[ConstantMotion]

There just doesn't seem to be many of these cars around. Why is that? Is production going to other markets or is overall production limited? Is there really demand for these cars?

The average is about 700 2 series being sold each month. Over 3x that for both CLA's and A3's each.

3 Series are selling about 12K each month.

All of these are US sales figures only.

[espo]

I know when I ordered my '14 M235 in May that the dealer was only getting about 2 allocations a month for those cars. They had more allocations for a 228 and even had a couple on the lot, but no where near the number of 3 series. Not sure the reasons for the low allocations, maybe a production ramp up? But there will always be a smaller demand for a coupe then a 4 door "family" sedan like the 3. The 2 is really a "drivers" car and that will always have a limited demand since many people who buy BMW's (especially the 3 and 5 series) buy it for more for the name, then the experience (esp in the US). We on this board are the exception to that, but we are a small group. I'm glad, though, that BMW still does produce cars for a group like us....

[MikeT]

Interesting question. You're definitely right. Sales are fairly low, but inventory is also very low. So, it's not a matter of these cars languishing on the lots. It's really a situation where the dealers aren't getting many of these cars in the first place.

Could be a matter of small allocations from BMW...

And/or

Could be a matter of dealers simply preferring to stock 3 series (and up) because that's where they think the money is.


BTW, saw a white M235i on Portola Drive in San Francisco this afternoon. Looked great. If it belongs to someone on here, congrats on your ride!

[BLK235iNJ]

Prestige BMW has a very nice white one with black interior (tech pack) in the show room.

[lbahoshy]

They build the 2 series in the same factory as the i3 and there is currently a huge demand for the i3 - more than anticipated - I read somewhere that BMW is ramping up the i3 production to try and meet demand. This has affected 2 series production.

[HX_Guy]

I've only ever seen two other 2 Series out on the streets here in the Phoenix area...one was a 228i and the other another 235i. Rare indeed.

[artinz]

Try adding MT on that car and the delays are even worse.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by espo

I know when I ordered my '14 M235 in May that the dealer was only getting about 2 allocations a month for those cars. They had more allocations for a 228 and even had a couple on the lot, but no where near the number of 3 series. Not sure the reasons for the low allocations, maybe a production ramp up? But there will always be a smaller demand for a coupe then a 4 door "family" sedan like the 3. The 2 is really a "drivers" car and that will always have a limited demand since many people who buy BMW's (especially the 3 and 5 series) buy it for more for the name, then the experience (esp in the US). We on this board are the exception to that, but we are a small group. I'm glad, though, that BMW still does produce cars for a group like us....

As someone who's bought many 3 and 5 series over the years I can tell you I bought it more for the name. I bought them because they drove better than their counterparts and offered me size, lux and other attributes I prioritized when making those choices. I'm sure many other 3 and 5 series owners would agree with me. The 2 ain't the only drivers BMW there is..

[ConstantMotion]

Originally Posted by espo

I know when I ordered my '14 M235 in May that the dealer was only getting about 2 allocations a month for those cars. They had more allocations for a 228 and even had a couple on the lot, but no where near the number of 3 series. Not sure the reasons for the low allocations, maybe a production ramp up? But there will always be a smaller demand for a coupe then a 4 door "family" sedan like the 3. The 2 is really a "drivers" car and that will always have a limited demand since many people who buy BMW's (especially the 3 and 5 series) buy it for more for the name, then the experience (esp in the US). We on this board are the exception to that, but we are a small group. I'm glad, though, that BMW still does produce cars for a group like us....

Good thoughts, well said, espo.

[uberspeed]

Originally Posted by lbahoshy

They build the 2 series in the same factory as the i3 and there is currently a huge demand for the i3 - more than anticipated - I read somewhere that BMW is ramping up the i3 production to try and meet demand. This has affected 2 series production.

I was going to write this along with lower profit margins for the 2 series compared to the larger 3's and up are likely reasons.

[mmmmm235i]

Yes I have always wondered about this. I couldn't be happier tho to be driving something pretty rare for its price point and I have already owned it for 6 months.

[hans007]

Originally Posted by uberspeed

I was going to write this along with lower profit margins for the 2 series compared to the larger 3's and up are likely reasons.

the X1 is built in the same factory as well. so im guessing the i3 / x1 are using up a lot of capacity as those have been pretty popular (i live in LA, and the X1 is very popular)

[brhon]

Originally Posted by ConstantMotion

There just doesn't seem to be many of these cars around. Why is that? Is production going to other markets or is overall production limited? Is there really demand for these cars?

The average is about 700 2 series being sold each month. Over 3x that for both CLA's and A3's each.

3 Series are selling about 12K each month.

All of these are US sales figures only.

I am working with my dealer on locating a car with the color/options I want and it has not been easy. I think a lot of people are ordering and waiting. We found only 65 units in the US either on a lot or at the VPC, some of those are "ordered" and just not entered into their tracking system correctly. There were a couple of cars we tried to get to only find out later the dealer didn't code the order so it looks like the cars are available to be rerouted but are not. I should know today if we are going to be able to grab the car I want from another lot, otherwise my search continues. I have a truck I am trading and trying to get the deal done before it goes over 70k miles which means I lose another $1k in value. If I did not have this issue I would order and do a Performance Center pickup. That would be a great trip.

[JaF22MPower]

The "rareness" is starting to wear off for me in a way. I am personal friends with 2 others who also have M235i's, plus 6 others that I see driving around regularly, in my area alone. But I mean, 8 cars isn't really a huge amount in comparison to the number of 3 series out and about haha

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by lbahoshy

They build the 2 series in the same factory as the i3 and there is currently a huge demand for the i3 - more than anticipated - I read somewhere that BMW is ramping up the i3 production to try and meet demand. This has affected 2 series production.

That amazes me as that car his hideous and has the ugliest interior I have ever seen. With gas prices dropping and more than likely staying relatively low for the next couple of years I am surprised by the demand for the i3.

[Husker]

Dealers within 100 miles from me never seem to have any + they won't deal...Wish I could find a car + good deal.

[DanG]

Seattle BMW has three M235i in stock. Two of them are xi.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by sstarrx3

That amazes me as that car his hideous and has the ugliest interior I have ever seen. With gas prices dropping and more than likely staying relatively low for the next couple of years I am surprised by the demand for the i3.

New and different always draws sales strength from the "first on the block" crowd. We'll see how it holds up. However, a fully carbon fiber body with an electric powertrain for those who may have a long-view for about $40k is quite a technology deal!

[Bahuba]

It's been 5 months now and I still haven't see another 2er on the road.

[Husker]

Originally Posted by DanG

Seattle BMW has three M235i in stock. Two of them are xi.

I live in the Midwest, wish I was closer.

[NY10]

I'm proud to be driving a car that not everyone else has. I've seen 1 other M235i parked in a parking lot a few weeks ago, EB and gorgeous but other than that nothing. I see tons of Audis and BMWs where I live and none of them are 2 series in my town I will be the only one and I like that. As far as ordering I went in in August 16 ordered it was told October car arrived at dealer the other day and tomorrow I pick it up. Long wait but totally worth it for me

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Husker

I live in the Midwest, wish I was closer.

How far "mid"? There are cars in inventory around Michigan.