Just lost a customer here.

I emailed them, to the German site....and asked them what happened to the Middle Eatern map...LOL

see what they say....

I told them yesterday that they just sold me an Audi.

No BMW in my future anymore.

Nissan is about to start selling the 350Z, with a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds, for less than $30,000.

Nissan is about to start selling the 350Z, with a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds, for less than $30,000.

Not to mention that they are discontinuing the Z3 in favor of some round blob with a rag top. So not only does the adminstration of the company lack character, so will it's products.

just curious whether the aforementioned "palestine" dealership is in Israel proper, or if it's in the west bank? (which, oddly enough, in the cramped scale of the map, appears to be a contiguous part of Jordan)

Completely off-topic here, but I had no choice since Charles doesn't have a thread for this story yet:

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

How depraved do you have to be to target NURSES leaving a CHAPEL located in a HOSPITAL?

The BMW MAP has not been taken off, it has just been moved! Here is the new url:

[Link: icontrol.0catch.com...]

Someone just mentioned this topic on the Dennis Prager show, and he mentioned that he will talk about it during the last hour of his show.

You can listen here

Jeezum, Charles!

How does it feel to be a Media Lord? I mean, seriously. Whole new world. Plus, you're getting me published in Switzerland. Rock on!

@

Now the next thing is for some Little Birdie to send a message to our Friends in Arab Lands, to the effect that BMW has "kowtowed to the Jewish lobby" in removing a map that "accurately shows Arab lands" so as not to offend the Zionist entity. And call for publication of this information, protests to BMW headquarters demanding restoration of this "truthful" map, etc.

If they get hit from both directions, BMW public affairs won't know whether to shit or go blind. ;-)

I sent them an irate (but polite) email referring to the redrawing of world maps and pandering to Arab hatred. I also stated that I would NEVER buy a BMW. I sent a similar email to M-B.

I have to confess that the Sharkmobile is a BMW, and that it's one damn good car (though totally useless in the snow). I choose not to look to my automakers for social justice. Who else are we going to buy from? Ford? the Japanese? the French? etc. Still, we should hold these guys to a standard of decency, which in this case they obviously failed to meet. Just to give them a pointed history lesson -- could someone with Photoshop skills doctor up a map of Europe that shows Germany divided into the American, French, British and Russian sectors?

I got the following email from BMW:

Dear Mr Davis,

Thank you for your Email.

BMW Group regrets having published this map on one of its internet sites.
Obviously there have been faults in designing and programming this site.

We are working on correcting these faults as soon as possible. As a car
manufacturer we are not involved in Middle East politics, do not support
any of the given political attitudes and did not aim to make any kind of
political statement.

Kind Regards,
BMW Customer Service Team

Yesterday, I sent the following email to BMW:

"Dear BMW:

I am the owner of a 2000 BMW 328. I have enjoyed the car and had planned on buying another one. My sales representative [] called me recently -- presumably to discuss possibly trading up from the 3 to 5 series.

I will not, however, buy another BMW unless you change your shameful website. Your site, [Link: www.bmw-me.com...] includes a map of the Middle East showing Israel replaced with "Palestine".

Israel, as you know, is under viscious, daily assault by terrorists. The terrorists' goal is to destroy the state of Israel, expel, murder or subjugate its Jewish citizens and replace it with "Palestine" -- a goal you have portrayed sympathetically.

Although I am sure your website is merely an effort on your part to be "culturally sensitive" to those in the Arab world who would not like to stain their computer monitors with the word "Israel," catering to their bloodthirsty genocidal aims makes you not much better than them.

Israel exists. The childish cretins you seek to appease mean humankind no good and have demonstrated their willingness to murder thousands of innocent civllians in order to draw attention to their cause. That cause, as you know, includes the replacement of Israel with "Palestine". Simply because a majority of those in the Arab world wish it to happen doesn't make it right. Pandering to such criminal aims is a disgrace.

Accordingly, I will not buy another BMW until your company revises the above-referenced website and apologizes, again, to the world's Jews.

I am copying all of those I know who own BMWs."

Today, I received the following email from BMW:

"Dear _______,

Thank you for your Email.

BMW Group regrets having published this map on one of its internet sites.
Obviously there have been faults in designing and programming this site.

We are working on correcting these faults as soon as possible. As a car
manufacturer we are not involved in Middle East politics, do not support
any of the given political attitudes and did not aim to make any kind of
political statement.

Kind Regards,
BMW Customer Service Team"

Glad they got back to you.

I own a BMW 323i, and after seeing the map debacle also e-mailed them a polite, yet rather angry e-mail w/ the same theme as the other posters: "I was rather surprised to find out that BMW catered to anti-semites. I have no intention of ever buying another BMW, and shall advocate the same among my family and friends." Something like that.

I am bummed. While they "retracted" the map, I don't know what to do. I agree with Shark about not looking to car companies for social justice, but I was pissed and as stupid as it sounds I felt betrayed by a company that I had put so much faith in (they do make great cars). There are not alot of great car companies out there that make fun cars to drive that are also practical for the family (w/ a kid and more on the way, a convertible or coupe is not going to cut it)

"Faults in Designing" - translation: "We forgot to remind our designers that they should not be overtly anti-semitic."

My dad has a 325 convertible. It's sweet. I'd buy one (eventually) if they would stop taking two steps backwards with all the model redesigns. The new 3-series is so annoyingly corporate-looking.

Wassup with all you people owning BMW's. sheesh.

Zevi -- I understand your disappointment, but I think this is about all anyone can expect them to do. I cannot imagine them admitting sympathy for the cause of elimination of Israel, because they likely are honest in their statement that they do not have any political goals.

They want to sell cars.

Those here who have emailed BMW have made it take notice that pandering to one political viewpoint will cost them. Whether such pandering is really a company policy or was the work of a politically motivated programmer we really don't know, but it is encouraging that they took corrective steps immediately.

Capitalism can be a beautiful thing.

BTW, Charles, the bloggosphere has had a great week, and you certainly deserve a big share of the credit!

The only cars people should be buying are american cars. none from europe or japan. keep the money here.

Here is BMW's response:

Thank you for your Email.

BMW Group regrets having published this map on one of its internet sites.

Obviously there have been faults in designing and programming this site.

We are working on correcting these faults as soon as possible. As a car
manufacturer we are not involved in Middle East politics, do not support
any of the given political attitudes and did not aim to make any kind of
political statement.

Kind Regards,
BMW Customer Service Team

Do you believe them? Just an accident, eh?

Peter
You can't keep the money here with all the investments, partnerships and international manufacturing and deals.

Capitalism is a beautiful thing, but it's probably also the reason Israel didn't show up on the two maps.

The only cars people should be buying are american cars.

As soon as they stop making junk.

Q: "What do hemorroids and BMW's have in common?"

A: "Eventually, every asshole gets one."

Gershom,

Great letter. Thanks for making the effort!

Nice little form letter.

Before everyone gives BMW and others in Germany a pass, remember that it was German industry that allowed Hitler to hold the power he held. They paid for it. They supplied the gas, the weapons, the expertise. They were hand in glove with the Nazis. THAT is what defined fascism as a political entity. Fascism said that, yes, you can keep your companies, but the government will determine the goals, the distribution, and how much money you can keep.

German industry is also responsible for much of Saddam's ability to acquire what he needs to build the weapons he wants. Germany, and the rest of Europe (and the US isn't clean here, either) have armed, financed, and made capable the enemies we are fighting now.

This incident isn't something innocent. And it certainly wasn't an "accident" of design. The only accident is that someone in the US noticed what they were doing.

Q said,

"'The only cars people should be buying are american cars.'

As soon as they stop making junk."

Kiss my grits, Q. My Ford Explorer Sport is sweet. I wouldn't consider driving anything else.

Well said, Bee Bates. And to Brian Linse, LOL! For the asshole who already has everything else, look what else it can get:

[Link: www.wehrmachtsgespann.de...]

Don't forget to catch my act at

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

Among others. Appearing nightly. Cover charge includes unlimited euro-small-sausages.

This isn't apropos of anything, but did anyone see the PBS Middle East conflict special a few weeks back? They rode around for a while with Saeb Erekat, the Palestinian negotiator, and also his Israeli counterpart, whose name escapes me.

Mr. Erekat drove a 7-series BMW. The Israeli negotiator drove a Pontiac Bonneville.

Not making a point with this. I just happened to remember it for some reason.

"My Ford Explorer Sport is sweet. I wouldn't consider driving anything else."

One thing you can say for American vehicles: they help maintain the lifestyles of the rich and Saudi.

"One thing you can say for American vehicles: they help maintain the lifestyles of the rich and Saudi."

You bet. Drop your guzzler for something which uses just 8% less fuel and America is well on the way to dropping Saudi oil imports. Why wait for Iraq to be liberated by the armed forces? Liberate yourself from Saudi now. It's so simple.

Playing the part of M. Simon tonight is Riverman #33.

"My Ford Explorer Sport is sweet. I wouldn't consider driving anything else."

Damn straight. I love my old '92. Runs well, and plus I need a 4-wheel drive living up in the mountains.

Drop your guzzler for something which uses just 8% less fuel and America is well on the way to dropping Saudi oil imports.

First of all, the explorer isn't that bad. Something like 20 miles to the gallon. Americans don't like the real gas-guzzlers anyways. Ford announced they would discountinue the Excursion model which was like 8 to the gallon. Capitalism is a beuatiful thing.

And besides, if we stop driving the cars we like, the terrorists have won! ;)

Re: BMW's response emails.

This is not good enough. If you, even in good faith, adopt an evil position, you must contradict it when you see what you have done. Taking an evil position and then saying "we take no position, look how neutral we are now" is wrong.

Drop your guzzler for something which uses just 8% less fuel and America is well on the way to dropping Saudi oil imports.

Then you should buy any but american cars. *scnr*

Woty--Yeah, it's even starting not to work so well for the Swiss.

"And besides, if we stop driving the cars we like, the terrorists have won! ;)"

Until things change in the Middle East, big US oil imports + business as usual in DC = lots of American money for Saudi. Why hand a victory to terrorists via an SUV many of you in and out of the mountains don't really need?;)

It's time you BMW owners put your ass in another vehicle. Look a company like this one watches that every "i" is dotted and every "t" crossed in any promotional material they produce... so when I read the following...

"Obviously there have been faults in designing and programming this site."

This company is so full of shit it's coming out of their exhaust pipes. Sell your fucking Bmers, stop being hypocrites.

"I want an apology, I won't buy ANOTHER BMW until you put Israel on the map." Gimme a break.

Put an ad in the paper tomorrow. Better yet, go to your BMW dealer and give it back.

So you'll lose a few bucks. They need to taught a REAL HARD LESSON.

And if you're thinking that's too much trouble, you should keep your yaps shut in the future.

I just emailed BMW - gave them some crap for the map. I know it's too late, but they'd better know they've got one more pissed off customer on their ass.

"Buy American" He says. Okay, buy a Honda Accord, it's made in Ohio. Half of GMs, Fords and Chryslers are made in other countries. Look at the first number or letter in the VIN. That's the country of origin. 1 for the US and another that I forget,maybe 2? Anything else is imported. Check it out, you'll be surprised at the number of '3's and 'J's. Mexico and Japan.

both the bmw X5 and the z3 are built in south carolina. I only buy GM cars ,I feel its the only car company that isnt besmirched by overt anti-semitism . For the unifomed, GM cars are made under the following names. 1.gmc 2. chevrolet 3. pontiac 4. saturn 5. hummer 6.cadilac 7. buick 8. saab 9. oldsmobile . In europe they make the Vauxhall and opal models and in AustrailiaNew zealand they make the fantastic Holden cars

I would have liked to purchase a BMW at one time, they seemed like real driver's cars. But several disturbing events have transpired. First, the hideous 7-series. Then BMW presents an armored 7-series to Kofi Annan, head of that democracy of dictatorships: the UN. Then Bill Clinton gets paid to shill for these hideous cars in New Zealand. I don't want ANY of my money winding up in Slick Willie's pocket. Finally their revisionist map has driven the nail in the coffin.

I am enchanted by the new Maserati Spyder. The Italians, like the Japanese, Germans, and Soviets, picked the wrong side in WWII, but they were so inept at war it is hard to ascribe evil to them.

Please note that BMW also ran an ad about 20 years ago with the headline, "The sports sedan with a genetic advantage." This, too, stirred up some rather strong responses. D'Oh!

looks like they've just outsourced their middle east site to a local web design group (lots of companies do that, it's cheaper). and for these guys that map was 100% normal, you won't see any other map in .sa or .lb or wherever.

a blunder, yes, but I don't see any evil intention here, sorry. especially by bmw hq in germany

"You bet. Drop your guzzler for something which uses just 8% less fuel and America is well on the way to dropping Saudi oil imports. Why wait for Iraq to be liberated by the armed forces? Liberate yourself from Saudi now. It's so simple."

I was quite startled to discover recently that my folks' mid/late-90s Ford Windstar minivan gets equivalent or worse fuel mileage than a V8-powered GMC/Chevy Suburban.

"Guzzling" is all relative. Unfortunately a smaller car is not always practical, although for me it is, and I drive one.