European delivery questions

[ez311]

Hello all,

I've been reading this forum for a month or so and just decided to join. The new 135 looks like a sweet car, so I'm seriously considering European delivery next year. I'll have to drive one before I commit, so I've got several months to plan things out. I do have a few questions that I haven't seen covered yet.

1. It looks like the 3 series is >7% off MSRP when doing European delivery. Any reason to think the 1 series will be much different? Is 10% off MSRP a realistic target to shoot for in negotiating with dealers?

2. Most of what I've read indicates the initial 1 series for the US will be 2008 model year. What would be the earliest month that 2009 model year cars can be done through ED? I would assume that most 2009 model year cars arrive in the fall, so Im guessing late summer production in Germany?

3. Is the Lufthansa 2 for 1 special likely to be extended through 2008? Is this even a deal since you have to buy special fare tickets?

4. When trading in a car at the dealership for European Delivery, is this typically done before flying over to pick up the Bimmer? Or is this done after the Bimmer has been shipped back to the US?

I'm sure I'll have more questions, but this post is long enough for now.

Thanks,
Eric

[ibeam81]

Check out www.EDbmw.com.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by ez311

1. It looks like the 3 series is >7% off MSRP when doing European delivery. Any reason to think the 1 series will be much different? Is 10% off MSRP a realistic target to shoot for in negotiating with dealers?

Since it's a new model, You may have a tough time with getting that much off. Definitely try, but new models usually get close to asking price.

Originally Posted by ez311

2. Most of what I've read indicates the initial 1 series for the US will be 2008 model year. What would be the earliest month that 2009 model year cars can be done through ED? I would assume that most 2009 model year cars arrive in the fall, so Im guessing late summer production in Germany?

If it really is a 2008, I'd assume it would only be for a few months. I picked up my 2006 330i in Munich in May 2005.

Originally Posted by ez311

3. Is the Lufthansa 2 for 1 special likely to be extended through 2008? Is this even a deal since you have to buy special fare tickets?

This is highly likely to be continued. I never used this, as I took my kids and wife and Lufthansa was not economical, even with one free ticket.

Originally Posted by ez311

4. When trading in a car at the dealership for European Delivery, is this typically done before flying over to pick up the Bimmer? Or is this done after the Bimmer has been shipped back to the US?

You may be able to negotiate something with your dealer (as I did), but once you sign the paperwork on the car, they expect the trade-in at that time.

One more thing to think of is to join the BMWCCA, and save an additional $500 on the car. If you are a member for a year or more, you get a membership reward for purchasing a new or CPO BMW (the mount varies on the model), but it's totally separate from the negotiated deal.

[1ster]

Originally Posted by ez311

Most of what I've read indicates the initial 1 series for the US will be 2008 model year.

They will all be 2009s. I will eat my left nut if they're not.

[123d]

^^ Sucks to be you!!

[atr_hugo]

How would you like it cooked?

Somewhere in here that question was asked and we think there's a definitive answer, it'll be a 2008. I think they have until July of the current year before they must, by US regulation, declare it the next model year (or at least that's a good story if it's not true ; -).

[1ster]

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

How would you like it cooked?

The car comes out in late March. By then, competitors will have had their 2008s out for 7+ months. No way BMW lets a brand new, super-hot model get branded a 2008.

The press release is silent on this point. Where are you guys getting your information that it will be called a 2008?

[atr_hugo]

Search is your friend - I'm pretty sure we've been through this already on this site.

[1ster]

I do try to search before asking questions. "2009" and "model year" don't pull up any relevant results. It's not a big deal, but simply saying "it's already been covered" isn't much of an answer to a queestion.

[123d]

So, your saying they are going to be doing a 6 month run of 2008 1 series coupes? That doesn't make sense.

If production of the 2008 1 series begins in Sept (it already has) it will continue until sept 2008 when the 2009 start. They WILL NOT change the model year to 2009 in march.

In March the 2008 coupe will have been out for 6 months... just the same as their competition!! And yes, this has been discussed before... there are other reasons... ie, look at the history of what has happened before....

You gave your opinion and you put a lot on the line for it. And because of that I won't say another word on the topic until March when we see the 2008 1 series coupe!

[Khobin~]

Originally Posted by 123d

So, your saying they are going to be doing a 6 month run of 2008 1 series coupes? That doesn't make sense.

If production of the 2008 1 series begins in Sept (it already has) it will continue until sept 2008 when the 2009 start. They WILL NOT change the model year to 2009 in march.

In March the 2008 coupe will have been out for 6 months... just the same as their competition!! And yes, this has been discussed before... there are other reasons... ie, look at the history of what has happened before....

You gave your opinion and you put a lot on the line for it. And because of that I won't say another word on the topic until March when we see the 2008 1 series coupe!

+1

[atr_hugo]

Originally Posted by 1ster

I do try to search before asking questions. "2009" and "model year" don't pull up any relevant results. It's not a big deal, but simply saying "it's already been covered" isn't much of an answer to a queestion.

Sorry - but it's not my left nut that's on the line here. ; -) Rest assured I won't hold you to your promise. :biggrin:

But the car will be in Europe starting in November as a 2008 MY car, and they don't have to designate it as a 2009 MY in the US if it comes out prior to July (IIRC - the regs may have changed). There is also the notion that the 1er may help BMW's CAFE rating (don't know if that's a potential issue) and having a 128i in the '08 MY may be of some benefit to meeting those standards, especially if they sell, say as many or more 128i as 750Li.

[1ster]

Originally Posted by 123d

So, your saying they are going to be doing a 6 month run of 2008 1 series coupes? That doesn't make sense.

I'm saying they won't do a 5 month 2008 model run in America. They can call it whatever they want in the rest of the world.

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

Sorry - but it's not my left nut that's on the line here. ; -) Rest assured I won't hold you to your promise. :biggrin:

But the car will be in Europe starting in November as a 2008 MY car, and they don't have to designate it as a 2009 MY in the US if it comes out prior to July (IIRC - the regs may have changed). There is also the notion that the 1er may help BMW's CAFE rating (don't know if that's a potential issue) and having a 128i in the '08 MY may be of some benefit to meeting those standards, especially if they sell, say as many or more 128i as 750Li.

Now THAT makes sense. It also makes me very nervous! :eyebulge:

I'm still betting it's an 09 for America, though. :wink:

[atr_hugo]

Originally Posted by 1ster

Now THAT makes sense. It also makes me very nervous! :eyebulge:

I'm still betting it's an 09 for America, though. :wink:

You do have a lot riding on it, don't you. ; -)

[1ster]

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

You do have a lot riding on it, don't you. ; -)

Sadly yes.

[IrvRobinson2]

so, what's the problem here?

[IrvRobinson2]

Originally Posted by ez311

Hello all,

I've been reading this forum for a month or so and just decided to join. The new 135 looks like a sweet car, so I'm seriously considering European delivery next year. I'll have to drive one before I commit, so I've got several months to plan things out. I do have a few questions that I haven't seen covered yet.

1. It looks like the 3 series is >7% off MSRP when doing European delivery. Any reason to think the 1 series will be much different? Is 10% off MSRP a realistic target to shoot for in negotiating with dealers?

2. Most of what I've read indicates the initial 1 series for the US will be 2008 model year. What would be the earliest month that 2009 model year cars can be done through ED? I would assume that most 2009 model year cars arrive in the fall, so Im guessing late summer production in Germany?

3. Is the Lufthansa 2 for 1 special likely to be extended through 2008? Is this even a deal since you have to buy special fare tickets?

4. When trading in a car at the dealership for European Delivery, is this typically done before flying over to pick up the Bimmer? Or is this done after the Bimmer has been shipped back to the US?

I'm sure I'll have more questions, but this post is long enough for now.

Thanks,
Eric

let me answer these questions as well, even though the guys did a good job answering them already

1. It depends how hot of a sale the 1-series will be. If a lot of people will be jumping on them, then the dealers will try to maximize their profits. I know it's not always fair but it's part of the business. In the past, a few months after the release, the dealers became more flexible and good deals were able to be found.

2. I would say late september, begining of October

3. It will definitely be extended, it has been like this for years. But, remember, that deal it's not always the best one. You might be able to actually purchase 2 tkts and spend less money. It's all based on the class fares and demand. If you want more details, let me know\

4. In almost all the cases it's before, since all the paperwork needs to be signed at least 2 weeks prior to pick up date. So the trade-in is part of the financing paperwork. Honestly, I'm not sure if any dealer will allow you to keep it until delivery, but you can always ask.

[vjordan]

Originally Posted by 1ster

They will all be 2009s. I will eat my left nut if they're not.

nice trick play...in anatomy they teach you that one of the "nuts" is always smaller...your left one i bet.

[TrojanBMW]

Today I put my deposit down for an ED 135.

Delivery date and final cost are still TBD, but I was able to get my dealer to agree to a $750 over invoice price on the car.

This is a repeat purchase, and the dealer was simply matching the deal we got on our 330i from 2006. But, if you look hard enough, someone will be willing to work with you on an ED car.

The same might not be true for cars purchased normally however . . .

[HotDogWater]

Originally Posted by IrvRobinson

lIt's all based on the class fares and demand. If you want more details, let me know

yes please!

Originally Posted by TrojanBMW

Today I put my deposit down for an ED 135.

Which dealer?

[TrojanBMW]

Which dealer?[/quote]


Steve Thomas BMW, ask for Jim Holzmann. They seem pretty willing to deal on ED cars.

[sjs5572]

I just spoke to Jim Holzmann at Steve Thomas about ED on a 128i. He's a heck of a nice guy.

He's checking into direct shipping to a dealer near my home, since I live about 2000 miles from Venice, CA.

Thanks for the tip Trojan!!