No more 4 bangers in the U.S.

["Jeff Lin" <JeffreyLin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Its sad to see anybody, not be able to buy the BMW  they really want.

In America, the land of cheap gas and plenty of parking spots, people want
bigger and cushier cars.  Unfortunately, most people do not have the same
passion for driving as most of us on the digest.  Which explains why manual
trans cars account for less than 30% of cars in U.S. and declining.  They
just want a nice, room, and comfortable car.

Some of us lust for the real //M Motor in the in M3, others prefer the US
motor because it makes the car more affordable.

Others would really like a simple light, good handling 4 cyl car.  Rodney
Moore wanted a 6 spd 740i.

Unfortunately, we can thank the EPA, NHTSA, DOT etc. for making it so
difficult for Mfg's to certify all these cars and making it nearly
impossible to do a grey market import.

At the end of the day, BMW NA imports cars that it thinks will sell well.

 They had a manual 7 series, but few people bought it.

The 318ti, unfortunately just did not sell in big numbers.  In fact the much
more expensive //M3 outsells the 318ti by a wide margin.  There is limited
demand for this car in the U.S. which is even more apparent by the 3 yr
lease residual value of 50% compared to 60% for a 6 cylinder 3 series.
That's good news if you want to buy a used 318ti, but highlights the appeal
for the 318ti in this country.

JL

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