[luxman999]

BMW 3 series sedan and coupe had been always mechanically identical, so the only difference was the number of doors and overall style. So it made it "easier" for some people to buy sedan for more practicality.

But now the new E92 coupe, especially 335i, offers CLEAR performance advatange over E90 sedan with only "marginal" price increase, I'm sure it will steal many potential E90 sedan buyers. Or at least make them think twice before buying the lower performance sedan.

Will BMW offer same turbo engine for E90? Maybe, but that will be at least few years later and we will never know. So until then, 300hp 335i is a one serious temptation to even those hardcore sedan buyers.

[Oz]

I still think the E90 sedan will be a popular item because many people prefer 4 doors and the coupe is always more expensive. Many usual buyers here tend to buy BMW for the name and comfort and not for performance.

[ska///235i]

true...but I bought mines for performance too

[Daneel]

Originally Posted by luxman999

Will BMW offer same turbo engine for E90? Maybe, but that will be at least few years later and we will never know. So until then, 300hp 335i is a one serious temptation to even those hardcore sedan buyers.

There are people whose sources say the sedan will get the turbo this fall. If so, then I don't think the E92 will steal sales away.

But if the turbo does not hit this fall, then it might; I know that I personally would probably save up for a 335 coupe, if the turbo is not available in the sedan.

[ward]

the coupe has and will always be sold in far fewer numbers than the sedan,

it's less practical and more expensive, and until this current engine development situation there has been no performance edge either

[HRC]

For me, they are two completely different cars. I need 4 doors so the e92 is not tempting, I love it for sure, but I'll take my 4 door over it for the immediate future until my family needs are less and I can get back to coupes. But to tell the truth, I love my 4 door. For me, it's a great balance of performace and function. I love my e90!

Danny

[stressdoc]

What clear performance difference?

[ward]

50 hp?

[timzerofive]

There will probably also be a price difference significant enough that so to encourage people who would like to save some money to purchase the E90 instead of the E92.

[stressdoc]

Am I missing something? How much more confirmation do we need -- in the absence of an official release -- that the 2007 E90 will have the same engines as the E92?

http://e90post.com/forums/showpost.p...6&postcount=76

[David328M-Sport]

Transfporting the family around in my E90 is so much more practical than in an e92. The 4 door 3 series has the lion's share of the market, wheras the 2 door will have a much smaller share, as great as the 335 sounds.

[RichReg]

Personally, if BMW does put the turbo engine in the Sedan, then they'll ruin their whole strategy of trying to differentiate the two cars in the first place. They're not having any trouble selling the E90. Why would anyone buy the Coupe if they can get the 4-door with the same engine? That's what kept e46 coupe sales on the low side.

[fragra]

I agree with stressdoc - there is good evidence that there will be a 335 sedan. There have been pictures of it in testing. (Anyone remember the Rizzo pics? The Roadfly pics?) The performance advantage of the coupe is temporary. It's just a matter of time.

And sedan buyers buy sedans - coupe buyers buy coupes. Seems self-evident to me. Personally, I like to honor my passengers by providing them with their own door.

[fragra]

Here's one of the Rizzo pics. There are better ones out there, some mistakenly identifying it as the M3 sedan IIRC, but I can't remember offhand where I saw them. Perhaps someone else can do better.

[Daneel]

Originally Posted by fragra

Personally, I like to honor my passengers by providing them with their own door.

Screw 'em! This car's for me!

[roburado]

I may go E92 instead of E90.

[stressdoc]

BMW is not worried about the E90 taking sales from the E92. They are worried about Lexus, Infinity, Audi, MB, etc. taking sales from the E92 and the E90.

[cntlaw]

Historically, for 3series, the coupe is less than 5% of total sale. Now E92 only has high power engine 230hp+, the sale will be worse. It will not be more than 1% of total sale. Here, 2-door coupe was out of fashion five years ago until the birth of new CLK, it is slightly better. I hope the E92 will bring back some good old days. Originally, those who would buy a E92, are those really after the convertible and M3 power, not the coupe. That is why BMW wants to push the Coupe image by giving it a unique 310hp Turbo engine. E90 is overall offering more pratical features and wider engine variants for different markets and those who have a need of five seats and 4 doors.
And, I agree , the E92 Coupe is not to compete with E90 but to compete with CaymanS, CLK.

[Caster]

I doubt it, unless people were in the market for a fast 2 door or 4 door, then it may change the mind of buyers. I bought my E90 for safety, comfort, and luxury. As much as the E90 is suppose to be a sport sedan its hardly that, the 325i at least. I've never driven a 330i. The car is comfortable and has the power it needs, but if I was looking for a sport sedan I'd be looking for something on-par with an S4, STi, or EVO8.

[Daneel]

Originally Posted by cntlaw

And, I agree , the E92 Coupe is not to compete with E90 but to compete with CaymanS, CLK.

CLK, yes, but you're kidding on the Cayman S right? I mean come on! Those two cars are not even remotely in the same class. The Cayman will run rings around the 335 coupe. The Z4 M coupe competes with the Cayman.

[blam]

Even with the difference in performance, the sedan will not lose sales. Having been a BMW Client Advisor for the last 4+years. I have to say that for the most part BMW clients who buy a sedan were looking specifically for a sedan, and those who bought a coupe were specifically looking for something sporty. The coupe sales in Canada has never been that strong. The 4-door sedan is the most practical choice. BMW Canada has not officially released any information on the e90 sedans as to what engines will be offered for 2007. I personally prefer a sedan.
My last car was:
2005 330i
Sport Package
M-sport Package
SMG
hahaha

Miss that one alot.

[Traceaz]

Originally Posted by Daneel

CLK, yes, but you're kidding on the Cayman S right? I mean come on! Those two cars are not even remotely in the same class. The Cayman will run rings around the 335 coupe. The Z4 M coupe competes with the Cayman.

heh agree with Daneel. CLK yes, Cayman S, get serious.

Cayman S and the 335i, as much as I love it.... these two cars aren't in the same class, and wont even be priced remotely in the same class. Loaded Cayman S is pushing 70k easy, loaded 335i people think MIGHT hit 48-50k with everything in it. Cayman S is a way better car than the 335i, and priced accordingly.