundel (the BMW CCA magazine) lately? My monthly column is 100% dedicated to the MINI and is run every month under the title Bimmer Lite (see early post re BMRLITE). We have also had columns on various MINIs and we are looking to even more content.
As a matter of fact, BMW CCA see MINI owners as the biggest growth opportunity for the Club.
BMW Club Racing has the MINI classified so it can race in our series too.
Our local Chapter even has a MINI day during our autocross series sponsored by the local MINI dealership which allows MINI to run free for the day.
We like and want MINI owners in the BMW CCA.
Vince
Just read your article in Roundel this morning which references this thread. I am a BMW owner (2006 330i, our 4th over the years) and MINI owner.
BMW CCA is a great organization and resource. Roundel alone is worth the membership.
I agree that it will take a conscious effort to reach out and include more MINI owners and applaud your efforts.
One thing which would really help would be inclusion of MINI in the Rewards program. In the fine print, the MINI brand is specifically excluded from this benefit. The exclusion is a disappointment, and sends a signal to MINI owners that "you're not fully welcomed or valued here".
My 2 cents. Keep up the effort!
John
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Where all good things come to die, Detroit
Whats up with all the hate for BMWs? I personally love their cars, and I would never buy anything else. Their products are built tough, their people are friendly and I have never had anything bad to say. I own a '99 M3 and it has almost 200k miles and nothing rattles, it just rides and rides.
If it wasn't for BMW, where would we be? Not in this closely knit forum, thats for sure!
I would never buy a MINI built by anyone else, especially a Chinese company.
Medic
If it wasn't for BMW, where would we be? Not in this closely knit forum, thats for sure!
I would never buy a MINI built by anyone else, especially a Chinese company.
Medic
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Whats up with all the hate for BMWs? I personally love their cars, and I would never buy anything else. Their products are built tough, their people are friendly and I have never had anything bad to say. I own a '99 M3 and it has almost 200k miles and nothing rattles, it just rides and rides.
I'm not saying that BMW is the worst of all options, but don't lose empathy because you happen to have had a pleasant experience and lucked out with a solid car and good service - you gotta walk a mile in someone else's shoes and all that
And fwiw, we've had 6 BMWs/MINIs (99 or newer) over the last 6 years for perspective.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 2
Whats up with all the hate for BMWs? I personally love their cars, and I would never buy anything else. Their products are built tough, their people are friendly and I have never had anything bad to say. I own a '99 M3 and it has almost 200k miles and nothing rattles, it just rides and rides.
Others ARE, and for them, the fact that the Mini is a product of BMW is important, even important enough to declare it openly in the badging. More power to them - it's just not something for me.
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Where all good things come to die, Detroit
I am not saying I've never had anything bad happen to me involving cars, its just that German products are built better. That cannot be said for most American cars. When I feel the interior of my '03 Yukon, its all hard plastic, and made of cheap material. When I feel a BMW or MINI interior it feels alot better, and makes you really love the car.
When German products break, thats where their downfall is. When it breaks, there is no way of me tinkering with it. American cars though, you can get away with some work.
Medic
When German products break, thats where their downfall is. When it breaks, there is no way of me tinkering with it. American cars though, you can get away with some work.
Medic
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: LI - massapequa
Oh the dred of having to go in for service with that HUGE BMW sign over the building...ouch!Personaly ive loved BMWs wayway b4 the mini... and i think its awsome how they brought the mini back... i think thats one of the main reasons i started looking into the Mini...
and in doing so i now totaly respect the mini's british legacy..
but overall i still gatta say the mini is one small bmw
I would never say i own a bmw.. and as far as emblems and stickers i would only use as a joke...
PS anyone that hates BMW b/c people associate it with MINI is nuts (in my opinion) you should be proud
and anyone that hates BMW in general
... 
no coment
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,365
Likes: 2
From: Yinzer in Exile
Did you get one of those newfangled MINIs with the non-plastic, non-cheapy interiors? Because my MINI is a lot of things (however none of those things is a BMW) but I'll never accuse it of having a lush or plush or even high quality interior. My mother's Golf is made of better stuff. Caveat: I love the way the interior looks, just wish it didn't look like I could rebadge it "Playskool" without anyone second guessing me.
The Mini is the only BMW i would ever buy. So i would never put the logos on my car. However, if someone wants it they should be allowed to do what they like. Remember people if you dont have something nice to say dont say it at all!!!
The 1st MINI I ever saw had the BMW logo on it (no wings). I just assumed that was the way they started, then later they came up with the MINI logo. Anybody else remember the first ones?
atleast ur mixin it and not goin all BMW since its not one
Coordinator :: Cincinnati MINI Club
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Cincy
This thread is absolutely fabulous reading. Here is another tangent...has anyone witnessed a MINI dealership's reluctance to call the MINI a British automobile? Has anyone found it hard to get a MINI dealership to sponser the MINI in a British car show?
FWIW, kudos to BMW for making the MINI what it is today.
FWIW, kudos to BMW for making the MINI what it is today.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Bellingham, WA
Wow, that is incredibly helpful. I never even thought of joining the BMW club--I'm going to have to find out if they're as open minded about the Mini in Wisconsin; if so I'd love to join up and get involved in some of the driving schools/events, as they do some events out at Road America. I'd love to join up and get involved with the local group; keeping my fingers crossed it's possible.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Ford owns Jag, Land Rover and all sorts of car compines but I would not buy and F150 and throw a Land Rover emblem on it.
Hell I saw a car Chevy the other day with a Ford tag on it and jaguar license plate trim rings. I was like WTF???
Hell I saw a car Chevy the other day with a Ford tag on it and jaguar license plate trim rings. I was like WTF???
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque, NM
With so many posts like this, i still dont think anyone has yet to see the humor in my emblem mod.
i guess too many people have their heads too far up their asses to realize its just a funny thing.
Oh well, what can you do?
