Would you buy a 135i at $37K?

[joelk]

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.

it really depends on what is included in that 37k price. a moderately loaded 135i? absolutely i'd go for it. if that were base and they don't raise the price of the 335i then i'd have to think about it a while.

[ibeam81]

Originally Posted by joelk

it really depends on what is included in that 37k price. a moderately loaded 135i? absolutely i'd go for it. if that were base and they don't raise the price of the 335i then i'd have to think about it a while.

Based upon what we've seen from the Euro brochures, the base 135i will probably be a M Sport and include a sunroof. I agree that a barebones 135i at $37K would be a hard sell.

[bavarianbutcher]

Honestly if that happened id buy another brand period. I love BMW but not if they tried to rob me! Besides, Ive read numerous mags that say the 1 series in general is going to "bridge the gap" between the MINI cooper and the BMW 3 series. 3 series starting at about 32k around here which is a LOT of car, I wouldnt be suprised at all to see it base much closer to 30k. In this day and age BMW does have magnificent cars going for them, BUT they ARE a car company and therefore they WILL compete (audi,benz,mitsubishi,chevy....lol) in all aspects of a car including price. Granted they can use it to lure in 128i buyers but even then if they want to have this series live up to the 2002 its going to have to be affordable. Just like many have said for 37k and even 35k alot of ppl ESPECIALLY in AMERICA are going to opt for the BIGGER 328i sedan. The Germans know this......

[larryn]

Remember for the US market, every model/engine combination has to go through government testing and approval. This costs millions to do. The 135i, with the way the Dollar is to the Euro, is a low profit margin car. They have to sell many before they recoup the 135i's startup costs. If sold in too low of a volume, it will lose money. They would be better served not making as much, and selling more, recouping investments sooner to put into other things.

[imported_mega]

Originally Posted by larryn

Remember for the US market, every model/engine combination has to go through government testing and approval. This costs millions to do.

is this still true? I thought modern testing only destroyed a few cars

[eMINI]

What an emotional roller-coaster! All your arguments (well almost all them) are so convincing. When do we expect pricing to be published again? Immediately after the Frankfurt show, so by the end of September?

In a way it doesn't matter since I won't buy the car until I have driven it, but if it's too much money I'll just cry a bit and tune out.