NYIAS: Our Interview on X1 and F30 3 Series with Juergen Urban and Oliver Ganser

[Jason]

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NYIAS: Our Interview on the X1 and F30 with Juergen Urban and Oliver Ganser

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BMW NA's Juergen Urban, Product Manager for the 1 Series and X1, and Oliver Ganser, Product Manager for the 3 Series were gracious enough to sit down with us at the 2012 NYIAS to field some questions on their respective products specialties. Here's what we can report back with.

2013 BMW X1 (US)

What are the MPG figures for the three X1 models?
Because it's model year 2013 we don't have the official MPG values yet, but you can expect them to be top of the line, especially with the 28i.

What are the curb weights of the three models?
The sDrive28i is 3,500 pounds, xDrive28i is 3,700 pounds and xDrive35i is 3,900 pounds.

Are there any suspension differences between the 28i and 35i model?
No differences. The only suspension difference comes with the M Sport package which has a stiffer suspension (but same height).

Are the models' auto transmission 8 or 6 speed units?
The two 28i models use the latest 8 speed auto transmission and the xDrive35i uses older 6 speed transmission unit.

Will manual transmission be an option at any point?
None of our X cars right now have manual transmission, but if we really feel there's a strong customer demand, we could consider it.

When will US ordering guides be made available?
We will publish them around mid-May. What's really cool with the X1 is that we wanted to reduce the complexity in the ordering system. For the first time we introduce what's sort of like an ultimate package, which is a combination of the three most popular packages like the premium package, the driver assistance package and the technology package. [Expect ordering bank to be open not long after ordering guides are released.]

Will the X1 M Sport package be available immediately?
Yes. Everything will be available at launch - M Sport Package and all models.

Since the X1 is produced in Germany, will European Delivery be available for the X1?
Yes.

Any possibility of M Performance version of X1 coming? For the US?
There are no announcements as of now.

F30 3 SERIES (US)

When will orders be taken for the M Sport F30?
Production starts July, so soon. As soon as dealers receive their July production (model year 2013) allocations, ordering will begin. Within two months.

Is it possible to get xDrive with manual transmission for the F30 or is it automatic only?
There will be xDrive models with manual, but we're not ready to announce which model yet.

Is it possible to get M Sport package or lines on the Active Hybrid 3?
You can order it [the Activehybrid 3] with any of the lines (sport, luxury, modern) or M Sport package. As a no-cost option, you can also replace the aerodynamic wheels on the Activehybrid 3 and replace them with traditional standard wheels.

Any news on a diesel model F30?
We will continue with a diesel offering, but we have not yet released which model and at what time. But it's not too far off.

[Note: We've reported previously that the F31 touring will once again be offered in the States and we now also know that, unlike the worldwide simultaneous F30 market launch, the F31 will be available in the European market before it launches into North America.]

[Another Note: If you're curious about the take rate on the various F30 lines thus far, the sport line and luxury line have been the most popular, at about the same rate.]

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[bimmerjph]

So when he said "We will continue with a diesel offering" does he mean in the US, or diesels for the Euro market?

[Jason]

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

So when he said "We will continue with a diesel offering" does he mean in the US, or diesels for the Euro market?

US. These are questions directed to BMW NA, so it all applies to North America.

[M3_WC]

What's really cool with the X1 is that we wanted to reduce the complexity in the ordering system. For the first time we introduce what's sort of like an ultimate package, which is a combination of the three most popular packages like the premium package, the driver assistance package and the technology package.

This worries me.

[teezee]

Bring me that diesel F31 Touring!

[Booster]

Originally Posted by teezee

Bring me that diesel F31 Touring!

This person knows what is up...

[AMB]

Originally Posted by teezee

Bring me that diesel F31 Touring!

x1000000 please!!

[SamS]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

This worries me.

This makes total sense. This is probably requested by dealers for ordering purposes, and reduces complexity for the average buyer.

Honda has been doing it for years. They typically offer 2-3 trim levels, and that's it. Reduces costs to the manufacturer and dealer inventory.

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by SamS

This makes total sense. This is probably requested by dealers for ordering purposes, and reduces complexity for the average buyer.

Honda has been doing it for years. They typically offer 2-3 trim levels, and that's it. Reduces costs to the manufacturer and dealer inventory.

Oh it is so complex to tick boxes.

As long as the non-average buyer can still order everything as stand-alone packages/options, then all is fine.

[bimmerjph]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Oh it is so complex to tick boxes.

As long as the non-average buyer can still order everything as stand-alone packages/options, then all is fine.

+1

That's one thing that really bugs me about the Asian car brands. They limit interior choices based off of your exterior color.

[Imola.ZHP]

They don't currently offer MT's in their X-vehicles in the US, but they have in the past, I don't understand why they don't offer a MT in their base X-vehicle, kinda kills it for me...

Also, why no 8-speed in the 35i? Did they have a batch of old 6-speeds they needed to use up? lol

[SamS]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Oh it is so complex to tick boxes.

As long as the non-average buyer can still order everything as stand-alone packages/options, then all is fine.

Try being a new BMW buyer (X1 market) and looking the window sticker of 4 differently optioned X1s with 20 line items on it and $1k price deltas. Things can get unnecessarily confusing.

[Soorena]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

Also, why no 8-speed in the 35i? Did they have a batch of old 6-speeds they needed to use up? lol

This is what i have in my mind. Someone ordered too much 6AT's? lol

[reprod]

What I really wanted to know was if the X-Drive F30 will be available with sport suspension. At least for the M-Sport model.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

They don't currently offer MT's in their X-vehicles in the US, but they have in the past, I don't understand why they don't offer a MT in their base X-vehicle, kinda kills it for me...

I'm sure they run crazy cost-analysis models. If there is only a 3% take rate for MT (estimate) then why spend the $10M (estimate) development cost? And I'm sure any dealer would hate to be stuck with an MT X-vehicle on their showroom. Those things are tough to move in the premium segment.

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

Also, why no 8-speed in the 35i? Did they have a batch of old 6-speeds they needed to use up? lol

Dunno, but the older tranny is probably cheaper, if they're trying to save a bit of money.

[theArgiope]

Wow. So BMW does actually focus more on selling products than catering to enthusiasts.

Who would have thought? lol

[ATS]

Bring the F31 335i with M-Sport package and X-drive as an option!!

The new F30 diesel for the US should be the 320d. It has plenty of torque and the mpg improvement is dramatic enough for people to really think about it.

[rogerdiaz]

Originally Posted by Jason

US. These are questions directed to BMW NA, so it all applies to North America.

god bless America, will be difficult decision for me, 3hybrid vs diesel.

diesel prices are crazy.

[maui86]

Two questions:

-is the f31 335i coming to the US?

-the older 6sp auto they mention in the X1 xdrive35i the same one in the e90xi?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by ATS

The new F30 diesel for the US should be the 320d. It has plenty of torque and the mpg improvement is dramatic enough for people to really think about it.

A 325d would make more sense for the US.

But I am more interested in an X1 diesel.

[335iPSI]

Originally Posted by maui86

Two questions:

-is the f31 335i coming to the US?

-the older 6sp auto they mention in the X1 xdrive35i the same one in the e90xi?

Yes, I'm wondering which 6at model as well. I would assume it would be the 6spd from the 335d, just due to the increased torque capacity --- being that it is rated to tow. I really wanted that 8spd AT!

[stefan]

Demand hey? How does one show their vote? I'll be writing BMW NA but we'll see how that goes.

Personally, I'd buy this vehicle in 6MT/N55. I'm actually on the hunt for a small SUV with manual transmission. Surprisingly hard to find..