Faulty Logic Regarding 135i Pricing

[TESLAASTRO]

Originally Posted by SmoothStyle1

better handling, faster 0-60 times and better gas mileage. We should all be happy and excited that this car isn’t more expensive than the 335i!

all unsubstantiated assumptions.....the car has not been road tested by the automotive press yet.....

There is no way you can sell me on this car warranting pricing within 3k of 335 coupe, much less costing more....as a previous poster replied, what separates this car from 335 is the value.....a 35k base price would make this car incomparable.....

Unfortunately, if they choose to price this car close to 335, I assume most will opt for 335......I also assume that 135 will sell at MSRP, but you should be able to get a 335 coupe at a discount, narrowing the price gap

where is the sense in all this?

[BimmerBoi2100]

Originally Posted by SmoothStyle1

I’ve read many threads on here in which forum members seem to be uneasy with the price tag of the 135i coupe, especially as it appears to be creeping close to the cost of the 335i coupe (within 3K). I feel like people are looking at the pricing for the 1-series in completely the wrong way.

The 135i will have the same engine as the 335i; only the 135i will be 200 pounds lighter, meaning better handling, faster 0-60 times and better gas mileage. Considering this, it wouldn’t be beyond the realm of comprehension for this car to cost more than the 335i. Think about it: same engine, comparable interior space, better handling, faster 0-60 times and better gas mileage. We should all be happy and excited that this car isn’t more expensive than the 335i!

I think that some people have the mindset that because it is a “1-Series” and 1 is less than 3, it should automatically cost less than a “3-Series.” In my book, this is faulty logic.

I personally am thrilled that the 135i will be offered for less than $40,000 and I challenge anyone to name another car with a 300HP/300 lb-ft, twin turbo, I6 engine and the standard luxury features of the 135i along with a maintenance plan as comprehensive as BMW’s - for less than $40,000.

I think you're looking at it the wrong way buddy. Just as it has been said numerous times, this is still a premium entry level car. The 128 will start cheaper than the 328 and the 135 will start cheaper than the 335. It's still meant to bridge the gap between the Mini and the 3. As much as it touted as the successor to the 2002, BMW has to live up to this expectation somewhat. There are references all day that states BMW intentions for this vehicle. I firmly believe that the 1er will offer high performance for a mid 30k price. One thing you have to consider though is military personnel overseas/deployed are getting the 128 for 25k and the 135 for 31k. Stateside prices won't be too far off. Probably about 4k. I like to bring bring up the military price in these pricing forums because I have signed documentation saying my car. Yes these are preliminary prices but the are always estimated within 4%. Most of the time the preliminary price is an over estimate.

Don't forget that the 1 cabrio has to fit in there somewhere. Granted the 135 cabrio will probably start in the high 30k(39k) maybe even 41k. Honestly I think we should stop talking prices cause everybody is going to go crazy with this.

I can't wait til the road tests come out and give us an idea of what we're dealing with.

[TESLAASTRO]

Originally Posted by MPower

The 1 Series is an entry level model. Without value, everyone here would have already bought a 335i instead of waiting months for a 135i. The performance advantages are nice, though very minor, but performance does not define the price of a vehicle.

I cringe a little when you write "entry level", since the appointments and performance are anything but. However, I agree with you in principal that all prior evidence from press et al indicated that base pricing should be least expensive BMW

[gbent]

Originally Posted by MPower

I guess we can just invent the opinion of the BMW market team...

I dont know where you think BMW says that the 1 Series isnt a "step down" but the fact that they are putting a "1" badge on the thing is pretty clear. I find it funny that apparently, according to you, we can justify the price of a car by how BMW markets a car. You are still using performance as the determining factor of price. In every other factor the 1 Series offers considerably less than the E92. You can not deny that.

Like I have said dozens of times before, if value was not a critical aspect to the appeal of the 1 Series, we all would have bought E90s or E92s by now. Without value, the 1 Series has no purpose.

+1

[gbent]

Originally Posted by kurichan

How much is BMW paying you? :biggrin:

[gbent]

Originally Posted by SmoothStyle1

I’ve read many threads on here in which forum members seem to be uneasy with the price tag of the 135i coupe, especially as it appears to be creeping close to the cost of the 335i coupe (within 3K). I feel like people are looking at the pricing for the 1-series in completely the wrong way.

The 135i will have the same engine as the 335i; only the 135i will be 200 pounds lighter, meaning better handling, faster 0-60 times and better gas mileage. Considering this, it wouldn’t be beyond the realm of comprehension for this car to cost more than the 335i. Think about it: same engine, comparable interior space, better handling, faster 0-60 times and better gas mileage. We should all be happy and excited that this car isn’t more expensive than the 335i!

I think that some people have the mindset that because it is a “1-Series” and 1 is less than 3, it should automatically cost less than a “3-Series.” In my book, this is faulty logic.

I personally am thrilled that the 135i will be offered for less than $40,000 and I challenge anyone to name another car with a 300HP/300 lb-ft, twin turbo, I6 engine and the standard luxury features of the 135i along with a maintenance plan as comprehensive as BMW’s - for less than $40,000.

I really think people like this are going to be royally pissed off if the 135i isn't outragously over priced!

[SmoothStyle1]

Originally Posted by kurichan

How much is BMW paying you? :biggrin:

I wish I could get paid by BMW! I just don't understand why people think that the 1 should be so much less expensive than the 3 just because the number 1 is less than the number 3. I've read the points that have been made, and just don't buy into them.

If you offer me a fully loaded 335i or a fully loaded 135i, I'm gonna chose the 135i any day of the week! Why? Simple: better design, better performance, better MPG.

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by gbent

I really think people like this are going to be royally pissed off if the 135i isn't outragously over priced!

Doubtful. They will probably be pleasantly surprised, whereas those wishing for a price in the low 30s will probably have an aneurism if it's priced in the mid 30s.

[TESLAASTRO]

I'll be pleasantly un-surprised @ 35k base

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by TESLAASTRO

I'll be pleasantly un-surprised @ 35k base

Me too, although I doubt that will include freight.

[SmoothStyle1]

Originally Posted by gbent

I really think people like this are going to be royally pissed off if the 135i isn't outragously over priced!

Trust me, I'll not only be pleasantly surprised if the 135i is at or around 35K, I'll be the first in line to get one!!!!

[cody joaquin]

I as well would prefer a 135 to a 335, regardless of price. The concept of the 135 (and hopefully its execution) is exciting which is why we continue to be seduced back to it regardless of concerns about what the mother company plans for its price. When I consider "value", a car's emotional appeal is a major component. In my own mind, I can rationalize the cost of this car by thinking of it as an M1 for 2/3 the price of an M3. - Cody Joaquin

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by SmoothStyle1

I’ve read many threads on here in which forum members seem to be uneasy with the price tag of the 135i coupe, especially as it appears to be creeping close to the cost of the 335i coupe (within 3K). I feel like people are looking at the pricing for the 1-series in completely the wrong way.

The 135i will have the same engine as the 335i; only the 135i will be 200 pounds lighter, meaning better handling, faster 0-60 times and better gas mileage. Considering this, it wouldn’t be beyond the realm of comprehension for this car to cost more than the 335i. Think about it: same engine, comparable interior space, better handling, faster 0-60 times and better gas mileage. We should all be happy and excited that this car isn’t more expensive than the 335i!

I think that some people have the mindset that because it is a “1-Series” and 1 is less than 3, it should automatically cost less than a “3-Series.” In my book, this is faulty logic.

I personally am thrilled that the 135i will be offered for less than $40,000 and I challenge anyone to name another car with a 300HP/300 lb-ft, twin turbo, I6 engine and the standard luxury features of the 135i along with a maintenance plan as comprehensive as BMW’s - for less than $40,000.

I am totally with you on this one. I dont agree with them pricing it high, but the thought of BMW squeezing the N54 motor into this car is SICK. I mean you would have to pay 50k for a freaking 5series to get this motor. And that 5 wont have BIG brakes, a tasteful body kit, etc.

EDIT: I was thinking today as I was driving home, If I was in court I could talk up a ROCK SOLID case as to why BMW could price this car at 37k and get away with it. Those of us on here that say we'll find something else thats fine. That decision is not so easy for me. I am infatuated with this car. I dont want a 335i. I want a 135i.

[Road Runner]

[quote=Wookie;24915]I'm amazed that this is being called a "entry-level" car - before the 1 came along, did you call the 3er an entry level car?

[quote]

Well yes, the 3er IS commonly referred to as an entry level luxury sedan...

[Wookie]

Originally Posted by Road Runner

Well yes, the 3er IS commonly referred to as an entry level luxury sedan...

Yes, but that's kind of splitting hairs - the term "entry level" and "entry level luxury" bring up different images. But think 3-series, and the 1st description is rarely "entry level xxxx"

I'm not disagreeing that technically it's the entry level BMW - but they is like saying the F430 is the entry level Ferrari - just b/c it's the lowest priced model.

[Bourne]

The 1-Series is BMW's Entry Line. Yes, I agree with this general statement.
The 128i is the Entry Model
The 135i MSport is the Top Line of the 1-Series
You can compare price of the Entry 128i to the Entry 3 Series when released.
I will not be surprised to see the Top of the 1-Series Line (135i) priced within $2,500 of the Base 335i Coupe (MSRP $40,800).

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by Wookie

Yes, but that's kind of splitting hairs - the term "entry level" and "entry level luxury" bring up different images. But think 3-series, and the 1st description is rarely "entry level xxxx"

I'm not disagreeing that technically it's the entry level BMW - but they is like saying the F430 is the entry level Ferrari - just b/c it's the lowest priced model.

Entry level Ferrari. I love it.

[imported_MPower]

Originally Posted by ibeam81

I agree that BMW is pushing the bang-for-the-buck element with the 1er. But that said, they will still want to maximize their profit.

Your assumption, though, that a higher price must maximize profit is incorrect. Generally, the lower BMW prices the 135i, the more revenue they will make at which point the cost of each car becomes critical. The 135i is not using many 'unique' parts, apart from the brakes, so I can not image the production costs being that high.

[128er]

Originally Posted by SmoothStyle1

I’ve read many threads on here in which forum members seem to be uneasy with the price tag of the 135i coupe, especially as it appears to be creeping close to the cost of the 335i coupe (within 3K). I feel like people are looking at the pricing for the 1-series in completely the wrong way.

The 135i will have the same engine as the 335i; only the 135i will be 200 pounds lighter, meaning better handling, faster 0-60 times and better gas mileage. Considering this, it wouldn’t be beyond the realm of comprehension for this car to cost more than the 335i. Think about it: same engine, comparable interior space, better handling, faster 0-60 times and better gas mileage. We should all be happy and excited that this car isn’t more expensive than the 335i!

I think that some people have the mindset that because it is a “1-Series” and 1 is less than 3, it should automatically cost less than a “3-Series.” In my book, this is faulty logic.

I personally am thrilled that the 135i will be offered for less than $40,000 and I challenge anyone to name another car with a 300HP/300 lb-ft, twin turbo, I6 engine and the standard luxury features of the 135i along with a maintenance plan as comprehensive as BMW’s - for less than $40,000.

I THINK THAT IS THE STUPIDEST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD ON THIS SITE!

[Victor.L3IchibanM3]

If the 135i cost only $3,000 less than the 335i then Fuck BMW for pricing it that high! I am going for Mercedes Benz C350

[TESLAASTRO]

Originally Posted by Wookie

I'm not disagreeing that technically it's the entry level BMW - but they is like saying the F430 is the entry level Ferrari - just b/c it's the lowest priced model.

That's an excellent point....very well put

[djminkin]

Its been basically an assumption thats stuck that BMW is coming out with a car that is somewhat smaller and looks like a three series to compete in a lower price bracket. In no such words has BMW ever marketed this car that way. Theyve only compared it to the 2002 as a revolutionary new class of car for BMW. There is going to be plenty of people like myself who like the looks of the 1 series more than the 3 series, and if there is any type of savings over the 3 series they will be satisfied. With the production numbers they are talking about, thats exactly who BMW is targeting. If I was a definite buyer of either a 1 or 3, and I had to make a decision, and the car was 3K difference, like I originally posted, I would take the 1 series, because I like the looks better. It has the same engine, its faster, and the savings albeit small is still a bonus.
That being said as a weekend fun car like I intended to use it for, Im going to have to think twice if the car options out in the low 40's.