It is my understanding that details for the new Z4 will come out around the holidays and the cars will be on dealers lots in the U.S. by April, 2009. Expect a price increase of about 2%. The car will be slightly wider and longer, as has already been reported. I expect the weight to be increased.
Across the board BMW NA wants to move the current sales mix of 60% lease/40% purchase to 50/50. That means that residuals and money factors will not be attractive for leases. Witness what it takes to lease a 135i Cabrio. What happens if the product doesn't move, the economy is slowing, and people don't want to spend money on anything? That means BMW FA comes up with cheap money to purchase. Current BMW NA rates are in the 4.90% area for new cars and that may get better as unsold cars sit on the lots. Compare that to a USAA car loan rate of approximately 5.65% or compare to your local bank.
Across the board BMW NA wants to move the current sales mix of 60% lease/40% purchase to 50/50. That means that residuals and money factors will not be attractive for leases. Witness what it takes to lease a 135i Cabrio. What happens if the product doesn't move, the economy is slowing, and people don't want to spend money on anything? That means BMW FA comes up with cheap money to purchase. Current BMW NA rates are in the 4.90% area for new cars and that may get better as unsold cars sit on the lots. Compare that to a USAA car loan rate of approximately 5.65% or compare to your local bank.