New BMW 1-series pricing is a little high

[Whelan]

That's my take. The car starts at around $35k and can run you to $42k. At that point you are barely a skip to a 335i sedan. I realize the 1 is a different car than the 3, but I would have rather of seen it starting at say $32k and run to $38. Keeping it in the sub 40 range. Not to mention in typical BMW style you have ot pay for every option. It kills me that a company that is known for luxury makes you shell out for options like leather, heated seats, HID headlights, and other little toys. I guess that's why I still like Acura's. Granted a different class as they are entry level luxury, but hell you get heated seats, leather, moonroof, XM radio, HIDs, the works for the same price, there isn't even a difference between 6 speed and tiptronic in $. The only thing you pay for is a $2k navigatin option on most models like the TSX or TL. I wonder when the day will come that you can get all those options standard in a BMW, MB, Audi. Hell, if I can get HIDs standard in my Mazda 3, an entry level compact, then why are they still an option on a high end car like a Bimmer. I must say I get a laugh when I see a luxury car rolling by with regular halogens, apparently after buying a 40k car he could not shell the $700-$1,000 more to get the lights. It makes your luxo-box less luxo. Which still leaves me to my word, "sure you can buy a BMW for 30k, but your going to spend at least 40k if you REALLY want it to be a BMW with the proper trimmings."

[NibCrom]

Leather heated seats should be standard on luxury cars. BMW should hold its head in shame.

[TwistedXT]

i thought that the 1 series was supposed to start around 20k?

[NSimkins]

Being one, many BMW "enthusiasts" do not see some of the luxury items you mention as a necessity. I've seen a different crowd in the BMW group (compared to MB and Lexus) and along with myself, bought a BMW for the sheer driving aspect you get from one. I just happened to pick-up a model that had all those cool gadgets (heated seats, HID, etc..) -- I do agree though, that HID and many of those options, for the price, should be included. Doesn't seem to be hurting them on sales though. LOLNot bashing you, just stating an opinion from being there first-hand.

[kunkstyle]

Quote, originally posted by NibCrom »Leather heated seats should be standard on luxury cars.Those should be standard on every car, IMO

[NibCrom]

Quote, originally posted by kunkstyle »Those should be standard on every car, IMO I actually heard that heated/cooled seats could improve fuel economy because the A/C on a car wouldn't have to work as hard. Perhaps it will become standard someday?

[AKLGT]

I love BMW's. I've always wanted one.... however, I hate the price tag. I look at the luxury, driveability, reliability, cost of maintenance, and of course PERFORMANCE. for the money, I'd rather get the 335xi IF i were to buy one (sedan form).Obviously, with the new STI hatch around the corner for me, I do plan on spending a good $36K+, however I do get HIDs, 6 airbags, ipod aux in, leather seats (not heated though) in a performance driven vehicle. What i don't get is a Bluetooth set up like you can opt for in the BMW. One day, I will have my BMW... most likely in the form of a 2 seater roadster... many many many years from now when practicality isn't necessary.

[drunkenmaxx]

on the 04 maxx LT, heated leather, power/heated mirrors, remote start, keyless entry, power everything (including pedals), auto dim rearview, telescoping steering wheel, etc were all standard and available well under 30k, so BMW has no excuse, IMO.(no, it's not a shameless plug for my car, it's to prove a point)

[AKLGT]

true, but they fall in 2 completely different categories. perhaps BMW believes you should feel privileged just for owning one?? LOL

[Kamikaze]

I've got a luxury vibe! (I put in the heat elements for the seats, and it has leather)Now I just need the HID's (I could take the set out of my bike, hmmm...) then I just need a BMW badge (oh, um I have one of them too.. don't ask how I got it) I could put that on the vibe...Would anyone think I have a new custom concept BMW hatch? Would I get double what I paid for the car? Ok, enough horsing around... I think the 1 is over priced for what you get... (yeah sure you get the 3 series drive train) but I thought they were trying to market it to a little bit lower price bracket... If they could offer it from 25k - 33k I think they would have a winner (regardless if it came with HID's, even though I think they all should)

[Whelan]

Even 25k would seem a little low, how about $28-$33. I was pretty much expecting it to come right in line with the Acura TSX and Lexus IS range. If BMW was trying to appeal to a younger entry level luxury enthusiast, that should have been there market as more and more young successors venture to these dealerships, they end up with Acura's, Lexus', and Infinitni's cause for the price point and what you get.

[Kamikaze]

Quote, originally posted by Whelan »how about $28-$33.Agreed.

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by Whelan »Even 25k would seem a little low, how about $28-$33. I was pretty much expecting it to come right in line with the Acura TSX and Lexus IS range. If BMW was trying to appeal to a younger entry level luxury enthusiast, that should have been there market as more and more young successors venture to these dealerships, they end up with Acura's, Lexus', and Infinitni's cause for the price point and what you get.+1their price point is too high for this "entry" level luxury sedan. and I had leather and heated seats in my 03 Vibe GT... whoopee doo.

[Nervous_Dog]

According to BMW's website, the 1-series starts at $28,600. I thought that was reasonable, considering the engine and suspension come from the 3-series.The 135i starts at $34,900, but did you really expect to get a twin-turbo BMW that's quicker then the last generation M3 for under 30 grand?

[Whelan]

128 vs. 135 are like two totally different cars. And a price difference of almost 10k between the two is nuts.

[Nervous_Dog]

Well, you said 1-series. The 128i is also a 1-series BMW and I wouldn't really call it totally different just because it has less horsepower.BTW, the price difference is $6,300 between the 128i and the 135i. The difference between the 328i and the 335i is $6,500.

[MRCN RCE]

Quote, originally posted by Whelan »how about $28-$33.i don't think 28 to 33 dollars is very high. for that price, i might even hook some family members up with some for their birthdays my friend wants to get a 135i by the end of the year