[wahoo]

don't be hystrionic...can't put it behind us?? i still think its 'crazy' that the 335 will be anything less than 45. Regardless of starting etc, I think it will be, as I said, 45k or so. sheesh. sensitive aren't we I wouldn't say I 'attacked' you. I think my lack of use of emoticons isn't helping. 'laughable'... We've discussed the 42k coupe price via C&D as if its 'fact'. It hasn't been confirmed. Demand, etc, will ultimately be the driving factor in price. If it starts at your magical 41k, fine. whatever...it'll be 45k + by the time you add an option or two + dealer mark-up for 'market adjustment' ie demand. Walk into a dealer and see if they'll sell it to you for msrp

[Garissimo]

Originally Posted by wyrm11

I understand the reasoning behind people expecting the 335i being priced right in between the 330 and the M3, but those people are ignoring two possibly important factors:

1) The M isn't just the high end model of a given class, it's a completely different level all-together. It's not like the price difference between the 325 - 330 - M3 in the e46 followed some steady scale. [...]

I understand this. So maybe it's not exactly a linear scale but you would conservatively expect a $5K bump over the 330i's MSRP. Add options and you're looking at $46-48K out the door.

For those who disagree, why would anyone bother with a 330i if a considerably more powerful 335i was only a few thousand more? Do the math.

[Daneel]

Originally Posted by Garissimo

For those who disagree, why would anyone bother with a 330i if a considerably more powerful 335i was only a few thousand more? Do the math.

Well, then, why would anyone bother with a 325i if a moderately more powerful 330 was only a few thousand more?

[SapphireBlackG01]

Originally Posted by Garissimo

For those who disagree, why would anyone bother with a 330i if a considerably more powerful 335i was only a few thousand more? Do the math.

Uh, can you think of a better way to goad prospective 330i drivers into potentially considering a 335i instead and increasing BMW's profit margins per unit?

Exactly.

[Garissimo]

Originally Posted by Daneel

Well, then, why would anyone bother with a 325i if a moderately more powerful 330 was only a few thousand more?

They aren't, if you compare apples to apples. New 2006 BMW 330is are showing up for $42-$44K in autotrader. 2006 BMW 325is are showing up for $35-36K. MSRP is $6K apart also.

[Garissimo]

Originally Posted by xxpaintmepunkxx

Uh, can you think of a better way to goad prospective 330i drivers into potentially considering a 335i instead and increasing BMW's profit margins per unit?

Exactly.

It isn't my job to goad prospective 330i buyers into a 335i. If the prospect of a twin turbo 300+hp inline six with lots of easy tuning potential, plenty of space for 4 adults and luggage and BMW's legendary handling isn't enough, then stick with the 330i. It offers most of the above but will put a $5K smaller dent in your wallet.

I'm just telling you, realistically, what the 335i is going to price out at.

[Daneel]

Originally Posted by Garissimo

They aren't, if you compare apples to apples. New 2006 BMW 330is are showing up for $42-$44K in autotrader. 2006 BMW 325is are showing up for $35-36K. MSRP is $6K apart also.

The msrp difference when the two are configured as equally as possible (only exceptions being the chrome trim and the 18 inch 162s right?) is closer to $3000 ($2700 to be exact right?).

Yet, the 325 still outsells the 330 (both new) by a large margin.

[Daneel]

Originally Posted by Garissimo

It isn't my job to goad prospective 330i buyers into a 335i. If the prospect of a twin turbo 300+hp inline six with lots of easy tuning potential, plenty of space for 4 adults and luggage and BMW's legendary handling isn't enough, then stick with the 330i. It offers most of the above but will put a $5K smaller dent in your wallet.

I'm just telling you, realistically, what the 335i is going to price out at.

This almost sounds like you have inside info. Is there something you know that you are only alluding to?

[RichReg]

Guys, I think that the very fact that this topic has so much disparity tells the story. There is obviously a market for a 300 hp 3 Series. At the same time there are lots of us here who are very happy with the current 330.

Given the fact that the 3 Series sales volume is growing at a rather quick pace, I think it would be pretty stupid of BMW not to offer 3 versions of the sedan, because they would be taking more of a chance losing buyers if they only kept 2 models available.

I think what PeterE60M5 saw bears out the truth about the Coupe: Rather than use a "4 Series" as a Coupe, BMW just decided to re-badge both cars as 328 & 335 and use that model to showcase the new engine. Since there is a smaller market for the Coupe, they need not use 3 versions.

[3aficionado]

All of you should post your price predictions to this poll: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16641
The poll is so everyone from all the different 335 speculation threads can go on record with their base MSRP predictions in one place.

[3aficionado]

Originally Posted by RichReg

Guys, I think that the very fact that this topic has so much disparity tells the story. There is obviously a market for a 300 hp 3 Series. At the same time there are lots of us here who are very happy with the current 330.

Given the fact that the 3 Series sales volume is growing at a rather quick pace, I think it would be pretty stupid of BMW not to offer 3 versions of the sedan, because they would be taking more of a chance losing buyers if they only kept 2 models available.

I think what PeterE60M5 saw bears out the truth about the Coupe: Rather than use a "4 Series" as a Coupe, BMW just decided to re-badge both cars as 328 & 335 and use that model to showcase the new engine. Since there is a smaller market for the Coupe, they need not use 3 versions.

So what e90 and e92 lineup are you predicting here? Is it 325/330/335 sedan and 328/335 coupe? Or are you saying there will be a 323/328/335 sedan and a 328/335 coupe?

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by 3aficionado

So what e90 and e92 lineup are you predicting here? Is it 325/330/335 sedan and 328/335 coupe?

Given the fact that production versions of the 330 & 325 Sedan for '07 have already been announced in other parts of the globe, yes, I say 325/330/335 for the Sedan & 328/335 for the Coupe. And I don't think the 335 Sedan will be available at first....probably not 'til very late this year or into '07.

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by Ethirtynine

I built a 325i with the same options as my 330i and it came out to be exactly $3000. It gets annoying hearing people say the difference is $6k-$7k for just 40 more hp. They don't realize the extra standard features the 330i has

I agree.
That's also why I think that BMW is not going to start de-contenting their cars. They will probably include more standard equipment on all of these models and just increase the base price ever so slightly. The 335 should have at least the same $3000 spread in base price.

[wahoo]

Originally Posted by Ethirtynine

I built a 325i with the same options as my 330i and it came out to be exactly $3000. It gets annoying hearing people say the difference is $6k-$7k for just 40 more hp. They don't realize the extra standard features the 330i has

good for you..now try and get that at a dealer.

[Bimmerista]

If it is indeed true that the thinking behind the 335 is to position it as a competitor against the A4S4s and IS350s of this world (which are in different segments even if the hp is comparable), then one could surmise that the pricing (base) will be closer to but perhaps below that of the Audi s4.

Just a thought.

[wahoo]

Originally Posted by RichReg

I agree.
That's also why I think that BMW is not going to start de-contenting their cars. They will probably include more standard equipment on all of these models and just increase the base price ever so slightly. The 335 should have at least the same $3000 spread in base price.

will probably be more. look at the spread between the 330 and M..split it in half.

[wahoo]

Bimmerista.. I completely agree...it will go head to head with the B7 S4 and stomp it.

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by wahoo

will probably be more. look at the spread between the 330 and M..split it in half.

This is where the 'M' argument comes in....
BMW Salesman: "This car is special.....it's an 'M' Series... that's why we charge so much."

Seriously though, how much can the new M3 go for?
And what if they decide to make an M3 Sedan?
Will that add more to the price or less?

[Bimmerista]

Originally Posted by RichReg

This is where the 'M' argument comes in....
BMW Salesman: "This car is special.....it's an 'M' Series... that's why we charge so much."

Seriously though, how much can the new M3 go for?
And what if they decide to make an M3 Sedan?
Will that add more to the price or less?

Aha, interesting point, I believe that a sedan will be offered and that (logically) it should be less (slightly). I think that the pricing will be in Audi RS4 territory.

[Kenta]

You are lucky over there!
Here in Sweden the dífference between 325i and 330i is 7000$
whit the same options.
When you start configuration the difference is 8200$

[3aficionado]

Originally Posted by wahoo

will probably be more. look at the spread between the 330 and M..split it in half.

A regular 3 is nothing like an M. Just because there will be 47 more HP in the 335 over the 330 doesn’t mean it falls between a 330 and an M. An M car is a completely different animal than any regular 3 series. M has the racing heritage with upgraded components all around including an actual M engine. How does adding a few horses to a regular 3 series make it split between a 330 and an M?

[poldim]

Originally Posted by Paul@Austin

You are crazy if you think BMW will price the 335i Sedan $6,000+ over their competition! They would get smoked by Lexus and Infiniti if they did that!!! BMW's management is there to make the company as much money as possible. They are not there to make sure resell values remain as high as possible!!!!

I dont think 6K over isnt too much to ask for a BMW....