Since October 2008 the entry price of a BMW 3-Series has only increased by about £1000, 5%, less than 2.5% per year. Most other makes have increased car prices by some 16% over the past two years since 2009. That’s 8% per annum, twice the rate of inflation. I notice there’s also been little change in the Audi A3 prices.
It gets better because since 2008 BMW 3-Series fuel consumption, emissions and performance have improved enormously. A 320d now does a combined 60 mpg, 125 emissions, 146 top speed, 0 to 62mph in 7.5 seconds. If you drop 0.5 seconds the ED option returns 68.9 mpg with 109 CO2s. Compare these figures with the old 46 mpg, 146 CO2s, 130 mph and 0-60 in 9.3 secs.
It’s pretty fair to say it looks like the 3-Series is better value today.
There is the criticism you can spend a fortune adding options to premier brands. However its just as easy look at a popular alternative at £20,000 and be walked up the model range by a salesperson making special offers and be looking at up to £27,000.
Car buyers need to take a close look at different options. Many cars have so many different trim options multiplied by a huge range of different engine options. I’m cynical about so many different options believing its simply an opportunity to charge different prices.
The 3-Series doesn’t have too many options, the main difference between them being performance. It also appears they now deliver blistering performance for less money than in 2008.
I’m guessing BMW needed to improve value as they seem to have increased the volume of cars they sell and now have to maintain it. For the extra 10% you pay for a 3-Series there could be some pay-back with fuel cost sayings and lower vehicle excise duty.
It all adds to the value.
Regards
Ralph
