[sansei209]

My apologies in advance if this is a rehashing of earlier posts of like subjects.

I'm just about ready to place a deposit on my first BMW - 330i/Arctic/Poplar/Beige/ZPP/ZSP/ZCW/Steptronic/auto rear sunshade/nav-iDrive/sat prep.

MSRP - $46,195.

My local dealer will have to have it delivered from another dealership. Is the transport fee totally my responsibility or should I insist the dealership take all or part of the financial responsibility?

How much over invoice do you think I should stand firm on? The salesman I spoke to balked on $1200 over invoice because of the transport ($) from the vehicle's present locale to his dealership in Modesto, CA. This will be a cash deal.

TIA for any help.

[pony_trekker]

>>My local dealer will have to have it delivered from another dealership. Is the transport fee totally my responsibility or should I insist the dealership take all or part of the financial responsibility?

You have got to be kidding. I wouldn't pay a dime toward the transport fee, and in fact had the same thing when I bought my car. They trade cars anyway.

If he doesn't have it, why not go to a dealer that does?

But from what I have heard, $1200 is a pretty good, but not incredible deal.

[Hoenir]

The transport fee is dealership's responsibility, at my dealer (SJW Nelspruit) when I just want a test drive in a 2nd hand car form another dealer, they bring the car here on there own expence (even if I don't buy it).
Service means everything...

[Jay_328]

2 tips.... don't pay transport fee nor more than $1000 over invoice.

good luck

[Nikki]

It depends on what dealer you go to and what area you live in. I couldn't get more than $750 off of MSRP. Where I live, there is a lot of money, so they know if I won't do the deal, someone else will next week

[BellasBmw]

Originally Posted by Nikki

It depends on what dealer you go to and what area you live in. I couldn't get more than $750 off of MSRP. Where I live, there is a lot of money, so they know if I won't do the deal, someone else will next week

Same situation happened w/ me also. I couldnt get anything lower than $750, i called every bmw dealer in san diego, and no one would budge, because supposedly if i didnt purchase the car, someone else would 20 mins after i leave. So they basically gave me a big line of .. lol but it worked.. haha...

[sansei209]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'll be back at the dealership tomorrow and will post the results here soon thereafter.

Great forum community, by the way. I'll be visiting here a lot.

[Wildcat Jon]

I got 1500 over invoice, no maco and no training fees and ordered in late June, so that was by far one of the best deals people had gotten at that point. Not sure about now. Also, I noticed you're getting the poplar. Great choice. It is stunning. Get the sat radio now. I don't see much upside in just getting sat prep and many people said they had trouble (shortage?) on dealer installs anyway.

[txusa03]

I just wonder how many BMW salesman/lady get on BMW forums. I think that if they get on these forums, they will know how much we enjoyed these cars and soon, we will be paying at MSRP or even above. But as a consumers, we have the upper hand if we stand firm. Just a thought...

[blueStreak]

Depends on where it's coming from. If the swap is local, it's not reasonable. But if it's coming from somewhere like SoCal or Nevada, then he may not want to eat that cost.

For the price, just shop around and see what price other dealers will be willing to sell that car.

[CALIF65GM]

Maybe you can try calling around some the dealers's in CA and might get lucky and find that car. You spec is pretty well optioned out, should probably be able to do a little better, IMO

[sansei209]

Put a deposit down this afternoon to hold the vehicle which apparently is in port. Will go in tomorrow (Friday) to talk deal.

Salesman mentioned three week transit time from port to dealership in Modesto, CA.

I'm hoping since I am seeking a very optioned-out 330i and am doing a straight cash deal, that I'll get a more than decent above-invoice price.

Thoughts and any more suggestions before I head into the dealer tomorrow?

Thanks again for all the input.

[Jay_328]

Dude if I were in your situation I would have never paid the deposit until after the terms of the deal were set. Imho, you have lost quite a bit of leverage now because of that fact. I'm not sure what else to suggest besides go in tomorrow with a figure and stand firm. As an added note, I've never ordered a BMW without having all the info I needed upfront and in writing. It's always worked for me.

Good Luck

[counter_strike]

agree. it is every car salesman job to screw you and get most of your money.

dont give in, prepared to walk!!

[Wildcat Jon]

You have to print the invoice sheets from BMWNA and either fax those in with your EXACT car, options, etc. and the price you're willing to pay, or take them in with you. You shouldn't put down any deposit without a deal in hand, preferably in writing. Email and fax are best even if you're also dealing on the phone or in person bc you have something to point to in case the deal falls apart.

[sansei209]

Live and learn. What I had planned on doing was to let them know the price I have in mind (with invoice price sheets in hand), point to the info on the sheets, point to my offer and if they don't budge, I'll walk. I made it clear to my sales contact that since I wanted to order a fully packaged 330i and that it will be a cash deal, that I would not put up with sales B.S. (You want my business, this is what you need to do to get it).

[sansei209]

I just got off the phone with the salesman from Valley BMW in Modesto. His words to me were "... you're better off buying this vehicle somewhere else."

He indicated his manager will not budge off MSRP because of transport fees to his dealership and because and I quote "the 330i's are so hard to find."

I'm stopping by there this afternoon to pick up my dep. check and will be making phone calls to other places. I figure hey, I've waited my whole life to afford a BMW, I can wait a bit longer until I find the one I want at a fair price.

I'm left feeling a bit perturbed as the tone indicated they just simply don't want my business. I was not rude, just let them know I was aware of invoice price and was looking for a fair shake.

[billgti]

my suggestion is to email dealers around you with your offer. in the email list out the options you want with the invoice price, that way they know you have done your research and won't BS you. that's what i did and i got replies from 3-4 dealers within a day or two. as an added bonus the final price the internet mgr gave me was mistakenly under by $1K and in the end he decided to honor the price he gave me, even tho it was only $400 above invoice.

[sansei209]

billgti - Thanks for the advice. That's what I'll do. I'll update here as things unfold.

[CALIF65GM]

Originally Posted by sansei209

billgti - Thanks for the advice. That's what I'll do. I'll update here as things unfold.

I'd suggest trying the dealers here in the Bay Area as more competition and inventory.

[Jay_328]

Why are you feeling bad about the way they treated you? Dude don't sweat it. There are plenty of dealerships out there who is quite eager to take your business and your money. Take the advice of fellow posters and email other dealerships around you with your offer.

Good Luck and do keep us posted.

[sansei209]

I found what I was looking for through Howard at East Bay BMW in Pleasanton! '06 330i/Arctic/Beige/Poplar/Nav-iDrive/Steptronic/Premium/Sport/Satellite. I'm paying $1250 above invoice.

Vehicle is apparently at the prep center. Can anyone tell me what that means, exactly? Any idea of what the transit time might be to get to Pleasanton, CA from there?

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions. Can't wait to drive this baby off the lot!