So I was just looking around some M3 forums to see if they were having the same M3 vs ISF battles we were. And I found a very interesting thread.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126052

Let me know what you guys think about this. I don't really know what to think of it.

Nice...
But regardless how much the car manufacturer over-price its cost, there will be its group to buy it.

I am sure if the isF was introduced at high $70k initially, there will still people want to buy it.

I agree that the M3 is incredibly overpriced and opted out of getting a $70K car that trys to play in the speed league as the Z06, but I am one of few who think that way. Customers are still lined up to grab them.

just curious, do you think the is-f at 61k is over-priced as well, when a similarly equipped m3 costs about 66k?

I don't think the IS-F is over priced, but I do think it is pricey, just not as pricey as the M3. Also, I think all BMW's are getting overpriced, not just the M3. (As a disclaimer, I would buy an M3 over an IS-F for two solid reasons, the coupe and a manual transmission, but my opinion does not change.)

Comparison:
Lexus IS-F-fully loaded IS-F is $61,900 and in all fairness, it should be compared to the M3 Sedan, which is actually $65,700 comparably equiped, less the automatic M double clutch transmission, which based on the coupe I assume will be another $2500, so we are looking at $68,200. (Mind you I want a stick, which is why the IS-F is out for me, but in fairness automatic must be added in.)

So both vehicles in Bright Blue Metallic, Heated Seats, Automatic with F1 shift, 19 inch rims, moonroof, back up sensors, Nav, carbon fiber dash, black leather seats, light washers, premium audio have nearly a $7,000 price difference. Which if you come in blind and all things considered, is the white and blue propellars worth it to you?

Now in all fairness, a loaded IS 350 is just under $45K, while a loaded 335i is just about $53K, so again there is an $8K difference, so respectiviely the performance versions are the same jump, but I think over all the BMW's are becoming over priced, which is why instead of getting a third straight BMW I got a Lexus. Where, for the price of a loaded 335i, I bought a loaded 3GS. Same with the M3, for another $7-8K, I think, why not just get a Z06 or for the same price, get a GT-R!

You are not getting GT-R at MSRP unless you own a nissan stealership

Not right after GT-R comes out, but if you could wait two years or so then I think you would be able to buy it at MSRP.

I doubt it. Maybe a few G's less than its debut but that car will remain high-demand.

Here is the #1 reason why the M3 is overpriced.

The 335i.



That was one of the main conclusions I came to after reviewing a 335i:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...view+2008+335i

The 335i I reviewed, at 47K, was such a good sport sedan that I highly questioned the extra 20-25K (or more) that an M3 would cost. The M3 is a lot more money for probably not a lot more performance, especially with the 335i's twin-turbo 6.

I saw one today with paper tags and I honestly was not impressed by the looks. IS-F definitely takes that cake in my world.

You also have to think the M3 has way more vehicles to share parts with, thus cutting costs=more profit for BMW. There are nearly 40 variations of the 3 series worldwide. The 3 series is BMWs best seller accounting for over 40% of their sales.

Now take into account the 1-series shares tons of parts with the 3 series, most importantly suspension and engines. I am not sure of worldwide 3 series figures but it might be maybe 300,000 a year. Now add 1 series. Then add all the M3s.

In comparison, the IS-F is IS based, only 4 versions 220d/250/300/350. Lexus might sell around 100k worldwide. Then the IS-F production is very limited compared to the M3.

I won't say its overpriced, the MARKET will determine that and historically, people buy M3s like no tomorrow. However looking at what I posted, its CLEAR it does 2 huge things for BMW.
1. Make them even MORE money
2. Produces a big grand halo for the 3 series lineup.

It is subjective!!!.. like 1Sick said... the market will determine if a product is overpriced or not..

If you can live with a stripped M3 sedan with no option at all, M3 is the bargain of the century.

But unfortunately, BMW knows how to suck your wallet dry with all the options.

Not sure how it looks adjusted for inflation but I rememeber the E46 M3 going for $36,000 in 1995. You got 240hp, an I-6, light weight and a much smaller car. Loaded, I believe around 45k tops

TOday in 2008 for $56,000, you get 414hp, a V-8, much more weight, a much bigger car. Loaded, probably can hit 75k easy.

hehe mike i think you meant e36?

i am pretty sure couple years ago, a relatively loaded e46 m3 was around low 60s. now for a tad more you get the e90/92 m3, i think that's very good