Market Snapshot

THREE OUT OF FOUR BMW OWNERS CUSTOMIZE—GOOD NEWS FOR UPCOMING 1 SERIES

According to SEMA’s Automotive Lifestyles survey of enthusiasts, more than three out of four BMW owners actively accessorize their cherished Bimmer. Of the 1.4% of respondents that said they owned a BMW, 77% had purchased specialty equipment. The top products purchased by these enthusiasts were not only the usual wheel and tire upgrades, but also performance products including air intakes, exhausts and brake kits (all three among the top five purchases).

Will a lesser priced sub-3 Series BMW car entice more enthusiasts to buy and customize it? BMW's new 1 Series will be priced under $30,000 and will offer two inline six-cylinder engines: the 128i model with 230 hp and the 135i with 300 hp.