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      02-02-2010, 02:52 PM   #1
southlight
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BMWNA's Larry Koch answers why no M3 GTS for U.S. and speaks about ZCP Competition M3

Bimmerfile just published an interview (provided by BMWNA) with Larry Koch, M Brand Manager of BMW NA, on the GTS:


Quote:
Q: “Why won’t BMW NA bring the M3 GTS to the United States?”

LK: When I first started discussing the GTS with M in Garching [Munich], I knew it could be a hit in the US, albeit most likely a short-lived hit given such a high price [110,000 Euros before US homologation]. However, when taking a closer look, we realized the car does not pass any EPA or federal safety standards. Those are two big catches for importing a new BMW, even in small volumes. Modifying the GTS to make it US-compliant would be a very costly affair because the car lacks airbags, proper DOT seatbelts, proper bumper height, etc. And those are just the safety items. Keep in mind the 4.4 liter engine is not homologated for the US which would require more than a simple set of racing catalysts [as the car is currently equipped]. Rest HERE.
Like assumed earlier, the necessity for US homologation prevented BMW from offering the GTS in the USA. Furthemore, Larry Koch mentions the Competition Package. Most interesting seems to be that he mentions the revised MDM mode in case ZTP is ordered.


Make sure to visit bimmerfile to read the full interview.


Best regards,
south
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      02-02-2010, 03:19 PM   #2
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Makes sense. No need for them to bring a car to the US that will not sell well or make any real profits

Competition package could've been a little better but improving on the handling of the car with software and a light drop; I personally think they could've offered a little bit more
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      02-02-2010, 03:25 PM   #3
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The car lacks "... proper bumper height ..."? WTF? It looks pretty close to the standard M3 height, no? However, I do agree that all the stuff needed to make the GTS US car legally compliant is not worth it.

The last quote, "There can always be hope but never a guarantee.", means nothing.
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      02-02-2010, 03:26 PM   #4
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Quote:
LK: I’m sure they could, but you have to balance cost against demand. In this case, the customers we speak to on a regular basis are indicating that they’d rather purchase the already-outstanding M3 Coupe for less than $60,000, even with the new-for-2011 Competition Package, and customize it. As you know, the US client often spends a great deal of time and imagination to make his or her M3 unique.
troof. He must be reading m3post. There is no way we would pay $110k+ for the M3 GTS no matter how awesome it is when we can add aftermarket parts like wheels, tires, supercharger, and racing buckets.
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      02-02-2010, 04:22 PM   #5
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I just dont understand how a tiny company like Porsche is able to offer low volume cars like the Boxster Spyder with a retuned engine, and a big company like BMW can't get their Performance seats certified in the US (or to even work with the Euro cars for that matter)? Or why they can't include the BBK in the ZCP?
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      02-02-2010, 04:50 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aus View Post
I just dont understand how a tiny company like Porsche is able to offer low volume cars like the Boxster Spyder with a retuned engine, and a big company like BMW can't get their Performance seats certified in the US (or to even work with the Euro cars for that matter)? Or why they can't include the BBK in the ZCP?
Well, I think it costs a lot of money to certify safety equipment for the U.S., which is why Porsche doesn't offer the same seats as they do on the GT3 in the U.S. market as well. I believe side airbags are now required in all passenger cars.

The Boxster Spyder engine is retuned, just as you say. It's not a different displacement.

The BBK should have been included, though.
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      02-02-2010, 04:59 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by King Tut View Post
troof. He must be reading m3post. There is no way we would pay $110k+ for the M3 GTS no matter how awesome it is when we can add aftermarket parts like wheels, tires, supercharger, and racing buckets.
haha That's what I was thinking after reading that interview.

Mr. Koch must me lurking around this forum on his free time hahahe
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      02-02-2010, 05:17 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by King Tut View Post
troof. He must be reading m3post. There is no way we would pay $110k+ for the M3 GTS no matter how awesome it is when we can add aftermarket parts like wheels, tires, supercharger, and racing buckets.
Agreed..at that price I'm into a GT3.

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      02-02-2010, 05:35 PM   #9
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that's right
bmw is already having a hard time selling regular M3's at 60-75k
bringing over a 100k+ one?
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      02-02-2010, 05:47 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by McLuVan View Post
that's right
bmw is already having a hard time selling regular M3's at 60-75k
bringing over a 100k+ one?
sike
... a very hard time.

For me, the $2500 ZCP was a surprise and at the same time the best move in for this M3 market. I don't think that the M3 can withstand another pricey option and then trunk money to move the sucker...
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      02-02-2010, 06:11 PM   #11
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if it came here it would sell.

...add it to the list of pipe dreams with the CSL
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      02-02-2010, 06:29 PM   #12
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I understand that BMW/NA has to deal with crash issues for adding equipment, but what about taking things away, like backseats and all the sound deadening material? I say offer the brakes, exhaust, aero stuff and sell the cage separately as a boltin. For $80k I would buy an M3 that would at least be somewhat competitive with BMW/CCA in a CM class from the factory.
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      02-02-2010, 06:55 PM   #13
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Personally, I would not have wanted a track ready car for every day use and I don't have 110K to dump on a weekend vehicle.

If BMW is looking at these posts, the only request that I would have for US production would be to make available frozen gray for March 2011 M3 production.
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      02-02-2010, 07:12 PM   #14
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No airbags? Makes sense.
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      02-02-2010, 07:38 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave07997S View Post
Agreed..at that price I'm into a GT3.
The GTS is definitely the better and more balanced car, unless you're a Porsche fan, like you seem to be . Fortunately, I'm not into neither one .
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      02-02-2010, 07:39 PM   #16
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I really wish they would offer the enhanced EDC and MDM programming as "performance package" for earlier MY cars. There are packages like this available for the 335; why not for the M3? It would generate revenue and keep the faithful more engaged with the brand. Seems like a win for them/us if priced right. Heck, springs and wheels too!
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      02-02-2010, 07:49 PM   #17
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I like the re-tuned MDM and EDC for the comp pkg if it is what I believe it is being hyped to be. But the package should also include and ECU re-tune, big brakes and air ducting onto the brakes for cooling. 10mm drop is not so bad if it helps handling. Also, change the steering to be a bit tighter. Loose some sound proofing to save weight and let the driver hear the engine. Offer the lighter, non electric seats as an option too. The GTS exhaust would be nice but it seems it won't meet EPA regs. Better would be one of the titanium exhausts, like Akrapovic, but EPA compliant. If they did this the comp package would be a real bargain and I bet would be a better seller. No need for the GTS except for hard-core racers. Anyone else agree?


Cheers,

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      02-02-2010, 07:54 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ersin View Post
Better would be one of the titanium exhausts, like Akrapovic, but EPA compliant. If they did this the comp package would be a real bargain and I bet would be a better seller. No need for the GTS except for hard-core racers.
Akrapovic is the GTS exhaust if sources are correct- the issue is the 4.4 spews more crap and the catalysts the EPA needs can't handle it.

BMW Performance is working on bringing in some of the GTS parts from what we have gathered... we shall see.
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      02-02-2010, 07:59 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by mapezzul View Post
BMW Performance is working on bringing in some of the GTS parts from what we have gathered... we shall see.
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      02-02-2010, 09:07 PM   #20
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Honestly, like the GTR Spec V, the increase in cost of the GTS over the standard M3 just doesn't sound like a bargain. What gives these cars great appeal is there price. When you add a few bolt ons, doubling the price just doesn't make sense. If they brought it to the U.S. in limited quantities, it would still sell, but I've seen people buy pay over 100k for a Mustang. So thats not really saying much. I think the GTS is cool, but I just don't think it matches up to it's competition when you look at its astronomical price increase. What makes me laugh is they use resources to bring the GTS to a couple of people with mega bucks, but when it comes to the average M3 owner/buyer they release an appearance package, masquerading as the "competition" package. I'm disappointed by it, but at least its cheap. Next time don't get my hopes up, call it what it is, and if you release a competition package, make sure its something that I'll actually appreciate at a "competition".
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      02-02-2010, 10:30 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mapezzul View Post
Akrapovic is the GTS exhaust if sources are correct- the issue is the 4.4 spews more crap and the catalysts the EPA needs can't handle it.

BMW Performance is working on bringing in some of the GTS parts from what we have gathered... we shall see.
Arvin Meritor makes the GTS exhaust. Where did you hear that BMW is going to release individual GTS parts?
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      02-02-2010, 10:34 PM   #22
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so how does porsche import the GT3 RS?

don't they have problems?
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