[tony20009]

I am wondering if any of you have noticed how many things there are that are optional on our cars that one finds standards on the likes of many cars costing considerably less. I really don't quite understand why it is that any car costing $40K+ doesn't come standard with these things:

• Bluetooth
• Electric seats
• iPod connection
• Xenon lights
• Heated seats
• Leather seats (the 1er offers this for free in the value package, yet its a $1400 option in the 3er and 5er)

[BTM]

Keep in mind the current 3 series is at the end of it's production line. I wouldn't be surprised to find many things on your list standard on the F30 chassis

[hmmcolor]

Fold down rear seats?

[DenverJayhawk]

if you think that's bad, look at the options available on a Porsche.

[BTM]

Originally Posted by hmmcolor

Fold down rear seats?

LOL yea this one is kinda ridiculous

[wj4]

I really don't quite understand why it is that any car costing $40K+ doesn't come standard with these things:

It's the nature of business. BMW is already an established brand that embodies luxury to the general public. They really have nothing to prove.

If you're trying to steal competition from BMW, ie Honda and Toyota, you have to package a car that is enticing. Something that screams "Hey, this car has all of these options standard and it's $10,000 LESS than a base BMW 3 series!"

At the end of the day, you're paying for overall quality. Similar to how you can spend several thousands on a nice suit from Tom Ford or spend several hundred dollars from a suit that looks nearly the same from Macy's.

[WWONG]

Anti-theft alarm

[MusclezMarinara]

Originally Posted by DenverJayhawk

if you think that's bad, look at the options available on a Porsche.

A LA CARTE! lol i had one i would know the options list.

[The HACK]

Originally Posted by tony20009

• Bluetooth
  
• Electric seats
• iPod connection
• Xenon lights
• Heated seats
  
• Leather seats (the 1er offers this for free in the value package, yet its a $1400 option in the 3er and 5er)

Originally Posted by BTM

Keep in mind the current 3 series is at the end of it's production line. I wouldn't be surprised to find many things on your list standard on the F30 chassis

Keep in mind that the bolded items on the list above has been available since the E30 back in 1984...And none of them are standard even to this day. Heated seats were available as an option since the E46.

If I have to make a bet, I'd bet against ANY of the above options as "standard" on any 3 series in the near future. Heck in-deck CD players were still optional in 2001 for BMW.

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by tony20009

I am wondering if any of you have noticed how many things there are that are optional on our cars that one finds standards on the likes of many cars costing considerably less. I really don't quite understand why it is that any car costing $40K+ doesn't come standard with these things:

Money is spent developing the chassis and everything else you like about the car, everything that makes it good to start with.

These "extras" cost more thus you must pay more for them. If you want a $40,000 car with all that stuff you can get an Acura, Buick, Lincoln, etc, but it won't be as good of a drivers car.

[BTM]

Originally Posted by The HACK

Keep in mind that the bolded items on the list above has been available since the E30 back in 1984...And none of them are standard even to this day.

Keep in mind there are many who prefer NOT to have leather or electric seats

[MisterSkiMask]

Originally Posted by BTM

Keep in mind there are many who prefer NOT to have leather or electric seats

Indeed, if you are the only driver of your car then manual seats are just as good if not better as they weigh less, and have less stuff to break.

[atwell3993]

Plus, for some richer folk, the three'er might be a daily driver. Therefore, that person doesn't want leather, doesn't want electric seats. Its wasted money for a point a to b car that they're going to rack up the miles on. BMW is known as entry level luxury with three, and that's how it will stay.

[NFS13]

I haven't looked at a lot of different option lists from other car manufacturers, but who is offering HID & heated seats as standard?

[Bargamon]

amenities are not built in refinement. ITs like Granite countertops somehow make for a better house. IF the house roof leaks or does not hold heat its a piece of crap.

Comfort access, xenons etc don't make a car. Garbling faux exaust nose from Infiniti don' tmake it better. Crude horse power is faster but rough.

Tradeoffs.

If you don' t there is value in the car then don't buy it and if enough feel the same, then the market has spoken.

My 2004 mini van has:

More horsepower, heated seats, parktronic, laser guided cruze control, auto transmission, compass mirror, and a DVD entertainment center!!!!!!

I guess its "better"!

[michaelthepsycho]

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

Indeed, if you are the only driver of your car then manual seats are just as good if not better as they weigh less, and have less stuff to break.

I've always preferred manual seats. I like the notches and the ease of moving it out of the way if it's a coupe for the access of back seats.

[alex2364]

Seriously, this is one of the things I don't like about BMW. The 335i starts at $40k, but with the way I want it, it's $55k. I wouldn't care if they made half of those features standard and raise the price of the base car. At least they won't be fooling people into thinking they can get a decently equipped 335i anywhere near $40k.

[Captain Oblivious]

Originally Posted by alex2364

Seriously, this is one of the things I don't like about BMW. The 335i starts at $40k, but with the way I want it, it's $55k. I wouldn't care if they made half of those features standard and raise the price of the base car. At least they won't be fooling people into thinking they can get a decently equipped 335i anywhere near $40k.

Don't buy a Porsche.

The base price gets you seats, a steering wheel and pedals.

[zenmoused]

I'd say the lack of an alarm is far more disingenuous than the above list. BMW wants to give its dealers a handout at the expense of their customers. It's like saying "Retail price $39,999*... *Does not include headlights."

[Rydicule]

Originally Posted by zenmoused

I'd say the lack of an alarm is far more disingenuous than the above list. BMW wants to give its dealers a handout at the expense of their customers. It's like saying "Retail price $39,999*... *Does not include headlights."

This is going to sound argumentative, admittedly, however, I do not intend it that way, as I am genuinely asking a question here because this sentiment is one I don't entirely understand.


What exactly is it that an alarm does for you that makes it so fundamentally important to be standard?

[djinferno]

Originally Posted by NFS13

I haven't looked at a lot of different option lists from other car manufacturers, but who is offering HID & heated seats as standard?

vw gti has both standard now, acura tl too

[BTM]

Originally Posted by atwell3993

Plus, for some richer folk, the three'er might be a daily driver. Therefore, that person doesn't want leather, doesn't want electric seats. Its wasted money for a point a to b car that they're going to rack up the miles on. BMW is known as entry level luxury with three, and that's how it will stay.

I'm far from loaded but DD my 3. IMO, the daily driver I spend the most time is EXACTLY where I want a little luxury, but I recognize the dd = (pseudo)beater POV as well. A 3rd car for me is a fun car that would be annoying to DD but great to take out for the sole purpose of driving. For now the 3er serves both roles