Why are BMWs so overpriced?

[kevin_stevens]

The K1200S isn't really matched against the R-1, it is comparable to the ZX-14 and Hayabusa.  But I understand that Yamaha doesn't have a more comparable product in their lineup.

KeS

[Global Rider]

I got bored this evening and did the following spreadsheet.

I got my BMW GS Adventure for $2500 less than the ST1300 and FJR1300 I was also looking at at the time. BMW gave me $3700 off MSRP; Honda and Yamaha weren't willing to move very much on price.

[R Doug]

Excellent effort Doug.  Excellent Effort.

Thanks.  I would be happy to make any updates.  As previously discussed, I really get into my spreadsheets.  

I'll need to think about how I could make a piechart on this.  

[atypical1]

I would compare the VFR and R12S. K12R and S4S.

Excellent start though.

james

[chimera]

Question:  Does BMW offer German delivery on their bikes like they do their cars?  How about military pricing?

When I was stationed in Germany picked up a BMW car for a song through military discount.  The saleslady told me straight out BMW gets a healthy profit margin on U.S. sales.  I saved nearly $8K on a 3 series and BMW STILL made a profit off me. Yeah, there are some shipping charges, dealer overhead, etc but not $8k worth on a $37K car.

If this pricing strategy translates over to the bikes then they might be getting a little extra for status.

[twist]

I'll need to think about how I could make a piechart on this.  

[CRFJohn]

 

[Lon]

damn vfr owners are as bad as bmw owners...

Well, if you average the price I paid for my BMW and my VFR, you come out to ~$3750 each, and I bought the BMW in early-ish 2006... I think?

I wouldn't call that overpriced

[awlittle]

Question:  Does BMW offer German delivery on their bikes like they do their cars?  How about military pricing?

When I was stationed in Germany picked up a BMW car for a song through military discount.  The saleslady told me straight out BMW gets a healthy profit margin on U.S. sales.  I saved nearly $8K on a 3 series and BMW STILL made a profit off me. Yeah, there are some shipping charges, dealer overhead, etc but not $8k worth on a $37K car.

If this pricing strategy translates over to the bikes then they might be getting a little extra for status.

Yes to question the second: http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/promos/index.jsp
Don't know about European delivery on bikes. 

As for the topic question, I always thought the price premium was to keep people like burnergold2B out of the dealership. 

[Oilhed]

Simple - to keep the resale value up.  Or to keep the riff raff out of the fancy showroom.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

You pay more, so I don't have too.

j/k

[stewm_21]

Selfish swine that dare question the cost of the mighty BMW.  If they didn't charge what they do then how would Charlie and Ewan get around the world and down to the cape?  How would Charlie be able to ride in the Dakar with 2 other blokes?  
 
 

True story- When I picked up my bike the salesman gave me a free hat and I looked at him on as we stood on the sales floor with other customers, started to laugh and said "for what I just paid and all I get is a free hat, you shitting me or what?"  And that was after getting a good deal on the bike.  Glad he had a sense of humor.  

[BigHoss]

I used to think the BMW was over priced but after buying the hYM I have to say the Italian stuff is way over priced...the frickin fasteners are shite and the welds look like braille.....but I like it anyway.

[1moreroad]

True story- When I picked up my bike the salesman gave me a free hat and I looked at him on as we stood on the sales floor with other customers, started to laugh and said "for what I just paid and all I get is a free hat, you shitting me or what?"  And that was after getting a good deal on the bike.  Glad he had a sense of humor.  

Better than when I took my near new Saturn to the dealer for its 3rd leaky shock seal before the car reached 6 months old.

The service writer's comment:  You only paid $15,000 for the car.  What did you expect?

[Rocket_Cowboy]

The service writer's comment:  You only paid $15,000 for the car.  What did you expect?

Hmmm ... to which your responses should have been "for $15000 I should have planned for another pair of shoes, cuz I'm not going to want this one back after it's retrieved from up your ass"