Petition to Bring G81 M3 Touring to the US

lemetier · 03-30-2021, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TouringM3

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemetier

The federalization cost at $20M is way too low (triple it) and the volume of 2000 units is beyond production capacity. 200 additional LHD units split between the US and Canada is about the max that could be milked out of the program and that's pushing it tbh.

If you know specifics, please share, otherwise you're responding like you think i don't know what i'm talking about.

2,000 units for North America is feasible, and absolutely in-range for production capabilities for the 3 series lines.

See the breakdown for the F8x generation here:
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/farewe...ny-were-built/

I'm starting to think you don't. G81 isn't going to be a volume production model and, right now, approx 1000 units is the number planned due to production work unique to the G81, a not insignificant amount of which is done by hand.

If I thought for a second that it was feasible with the current barriers in place, I wouldn't be putting down a deposit or signing a petition, I'd be backing the anticipated costs instead.

Transfer · 03-30-2021, 06:11 PM

If they certify an M3 wagon I would guess they can also bring an M340i wagon which would be equally popular.

PLF69 · 03-30-2021, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Transfer

If they certify an M3 wagon I would guess they can also bring an M340i wagon which would be equally popular.

Just like Audi braught the A6 All road that they sell for a fortune etc.

I understand BMW stopped selling wagons a few years ago but they were not selling the M variant at the same time and even worse they were only selling with the bottom of range 4-cyl.. It seems they forget that a lot of 340i sales are from ppl lusting over the M version and deciding that for financial or practical reasons they go for lesser model.

In some cases these buyers could be just as well or better served by other brands but they want to relate to the car they like/love. I personally know a few 340/440 owners who chose these cars because they are kind of there mini M for them and serve there needs well.

If they bring the whole line up, ppl like us will buy the G81, ppl will see us riding in them and rush to the dealer to see what's all about and a % of them will leave with G21's just because they saw or got a ride in a G81.

Am I making things up or guys also see this happening ?

I know a LOT of ppl who had interest in the last wagon BMW sold until they realised it could not be had with the inline 6...

itsmabs · 03-30-2021, 07:21 PM

Wagons are tough to come by. I was in the x3m, great suv, but just wasn't doing it for me. I went over to the A6 AR. It is pricey, but in line with the 5 series. it was frustrating there wasn't a sports version other than the RS6, which I didn't want to pony up to. Looked at mercedes and volvo too. Considered the polestar v60, but reviews were lackluster. A m550i touring would have been perfect for me. It is a bummer that the market and options keep shrinking. An m3 touring would really make me think trade, but honestly it might just be a bit too small.

I know someone had mocked up the 5 series as a all road style. The adjustable height is kinda awesome, I don't want a suv, occasionally I want a bit more clearance, most of the time I'm happy running in the lowest height mode. Hopefully they bring it over, hopefully wagons get more love.

Some passing thoughts from a wagon and BMW lover.

SCOTT26 · 04-02-2021, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemetier

I'm starting to think you don't. G81 isn't going to be a volume production model and, right now, approx 1000 units is the number planned due to production work unique to the G81, a not insignificant amount of which is done by hand.

If I thought for a second that it was feasible with the current barriers in place, I wouldn't be putting down a deposit or signing a petition, I'd be backing the anticipated costs instead.

Indeed as has been discussed internally costs of federalisation amongst other factors against "expected" sales units does not appear feasible. The upcoming X3M LCI has been given a more or should I say less X3 M40i lite update.
If they put the two side by side The X3M would be the greater pick especially in SUV dominated markets.

BimmerMat135 · 04-02-2021, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemetier

I'm starting to think you don't. G81 isn't going to be a volume production model and, right now, approx 1000 units is the number planned due to production work unique to the G81, a not insignificant amount of which is done by hand.

If I thought for a second that it was feasible with the current barriers in place, I wouldn't be putting down a deposit or signing a petition, I'd be backing the anticipated costs instead.

Indeed as has been discussed internally costs of federalisation amongst other factors against "expected" sales units does not appear feasible. The upcoming X3M LCI has been given a more or should I say less X3 M40i lite update.
If they put the two side by side The X3M would be the greater pick especially in SUV dominated markets.

Not really a wagon customer will stick with wagons just from differents automakers.

Transfer · 04-02-2021, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerMat135

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemetier

I'm starting to think you don't. G81 isn't going to be a volume production model and, right now, approx 1000 units is the number planned due to production work unique to the G81, a not insignificant amount of which is done by hand.

If I thought for a second that it was feasible with the current barriers in place, I wouldn't be putting down a deposit or signing a petition, I'd be backing the anticipated costs instead.

Indeed as has been discussed internally costs of federalisation amongst other factors against "expected" sales units does not appear feasible. The upcoming X3M LCI has been given a more or should I say less X3 M40i lite update.
If they put the two side by side The X3M would be the greater pick especially in SUV dominated markets.

Not really a wagon customer will stick with wagons just from differents automakers.

But that's the point. There aren't many diehard "I won't buy the SUV version" wagon customers. If you put a G81 next to an F97, it's a harder sell to move the wagon in the US. Owning an X3MC, it really ticks all the M car boxes other than weight and to most buyers is probably the more desired pick. I bought it for an M car with ground clearance, a hatch, and AWD. A G81 would tick 2 of those 3 boxes and for me at least, I would own both cars or a G81 and something like a Jeep.

GFK007 · 04-04-2021, 12:37 PM

Own an f97 and would get rid of it tomorrow for a g81. I think a lot of guys would do the same.

RS6 has been a big hit, and the sales data should be enough to provide BMW with confidence.

Meanwhile they are happy to bring over the X2. Wonder what sales figures look like on that thing... (no disrespect to anyone who owns one - but they aren't exactly mainstream).

Solarium · 04-06-2021, 03:03 PM

I heard from one of the guys at my dealer that the M3 wagon is coming end of this year. Is this confirmed?

Also, how much of the driving dynamics would be worsened by being a wagon vs a sedan/coupe?

I'm in the process of looking for a M5, but a wagon M3 sounds very appealing as well. Just not sure if I should be bother to wait if it's not actually coming over.

chicagofan00 · 04-06-2021, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solarium

I heard from one of the guys at my dealer that the M3 wagon is coming end of this year. Is this confirmed?

Also, how much of the driving dynamics would be worsened by being a wagon vs a sedan/coupe?

I'm in the process of looking for a M5, but a wagon M3 sounds very appealing as well. Just not sure if I should be bother to wait if it's not actually coming over.

See lemetier and Scott's posts above. It's not going to be coming to the US.

Solarium · 04-08-2021, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

See lemetier and Scott's posts above. It's not going to be coming to the US.

That's a bummer

chicagofan00 · 04-08-2021, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solarium

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

See lemetier and Scott's posts above. It's not going to be coming to the US.

That's a bummer

Agreed. I (like many others on here it appears) would definitely opt for it if it was coming here.

bkfastwagon · 04-11-2021, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Transfer

But that's the point. There aren't many diehard "I won't buy the SUV version" wagon customers. If you put a G81 next to an F97, it's a harder sell to move the wagon in the US. Owning an X3MC, it really ticks all the M car boxes other than weight and to most buyers is probably the more desired pick. I bought it for an M car with ground clearance, a hatch, and AWD. A G81 would tick 2 of those 3 boxes and for me at least, I would own both cars or a G81 and something like a Jeep.

I agree, for the regular models, wagons would be hard sell over SUVs. For M cars, however, G81 would provide all of the essential M3 ingredients that are missing in the X3M- fender flares, CF roof, bucket seats, 2wd mode etc- with the added cargo space that the wagon provides.

INDVDL///M · 04-11-2021, 04:16 PM

We had a BMW Clubs Canada meeting yesterday and we're fortunate enough to have about 30 minutes of several BMW Canada executives time going over new models and offerings and direction of the brand. At the end of their presentation they asked if anyone had any questions but prefaced the Q & A portion with "please don't ask if the G81 touring will be available in a manual and in Canada anytime soon." So yeah...

BimmerMat135 · 04-11-2021, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INDVDL///M

We had a BMW Clubs Canada meeting yesterday and we're fortunate enough to have about 30 minutes of time of several BMW Canada executives time going over new models and offerings and direction of the brand. At the end of their presentation they asked if anyone had any questions but prefaced the Q & A portion with "please don't ask if the G81 touring will be available in a manual and in Canada anytime soon." So yeah...

Maybe they want to keep the secret longer

TouringM3 · 04-12-2021, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INDVDL///M

We had a BMW Clubs Canada meeting yesterday and we're fortunate enough to have about 30 minutes of time of several BMW Canada executives time going over new models and offerings and direction of the brand. At the end of their presentation they asked if anyone had any questions but prefaced the Q & A portion with "please don't ask if the G81 touring will be available in a manual and in Canada anytime soon." So yeah...

Just spit-taked w/ my coffee, this cracks me up.
Let's get this thing over here!!!!

emix84 · 04-13-2021, 04:09 AM

I'm curious, since a lot of people from the US seem to like the idea of an M3 touring. Is the Alpina B3 touring available over there? Saw one today and it is absolutely gorgeous.

W/// · 04-13-2021, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emix84

I'm curious, since a lot of people from the US seem to like the idea of an M3 touring. Is the Alpina B3 touring available over there? Saw one today and it is absolutely gorgeous.

Only Alpina's we get are for the 7, 8 and X7.

lemetier · 04-13-2021, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emix84

I'm curious, since a lot of people from the US seem to like the idea of an M3 touring. Is the Alpina B3 touring available over there? Saw one today and it is absolutely gorgeous.

No it isn't and there are some issues that arise trying to import one outside of show and display use.

The Alpina models that are available in the US do not have an Alpina VIN. Only the BMW VIN is used and then documented as a trim of the model upon which they're based (750Lix, 850ix, etc).

emix84 · 04-14-2021, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemetier

No it isn't and there are some issues that arise trying to import one outside of show and display use.

The Alpina models that are available in the US do not have an Alpina VIN. Only the BMW VIN is used and then documented as a trim of the model upon which they're based (750Lix, 850ix, etc).

Oh, that's something I didn't know. Over here Alpina is like a separate manufacturer, cars have Alpina VINs and there is no mention of BMW on their documents.

It's probably why you don't get them. Too much of a headache to federalize them as a separate model. Do you get the 3 series touring though?

PLF69 · 04-14-2021, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emix84

It's probably why you don't get them. Too much of a headache to federalize them as a separate model. Do you get the 3 series touring though?

No, we don't have G21 touring in North America.

SCOTT26 · 04-17-2021, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emix84

Oh, that's something I didn't know. Over here Alpina is like a separate manufacturer, cars have Alpina VINs and there is no mention of BMW on their documents.

It's probably why you don't get them. Too much of a headache to federalize them as a separate model. Do you get the 3 series touring though?

I don't know in the US if they have separate annexes for Alpina models at existing BMW dealers that some have in Europe?
Or in the US do the Alpina models sell on the main floor amongst all other BMW models?

View Poll Results: If BMW were to offer all variants of G8x in the US, which model would you go with?
G80 M3 Sedan	192	16.81%
G81 M3 Touring	844	73.91%
G82 M4 Coupe	80	7.01%
G83 M4 Convertible	26	2.28%
Voters: 1142. You may not vote on this poll

03-30-2021, 06:11 PM	#420
Transfer Major General 5254 Rep 5,874 Posts Drives: Bronco Wildtrak, Tesla MYP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Issaquah, WA iTrader: (1)	If they certify an M3 wagon I would guess they can also bring an M340i wagon which would be equally popular.
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03-30-2021, 07:21 PM	#422
itsmabs Private First Class 180 Rep 173 Posts Drives: TT RS, A6 allroad Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Wagons are tough to come by. I was in the x3m, great suv, but just wasn't doing it for me. I went over to the A6 AR. It is pricey, but in line with the 5 series. it was frustrating there wasn't a sports version other than the RS6, which I didn't want to pony up to. Looked at mercedes and volvo too. Considered the polestar v60, but reviews were lackluster. A m550i touring would have been perfect for me. It is a bummer that the market and options keep shrinking. An m3 touring would really make me think trade, but honestly it might just be a bit too small. I know someone had mocked up the 5 series as a all road style. The adjustable height is kinda awesome, I don't want a suv, occasionally I want a bit more clearance, most of the time I'm happy running in the lowest height mode. Hopefully they bring it over, hopefully wagons get more love. Some passing thoughts from a wagon and BMW lover.
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04-04-2021, 12:37 PM	#426
GFK007 Captain 376 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2014 m235i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	Own an f97 and would get rid of it tomorrow for a g81. I think a lot of guys would do the same. RS6 has been a big hit, and the sales data should be enough to provide BMW with confidence. Meanwhile they are happy to bring over the X2. Wonder what sales figures look like on that thing... (no disrespect to anyone who owns one - but they aren't exactly mainstream). __________________ MG on CR M235i, mods to come... (gone but not forgotten) 2011 e90 M Sport - M-Tech Carbon Diffuser, OEM Carbon Trunk Spoiler, 20% tint, black reflectors, black OEM grille, LUX white Angel Eyes.
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04-06-2021, 03:03 PM	#427
Solarium Private First Class 95 Rep 158 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW M4 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I heard from one of the guys at my dealer that the M3 wagon is coming end of this year. Is this confirmed? Also, how much of the driving dynamics would be worsened by being a wagon vs a sedan/coupe? I'm in the process of looking for a M5, but a wagon M3 sounds very appealing as well. Just not sure if I should be bother to wait if it's not actually coming over.
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04-11-2021, 04:16 PM	#432
INDVDL///M Truth seeker 811 Rep 566 Posts Drives: German cars Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: If you know, you know iTrader: (2) Garage List 2012 BMW 328XI [0.00] 2016 BMW M3 [10.00]	We had a BMW Clubs Canada meeting yesterday and we're fortunate enough to have about 30 minutes of several BMW Canada executives time going over new models and offerings and direction of the brand. At the end of their presentation they asked if anyone had any questions but prefaced the Q & A portion with "please don't ask if the G81 touring will be available in a manual and in Canada anytime soon." So yeah...
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04-13-2021, 04:09 AM	#435
emix84 Private First Class 73 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 911; Mustang GT; RR Sport Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Romania iTrader: (0)	I'm curious, since a lot of people from the US seem to like the idea of an M3 touring. Is the Alpina B3 touring available over there? Saw one today and it is absolutely gorgeous.
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