Subject: We are seeing BMW carefully executie a very deliberate market strategy... Author: Brian : member since January, 2005 : 8599 posts Posted on: 2009-05-28 09:24:00

BMW is taking their cars up a notch or two in the marketplace. Part of that is driven by the dollar tanking against the Euro, but BMW still wants to raise prices. Furthermore, they have plains to maintain higher used car pricing as well. Look at the recent history of how BMW had priced a reasonably equipped version of the last few models. (These are not base prices-- these are my recollection of the prices of models with a few of the common options.)

E32 740iL: Around $65K
E38 740iL: Around $75K
E66 750Li: Around $87K
F02 750Li: Around $102K

BMW has dramatically racheted the prices on these cars, and it is not an accident. They have historically been priced a little lower than Mercedes Benz, and BMW wants some of that cash. These cars are no longer meant for junior executives, they are now intended for senior executives and captains of industry.

Unrelated, but look at BMW's pricing across the line. They are taking the whole brand upscale a little bit. Have you priced a new Z4? It is absolutely crazy. If you price out a Z4 sDrive30i (small engine) with just the Premium Package (to get "normal" stuff like leather interior, UGDO, automatic A/C, auto-dimming rear view mirror, power front seats, etc.), the MSRP is $51K. If you add the fun stuff that most of us here would want, like Premium Sound, heated seats, navigation, Bluetooth, and Satellite radio, the price is $56K. Few people will spend $56K on two-seat car in this class. Heck, I used to regard the Z3/Z4 as a basic, entry level BMW, but that price is more than I have spent on any car in my life.

Still, I will probably buy an F02 when the used market pricing falls.

• I finally got to drive the new 750 Li for the first time and boy what a sweet (pic) (url) - rg0115 2009-05-28 00:37:53 (714 views)
  • This would be a great addition to continue my v12 collection. (nt) - ed2111 2009-06-09 14:54:29 (175 views)
  • I can't wait to test drive one but my heart remains with the e38. (nt) - ed2111 2009-06-09 14:42:37 (163 views)
    • Re: I can't wait to test drive one but my heart remains with the e38. - ed2111 2009-06-09 14:43:40 (175 views)
  • I plan to pick one up for $11k... in 10 years :o). Very nice report and killer - Steve R 2009-05-28 20:09:22 (187 views)
    • I have to agree with you on the wood. It's not as nice as the E38. (nt) - rg0115 2009-05-28 21:04:19 (158 views)
  • WOW sweet ride (nt) - dave104832 2009-05-28 16:50:24 (168 views)
  • good timing for BMW - bavariancowboy 2009-05-28 15:33:27 (218 views)
    • A lot of people are doing very well these days... - whiteil 2009-05-28 21:10:37 (174 views)
    • Maybe you have a branch of AIG close by...plenty of bonus money flying around (nt) - bsnedeker 2009-05-28 16:45:48 (170 views)
  • Great pics. I'm impressed by the kit. I just hate the exterior design. - RobinK 2009-05-28 12:49:29 (180 views)
  • I want 2 please! (nt) - ericd 2009-05-28 12:14:10 (156 views)
  • About the only thing I didn't like was the gear shift - kc314 2009-05-28 09:55:03 (183 views)
    • I agree, that was a bit strange but guess just takes getting used to. (nt) - rg0115 2009-05-28 11:45:54 (150 views)
      • At least it's back on the console where it belongs and not on the steering - 740isport 2009-05-28 22:07:36 (179 views)
  • That's amazing stuff - BJames38 2009-05-28 09:49:48 (155 views)
  • We are seeing BMW carefully executie a very deliberate market strategy... - Brian 2009-05-28 09:24:00 (252 views)
    • Re: We are seeing BMW carefully executie a very deliberate market strategy... - steve500 2009-10-28 23:39:26 (25 views)
    • I feel like BMWs have always been priced like that. Mine will be used or leased - JohnG 2009-05-28 18:44:23 (208 views)
  • I Tested One A Month Ago - Not Worth 110 Grand - Simeon 2009-05-28 08:01:13 (247 views)
    • Nicely loaded 750i for 'only' $102K MSRP. Compares well to the S Class - JohnG 2009-05-28 13:00:12 (198 views)
    • I agree their are very pricey and only the rich can affrod this new, but - rg0115 2009-05-28 11:50:09 (160 views)
      • And doin Mods!! (nt) - ratt 2009-05-28 17:04:41 (145 views)
    • there is a difference but not $55 k worth - bavariancowboy 2009-05-28 08:50:58 (203 views)
  • Sweet 70-72 Chevy pickup! Oh, the 7 isnt bad either... (nt) - Ultymte 2009-05-28 06:34:05 (169 views)
  • Wow. (nt) - DavidC 2009-05-28 04:25:53 (156 views)
  • OK spill!! when are you going to make the first downpayment??LOL (nt) - Edwin™ 2009-05-28 04:08:21 (158 views)
    • in about 6 years I would take it. (nt) - rg0115 2009-05-28 11:51:34 (179 views)
  • Sweet. I love how the console is one big LCD (nt) - CarlT 2009-05-28 02:33:24 (149 views)
  • Wow. that's sweet robert. Thanks for sharing. Love the gadgets! - sdmike 2009-05-28 00:48:03 (162 views)
    • Looking at head up display :-) - Edwin™ 2009-05-28 04:09:18 (199 views)
      • Heads up display was nice, but I couldn't believe it when I hit 100 and it felt - rg0115 2009-05-28 11:52:36 (165 views)
  • I'll be looking to get one maybe 3 or 4 years from now (nt) - stein 2009-05-28 00:46:55 (159 views)
  • wow but... - boraboy 2009-05-28 00:45:13 (160 views)
  • Sry..Im a h8r. The body still a LExus with an Oldsmobile dashboard ..good pics - Snitch740i 2009-05-28 00:42:22 (158 views)
    • Re: Sry..Im a h8r. The body still a LExus with an Oldsmobile dashboard ..good - daevid 2009-06-23 00:25:22 (156 views)