Why do US buyers get limited options?
 

Cruising BMW Canada website and noticed the options that our friends to the North can get but not us. Saddle brown is an interior option(that is the reddish brown in the brochure). Premium sound can be had without the 6-cd changer(freeing up the glove box). With iPods many really don't want the changer but would like the upgraded speaker system. A dynamic handling package is offered for those who want many of the features the the sport package but not all. Question is why BMW doesn't offer these choices to it's largest market? I for one would opt for some of these options.

Maybe that's just it??? The fact that we are the largest market... they don't try as hard 2 please us. They are almost guaranteed to reach sales target.
I wish I knew the real story cause I can't think of any other reason why?
Can anyone please clarify?

like you said, we're their largest market...they make things come in bigger packages so they can earn more money purchasing some options or features in packages that we don't really want...all a matter of economics

I had a feeling you would be the first one 2 reply :rofl:
Why don't they offer all the leathers, wheels, and other options in those packages? Congrats on 1000!

thank's for the congrats...start posting like a rabbit :D...

it's probably to keep production costs down...i think BMW sells them for a higher margin in other countries (maybe...), and they want to keep their fanbase happy with slightly lower prices...

Its because the rest of the world builds cars to spec, how they want them when they want them.

In Switzerland, one goes into a dealer, plays around with the demo (or waits 1 week until the dealer requests the demo that is close to what you want and has it transported to the dealer), then puts in an order, and waits 4-6 (6-8 months on a high demand E70) for their ordered car to come in)...

Dealer's do not have the liberty of placing hundreds of orders and creating inventory, like here in the U.S.

The rest of the world doesn't have this, "I walk into the dealership this afternoon, and drive away with my new BMW tonight" mentality...

So then your saying, well if I special order, why can't BMW just put the orders through then? It could, but it won't. BMW, nor the dealership has no guarantee that you will take your order. Under law, it has nothing that prevents you from not taking your ordered car. Therefore, unless its an M car, or later in the production cycle, and your willing to pay some extra $$, BMW NA will most likely deny your claim for a custom vehicle.

Another thing to consider is perhaps how the used market in the united states works. By keeping options relatively simple, BMW is able to simplify the searching and pricing of used cars (less variables), as-well as keep its resale price high (by eliminating unpopular options/color combinations).

I am sure that any car I ordered from the option list available in Canada would very salable in the US. Why do I have to get a 6-cd changer to get the upgraded sound system when the car in front on me on the assembly can get it without the changer? None of this makes logical sense. It is this way because somebody in marketing wants it so. From my perspective this does not increase the bottom line because I will do without the premium sound if I have to pay for a cd changer that I don't need.

Standard sound is great IMO, SAVE YOUR MONEY!

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

4 more speakers and bigger amp.

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

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.

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.

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.

They are also 8 ohm instead of 4 ohm.

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

The speakers are different Too !

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;)

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

would US dealers respect the warranty?

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.

As far as I can tell, you can order Dynamic Drive in the USA as well. The big difference is you don't have to take Active Steering in the USA when you order Dynamic Drive. In Canada you do, which puts me off that option.