Would you buy a 135i at $37K?

[larryn]

Somebody posted in another thread that we shouldn't be obsessing about the 135i's price, rather we should care about the weakening of the US Dollar.

This is exactly the reason why the strength of the US Dollar does not matter. What matters is what the competition is charging.

If the G37c starts at 34,500, the 335i might have tough going of it, but if the 135i is priced more than the G37c, might as well call the game now, boys.

[BForbes]

Originally Posted by larryn

Somebody posted in another thread that we shouldn't be obsessing about the 135i's price, rather we should care about the weakening of the US Dollar.

This is exactly the reason why the strength of the US Dollar does not matter. What matters is what the competition is charging.

If the G37c starts at 34,500, the 335i might have tough going of it, but if the 135i is priced more than the G37c, might as well call the game now, boys.

Damn, a 300hp 135i costing more than a 330hp G37. I'm sure someone at BMW pricing department got the memo and are thoroughly PISSED. Wow, I wonder whats going to happen. What they need to do in my opinion is make the 135i a limited edition model until the M1 or whatever comes and then get rid of it. Keep the 128i model and add a 280hp Inline 6 in the mix.

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by onehots2k

Damn, a 300hp 135i costing more than a 330hp G37. I'm sure someone at BMW pricing department got the memo and are thoroughly PISSED. Wow, I wonder whats going to happen. What they need to do in my opinion is make the 135i a limited edition model until the M1 or whatever comes and then get rid of it. Keep the 128i model and add a 280hp Inline 6 in the mix.

I think that this is a very valid scenario. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if the 128i outsells the 135i by a factor of 10-to-1. It also allows room for the rumored M1 and possibly the 4 cylinder (diesel and/or gas) variants.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by ibeam81

I think that this is a very valid scenario. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if the 128i outsells the 135i by a factor of 10-to-1. It also allows room for the rumored M1 and possibly the 4 cylinder (diesel and/or gas) variants.

For coupes, BMWUSA sells pretty equal numbers between the 328i and the 335i. Junes sales were 736 vs. 837 respectively. YTD figures show they are nearly identical in sales.

For sedans, it's a very different story. In June 2007, the 328i outsold the 335i nearly 4:1. Total sales were 4234 vs. 1333 respectively. YTD show their is a 4:1 ratio as well.

It's hard to tell how that will translate to a new model though. Thought I'd post, since there was a guesstimate of sales between models.

[2fast]

Even at $37k its still 4-5k cheaper than a similiarly equipped 335i. The performance will be in a class of its own, sure STi and EVO can keep up with several grand less, but at the end they're not really in the same demograhic as the 135i. (Nor do bmw want to compete in that market).

So far, I don't think there's a car in the Entry-lvl luxury sports car market that can match 135i's performance...

Personally, I do not consider the new 3-er as "entry-level" since its gotten bigger/more luxuries/pricer thus closer to a 5-series (mid-level) in spirit. It really should've been named 4-series.

[brfbmw128i]

Originally Posted by 128er

There is no way in hell that BMW would put the 135i at 37k!! I would just buy the 3 series and I bet other people would too!

yeh that would be a hard as pill to swallow for BMW

[123d]

Can you please explain to me why BWM would not want people to buy a 3 series instead of a 1?

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by 123d

Can you please explain to me why BWM would not want people to buy a 3 series instead of a 1?

You're right in that in the end BMW just wants the sale, whether it's a 1er or a 3er. But given that they still have model quotas to meet, they will want to price their vehicles so that there are viable options within BMW and customers are not driven elsewhere.

[ibeam81]

I realize that this poll has a small sample size, but I don't think that BMW would be overly upset by the results.

[drift]

I don't care what the price is ( I will order an BMW ind. car), i'm buying one ONLY if I can get it in a 3 or 5 door hatch, the coupe is fugly IMO.

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by drift

I don't care what the price is ( I will order an BMW ind. car), i'm buying one ONLY if I can get it in a 3 or 5 door hatch, the coupe is fugly IMO.

Well good luck with that wish. It might happen, but unless you move overseas it's probably unlikely that the 1er hatches will be sold in the US. Frankly, a lot of us are just hoping to see the diesels and that won't happen until 2009 or 2010 if we're lucky. :iono:

[imported_MPower]

I'll add this...

I read a comment in another thread that pointed out that a bunch of people here wouldnt consider the 128i if the 135i was overpriced. I guess, for me, I was on the borderline on the 128i/135i debate until I saw the official 135i. I sort of had the opinion that 230 horsepower would be plenty (and it still is for that matter...) and, at a cheaper price, it would be an easier financial decision. BUT, then a I saw the official 135i and decided that it looked so good and now that I have briefly driven a couple of 335is, have determined that I have to have this engine. For me, it is 135i or nothing.

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by MPower

I'll add this...

I read a comment in another thread that pointed out that a bunch of people here wouldnt consider the 128i if the 135i was overpriced. I guess, for me, I was on the borderline on the 128i/135i debate until I saw the official 135i. I sort of had the opinion that 230 horsepower would be plenty (and it still is for that matter...) and, at a cheaper price, it would be an easier financial decision. BUT, then a I saw the official 135i and decided that it looked so good and now that I have briefly driven a couple of 335is, have determined that I have to have this engine. For me, it is 135i or nothing.

There's a reason that the N54 won "Engine of the Year". It really is the thing that dreams are made from.

[vagolfer24]

Originally Posted by MPower

I'll add this...

I read a comment in another thread that pointed out that a bunch of people here wouldnt consider the 128i if the 135i was overpriced. I guess, for me, I was on the borderline on the 128i/135i debate until I saw the official 135i. I sort of had the opinion that 230 horsepower would be plenty (and it still is for that matter...) and, at a cheaper price, it would be an easier financial decision. BUT, then a I saw the official 135i and decided that it looked so good and now that I have briefly driven a couple of 335is, have determined that I have to have this engine. For me, it is 135i or nothing.

I completely agree. Its the 135i or bust for me. I think this is BMW's dilemma and also why they can't afford to overprice either of these vehicles. I mean, this is a VERY small sample from this poll, but look at it for a second..... 40% of potential buyers would look to another car company. That is a bunch of business to lose. Especially with all of the potential buyers of this vehicle. I don't think they can afford that. On the other side, if they price both of these vehicles right, they will make and absolute killing. I am sure the BMW execs understand this. I am sure they are having much bigger debates about the pricing than we are, and have been for a while. I have faith they will price this vehicle right - to generate business, and also satisfy customers. Plus with the G37 starting at $34,250, they just can't price the 135i that high. Let us pray they don't.

[larry lawless]

Guys it comes down to this, BMW know what the competition is selling and marketing their cars at. They follow the competitions cars sells and prices as much as their own or maybe even more. They would never sell 135i for more money than a competitors car that is supposed to be a match for a higher bimmer ( such as the 335i and G37). They know that if the 135i is priced more than a 335i competitor there going to end up with another 318ti on their hands and they don't wanna make the same mistake twice. They also know that if the car is priced to close to the G37(and the rest of competitors) they are going to loose a lot of customers who aren't car crazy like us on this form. So in reality the know they have give the 135i a really good price that will make people look alway from the other cars in the market. To put it simply they have to give a price that will make most people feel satisfied about buying it. And I mean most people, not just us ADDICTS.

[vagolfer24]

Originally Posted by larry lawless

Guys it comes down to this, BMW know what the competition is selling and marketing their cars at. They follow the competitions cars sells and prices as much as their own or maybe even more. They would never sell 135i for more money than a competitors car that is supposed to be a match for a higher bimmer ( such as the 335i and G37). They know that if the 135i is priced more than a 335i competitor there going to end up with another 318ti on their hands and they don't wanna make the same mistake twice. They also know that if the car is priced to close to the G37(and the rest of competitors) they are going to loose a lot of customers who aren't car crazy like us on this form. So in reality the know they have give the 135i a really good price that will make people look alway from the other cars in the market. To put it simply they have to give a price that will make most people feel satisfied about buying it. And I mean most people, not just us ADDICTS.

I agree. This is getting me excited and we still have 8 months. I can not wait to find out the pricing details. I don't need any options, just give me a 135i for $31K and let me be on my merry way. Is it March yet?

[Robert]

I am willing to pay 37k out the door with my options.

[123d]

Originally Posted by vagolfer24

40% of potential buyers would look to another car company

Is that what that is? I thought it just ment another car... when I selected it I did not know it ment from another company... I ment a different BMW. (ie. 328...)

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by 123d

Is that what that is? I thought it just ment another car... when I selected it I did not know it ment from another company... I ment a different BMW. (ie. 328...)

I guess that I could have been more specific. The "Other" option meant anything other than the previous 3 choices, which could be another BMW (used or new) or something from another company.

[larryn]

Soooo.... 41 out of 54 of 135i fanatics would pass on the 1er if it were $37. Pretty damning results so far, if you ask me.

So much for getting new market share, when that price would drive people from the marque.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by Lips

If the 135 came in at that high of a price I would most likely consider the 335i although I would be leaning very heavily towards the new G37. Pricing was released today and it will start at $34,500.

Lips

^+1... @ 37K the 135i (base) would be way overpriced.
...I wouldn't go to a G37 though... too heavy.

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by larryn

Soooo.... 41 out of 54 of 135i fanatics would pass on the 1er if it were $37. Pretty damning results so far, if you ask me.

So much for getting new market share, when that price would drive people from the marque.

Unfortunately I don't think that BMW needs to sell a boatload of 135is for the 1er to be successful. I'm guessing that the 128i will outsell the 135i by a factor of 5-to-1 if not more. And since we don't have any performance reviews on the new coupes it's quite possible that the 128i will satisfy a lot of people once they actually drive one. The 135i might get you in the door, but if the price is a turnoff there's the 128i or a 3 series. Just my two cents. YMMV.