BMW prices to rise in January

[andrew@southernBM]

I was talking to some BMW sales guys and apparantly a lot are being registered now even though they haven't been sold, end of year and 08 stock and all, so i was interested to know if it was calculated on registrations or actual sales, thanks, i find it interesting.

[Wraith]

Originally Posted by AlpineM3E92

Don't pull anything till the TTRS comes :biggrin:

Thanks but no thanks AlpineM3E92 - I know all about this variant already :smile:

Reason I say no thanks is beacause I've been informed Aust. pricing will be min. 150k and up to 180k on road for one of these babies :eyebulge: way out of my budget...

An APR remap on a TTS will yield as much as 260kw and 500nm :biggrin:

At least with that I know I'll be able 'to run' with or match/beat a stock TT-RS as the TTS has all the goods (AWD and Mag. suspension) and save megabucks :smile:

Also the TT-RS' styling IMHO is beginning to make the TT look too boy racer for my liking, whereas the TTS maintains that beautiful elegance/prestige the MK 2 TT's are renowned for and much more to my liking.

FYI those the pics above are not what the actual production TT-RS will look like, I've got some pics at home I'll post up when I get the chance :smile:

[bfi2906]

If they add 6% to an $80K 135i - that's and additional $4800. It's no longer the performance bargain it is now.

IMHO, many of the 135's being sold are people "stretching up", so they'll all disappear.

Either way, i don't think the bulk of the 135 market will tolerate a 6% uplift - especially in the current climate.

I'm sure it would make me rethink it. I may just refinance my e46, and hold off until 2nd hand C63's start to appear.

Just my opinion......

B.

[Wraith]

Originally Posted by bfi2906

If they add 6% to an $80K 135i - that's and additional $4800. It's no longer the performance bargain it is now.

IMHO, many of the 135's being sold are people "stretching up", so they'll all disappear.

Either way, i don't think the bulk of the 135 market will tolerate a 6% uplift - especially in the current climate.

I'm sure it would make me rethink it. I may just refinance my e46, and hold off until 2nd hand C63's start to appear.

Just my opinion......

B.

I too think that's exactly what will happen for alot of people considering or looking at a 135i, it's biggest selling feature is its price point...the difference will add up to more than $4,800 if you start adding options as well.

Those who can actually afford that price bracket and didn't have to stretch might move onto something else that costs a little more, since the difference won't be as much.

[Zuzu]

Thats about right Wraith..

Where I have been a 3 series buyer for the past 20 years.

I chose the 135i vert over the 335i vert solely on value for money..
The price difference between the two cars was not even comparible for what you get with the 135i.

Like I really like the 135i, but I dont love it, and thats why mid way through 09 i will be going back to a 335i.

[Wraith]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

Thats about right Wraith..

Where I have been a 3 series buyer for the past 20 years.

I chose the 135i vert over the 335i vert solely on value for money..
The price difference between the two cars was not even comparible for what you get with the 135i.

Like I really like the 135i, but I dont love it, and thats why mid way through 09 i will be going back to a 335i.

Exactly the same for me...I've always prefered the 335i over a 135i, but here in Aust. the price difference is mega compared to say the U.S between these 2 models, was only looking at a 135i because of the cost savings, the 335i is just so much better looking IMHO and seems to be of a higher quality finish on the interior as well :smile:

I 've now pretty much settled on an Audi TTS which price wise slots into the middle of the 2 Beemers, along with everything it has/offers it makes for a far better choice than the 335i for me anyways IMHO :smile:

[Zuzu]

IMO the 335i coupe is the best looking coupe in the BMW range excluding the M3 ofcourse..:biggrin:

[Zuzu]

Just have to wait until mid 09 for the body upgrade...

[Wraith]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

IMO the 335i coupe is the best looking coupe in the BMW range excluding the M3 ofcourse..:biggrin:

Agreed once again, except for the lower front bar area...

IMHO or in my eyes the 335i is better looking than the M3 in that area.

The 335i has nice outward sweeping open mouth lines, the M3 awkward looking inside sweeping open mouth lines...

As for the rest of the car yes M3 looks the better, however side on, I'd almost rate them equallly good looking :smile:

[Zuzu]

True Wraith... I might even hunt around for a second hand M3 coupe..:iono:

Have seen some around the same price as a new 335i coupe..

[bfi2906]

This all presents a very interesting dilemma for BMW. On one hand, they have brand tragics (such as myself), that have been a reliable base over multiple models and car generations.

On the other hand, competition has never been stronger from Benz and Audi, with their newer models, and sharper pricing (of recent times).

This is further compounded by the economic climate, and the exchange rate.

Their challenge is, how do they deliver on the volume, revenue and margin targets set by Munich, while staying competitive. It's not a new problem, but I think it's more acute in the current environment.

One thing I am certain of, if they don't keep selling cars, to either repeat or new customers, the rest is academic. To do that, they have to be competative. The 3 series isn't currently competitive on either price or on the age of the model (mid-life upgrade coming) against the C Class, or the A4.

If they uplift the price of the 1 Series beyond what's reasonable (and the market will determine what's reasonable), they'll see a decline in sales there too. That would see their two "volume" models underperforming -- potentially. That will make it nearly impossible for them to hit their volume and revenue targets.

It's going to be an interesting time over the next 6 months. BMW runs a good business, but they have to get this right. If they don't, they will loose loyal, repeat customers, and in this market, that loyalty is the basis of the business. If they don't, when things improve, they may find their loyal base heavily eroded, to Benz and Audi's advantage.

Rant over....
B.

[Wraith]

Good rant ^^^ makes alot of sense !

[Wraith]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

True Wraith... I might even hunt around for a second hand M3 coupe..:iono:

Have seen some around the same price as a new 335i coupe..

True that...AlpineM3E92 put one up not long ago that was around 130k odd for a low km S/H example.