Is 2,700 a significant number to BMW?

[IS3andME]

A few hours ago I read a article in 0-60 magazine about the Z3 M Coupe, and that 2,701 were earmarked for the US...this sounds eeriely like the 2,700 that "supposedly" earmarked for worldwide production...hmmm, strange.

[Mr. Clarkson]

[Red Bread]

Don't forget that it took four (really five, since production began in 1998) years to sell that many M Coupes. I remember 2002 S54 cars sitting on the dealer lots as late as mid 2003.

[meganon]

That's right, only limited accounts......... confirmed by BMW NL

[IS3andME]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Don't forget that it took four (really five, since production began in 1998) years to sell that many M Coupes. I remember 2002 S54 cars sitting on the dealer lots as late as mid 2003.

Well, let's face it, it was a ugly, lovable lil bugger, it's looks had to grow on you. And, someone could say that about the 1 series, but most women I know, think the car is cute. But, this 1M is supposed to be for worldwide consumption a 2,700 are meant to be produced---after they fed us the line that this car is supposed to get younger people into M's. How can younger people get into Ms, when only 2,700 will be produced? And because I think the Z3 M Coupe was the first of it's kind, that the number 2,700 is significant because the 1M is the first of the 1 series based M models (hopefully in the future we can celebrate 25 yrs of 1Ms).

[Kurt_OH]

My expectation is that BMW chonse to build that quantity because that's about how many they think will sell. I hope they overestimated a little!

[technik330]

I don't believe it to be a special number, but more as an estimated production capability.

We've already been informed that this car will be produced for under a year. Lets say 80% of the year is available for production, that's 292 days.

With an estimated production of 2,700 cars, worldwide, this allows for a daily production of roughly 9 cars / day (9.25 cars / day to be exact).

Obviously I'm not taking in to account national holidays and weekends.

With a production of 2,700 cars worldwide, in under a year, it's safe to bet the building process will be largely automated, vs. primarily hand building/built.

Assuming that the 1Ms will be rolling off of an assembly line; I find it quite hard to believe that, only, 2,700 1Ms will be made.

Think about it: 9 cars / day off an assembly line...?

IMO I beileve BMW is remaining highly conservative with their production ability. Why? Insurance. If the 1M comes to the US (est. 50% of the 1M allocation/production) and falls on its face they can cap their potential losses at 1,350 units, or if it's a total failure (no chance) 2,700 worldwide.

To the contrary; if the 1M flies off the lots, like the ///M coupe (jk), they'll be able to offer increased production by producing the remaing 20% of the year. If they can produce 2,700 units in 80% of a year; I'm willing to bet they can get close to 3,200-3,330 units in a year (Taking 20% of 2,700 yields 540 additional units-totalling 3,240 units...hoping for 3,300).

In conclusion... I don't believe 2,700 to be a special number, just a theoretical production capability, accounting for production variables.

Sorry for the long post-

[KKS]

lol Audi are also building 2,700 RS3's to take on the 1M.

[JimmyT]

how many TT RSs are coming stateside??

[1SerieStud]

2700 = how many N54 engines are left over. Period.

[spiderz17]

Originally Posted by 1SerieStud

2700 = how many N54 engines are left over. Period.

Only one problem with that theory: 335is and Z4is are still rolling off the line with no limit on their production.

[1SerieStud]

Originally Posted by spiderz17

Only one problem with that theory: 335is and Z4is are still rolling off the line with no limit on their production.

That you know of. I'm sure BMW has already determined how many of each car is to be built, roughly, and they probably estimate a surplus of about 2700 engines. No manufacturer just goes ahead and builds cars without a limit in mind. That's why there is always a marketing/budget team involved.

[spiderz17]

Originally Posted by 1SerieStud

That you know of. I'm sure BMW has already determined how many of each car is to be built, roughly, and they probably estimate a surplus of about 2700 engines. No manufacturer just goes ahead and builds cars without a limit in mind. That's why there is always a marketing/budget team involved.

Good point. It'll just be interesting to see what happens if the demand is quite a bit higher than 2700. I would think that if they really wanted to, they could find a way to produce more 1M's. Again, if BMW wants to. Will they? I doubt anyone really knows right now.

[BrokenVert]

You do realize that manufacturers are required to make replacement parts and blocks for 10 years after ceased production right?

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

You do realize that manufacturers are required to make replacement parts and blocks for 10 years after ceased production right?

No. If that were true, I could get rain rails, a-pillar trim and all sorts of things not available for my Z3 M Coupe, which went out of production 8 years ago. Believe what you will, but BMW doesn't follow this "rule".

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

No. If that were true, I could get rain rails, a-pillar trim and all sorts of things not available for my Z3 M Coupe, which went out of production 8 years ago. Believe what you will, but BMW doesn't follow this "rule".

Its a US law that all manufacturers that sell in the US have to abide by...