went shopping with a friend: he dropped the dime.

[FishDaddy]

Nice car but too bad he couldn't afford one with a real top.

Dick

[Phishnoob]

Originally Posted by FishDaddy

Nice car but too bad he couldn't afford one with a real top.

Dick

A top makes the car more secure and adds structural rigidity. Of course I can point out a couple of good things about being topless as well.

[tdwyatt]

Originally Posted by Automotive News | November 11, 2008 - 4:24 pm EST

BMW of North America LLC opts for higher profits for its diesel vehicles than its major rivals do by charging a premium that tops $4,000 for one model.
The X5 xDrive35d diesel crossover will cost $52,025, compared with $47,925 for the X5 xDrive30i gasoline model. The 335d diesel will cost $44,725, up from $40,925 for the comparable gasoline model. Prices include shipping.
The Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec crossover costs $49,475, compared with $47,974 for the ML350 gasoline model -- a $1,501 premium. The Volkswagen Jetta diesel sedan and wagon have a premium of about $2,000.
BMW says that although diesel fuel costs more than premium gasoline -- which all its vehicles require -- the ultraclean diesels are about 30 percent more fuel-efficient. BMW says the 3-series diesel has a range of 560 miles on one tank, and the X5 can go 585 miles before refueling.
The X5 xDrive35d and 335d go on sale in late December in the United States, but BMW says some dealers may not be fully stocked with them until the first quarter of 2009.
BMW has not projected diesel sales, other than saying they could represent 25 percent of U.S. sales in the long term.
--

I think that's a crazy pricing premium. BMW is bringing (finally) the 123D and a 130D to the US in the spring as well, and they will be great daily drivers. I am dead in the target market for these and a $4K premium is nuts.

[Phishnoob]

Originally Posted by tdwyatt

I think that's a crazy pricing premium. BMW is bringing (finally) the 123D and a 130D to the US in the spring as well, and they will be great daily drivers. I am dead in the target market for these and a $4K premium is nuts.

Our Stealer had one car on the lot with a manual..an M3 for over 70K loaded to the gills.

I am not sure if BMW really understands that there is a market for a stripped 135i six speed or basic well engineered diesels with all the safety and handling built in without all the frills. Guess a modern 2002 tii ain't gonna happen.

I loved my 82 Rabbit diesel..52 mpg no matter what I did which amazingly was the horsepower rating. With three times the power and 2/3 of the mileage there would be a waiting list for a fun Prius alternative.

[tdwyatt]

Originally Posted by Phishnoob

...Guess a modern 2002 tii ain't gonna happen.

I loved my 82 Rabbit diesel..52 mpg no matter what I did which amazingly was the horsepower rating.

I had a Killer Rab that I woud like to find again. It was an '84 that was a screamer and still got around 50 MPG, I wonder what VW will come out with to fill the gap...

I guess the 2002 bimer replacement is too much to ask for in a 1 series of any formt now, maybe the big 3 will build it...

[jenglish]

Originally Posted by Phishnoob

I loved my 82 Rabbit diesel..52 mpg no matter what I did which amazingly was the horsepower rating. With three times the power and 2/3 of the mileage there would be a waiting list for a fun Prius alternative.

My old man had a diesel rab about that same year. He complains that 25 years ago he had a car that got 50 miles to the gallon and that it hasn't improved much in 25 years. It was a cool ride untill he did the convertible mod..... by sliding it under a semi trailer. I still remember waking up in the back seat and seeing the stars.