I have to say, while I have been really quiet around here lately, I really enjoy the discussion over the (a) new BMWs and their prices, and (b) the electric/hybrid cars and their aesthetics... I'd like to chime in, especially on the first part. Part of the reason OEM navigation costs $2500 in the new BMWs is because its a LOT more than just navigation. The integration is perfect as BP stated, and the big things are BMW Assist and Bluetooth, along with other stuff as well. All of the new cars come with the iDrive and screen, but the screen is bigger and has more features if you buy the navigation package, and the iDrive controller also gets bigger, as it now has a touchpad on top (our 2014 328d had this, it was impressive). So, $2500 is getting you a lot more than "just navigation"...
As for M Sport. Well, two things here. Like BP said, you get a lot more than just aesthetics. Bumpers, wheels, sport seats, sport suspension, and more... And the biggest thing, you get effing ///M badges all over the place. And well, we've seen that people go insane for the ///M badge. Sadly, most people don't care about the car, just the badge, which makes the M Sport package a perfect hook for the large majority of car "enthusiasts". Look at how many times you see a ZHP posted on Craigslist where they say "M package" or something like that. That stupid badge sells more BMW shit than any inline 6 cylinder engine or track tuned suspension. I think this is a lot more evident where I live, perhaps why I can see BMWs decision to push the M Sport package, and price it so high (which honestly I don't think is THAT high). People in South Florida are so insanely image driven, they always have to have the newest and coolest cars, with all sorts of insanely expensive mods. Hell, we don't even have good driving roads down there. But, people have to own the most expensive BMWs with all the cool mods, right away. So, they pay for the packages, the options, all that stuff.
Yes, $55K may sound like a lot for an i3, but to be honest, the technology and amenities in the new BMWs is pretty staggering. That car has won a ton of awards already, clearly showing it is an impressive car. Yes, that same $55K could buy you 2 or even 3 E46 M3s, but those cars are old and the technology is getting tired. Hell, even the iDrive unit in my two vehicles is quite noticeably old and outdated compared to the new BMW models...
Anyway, I love all the cars, not trying to hate on any one opinion or vehicle. I've never driven an E46 M3, but I feel like I want to buy one, to have a project, and because I can't afford to mod the two I have now! Yet, I still lust after the brand new F85 X5///M and F10 ///M5. My buddy just bought a '14 M5 with competition package, can't wait to drive it when I get home...
2011 E90 Lemans Blue/Bamboo Beige M3- Harrop Supercharged IG: lmb_zcp
2013 F25 Alpine White/Chestnut X3 35i- Family Hauler
2006 R53 British Racing Green/Panther Black Mini Cooper S FOR SALE! DM for details!
Past: 2010 X5M, 2014 328d, 2003 330i ZHP, 2004 330i ZHP, 2012 X3 35i
WTB!! 2009-2012 E91 328i Touring Contact me with info!