335i Wagon - they even have an "M" version!

[Raivyn]

As much as I love my 335i coupe, I'm going to take a moment and whine about how BMW doesn't sell the 335i wagon here. I'd love to have a car that I could haul my two 100lb dogs around to the beach in comfortably, and drive really fast while doing it.

Hopefully when its time to pop out babies, BMW will change their mind.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2061026.011/country/bmw/bmw/bmw-335i-m-sport-touring-uk

:shifty

[Jrocket]

Thats a clean looking wagon for sure.306hp? 6hp more than the 335i here in the states?

[Skyland]

I have a 2007 328xi Sport Wagon and would just kill for one of those. I love my car but you can never have too much torque and hp.

[Orion ZyGarian]

Well I predicted a 335xi...now whether or not that will be the wagon or an AWD version I'm not sure yet, but we'll see.

[mose121]

I doubt anything other than the 328 touring will come to the US. There's just not a big enough market.

[Reverend]

Well I predicted a 335xi...now whether or not that will be the wagon or an AWD version I'm not sure yet, but we'll see.

That would take some pretty innovative R&D. The current exhaust manifold design doesn't allow for enough room for another differential and set of axles up front. They'd have to totally redo the engine configuration on the exhaust side.

Again, not impossible, but very unlikely.

[mkaresh]

A 335 wagon seems unlikely. A 535 wagon seems likely, though. Big price difference, of course. And the driving experience differs considerably, trading agility for a more insulated feel. But a 535 Touring would be quite nice.

[SomeBMWGuy]

There's gonna be a 335xi coupe and sedan. The sedan starts march 07 production and the coupe sept. 07 production. There will be a 535xi wagon as well, in march 07 production with the freshening.

[Reverend]

There's gonna be a 335xi coupe and sedan. The sedan starts march 07 production and the coupe sept. 07 production. There will be a 535xi wagon as well, in march 07 production with the freshening.

You're correct.

Download the brochure and go to page 13, at the bottom left it references exactly what you said. :eek:

I can't post links, apparently.

[Orion ZyGarian]

You need a few more posts first I think.

As far as the 335xi...well I first called it here:

...BMW has emissions approved for "335i, 335Ci, 335xi, and 335Ci Convertable" chassis...so even though they havent mentioned it, they HAVE to be making them...why bother trying to pass emissions with these other cars (AWD, sedan, and vert) if they werent serious about producing them??

September 14th! I'm good! Woo!

[Raivyn]

That would take some pretty innovative R&D. The current exhaust manifold design doesn't allow for enough room for another differential and set of axles up front. They'd have to totally redo the engine configuration on the exhaust side.

Again, not impossible, but very unlikely.

There already IS a 335i touring (check the link at my original post). They just don't sell it statewide.

[iamthewalrus]

I doubt anything other than the 328 touring will come to the US. There's just not a big enough market.

Just because BMW won't bring it to the US, doesn't mean there's no market. The S4 Avant is a fantastic car.
Just so you understand I'm not biased, I own a 2006 330Cic 6-spd manual. I originally wanted an A4 cabriolet, but they only offer it with an automatic. I don't do automatic. :)

[Raivyn]

There is ABSOLUTELY a market in the U.S. for sport wagons, which is why BMW has new models of the 328 and 525 wagons. But those vehicles tailor to a luxury oriented market rather than a sport oriented market. On the other hand, Audi, Volkswagon, Subaru, and even Mazda have created wagons that are more sport oriented.

Since the 335i is a wonderful blend of sport and luxury, it would seem that BMW could break into the sport wagon market with the 335 touring that (based on what cars I've seen on the road) Audi and Subaru pretty much dominate right now. But its probably more that BMW does want to target that market for whatever reason, which is unfortunate, and kinda lame, really, since the car is already in production.

BMW wasn't even sure how well the public would receive the 335i, which is why production was limited, and look what happened - they can't keep them in stock, and orders aren't being fulfilled until as late as June! Clearly their marketing people have made mistakes before, and pretty recently, concerning this car and its performance, and how the public would accept it.

But you never know....Porsche makes an SUV....who would have thought??:confused

[mbanks21]

Looks like Ill have to stick with the original plan if they dont bring it stateside. Turbo E39 wagon, more than likely an M52...

[Orion ZyGarian]

But you never know....Porsche makes an SUV....who would have thought??:confused

Porsche guys think its sacrilege but I think a Cayenne Turbo S is fuckin hot! Would be equally as awesome with the TDI V10 from the same chassis'd Touareg

[mose121]

There is ABSOLUTELY a market in the U.S. for sport wagons, which is why BMW has new models of the 328 and 525 wagons. But those vehicles tailor to a luxury oriented market rather than a sport oriented market. On the other hand, Audi, Volkswagon, Subaru, and even Mazda have created wagons that are more sport oriented.



There is a market, but it's a very small one. Ask anyone who works in BMW sales what the hardest model to get off the lot is. It's the 5 series wagon. Dealers hate to have them in inventory, and most dealer put them on status 4 (or is it 5?) right away, which means any dealer can take them out of their inventory without trading another car. They just want them off the lot. The e90 wagon showed up right as I was leaving, but I'm sure it's the same story with it as well.


Porsche guys think its sacrilege but I think a Cayenne Turbo S is fuckin hot! Would be equally as awesome with the TDI V10 from the same chassis'd Touareg

They did think it was a sacrilege, until they realized 80% of Porsche sales were now Cayenne's. All that extra revenue turns into better cars throughout the lineup, and Porsche is making the best cars it's ever made as a result. The Cayman was made a reality by the money generated from Cayenne sales. Up until then, it was just an idea on paper that kept getting pushed aside. It's also why a Porsche sedan is an eventual reality now as well. They actually have the money and resources to devote to additional model lines without sacrificing their high standards.

[Orion ZyGarian]

They did think it was a sacrilege, until they realized 80% of Porsche sales were now Cayenne's. All that extra revenue turns into better cars throughout the lineup, and Porsche is making the best cars it's ever made as a result. The Cayman was made a reality by the money generated from Cayenne sales. Up until then, it was just an idea on paper that kept getting pushed aside. It's also why a Porsche sedan is an eventual reality now as well. They actually have the money and resources to devote to additional model lines without sacrificing their high standards.

Haha...I never realised that, but you are definetly right. 997, ESPECIALLY the new 997Turbo hotness (cant WAIT for the GT2!!!), Cayman S...etc.

[dello]

First we have to understand the basic economics of BMW sales projectory. BMW NA understand that there is a high market for 335it, but they also understand that most people are not will to kick over 45-50k (basic model, no options) for a wagon when they can purchase a 328it, Subura, Madza or Volkswagen for cheaper with somewhat equal performance. Second, BMW NA understands that 335it will possible steer customers from thier 5-series touring, which is already a diffcult sale. Third, it's all based on demographics, most new touring owners are a lot older and are taking the the pragmatic approach-versertality, luxury, and price. 335it will cost BMW too much money to expand it production capacity for small number of orders to be sent to states that will become fancy parked cars on dealers lot which they can't market with any special discounted incentives [Supply and demand-but also margainlize profits with reduce over-head cost]. They rather stick with a selective number to keep cost down and produce sizeable profits. 335it will sale well in North East, and West coast, but the midwest and south-west has no desire for such an exotic and expensive small wagon. In turns, the 335it will only be successfull in the pre-owned market, as the demand will be high and everyone will let the first owner take the heavy depreication hit. Furthermore, why have a well balance wagon they will compete against three segments of cars, the 335 coupe, 335 sedan, and 530it wagon. It's basic economics. Think about it, why hasn't BMW imported the previous generation m5 wagons or stop making m3 sedan, even though the demand is so high amongst us high-performance gear heads. With the exchange rate and tariffs that will be placed to import these special cars, the price would be a little diffcult to bite for new buyers with other diverse alternative out there. Last thing, look at the e55 amg wagon, Mercedes only makes such a small number of them that they are only marketed to selective buyers-even in the pre-owned segement the price is too high for us swallow for a wagon.

[vixapphire]

As the former owner of a 2005 E55 estate wagon, I wish to join this conversation. I think you're correct when you say there's an extremely limited market for these pricey wagons. Unlike Europe, in the US, wagons are primarily driven by women, at least it seems so. They don't tend to go for the performance engines, etc.; it's not seen as very practical when put up against enhanced interior comforts and the like. Since very few people are "bahnstormers" here, at least in LA where the bahns are all clogged like the geriatric arteries they are, these cars would be tough to foist off on dealers and a wary public. The S4 wagons by Audi are far cheaper to buy than would be a 335i wagon here.

Still, it would be nice for those of us who value such things to be able to go to the dealer and order one to be built for US spec. Why wouldn't this be possible? I just ordered a new x3 for my wife; I sat with the dealer salesman and prepared the options list online, and it's being built as we speak in Germany right now, 2 weeks later. That was the dealer's last allocation for an x3. What if I wanted to go to a dealer and say, hey, let's take one of your 328i wagon allocations and order it built as a 335i wagon? They already have the wagon body here, so it conforms to US safety regulations, and the 335 engine is already here in the coupe and sedan too, so it meets any applicable emissions standards. It should thus be possible to build the 335i wagon custom if a customer wishes to put up the scratch for it.

At least, it would be possible if an enterprising dealer could get the proper build codes from a European dealer or something and charge a willing customer the appropriate premium. I'd be writing an order this week if that were the case!

Alternatively, (sorry for going on so long in one post), what is the procedure/cost/etc. for gray-market importing one of these? I'm going to Europe in spring 2008, and all else being equal, I could continue driving my oldtimer benz til then without a problem (that was the plan anyway) and buy the right wagon once i'm over there, to have it shipped back. I wouldn't want to get it here and either (a) get slaughtered on taxes, or (b) find out I can't get the car licensed here. Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?

vic

[Stylin]

if i was to ever drive a station wagon.. that would be the one

[Raivyn]

I know of a company in Orange Co, CA that may do it...from what I remember they import Z8s....I believe it's about $5-$6K to do it. I don't know more about the process than that, and we're about 2 years away from doing it ourselves. Hopefully things will change by then.

I already paid a premium for the coupe, and there is a premium for the vert, so if someone is willing to pay a premium for the wagon, why not have that option available and let it be special order only?

And I don't really think of the 535i wagon as a sport wagon. It's really a traditional station wagon, albeit a nicely appointed one, like what my mom drove when I was a kid, obeying all the speed limits.... :confused

I can't imagine the 535i wagon and a 335i wagon would share the same market. One is about luxury and cargo room with fun driving, while the other is about speed and fun driving, with the convenience of cargo room....If someone was a 5-series type of person rather than a 3-series type, they wouldn't buy a 335i wagon over the 5-series. It's just not what they're looking for in a car (i.e. smaller car, less features, different feeling driving...) IMO

[mkaresh]

Well, the 535xi is now a confirmed reality. Entered pricing for it into my database the other day, starting at $54,775.

2008 BMW 5-Series information (http://www.truedelta.com/models/5-Series.php)

Upside is BMW is finally offering a powerful wagon in the U.S. Downside for some is no RWD, and for all is the BMW price. Must say I'd love to have one, but someone will have to buy it (with a manual transmisson) and depreciate it for me first. I'm praying for extraordinary rapid depreciation...

[Liberalslayer]

As far the UK 335i Wagon having 6 more hp, it really is hazing in that dept depending upon the temperature at when it was tested. Air is more condensed at a lower temperature and thus you can cram more air into air intake, and thus more hp, so for turbo cars, hp with in 5 hp is really wishy washy. My question is, Can you import it from the UK? It would be difficult but can it be done?

[dtothepowerofp]

Audi is lowering US production on all wagons as they believe those sales cut into the Q7 sales. I'm told they may pull them altogether. BMW wants to sell X5's and they may have the same plan.

[mose121]

As far the UK 335i Wagon having 6 more hp, it really is hazing in that dept depending upon the temperature at when it was tested. Air is more condensed at a lower temperature and thus you can cram more air into air intake, and thus more hp, so for turbo cars, hp with in 5 hp is really wishy washy. My question is, Can you import it from the UK? It would be difficult but can it be done?

Can it be done??? Probably. Will it cost you way more than you should spend??? Definately. Just buy a n54 motor and swap it into a US wagon shell. It'd be much easier/cheaper.

[mkaresh]

As far the UK 335i Wagon having 6 more hp, it really is hazing in that dept depending upon the temperature at when it was tested. Air is more condensed at a lower temperature and thus you can cram more air into air intake, and thus more hp, so for turbo cars, hp with in 5 hp is really wishy washy. My question is, Can you import it from the UK? It would be difficult but can it be done?

The UK figure is probably DIN. DIN specs are a bit higher than SAE, which is used in the U.S. At 300 horsepower the difference would be...about six horsepower. Until a few years ago Jaguar used the DIN figures in the U.S. Then they got caught. As a result, their "300 horsepower" 4.2-liter V8 was re-rated at 294.

[Cheuk in Seoul]

They offer the 335iT for sale here in Japan. I am looking at it because for some stupid reason the 535i will not be offered here... they are going to keep making the outdated 540i.
The touring is about $2000 more expensive than the sedan. The 335iT only comes completely loaded... I think it has every option available and some that are not available in the US... for 6,880,000 Yen about $56K.

The horsepower difference is based only on how power is calculated in the US vs everywhere else... you will see a slightly higher power number quoted for the exact same car sold overseas.

[mkaresh]

The 335iT will be more fun to drive anyway. Are there good roads where you live?