Why do US buyers get limited options?

[xnsf]

Originally Posted by canamx5

4 more speakers and bigger amp.

so they're really the same brand and model speakers...and all that costs $1800???

[canamx5]

Originally Posted by xnsf

so they're really the same brand and model speakers...and all that costs $1800???

They don't say anything about a different brand. Seems a little excessive. Don't think they will do well with that option. I would have for $500.00.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Investor

It is this way because somebody in marketing wants it so.

Exactly. It isn't just the US and Canada, every market has different options. Check out the UK site for a completely different set of configurations (www.bmw.co.uk) You just notice the CA site because it is next door, so to speak.

The marketing company in each region or country has to decide which models, and which options, it will sell in their own territory. The only issue with the factory is whether they can meet local regulatory requirements. Apart from that, it is just a case of different marketing committees. Those marketing committees include options that in their opinion will increase sales, but they have a counteracting pressure to reduce the number of configurations available because it helps control inventory costs. More configurations means they end up with more cost in the inventory pipeline.

In this case, they just made a different judgement call than their equivalent department on the other side of the Canada-US border.

It also goes far beyond options. Consider all the talk about the extended warranty. BMW CA just doesn't sell one, your only option is aftermarket. Our maintenance plan is just scheduled oil and filters, nothing more.

I always thought that the best Canada-US difference was an early M3, that came to Canada with Euro horsepower specs, but got significantly detuned for the US. It took several years before BMW NA was brave enough to sell it in the US as it was designed.

[Slalom]

JCL,

Interesting comment on the early E36 M3. It slipped by Transport Canada. Apparently there was a general standardization within Nordic Countries and Canada signed on. The vehicle got in based on Nordic certification - no Canadian testing at all.

[RTZX5]

Originally Posted by xnsf

aren't they just the same speakers but just with better amplification and control?

They are also 8 ohm instead of 4 ohm.

[X5 Guy]

I agree.... save you money. The standard stereo sounds great.

[Gilles]

The speakers are different Too !

[Pras]

Maybe it's the premiums that we canadians have to pay just to be rollin in the same style that you guys get down south???? LOL

Come to canada and buy a car with the options you want that you can't get in the states. Pay the premium price tag...and be happy

[xnsf]

ooo...all the that dreamy leather we can't get here...tempting...

would US dealers respect the warranty?

[canamx5]

Originally Posted by Pras

Maybe it's the premiums that we canadians have to pay just to be rollin in the same style that you guys get down south???? LOL

Come to canada and buy a car with the options you want that you can't get in the states. Pay the premium price tag...and be happy

You can thank your Gov. for that premium price tag. The X is made in our backyard and every option IMO should be offered 2 us. I would gladly pay
a premium for BMW INDIVIDUAL on the X.