[aloyouis]

Originally Posted by fredtoo

If the 323 comes to America, will the people who de-dadged their 325's put the badge back on?

simply the best and funniest post I have ever read!!!!

[E90Fleet]

So looks like Canada is Confirmed for the 323i

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3524

[england1987]

One of my friends has the last 323is, but I think it was a waste of time. It was for those who couldn't afford it. They're going to lower BMW persona

[3aficionado]

Originally Posted by mapezzul

US is NOT getting the 1 series. Been shot down, the A3 is failing and BMW does not want to cut into the MINI sales they have a monopoly with that and making a killing as the number show, it is there best seller.

When did the 1 get shot down for the US? As of last month the head of BMW was quoted as saying the 1 will reach the US once new body styles are developed that suit the upscale market. I.e he was saying the current hatchback won't make it to the US but a 1 series could reach the States as early as 2008.

Did all this change since Helmut was quoted last month?

[DerekS]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

So looks like Canada is Confirmed for the 323i

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3524

Yes, the 323 is already on sale across Canada. The base MRSP is CD$35,200 for the six speed manual, which is $5100 less than a comparable 325 sedan. The 323 has a 2.5l engine with 174hp.

[3aficionado]

Originally Posted by Hornet

Don't know which European countries will eventually get the 323i but the engine itself is detuned version of the 325i's 2.5l, producing 177hp.

I know you are writing about the European market but your post helps me make my point for the US. If the 323 for the States is to have the same engine as Europe this is why I don’t think the US will see it… If the 323 has the separate 2.5L engine then we won't be seeing that in the States. The States never got the 2.5L engine that the rest of the world has in their 325. Our 325 comes with a detuned version of the 330 3.0L engine. It wouldn’t make sense to clear a 2.5L engine for the States just for a 323 when it should have happened for the 325, but didn’t. We just don’t have a US ready 2.5L engine that can be detuned for a 323.

Also, the US is going through HP wars (right or wrong its happening). So offering a less powerful 3 series in the US would be a step backwards. That’s why the 335 is such a hot topic for US posters.

To offer a less powerful car for the US would fit better into another line that wouldn’t effect the current 3 series perception in the US. This would be the 1 series which, as of last month, the chairman of BMW said would hit the States in a few years. Anything can change at anytime, but that was the last official word.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=107803

Lastly, some people have wrote the 323 will come the US once gas prices increase. Both MB and BMW have gone on record to say they believe the US consumers of luxury autos do not let gas prices effect their buying decision. So rising gas prices will not make BMW create an affordable alternative 3 series. Of course the 1 series is planned for the future which can appeal to the sub-30K crowed while not degrading the premium image of the 3 series as the best of the entry level luxury sedans.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/?p=264
"He (BMW Chief Executive Helmut Panke) said an extra $500 or so in fuel costs may prompt a tougher choice for buyers of cars that offer basic transportation, but would not put off those who can afford a premium car." So why go through the cost of building/clearing a gas saving 323 for the US?

[BMW0]

Hm...

[Bimmerista]

Canada 323i starts at $35,200 sports 174hp - get them while they last at your local BMW dealer.

They have been available here since October 2005.

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by DerekS

Yes, the 323 is already on sale across Canada. The base MRSP is CD$35,200 for the six speed manual, which is $5100 less than a comparable 325 sedan. The 323 has a 2.5l engine with 174hp.

Yes, I know

You will notice the piece you replied to was from August when they just announced the 323i a bit after I first saw the parts programme show it for that area

[fragra]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

You will notice the piece you replied to was from August

Seems to be a lot of resurrecting the dead going on lately. A few thread titles have got my hopes up for new info , only to be dashed...

[zimzimma]

Originally Posted by JazzEKline

Does anyone know the price diffrence between 323 and a 325 if it were produced

visit www.bmw.ca it is for sale in Canada

[Sho]

I would get a 130i if they ever come to the US.

[robertb]

I like the A3 and have seen a few around DC. I think the reason they're not selling as well is that Audi hasn't introduced the Quattro version yet only the FWD car. If I'm going to spring for an Audi, it better have AWD.

[ABR]

All specs for 323i are available at www.bmw.ca for few months now. What the buzz is about?

[squirtdad]

Off topic....but The A3 quattro will be the Haldex system (mostly fwd) not the torsen system traditional to audi quattro