View Full Version : Why does BMW not charge for auto for 545i?
zhangqj
10-01-2003, 05:50 PM
The brand new bmwusa.com site lists 545i now with "build your 545i" function, which incidentally doesn't work properly when building package and options. For example, click building 545i 6-speed and select navigation, an $1,800 option becomes -$1. :eek: :dunno: One would assume bmwusa would at least test the site before showing off to the world.
My question is really that the price of 545i auto with sports package = price of 545i 6-speed = 54300+695+3300.
So why in any other BMWs, where automatic trannies cost some $1,200 more, except in 545i where it doesn't cost anything over a manual transmission?
What does 545i 6-speed have more than 545i+sports package?
bmw325
10-01-2003, 05:54 PM
That sounds sort of consistent. With the e39-- the auto was standard on the 540, and the 6 speed manual acutally cost more.
zhangqj
10-01-2003, 05:58 PM
That sounds sort of consistent. With the e39-- the auto was standard on the 540, and the 6 speed manual acutally cost more.
E39 540i auto+sports package costs about $100 more than 540i 6-speed. So similar story, but why?
bmw325
10-01-2003, 06:01 PM
E39 540i auto+sports package costs about $100 more than 540i 6-speed. So similar story, but why?
My guess is that at that price point people in the US expect an automatic to be standard. BMW offers the 6 speed "to throw a bone" to the few enthusiasts who will actually order it.
Nick325xiT 5spd
10-01-2003, 06:01 PM
Because only a few people want a manual 545, and those few who do get raped. It beats the hell out of no 545.
My guess is that at that price point people in the US expect an automatic to be standard. BMW offers the 6 speed "to throw a bone" to the few enthusiasts who will actually order it.
Or maybe because the market will bear a higher cost for manuals, especially because there is NO competition. (save upcoming CTS-V)
Anyway, I see a LOT of non-SP manual E46s, probably not throwing them a bone...
bmw325
10-01-2003, 08:01 PM
Or maybe because the market will bear a higher cost for manuals, especially because there is NO competition. (save upcoming CTS-V)
Anyway, I see a LOT of non-SP manual E46s, probably not throwing them a bone...
I think at the 545 price point, the market will indded tolerate spending the same or more for the manual to get a "special car". I don't buyers in the e46 price range would tolerate it-- and there is lots more competition w/ manuals.
zhangqj
10-01-2003, 08:44 PM
I think at the 545 price point, the market will indded tolerate spending the same or more for the manual to get a "special car". I don't buyers in the e46 price range would tolerate it-- and there is lots more competition w/ manuals.
All along, I have thought the manual 540i is sportier. :bawling:
It seems that people who enjoy rowing their own gears and can afford 545 price get sucker punched. Incidentally 545i fake-manual adds no additional cost over a manual, so maybe the 545i fake-manual is the best value (in terms of $$ / equipment)?
bmw325
10-01-2003, 08:46 PM
All along, I have thought the manual 540i is sportier. :bawling:
It seems that people who enjoy rowing their own gears and can afford 545 price get sucker punched. Incidentally 545i fake-manual adds no additional cost over a manual, so maybe the 545i fake-manual is the best value (in terms of $$ / equipment)?
Well- the "Fake manual" is really just an automatic. If you want a manual get the manual. For the driving experience, I think its actually worth more than an automatic. Yes, I would acutally pay more (if necessary) to get a manual. If you're concend about "good value" you probably shouldn't be looking at a 545 in the first place. :)
zhangqj
10-01-2003, 09:11 PM
Well- the "Fake manual" is really just an automatic. If you want a manual get the manual. For the driving experience, I think its actually worth more than an automatic. Yes, I would acutally pay more (if necessary) to get a manual. If you're concend about "good value" you probably shouldn't be looking at a 545 in the first place. :)
Actually I beg to differ. If I am interested in a 5, the best value IMO is a 545. Let's compare, at MSRP
530+step+pp+sp+nav+xexon=$54,570
545+step+nav=$56,795
delta=$2,225
530+6-speed+pp+sp+nav+xexon=$53,295
545+6-speed+nav=$56,795
delta=$3,500
Comparing to E39, the deltas are much smaller for E60.
zhangqj
10-01-2003, 09:54 PM
530+step+pp+sp+nav+xexon=$54,570
545+step+nav=$56,795
delta=$2,225
530+6-speed+pp+sp+nav+xexon=$53,295
545+6-speed+nav=$56,795
delta=$3,500
Somehow my own numbers from bmwusa "build your bmw" isn't correct, it should be
545+step+sports+nav=545+6-speed+nav=$60,095.
The two deltas are then $5,525 and $6,800, still showing 545 a better value comparing to E39.
Ågent99
10-02-2003, 08:15 AM
Somehow my own numbers from bmwusa "build your bmw" isn't correct, it should be
545+step+sports+nav=545+6-speed+nav=$60,095.
The two deltas are then $5,525 and $6,800, still showing 545 a better value comparing to E39.
But the base cost of a 530 vs. 540 (E39) is lower. Your deltas may be correct but the E60 starts at a higher cost to begin with. However, it is tough to compare costs of E39 vs. E60...they are different cars.
My 2001 530i+5sp+sp+pp+xenon+nav+other=49,870 or so. The e60 530i plus similar items is about 4k higher.
So getting back to "best value" in terms of deltas, I would say you are correct as a 2001 540i similarly equipped to my 530i goes for around 8-10 k more as I recall.
I guess we have no lux. tax any more, correct?
Also, the V8's get a gas guzzler tax or no? The I6 does not if the tax is still around. You have to toss that into the equation as well.
Finally, I believe the insurance rates will be higher for V8 over I6.
katheikia
08-31-2005, 03:41 PM
Smg Is In No Way A Fake Manual, Steptronic Yes, But If You Have Ever Driven Smg, You Would Realize That It Is Geared Up As A Manual, + Shifts Gears Much Quicker Than 99% Of Us, Just Look At All The Formula One Racers. Driving Is Believing (not Just A Short Test Drive)
Ågent99
09-01-2005, 08:37 AM
katheikia,
realize the age of the thread you just posted to! :)
katheikia
09-01-2005, 03:01 PM
oops didnt look at that, i just hate mis-information :eek:
be-em-veh-808
09-12-2005, 09:59 AM
I think the better questions to ask is:
"Why DOES BMW charge $1200 for auto on 525s and 530s?"
At those prices, one would expect auto or manual to be a standard option.
My $.02.
The brand new bmwusa.com site lists 545i now with "build your 545i" function, which incidentally doesn't work properly when building package and options. For example, click building 545i 6-speed and select navigation, an $1,800 option becomes -$1. :eek: :dunno: One would assume bmwusa would at least test the site before showing off to the world.
My question is really that the price of 545i auto with sports package = price of 545i 6-speed = 54300+695+3300.
So why in any other BMWs, where automatic trannies cost some $1,200 more, except in 545i where it doesn't cost anything over a manual transmission?
What does 545i 6-speed have more than 545i+sports package?
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