[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by vgr02

I'd also think the mechanicals as well as the electronics would differ between the two boxes hence the difference in price. BMW should really be replacing Steptronic with DCT on all 6 cyl models in my opinion (and at no extra price). Drove an R36 a couple of weeks back which really confirmed to me that BMW have really lagged behind in offering this technology.

Agreed, i drove the TT 3.2 with the DCT last year and loved it, you couldn't tell it was an auto at all and it just punched through the changes beautifully.

[JamieA]

Yes, I drove a Golf GTI with the DCT and I loved it... BMW's is apparently better because the Audi/VW one gets in a twist if you want to go up/down more than 1 gear at a time.

[JamieA]

Originally Posted by vgr02

I'd also think the mechanicals as well as the electronics would differ between the two boxes hence the difference in price. BMW should really be replacing Steptronic with DCT on all 6 cyl models in my opinion (and at no extra price). Drove an R36 a couple of weeks back which really confirmed to me that BMW have really lagged behind in offering this technology.

I agree wholeheartedly. It would certainly be in line with their EfficientDynamics claim. Also I would have thought that seeming as VW have made it ubiquitous in the VW/Audi ranges, BMW would offer it broadly, rather than this high-end trickle-down strategy which only works well if you are the FIRST to market... wake up BMW

[JamieA]

Well, spent Monday doing the call around, and today got some calls. On Monday was told that the 330d would be part of the range, but it wasn't until today when several dealers called and said this that I decided it was serious.

Dealers today gave me the low-down as follows:

320i 320d 323i 325i 330d 335i. I was only told about the 6 cyl engines, but the 323, 325 and 335 will have identical engines/power outputs to current. The 325i will be the 2.5l 6, not the de-tuned 3.0 from the 125i and from the 325/328i from overseas... the 325i is still rated at 160kw, 250Nm.

The 330d will have 180kw and 520Nm, and 0-100 in 6.2 seconds for the auto. I have read reviews in overseas press and it looks like a great option and is nearly as powerful as the old 330i, same acceleration but heaps more torque. The fuel economy on this (as rated in the UK) is amazing too for the auto, urban is 8.0l/100k, highway 5.2l/100k (4.8 for the manual - that is Toyota Pious like economy from a 3.0!! ), UK combined 6.2l/100k, which is pretty impressive.

As to the validity of these figures, Wheels reported in their current edition that they drove a 325d in Europe and achieved fuel economy in line with BMW's claims for that engine, so these figures must have some validity...

Manual is back as a special order.

6 CD stacker is deleted as a standard fitting from 6 cyl models, along with some other items which were previously standard (dealer wouldn't say which others would go). BMW apparently assume that people would prefer the iPod/USB interface. Obviously they want to keep prices similar while at the same time having to fight the recent devaluation in the $AU.

Innovations package stays. No other new options other than those we already know about, but the (to me) surprise option is heated steering wheel which will be available for the first time in Oz.

Dealers will get proper pricing in a couple of weeks and indicative pricing once the LCT is sorted out (seems like that happened today ) They get their model training in a fortnight too...

Will continue to post as more info comes to hand.

[JamieA]

I found out more about the 330d today - read this post for more info

I also found out more about the standard inclusions being removed from the car... as I said in my previous post the 6 CD Changer is now an option. Hardly surprising given that the USB interface is now standard, and you can generally get more music on an iPod than on 6 CDs, however some people may object.

The other interesting change is the deletion of Comfort Access as a standard inclusion. You will now have to pay for it (again - I paid for mine because it was optional at the time).

As the USB interface is now standard, it is deleted from the innovations package. In its place will be the digital compass on the rear view mirror. What I would like to say to BMW about this is How many people get this option? I don't see the point of it in a city sedan, and they could have thrown another option in, or slightly increased the price and included Comfort Access.

[bcoz]

According to a recent Drive article, New BMW 3 Series targets C-Class, the facelift models reach Aus in December. An extract.....

"Mercedes-Benz has so far in 2008 sold 50 per cent more C-Classes than 3 Series models, a gap created by a 166 per cent year-on-year increase since the latest-generation C-Class went on sale. The 3 Series sedan has slipped 15 per cent in the same period."

"The 3 Series was even outsold in August by the new A4, a rare occurrence that sees the Audi continue to close the gap to the BMW."

They also confirm Jamie's findings about the model/engine lineup....

"There are improvements for some of the 3 Series engines in Europe, though because of Australia's inferior fuel the four- and six-cylinders will remain virtually identical in power, torque and fuel economy."

"Australia, however, is set to get its first 3 Series powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine."

"The 330d's engine sends 180kW and 520Nm to the rear wheels, and propels the car from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.1 seconds while using only 5.7 litres per 100km."

I'll be looking at the E90 (325i or 330d?) early next year, so with the increased competition and LCT impact, I hope the dealers will be more willing to negotiate by that time.

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by bcoz

According to a recent Drive article, New BMW 3 Series targets C-Class, the facelift models reach Aus in December. An extract.....

"Mercedes-Benz has so far in 2008 sold 50 per cent more C-Classes than 3 Series models, a gap created by a 166 per cent year-on-year increase since the latest-generation C-Class went on sale. The 3 Series sedan has slipped 15 per cent in the same period."

"The 3 Series was even outsold in August by the new A4, a rare occurrence that sees the Audi continue to close the gap to the BMW."

I don't find that surprising, given the E90 has been out since 2005 and the new C and A4 only just arrived in the last 12 months or so. The facelift should somewhat reinvigorate sales over the next year. That bit seems more like journalistic sensationalism than anything else.

[VGR00]

Thats the way I see it too. Any new model should out sell it's aged competitor. Also, if you want a bit of brand exclusivity, I'd also go for one of the other two as well.

[amberzombie]

Originally Posted by JamieA

I found out more about the 330d today - read this post for more info

The other interesting change is the deletion of Comfort Access as a standard inclusion. You will now have to pay for it (again - I paid for mine because it was optional at the time).

i think the reason for this is that the Comfort Access is part of the Innovations Package, which also includes SatNav and Xenon lights among others. I have the innovations package on mine and i reckon it's a GREAT package they've put together considering it includes options most people would normally check on their list.

so i think the deletion of the comfort access is to either avoid confusion or to avoid people asking them to drop the price of the innovations pack since comfort access is standard regardless.

i'm really excited to see how this 330d goes. judging from the Fifth Gear review (http://fifthgear.five.tv/jsp/5gmain....n=BMW+3+Series) it seems to be the perfect car to nurse me till i can afford the M3 Saloon.

[bcoz]

FYI, Although not related to E9x, but could affect M3 sedan pricing, Lexus has announced pricing for its new IS F performance sedan.

"Lexus’s first V8 performance car will undercut its German rivals by roughly $15,000.

The new IS F will be priced at $129,000, compared with $144,365 for the Mercedes-Benz C63 and an expected $145,000 for the BMW M3 sedan, which arrives in December."

Read the rest at Drive.

[aggie57]

Yep, very sharp. Interesting. BMW's problem though may be what to tell people who've bought an M3 coupe at $157-162K plus options if they priced the sedan at the same level.

[amberzombie]

at that price i'm sorry to say i'll pick the Lexus without consideration

[VGR00]

Lexus needs to buy themselves into the market the M3 and AMG currently compete in so it doesn't come as a surprice to me that they will come in at such a lower price. The M and AMG badge is a known quantiy but how the IS-F compares is yet to be known.

The pricing differential between M3 sedan and coupe shouldn't be an issue as a coupe always carries a price premium. Who knows, BMW might even decide to lower the coupe price a bit. I'm sure sales have stalled in the last few weeks while we have been looking at the financial crisis hitting the world.

[aggie57]

Originally Posted by vgr02

Lexus needs to buy themselves into the market the M3 and AMG currently compete in so it doesn't come as a surprice to me that they will come in at such a lower price. The M and AMG badge is a known quantiy but how the IS-F compares is yet to be known.

The pricing differential between M3 sedan and coupe shouldn't be an issue as a coupe always carries a price premium. Who knows, BMW might even decide to lower the coupe price a bit. I'm sure sales have stalled in the last few weeks while we have been looking at the financial crisis hitting the world.

There actually isnt really much price difference between the M3 coupe and the sedan at all. The sedan has a lower price but does not have M-Drive, EDC or sunroof as standard. They're options.

[JamieA]

Dealer called today - pricing is now announced - YAY!

I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised. The 330d pricing is apparently to be announced in the first quarter of 09. The other pricing was sent to dealers late yesterday.

I only have 325i pricing which is roughly $75k for auto, and $81k for the 325i auto with the Innovations Package. So prices are about the same. I was sent a price list of options (see attached)

Interestingly they now include a few extra options that were previously not available in Australia - like the universal remote etc.

I really had my heart set on a 330d, but my car will reach the 80,000kms limit before I have to replace it in about 10 weeks time. I can't wait until 09 for pricing which may change dramatically given the turbulent financial times we are all experiencing right now. So today I made the difficult call to stick with an LCI 325i because I can lock the price of that in now. I know it isn't exactly a hardship to have a 325i, and I don't expect anyone to feel sorry for me at all, but I really did fall for the 330d, and now I have to be sensible and see the reality that waiting until somewhere between January and March next year for pricing (not delivery) is just too far away... such is life. Next time it will be different - going by the rate I drive, it won't be long before the new car needs replacing, and hopefully then we will all be living in more happy times with a settled financial market and economy.

The 325i is a brilliant vehicle, and it appears that the LCI updates have made it even better still, so I won't be exactly slumming it

Anyway, hope you find the attachment showing the options and prices useful. It doesn't include the cost of the Innovations and Sports packages - this is an abbreviated document. Also the 335i is missing from the list, and the base car prices are not indicated. So it really is early stuff, and you should talk to your dealer about pricing in any case...

[bcoz]

Thanks for the heads up Jamie.

BMW Aus have just updated their website to include the new price list for the Sedan (no updates for the Touring yet).

Some base RRPs have gone down slightly (eg. 323i from $65,450 to $63,200) and some have gone up (eg. 325i from $74,770 to $75,900). Obviously the options mix has changed as well. Innovations package is now $4,500 for the 325i (was $3,496).

[amberzombie]

Originally Posted by JamieA

I only have 325i pricing which is roughly $75k for auto, and $81k for the 325i auto with the Innovations Package. So prices are about the same. I was sent a price list of options (see attached)...

was $81k for auto and innovations package the driveaway price?? that is a good price if it is!!

on the otherside of things, i'm slightly disappointed that you didn't get the 330d. i was hoping one of us would have one and share the experience of driving a fast diesel!!

[JamieA]

Me too. There's always next time...

[BMW //MPOWER]

Looks like the dealers are falling on hard times, BMW Sydney is already offering some large incentives, across the range!
Received my email this afternoon, they are offering to pay the first 6 months worth of repayments and including 2 years of scheduled servicing, with all vehicles purchased on the full circle program between now and mid december. (The fine print states that z4's M vehicles & 6er's are not included).

[WOPALX]

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

Looks like the dealers are falling on hard times, BMW Sydney is already offering some large incentives, across the range!
Received my email this afternoon, they are offering to pay the first 6 months worth of repayments and including 2 years of scheduled servicing, with all vehicles purchased on the full circle program between now and mid december. (The fine print states that z4's M vehicles & 6er's are not included).

Expect a lot more of this across most car brands due to the dealership financiers moving out of the country (i.e. GMAC ). I'd expect that mid November will be ideal car buying times for people cashed up.

[JamieA]

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

Looks like the dealers are falling on hard times, BMW Sydney is already offering some large incentives, across the range!
Received my email this afternoon, they are offering to pay the first 6 months worth of repayments and including 2 years of scheduled servicing, with all vehicles purchased on the full circle program between now and mid december. (The fine print states that z4's M vehicles & 6er's are not included).

Thanks for that info, I am still shopping around for hungry dealers

[bcoz]

FYI, BMW Aus have just put up a microsite for the New 3 Series LCI. Their marketing motto is "Welcome to the 3volution".

Unfortunately the 3 Series Configurator is still showing the pre-LCI models/options & prices.