[lem144]

Originally Posted by lawgone

It's quite simple really, the extra $1,000 is compensation for putting the xdrive badge in a more prominent position (rear deck vs front qtr panel.)

With a more prominent position the average consumer will think it does more so BMW can get away with charging more!

It probably includes the cold weather pack too.

[The X Men]

It seems like BMW is going squeeze every penny of profit from the high demand of the F30. That would mean a max out 328xi will be around $53000, thats a lot of cash for a entry level luxury sedan.

[thatsagoodpoint]

It seems like BMW is going squeeze every penny of profit from the high demand of the F30. That would mean a max out 328xi will be around $53000, thats a lot of cash for a entry level luxury sedan.
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Sad to say but the 3-Series days as 'entry level' have passed. You want the true BMW entry level option in 2012 and beyond you need the 1 and 2 Series..

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by thatsagoodpoint

It seems like BMW is going squeeze every penny of profit from the high demand of the F30. That would mean a max out 328xi will be around $53000, thats a lot of cash for a entry level luxury sedan.
============

Sad to say but the 3-Series days as 'entry level' have passed. You want the true BMW entry level option in 2012 and beyond you need the 1 and 2 Series..

I can see a 4 door version of the 1 series coming out soon taking the place of the 3 series as the new BMW entry level luxury sedan.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by The X Men

I can see a 4 door version of the 1 series coming out soon taking the place of the 3 series as the new BMW entry level luxury sedan.

This would be such a win. I'd prefer the existing 5 door, but can't imagine we'll ever get that in the US. The new A3 coming as a sedan is tempting, but having driven a number of Haldex cars with transverse engines, I can't say I'm terribly excited about that. I owned a couple of B5 A4's that were great cars, it's a shame the B8 is so large and heavy, even bigger than the F30 which is larger than what I'd really like.

[thatsagoodpoint]

I can see a 4 door version of the 1 series coming out soon taking the place of the 3 series as the new BMW entry level luxury sedan.
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Yeah they want to release a '2 Series Gran Coupe' so yes, that is the plan..

[LAnderson23]

Originally Posted by kuhn2bmws

Man - I'm bummed to hear that a manual transmission isn't available on the 2013 328i x-drive model! Glad I didn't hold out for the x-drive...I would've been VERY disappointed!

Wow, no kidding! I almost held out for the xi, but I had heard the rumors they wouldn't have the MT anymore. Turns out the rumors were right! Glad I went for the car when I did.

[sharkfighter]

Originally Posted by WW330

So they are going to raise the price by $1k or so of a model they released just a few months ago? I just think this is nuts.

This says the base 328i goes up by $1,600 for MY13.
http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=691810

[GreenLantern]

Thanks for the heads up on this!

[TheObviousChild]

Originally Posted by lem144

Ouch! No manual transmission in the 328i xDrive? WTF. So that probably means no manual in the F31 with xDrive either. BMW is becoming Audi!

This blew my mind when I read it! What are they thinking?! MT availability is a cornerstone of the 3-Series.

Well, it definitely helps make up my mind if I go with the 328...no way I'm getting rid of my MT.

[EuroTunerz5]

My 135i cost more than the f30 I spec'd out and ordered. The f30 I put just about every option in and my 135i has none of those fancy options and still cost more than the f30. I would HARDLY call the one series an entry level. It's the high performance lighter platform of the 3 series. The 1 series was more of an upgrade from a 3 series f30. My $.02....

[reprod]

BMW is just pushing me to Audi with these suspension options. I am tired of buying coil-overs just to get a decent ride height and still have winter traction.
Why isnt BMW thinking of an S4 competitor. For those who want all-wheel drive capabilities but also want to be able to handle aggressive twisties.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by reprod

BMW is just pushing me to Audi with these suspension options. I am tired of buying coil-overs just to get a decent ride height and still have winter traction.
Why isnt BMW thinking of an S4 competitor. For those who want all-wheel drive capabilities but also want to be able to handle aggressive twisties.

BMW has pretty much required aftermarket suspension since they started using the stupid RFT's, and even before that it's usually best to just jettison the sport suspension.

[BKsBimmer]

Originally Posted by thatsagoodpoint

I can see a 4 door version of the 1 series coming out soon taking the place of the 3 series as the new BMW entry level luxury sedan.
===========

Yeah they want to release a '2 Series Gran Coupe' so yes, that is the plan..

The original 1 series in Europe is a 4 door, so it's a no brainer to eventually bring it here as the market segment replacement for the original 3. The 3 series has now moved up market. It now occupies the market segment once occupied by the original 5 series. The 3 is bigger, has more premium features, is more expensive, and appeals more to the affluent 30's to mid 40's family buyer. The days of the affordable well equipped entry level 3 series geared toward the 20's to 30's youth market has officially become nostalgia.

[Fzara2000]

Originally Posted by BKsBimmer

The original 1 series in Europe is a 4 door, so it's a no brainer to eventually bring it here as the market segment replacement for the original 3. The 3 series has now moved up market. It now occupies the market segment once occupied by the original 5 series. The 3 is bigger, has more premium features, is more expensive, and appeals more to the affluent 30's to mid 40's family buyer. The days of the affordable well equipped entry level 3 series geared toward the 20's to 30's youth market has officially become nostalgia.

Couldn't have agreed more, but its because BMW (as well as other manufacturers) is forced to comply with more regulation such as additional safety and emission technologies which is making cars cost more, and these costs are being passed onto the customer.

The cost of these cars (and other goods) is rising faster than people's salaries.

Would you agree?

[BruceOmega]

Originally Posted by jopa489

STILL no sport suspension with xDrive for Sport/M-Sport?! C'mon BMW.

There is no Sport suspension, but when I read through the pricing and ordering guides I found that a Dynamic Handling Package is available for AWD cars. This includes the Adaptive M Suspension and Variable Sport Steering.

The Sport AT is also available for AWD cars.

I also noticed there is no Increased Top Speed Limiter listed for the AWD cars, but when I looked deeper into that it applies when you take the default all season tires on non staggered wheels. If you opt instead for the staggered wheels and performance tires with AWD, then you do get the Increased Top Speed Limiter.

Thanks
Bruce

[MassBimmer]

It's absolutely foolish that BMW has decided to offer a sport suspension on the new X1...AN SUV!!!...and not their benchmark 3 series sport sedan. I just don't understand. I'm truly in a love/hate relationship with BMW right now

[Mysecondwife]

Originally Posted by MassBimmer

It's absolutely foolish that BMW has decided to offer a sport suspension on the new X1...AN SUV!!!...and not their benchmark 3 series sport sedan. I just don't understand. I'm truly in a love/hate relationship with BMW right now

Agree wholeheartedly! I really don't know why they are straying from the performance mantra. Have you seen the X1 packages! I rip off and you can't get certain options without spending a boatload for options nobody wants. I may stay with my 11 335i xDrive M Sport at lease end...other than being Black Sapphire, it a beautiful ride! And only interior flaw is front cup holders!