AutoWeek cover story

[AR67Duetto]

<center><img src=http://www.autoweek.com/weekart/2004/0628/coverimage.jpg></center>

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=04997070

[Lars]

Even Canada and Mexico are getting it, but not us. How does one go about importing a car from Canada?

[58673877]

<img src="http://www.gergin.net/OR.jpg" width="600" height="200">
<marquee style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt; color: #000000" width="600">2002 BMW 330i - Orient Blue, Sand, PP, CWP, Bi-Xenons, HK, PDC, Steptronic, 35% 3M Tint</marquee>

[andm99]

I've seen tons of VW Golfs being driven here, especially by a younger crowd. In the same vein I've also seen a large number of R32s running around my city, and this isn't a city known for great taste in cars. My point is, could BMW be underestimating their market potential here?

[58673877]

I think that BMW isn't importing the 1 to the USA for slightly different reasons. See, in Canada, it is known that we do not possess as big money as Americans. Thus, we are offered everything that the USA has, plus some more things...the 320i, the 1 series, and out packages are different, plus there are more "stand-alone" options like in the Euro market. Not that you can't get the features in the USA, here they are just not necessarily packaged.

So you see, I believe that part of the reason BMW is holding the 1 away from the USA is it is unsure if this will upset their "high-class" rep in some way. They will probably use Canada as a testing ground (it's the most similar to the USA)...if it goes well here, I am sure the USA will see the 1 perhaps 1 model year later.
<img src="http://www.gergin.net/OR.jpg" width="600" height="200">
<marquee style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt; color: #000000" width="600">2002 BMW 330i - Orient Blue, Sand, PP, CWP, Bi-Xenons, HK, PDC, Steptronic, 35% 3M Tint</marquee>

[BMW.Aaron.TeamF1]

[Lars]

[tg]

overpriced overweight 6cyl hatches sell nowhere in the world in larger numbers,the r32 is a good example,VW did only make a few thousend, mainly not for profits,but as image booster for the golf line up.BMW offers 325ti compact versions since about 1997 with quite irrelevant sales numbers.There´s a volume model needed and that can only be a 4cyl,they do perhaps think that no one in the US will pay 25k for a 120i hatch with just 150hp,looking at the current exchange rates they cannot sell it for less.

[AndyO]

in Canada tell you about:
Pricing
Availability
Test Drives.

Currency is the big issue.

The Euro is up over 30% to the USD, what is going on with the Canadian dollar against the Euro?

320 USA BMW Centers are at full capacity with the arrival of the X3 and 645, and problem they are facing is SPACE, many have built new centers or expanded, but they are still cramped.

In addittion to the space needed to store cars, which can be done offsite, the service departments need to expand as well, that's not easy.

I wouldn't be suprised the 320 US BMW centers vetoed the car, until they can enlarge their operations, let Europe/Canada have it, until USA network can "catch their breath" Even BMWNA parts distribution centers are maxed out, how can they handle more parts for a volume model like the 1 series?

Can you imagine bringing in the 1 series as far as color combos? how much space that will take?

[58673877]

I gotta ask my several places around here. Well my main dealer "BMW Toronto" was just built, and houses corporate offices on the 5th and 6th floors. These guys were built with EXPANSION in mind - so no prob. Also there's Parkview BMW which is just 1 year old - again EXPANSION in mind. These dealers have massive showrooms with like 5 E46s, 3 M cars, 3 7s, 3 5s, 3 X3s, like 5 X5s, 3 Z4s, etc.

I will inquire about the pricing when I go over there later. Will post any info I get. Usually a simple conversion from the Canadian price will get you a good idea of the US price to come.
<img src="http://www.gergin.net/OR.jpg" width="600" height="200">
<marquee style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt; color: #000000" width="600">2002 BMW 330i - Orient Blue, Sand, PP, CWP, Bi-Xenons, HK, PDC, Steptronic, 35% 3M Tint</marquee>

[AndyO]

Keep us posted.

I live near the top BMW Centers in the country with 400+ in stock at all times, check out their inventory by model
www.irvinebmw.net
Close by is Crevier the #1 BMW Center on volume in USA
www.crevierbmw.com
10 Miles from my house, there are 800 BMW's ready to be delivered!!!

Munich in California!!!

[vintage bimmer]

[Stuart in BC]

Brian Jessel in Burnaby couldn't confirm or deny anything for me, did you have any better luck?

Stuart
84 533i

[BJ only gives BJs]

[Godwin]

[Godwin]

aka former Vancouver Auto.. they are now a BMW Canada subsidary.

[X5HogTown]

...but they took my deposit and I'm number 1 on their wait list. They know more than they're telling us.

[hondroid]

I think the reason why BMW won't bring the 1 Series over to the US yet has to do with pricing.

BMW has anounced that they intend on bringing the 1 over in 2007. By that time it would be priced as much as a 320i or 325i now, depending on which country you live in. So....if you can't afford a 320i or 325i you most certainly won't be able to afford the 120i.

Just a guess