BMW 335i 2013 News

THE price tags at Nick Theodossi's North Melbourne prestige car showroom would plunge dramatically if calls for the scrapping of the 5 per cent tariff on imported cars and the luxury car tax are taken up by the government.As Joe Hockey yesterday confirmed the government would consider dropping the imposts after the departures of Ford, Toyota and Holden left no carmaking industry to protect, car buyers were contemplating savings of more than $10,000 on a $93,000 BMW 335i sedan, and significantly higher price cuts on six-figure vehicles.Dealers like Mr Theodossi, who have long opposed the protection given to the local car manufacturing industry, were cautiously welcoming the possibility that high-end brands such as BMW, Audi and Land Rover might soon be within reach of mainstream buyers. Mr Theodossi, 62, said he was yet to be convinced the government would follow the recommendation of leading economists and scrap the luxury car tax, but it would be a massive boost for the industry -- and consumers -- if it happened."I can't see the government scrapping it, but it would be fantastic if they did," he said. "Everybody could buy a Mercedes." After the Australian Automotive Association this week called for the scrapping of the tariffs on imported cars in the wake of the demise of the Australian car manufacturing industry, the Treasurer said yesterday the idea would be considered."The car industry is not going until 2017, but this is something that will certainly be considered by our review of taxation, which will occur in the next 18 months or so, and certainly before the next election," Mr Hockey said. The import tariff raises about $900m a year, and the luxury car tax about $400m a year.While the removal of the 5 per cent tariff on imported passenger cars could cut several hundred dollars or more off the cost of a mid-range car such as a Mazda 3, expensive cars that attracted the tariff and the luxury car tax could fall by thousands of dollars. Mr Theodossi said he thought consumers rather than dealers would be the main winners if the tax was abolished.His most expensive car in stock is a 2013 Bentley Continental Coupe, which although he can sell it for less, retails for $500,000 excluding GST. With fuel consumption of 9.9L/100km, it does not meet the government's fuel efficiency threshold of 7L/100km, and is taxed at a rate of 33 per cent on the portion of the price of the car above $60,316, making the luxury car tax (LCT) component of the price $145,095. The scrapping of the LCT would therefore reduce the price of the Bentley from $500,000, to $354,904. Trade Prestige Cars dealer Stephen Curtain said he believed the case for abolishing the imported and luxury car taxes was compelling."If they're charging the tax to try to protect Australian car manufacturers and there are now no Australian car manufacturers, it makes no sense to keep it." Mr Curtain predominantly deals in used luxury cars, but said he expected sales of new high-end cars to increase significantly if the tax was scrapped. "No doubt if someone knocks $8000 or $10,000 off the price of a car, that will drive up sales of luxury cars."Ateco Automotive executive chairman Neville Crichton, whose Sydney-based group owns dealerships that sell vehicles ranging from the Chinese-made Chery to Italy's Maserati, said he had no doubt that tariffs and the luxury car tax should be scrapped."The luxury car tax was put in place to protect the local producers with the (Holden) Statesman -- they don't make those cars any more," Mr Crichton said. "It's become a revenue situation rather than a protectionist tariff. I think the luxury tax is extremely unfair."He said car prices would plunge if they were scrapped. "Right now, if you look at a $600,000 Ferrari, close to 30 per cent of that is going to the luxury car tax. It doesn't take Einstein to work out that suddenly that $600,000 car becomes a $400,000 car," he said."It'll open the market up considerably." But he said BMW and Audi would be the big winners. "The brands that would certainly benefit would be Land Rover, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Maserati. There's still only a limited amount of people who would want to own a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. It would bring a lot of the BMW and Audi range into a normal car bracket again."ADDITIONAL REPORTING: SID MAHER, DARREN DAVIDSON, MARK SCHLIEBS 

Announced today by BMW Australia, the pricing and specification revisions include the addition of added standard features and the lowering of the price of many options offered in the Sedan and Touring variants of the 3 Series. But with the revisions comes an increase in the initial purchase price of the 3 Series, these increases range from $1400 to $3000.BMW have also made various specification level changes, including the 'Business' grade navigation system as standard on the 316i, 318d, 320i, 320d sedan variants, as well as the 318d and 320i touring models. The 328i receives an upgraded body style, and a 'professional' navigation system complete with internet functionality.The 'Professional' navigation system now comes with a new iDrive controller, with touch functionality. Those who opt for the 'Driving Assistant' option now get a lane departure warning system.The BMW 'Lines' add-on package, with 18" alloys, now come at no cost on the 328i sedan and touring The 335i and ActiveHybrid 3 models also get the 'Lines' package as standard, as well as roller rear windscreen and door sunblinds. While all 3 Series Sedan and Touring models equipped with the eight-speed sports automatic transmission will now also include launch control as standard.BMW has also reworked the pricing of optional equipment, including; Optional equipment pricing has had an overhaul in the 3 series sedan and touring models. Active cruise control with stop and go function (not available for 316i and 318d) has benefitted from a $384 reduction.Similar revisions have been applied to the unique-in-segment Head-Up display with savings of up to $300, depending on the 3 Series model. A saving of around $460 is also available on the HiFi loudspeaker system or the high-end harman/kardon surround sound system as options for the 316i, 318d, 320i and 320d Sedan variants as well as the 318d, and 320i for the Touring models.The BMW ‘Lines’, price reduced on some models; no cost option on others. The M Sport package reduced by $615 for 316i and 318d; over $1000 for 328i and $500 for 335i and ActiveHybrid 3. Phil Horton, managing director of BMW Group Australia, says the changes enhance the value and credentials of the 3 Series.“The 3 Series is lauded for its excellent driving dynamics and beautiful styling, and now it boasts increased specification and more attractive option pricing. Who could ask for more?”The updates to the BMW 3 Series Touring models are effective from July 2013 production and from August 2013 for the BMW 3 Series Sedan range.BMW 3 SeriesBMW 316i Sedan            from $52,300BMW 318d Sedan           from $57,800BMW 320i Sedan            from $60,000BMW 320d Sedan           from $62,300BMW 328i Sedan            from $68,900BMW 335i Sedan            from $93,400BMW ActiveHybrid 3      from $99,700BMW 318d Touring        from $60,300BMW 320i Touring         from $64,000BMW 328i Touring         from $72,900Joel Helmes is the editor of the Behind the Wheel radio program, heard on more than 150 stations around Australia, and www.behindthewheel.com.au