BMW might build the 3 Series in the U.S

In a discussion a few months with of our friend Palbay, I learned that BMW is looking into the possibility to expand the 3 Series production at its Spartanburg, SC, plant. I have to admit I was a little skeptical in the beginning, knowing that the 3 Series is their most sold car in Europe, and not only, but in the same time, 35% of the bimmers sold in the States, are the 3 Series.

Yesterday, Palbay pointed out an article on Edmunds.com which comes to support the rumor that indeed, BMW might actually move some of its 3er production to the U.S plant.

At the beginning of July, we saw some photos of the factory expansion which will be finished by the end of this year and we already know that the BMW X3 production will move there as well to counter the strong euro.

So why would BMW want to move some of its 3 Series production here?

Well, we already mentioned that the 3 Series is the most sold car in the U.S and of course, the exchange rate situation that is putting BMW in a bad financial spot. As the friends at Edmunds mentioned also, by building some 3 Series here, BMW can become more profitable and competitive when it comes to its car pricing.

How will this impact us?

I will tell you upfront my main concern: BMW European Delivery. What if us, the crazy bimmer lovers, will not be able to take advantage of the wonderful BMW European Delivery when it comes to the 3 Series delivery? I know for one, I would not be a happy camper and I want to believe that BMW will have a plan for us as well. Majority of the Euro deliveries are 3 Series vehicles and the program has become extremely popular over the last few years. I am “guilty” of that as well

We’ll keep you updated as soon as we hear more.

9 Responses to “BMW might build the 3 Series in the U.S”

Nico says:

August 29, 2008 at 1:27 pm

Yes, finally, BMW American Delivery for me!

Gragop says:

August 29, 2008 at 1:32 pm

Well, at least BMW is doing something to “subsidize” it’s own costs on it’s bread and butter models. Thankfully with modern manufacturing retooling a factory to produce various models is somewhat cost-effective.

My concern would be that as a cost cutting maneuver, would this mean a change in the parts or quality of parts going into, say, a US-manufactured car compared to a car built in South Africa or Germany?

Horatiu B. says:

August 29, 2008 at 2:27 pm

@Nico: I do foresee that.
@Gragop: Gragop, I don’t BMW will ever lower their standards when it comes to the quality of parts, they worked too hard to achieve the status of Ultimate Driving Machine. All the cars they came out of the Spartanburg factory turned out to be ok.

George says:

August 29, 2008 at 5:43 pm

“Hey, hey what do you say?This was made in the USA!” Cool!Bring them on!

Artmic says:

August 29, 2008 at 10:34 pm

Well if they want to build a factory in the USA and make the cars 10 percent cheaper, they are welcome to it

Mark says:

August 30, 2008 at 12:57 pm

I cannot imagine ALL new 3 Series being built in Spartanburg…if so, what happens in Regensburg??? In Leipzig?? The Munich plant??? I see this as BMW AG simply being able to possibly lower the cost….then again, I would hate to see US folks losing the ability to pick up a new 3er in Munich, unless people who want to still get a 3er in Munich for a slightly higher cost…

Cheers,

Horatiu B. says:

August 30, 2008 at 1:33 pm

@Mark: Not all Mark, some of the production will move to Spartanburg, my guess is that mostly 328s and 335s, since those are the 3er sold here.

Artmic says:

August 31, 2008 at 11:08 am

yeah i’m thinking that also, only the 328/335 will be produced in the USA if they do decided to build them here…

And that is good enough for me
as the 328/335 coupe is my favorite BMW to look at anyway. They can keep the rest of the cars in germany

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