Predict 135i MSRP for US Market

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by TheUltimateDriver

+1

It would be a major marketing blunder.

I consider myself to be a BMW fanatic in general, but at $37k for a newly introduced entry-level BMW, I would not walk away, I would run. :mad:

I guess that this is one of the areas of contention. I don't consider a 135i M Sport a entry level vehicle for BMW, but rather a fairly limited production baby ///M. At ~ $30K the 128i will play the entry level role in the US.

[IrvRobinson2]

I would say 36k

[larryn]

The 330i ZHP was a $1800 option to the base 330i. That added all of the M bits that the 135i has, both interior and exterior, plus alcantara interior.

The 135i isn't a mini ///M by any means. It would be lighter and far more agressivley suspended, plus have a true locking diff.

The 128i will have to be less than $30k to be competitive against the 328i base of $32,400. Also the difference between the 328i and the 335i is $6500, but it also gets you a lot more standard features that the 328i doesn't have.

Likewise, the 328i and 528i have a $11k price gap, and the 335i and 535i share a similar price gap. Lastly, the 528i and 535i have a $5100 gap.

Taking that into account, my best guess at base prices are:

328i: $28460
335i: $34960

[SCA]

Originally Posted by ibeam81

I guess that this is one of the areas of contention. I don't consider a 135i M Sport a entry level vehicle for BMW, but rather a fairly limited production baby ///M. At ~ $30K the 128i will play the entry level role in the US.

Here is the thing, production will not be limitied on the 135i. They will pump them out like any 3-Series. In fact, current M car production is not very limited either. BMW AG just recently stated they intend to produce more E92 M3s than the E46 M3. It has been since the E30 M3, E28 M5, & E24 M6 that production was limited. Known fact; Only 17,970 E30 M3s were produced for world wide sales. Of those, only 5,000 came to the United States between 1988-1991 (Model Year).

Lastly, the 135i will never be considered a M car simply because the M division has not laid a hand on the vehicle (engine, exhaust, suspension, or LSD).

[ibeam81]

I agree that the 135i is not a true ///M car, but it's the closest thing in a 1 series until BMW produces such a car. As far as limited production goes it's really more in relationship with the 128i. I think that the 128i will outsell the 135i by a pretty significant margin even though the 135i is extremely popular in this forum.

Does anyone care to predict the sales ratio between the 128i and 135i? Sounds like another poll idea.

To the many buyers outside the enthusiast ranks the 135i will probably not be seen as a bargain. OTOH the 128i at around $30K will be considered a deal for a premium brand. I'm expecting a price just north of a 328i coupe for the 135i. Currently a 128i coupe retails for $35,300, so $36K for a 135i seems realistic IMHO.

[LonghornTX]

If you are shopping on performance, I think the 135i will be quite the bargain, even at 37K. Plus, at the moment it will be a much more affordable way to get into an N54 equipped car if it is equipped as standard with the nice brakes, suspension, etc.....

[SCA]

OT, but BMW price related. Seeing that anything Z4 related sits around on Center lots for quite a while (no harsh feelings Z4 owners, it is a great roadster) and the large amount of trunk money BMW NA puts in them just to move them off Center lots. The vehicle(s) were over-priced from the get go. Z4 sales have been very sluggish and when compared to the Z3 not nearly the same amount have been produced/sold. Internally, BMW is very disappointed with the Z4 and I have heard that the lifecycle is being cut short (typically 7 model years). Furthermore, X3 sales were slow in the beginning. BMW eventually dropped the price and made modifications to the vehicle. Sales of the X3 are fairly brisk now. The fact is, if they price the 128i/135i too high it will not be a success in the US. Also, keep in mind the history that the 3-Series has, how many 3ers BMW sells in this country alone, and how the US car rags always rave about each 3-Series model. The 3-Series will always be BMWs bread & butter model.

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by TheUltimateDriver

OT, but BMW price related. Seeing that anything Z4 related sits around on Center lots for quite a while (no harsh feelings Z4 owners, it is a great roadster) and the large amount of trunk money BMW NA puts in them just to move them off Center lots. The vehicle(s) were over-priced from the get go. Z4 sales have been very sluggish and when compared to the Z3 not nearly the same amount have been produced/sold. Internally, BMW is very disappointed with the Z4 and I have heard that the lifecycle is being cut short (typically 7 model years). Furthermore, X3 sales were slow in the beginning. BMW eventually dropped the price and made modifications to the vehicle. Sales of the X3 are fairly brisk now. The fact is, if they price the 128i/135i too high it will not be a success in the US. Also, keep in mind the history that the 3-Series has, how many 3ers BMW sells in this country alone, and how the US car rags always rave about each 3-Series model. The 3-Series will always be BMWs bread & butter model.

Good points. The X3 was definitely overpriced in comparison to the X5 and BMW has made adjustments. As a premium roadster the Z4 is a specialty car with a corresponding premium price. When it moved upstream from the Z3 a gap was left, which might be filled by the rumored Z2.

I look at the 135i M Sport as another specialty car and feel that it will be priced accordingly. I don't think that BMW will sell a gazillion 135i's. The 128i will be BMW's new entry vehicle and with the 3er getting ever more upscale and expensive the 128i has the potential to be the market leader in the US for BMW. The 1er is already BMW's leading seller in Europe.

[InsaneSkippy]

Basically, I'm trying to come up with $40,000 to have before the car comes out. That way I will have the cost covered.

[bimmer_fan]

either way since i work at the dealership i should get a special lease price anyway. if its over 36k i minus well get a 335i convertible hard top.

[ZweierCoupe]

There's absolutely no reason why the 135i should cost less than the 328i. This premise is flawed and makes absolutely no sense. Any car aficionado, who cares primarily about performance and handling, will know the difference and will willingly pay more for the 135i. (Performance and handling, incidentally, is what made BMW and Porsche the brands they are today.) These people care less, that some people might think that the 328i is a better car because it happens to be bigger. Those who buy into this superficial way of thinking will opt for the 328i and be glad they're getting a bargain, whereas the purists who are considering a Porsche will know they're getting a bargain.

Please see my recent posts (including today) for more information on why the 135i will cost more than many on this forum had hoped for.

From a marketing perspective it would be interesting to price the 135i and 335i at exactly the same level. Of course the 328i would have a sports package and be as similar as possible to the 135i, with the exception of size, engine, and suspension. Seeing who buys which model would yield interesting information. However, since people also purchase options, the same general information could also be derived without having to price both models identically.

In any case, I've already predicted that the 135i will definitely cost more than the 328i.

[jraymond]

ok, ok. I have to give my 2 cents here. 35k or less I'm in and anything more I'll wait. But, this is supply and demand here, so...If it's 32k we'll all be lined up around the block and still be paying above sticker to get one. And if it's 37k they will not be moving and will be available less sticker after 6 months. What am I missing?

[sdhiphophead]

anything over 37 might as well get the 335i =P

[papolosa]

My vote is that this poll is a bad thing. We all can see the poll is leaning towards 36K and this means we are accepting this as a price starting point and BMW USA will take our advice. The price will be dictated by BMW USA marketing and this is the type of information they are looking for. I am not trying to ruin this part of the forum, this is just my honest opinion. I too look forward to become a 135i owner and of course which to pay the least possible and do not want BMW to think I am willing to take 36K or more as base price....

[Robert]

I predict $34,800 base MSRP w/o dst. What does a winner get?

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by papolosa

My vote is that this poll is a bad thing. We all can see the poll is leaning towards 36K and this means we are accepting this as a price starting point and BMW USA will take our advice. The price will be dictated by BMW USA marketing and this is the type of information they are looking for. I am not trying to ruin this part of the forum, this is just my honest opinion. I too look forward to become a 135i owner and of course which to pay the least possible and do not want BMW to think I am willing to take 36K or more as base price....

Based upon the poll, it's more like $34K.

[jraymond]

papolosa vbmenu_register("postmenu_11520", true); - We represent the upper 1% that are crazy about potentially owning this car. I doubt BMW would make a business decision based soley on what we think.

[joelk]

Originally Posted by jraymond

papolosa vbmenu_register("postmenu_11520", true); - We represent the upper 1% that are crazy about potentially owning this car. I doubt BMW would make a business decision based soley on what we think.

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by jraymond

papolosa vbmenu_register("postmenu_11520", true); - We represent the upper 1% that are crazy about potentially owning this car. I doubt BMW would make a business decision based soley on what we think.

[1N54E92]

Originally Posted by robert

I predict $34,800 base MSRP w/o dst. What does a winner get?

I predict $34990 base MSRP with destination. :thumbup:

[papolosa]

I hear you guys......let's hope for the best possible base price.

[RobLS]

the reason I decided 30k or less is because its suppose to be in the slot between the cooper and 3. Cooper S starts at 22k-23k. So I say 128i going to start at 26k and 135i 30k. But then again its bmw na, and I'm not putting the dealer in it yet.