[Mako]

So based on the pricing sheet available on this forum, the US is getting the 369 19" wheels standard with the M Sport package and the 35i, with the 28i we get the 18" 368 wheels with NO option to upgrade to the 369 ones.

UK 30d gets the 368 wheels with a $845 (pound) option to get the 369. I guess it just suprises me that the M Sport package is the same price on both models in the US but the 35i has wheels that they want $1400 (converted to US currency) for in the UK.

Right now you could build a 28i and a 35i identical with $3,300 between them, but if you get the M Sport, there is still that same difference except you are now getting what equals to a $1400 option in the UK with the 35i, meaning there is really only a $1,900 difference now. Seems like a no brainer if you want the M sport looks to just go with the bigger engine which returns the same MPG but is a lot faster.

Is anyone buying this car with the M Sport option really that strapped that they don't have an extra $1,900? I guess my point is why would they even offer the M Sport package with the 28i?

[Mako]

I also noticed that the ZDH Package is only $100 less if you get the M Sport, I thought they would take more than $100 off since the M Sport includes Performance control and has a sport suspension. If it was around $800 to add the sport steering and DDC, I would consider it, but for $1300 I will just go with the sport suspension, my wife says she can never tell the difference anyway.

[Beyu]

I too occasionally question BMW's logic. I believe the weird pricing all comes down to the fact that they can charge the same price while offering less because people will buy it regardless. For the most part people who option the M sport are doing it for the exterior body trim and most likely won't be comparing between the 28i with the 35i and notice the wheel price difference.

Comparing prices between countries isn't always the best indicator for how much an option costs. The only wheel option upgrade for the 35i are the 309 wheels which cost $600, yet they cost $1910 (pounds) which is $3130 (USD).

In regards to the ZDH and DDC, I believe the the sport suspension is deleted if you happen to add the ZDH to M sport. But like you've said the pricing doesn't make sense since the M sport also includes the performance control and no longer has the sport suspension which seems like they should take more off than only $100. The ZDH is supposedly better than the suspension that's included with the M sport, there was a recent thread comparing the two that might be worth looking into.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by Beyu

I too occasionally question BMW's logic. I believe the weird pricing all comes down to the fact that they can charge the same price while offering less because people will buy it regardless. For the most part people who option the M sport are doing it for the exterior body trim and most likely won't be comparing between the 28i with the 35i and notice the wheel price difference.

Comparing prices between countries isn't always the best indicator for how much an option costs. The only wheel option upgrade for the 35i are the 309 wheels which cost $600, yet they cost $1910 (pounds) which is $3130 (USD).

In regards to the ZDH and DDC, I believe the the sport suspension is deleted if you happen to add the ZDH to M sport. But like you've said the pricing doesn't make sense since the M sport also includes the performance control and no longer has the sport suspension which seems like they should take more off than only $100. The ZDH is supposedly better than the suspension that's included with the M sport, there was a recent thread comparing the two that might be worth looking into.

Yeah I read through that, seems like its better because it gives you options! Without it the car rides "normal" with the base model or "sport +" maybe with the M Sport, but with the option you can choose whatever you want. My wife said she can never tell the difference though and doesn't care, so as long as she likes the ride on the M Sport suspension, I am not going to waste $1300 on that option when she drives it 80% of the time.

As far as pricing, I guess its typical BMW, I mean why does comfort access cost $500 in the 3 series, and X3, but $1,000 in the 5 series and above? its the same damn option, hahaha

[loatron]

Originally Posted by Mako

Is anyone buying this car with the M Sport option really that strapped that they don't have an extra $1,900? I guess my point is why would they even offer the M Sport package with the 28i?

Hint: Lots of people, even non-cash-strapped people, don't like to spend money on something they'll never use.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by loatron

Hint: Lots of people, even non-cash-strapped people, don't like to spend money on something they'll never use.

Never use? As in never use the 35i engine performance?
In Europe I understand this as they have many fuel effecient D cars, but in the US we have two options both offering the same MPG. And I would think the resale on the 35i would be a lot better than a 28i. I am only talking about someone who is getting the M Sport package, not someone trying to keep the overall cost down on a 28i. why would you want the M Sport looks without the performance to go with it?

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by Mako

Never use? As in never use the 35i engine performance?
... why would you want the M Sport looks without the performance to go with it?

You are thinking logically, and many car purchase decisions and option choices are decidedly illogical.* I'll bet you've seen more than one Honda Civic sporting a big rear spoiler and a 4 inch exhaust outlet tip, but probably running a stock 135 hp engine with (7) year old sparkplugs. "All Show and No Go" is a hotrodding saying that's ageless.

Personally, I prefer an everyday driver that looks as inconspicuous as possible, no body kits, extra scoops, loud exhaust, wings, etc., but with the largest engine and highest boost turbo**.

*Mr. Spock says so!
** 300 hp in the 35i is OK but what the X3 really needs is about 20psi of boost for around 425-450 hp.

[kozzi]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

...** 300 hp in the 35i is OK but what the X3 really needs is about 20psi of boost for around 425-450 hp.

I couldn't agree more. Think that 400hp V8 in the X5 50i would fit in a F25? X3 M!!! Sorry...didn't mean to go off topic. I couldn't help myself.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by kozzi

I couldn't agree more. Think that 400hp V8 in the X5 50i would fit in a F25? X3 M!!! Sorry...didn't mean to go off topic. I couldn't help myself.

Would never happen. 400hp turbo 6 is the best bet. Maybe a 3.2L twin turbo. Almost no weight added but 100 extra hp. 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Drool

[loatron]

Originally Posted by Mako

Never use? As in never use the 35i engine performance?
In Europe I understand this as they have many fuel effecient D cars, but in the US we have two options both offering the same MPG. And I would think the resale on the 35i would be a lot better than a 28i. I am only talking about someone who is getting the M Sport package, not someone trying to keep the overall cost down on a 28i. why would you want the M Sport looks without the performance to go with it?

I'f I'm not mistaken, the M Sport package is more than a body kit. Why do I need a turbocharged engine to enjoy lighter wheels, stiffer suspension, different steering wheel, sport variable steering, etc? Can I love the handling characteristics of my BMW with only 240hp on the 28i?

I dunno, it's not weird to me that $2000 for a relatively minor speed increase in an already fast SAV is still $2000 wasted for some people.

[Nahoa]

It's a body kit.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by loatron

I'f I'm not mistaken, the M Sport package is more than a body kit. Why do I need a turbocharged engine to enjoy lighter wheels, stiffer suspension, different steering wheel, sport variable steering, etc? Can I love the handling characteristics of my BMW with only 240hp on the 28i?

I dunno, it's not weird to me that $2000 for a relatively minor speed increase in an already fast SAV is still $2000 wasted for some people.

why wouldn't you just get the sport package for $1500? that gives you everything else you want...

[MA78]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

It's a body kit.

This.


I have nothing against some body kits, but why must they put the ///M label on it? It's not an X3M. It's just not.

It a bit like buying a cheap suit and sewing on an Armani label.

[Beyu]

+1

BMW is perhaps just copying Audi with it's S line labeling and trying to make some extra money. The average joe will most likely only see the M badge and associate it with the likings of a M3 or X6M. People often bash Mercedes for it's diminishing quality or how it's watering down their brand but so far they're the only one of the big three that hasn't sold out.

[kozzi]

They have all kinda sold out. You can get a AMG "styling package" body kit for a GLK 350...4,079lbs, 268hp... the AMG rims are kinda nice too.

Originally Posted by Mako

Would never happen. 400hp turbo 6 is the best bet. Maybe a 3.2L twin turbo. Almost no weight added but 100 extra hp. 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Drool

Does bmw have an engine in their line-up that fits this? Drool indeed...

kozzi

[Mako]

Originally Posted by kozzi

Does bmw have an engine in their line-up that fits this? Drool indeed...

kozzi

Well if I remember correctly the old M Coupe/roadster and M3 engines were 3.2L V6, weren't they? 330 horsepower without turbo, heck a nice single turbo could get that engine to 400HP. Only problem is those engines sucked up gas, I remember only getting around 20 mpg in the M Coupe which isn't great in a small car with a V6 engine... Maybe they can apply some new technologies to an old engine. Rumors of the new M3 engine are something around a 3.5L V6 with single or dual turbo, for well over 400 HP and a huge increase in torque over the current one. how about testing that engine in a X3M first

[Mako]

Originally Posted by MA78

This.


I have nothing against some body kits, but why must they put the ///M label on it? It's not an X3M. It's just not.

It a bit like buying a cheap suit and sewing on an Armani label.

There is no ///M label on the outside though, just on the inside (steering wheel, dead pedal, and door sill I think). So its really just sportier bumpers, no one will mistake it for an M, especially since the exhaust is the same. Unless you go and put your own M emblem on it (now that is just not right, like when I see people driving old Z4's or 335i's with M logos and you can tell its not an M)

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by MA78

This.


I have nothing against some body kits, but why must they put the ///M label on it? It's not an X3M. It's just not.

It a bit like buying a cheap suit and sewing on an Armani label.

+1

I'd love to have an M, but I have no interest in driving a car only dressed like one. Definition of a wannabe.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

+1

I'd love to have an M, but I have no interest in driving a car only dressed like one. Definition of a wannabe.

wannabe? so if you really like the body colored bumpers, anthracite headliner, 19" wheels, and M steering wheel, and you can get that for $1750 extra, that makes you a wannabe? I don't get it, especially since there is no X3M!

[MA78]

Originally Posted by Mako

wannabe? so if you really like the body colored bumpers, anthracite headliner, 19" wheels, and M steering wheel, and you can get that for $1750 extra, that makes you a wannabe? I don't get it, especially since there is no X3M!

I wouldn't call you a wannabe at all. If you like the body kit and all that other stuff then this really isnt a bad idea. It's just not my cup of tea. And I wish they would call it something else. But whatever.

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by Mako

wannabe? so if you really like the body colored bumpers, anthracite headliner, 19" wheels, and M steering wheel, and you can get that for $1750 extra, that makes you a wannabe? I don't get it, especially since there is no X3M!

+1 Mako. The MSport is not about making others think it's an M car, it's about some enhanced visuals, and the items you list above. I think it's a hell of a deal for only $1100 more (in Canada) than the regular Sport pkg. I think the MSport X3 is a better looker than the regular one, but styling is subjective and others will disagree.

[sfax]

I'll reserve judgment on whether the M Sport is a better looker until I see some in the flesh. At the moment I'm not convinced and think the TS one in Chicago looks worse than my SE. It ruins the wheels because of the body coloured wheel arches. They just don't work well IMO. It's supposed to a small SUV, SAV, whatever and I think colouring it in all over doesn't work in the way that it does with a 3 series coupe for example. Loses its muscularity and gives it a narrower looking stance