Can anyone recommend a SoCal dealer to order my 1?

RWolf10 · 11-10-2010, 06:26 PM

Derek Dicker at Shelly BMW in Buena Park

He gave me the best price on my 135 order. I took it to New Century BMW in Alhambra where I purchased my previous 128 lease and they couldn't match it.

Derek himself just got his new 135 so hes all about it. Hes the man to see about ordering a new whip. Knowledge and enthusiasm....fully recommend!

Mr. Clarkson · 11-10-2010, 06:38 PM

BMW South County is pretty good, gave me a very good price

Rodzilla · 12-15-2010, 08:47 AM

Just be careful with the extras that the finance manager will try to get you to purchase.

RWolf10 · 12-15-2010, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodzilla

Just be careful with the extras that the finance manager will try to get you to purchase.

Any finance manager will push extras. just sayin

Dannydeleted · 12-15-2010, 07:18 PM

I've been recently dealing with the folks over at Crevier BMW. Great group of folks!

M_BYEEE · 12-18-2010, 10:52 AM

Give Ryan Amico at Steve Thomas BMW he will take good care of you. He's a really down to earth guy, Steve Thomas doesn't play games they are very unorthodox car salesman, in a good way. No bs

TMR · 12-21-2010, 09:07 PM

Amanda at South Bay BMW. The dealership is crap but Amanda will get straight to the point and gives you a good deal.

coldnate · 12-21-2010, 09:08 PM

Using a broker is stupid. No matter what deal they get you, you can always beat it if you would have shopped yourself. Think about it - they don't work for free. Most brokers take a $500 commission. You're paying someone $500 for 2 hours of work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkdiddy

Based off this thread I found Mike Kellison. He is no longer working for BMW, he has branched off and started his own company.

http://www.thepremierautoconcierge.com/

I ordered my 1 through him about 3-weeks ago. He basically shops around all the BMW dealers in So Cal for you and finds the best deal for you. So far so good.

HondaGoneRogue · 12-21-2010, 11:18 PM

+ 1 for Center BMW

goffsroad · 12-21-2010, 11:54 PM

If you are in the OC, Sterling BMW in Newport Beach is the way to go.

Turbolader · 12-22-2010, 10:59 PM

Just got mine from Sterling. Never again. Already took the Sterling Plates off.

dicker · 12-22-2010, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbolader

Just got mine from Sterling. Never again. Already took the Sterling Plates off.

I hear that a lot.

goffsroad · 12-24-2010, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbolader

Just got mine from Sterling. Never again. Already took the Sterling Plates off.

Do tell...

Turbolader · 12-24-2010, 11:28 PM

I bought a 2010 135i with the steptronic tranny thinking it was the DCT. (Fail...I know...Keep reading...) During the test drive, I remarked several times about how glad I was that it had the DCT. The sales person never said a word. The buying process took way too long, and lots of the used-car good cop/bad cop BS. In the end, when we agreed on a number, We went to finance. The saleswoman there was very condescending, as if She didn't have time to deal with a "used" car purchase. When we got to the return clause, I said I wanted it, but she told my wife and I that we shouldn't get it (Something like "Well do you want the car or not?") and "I'd have to fill out 10 pages of extra forms to do it, and it would cost you $750 if you used it...and it's only good for 2 days") Against my better judgement I passed on it. Next was the extremely high-pressure to get the extended maintenance service contract. Nothing like the finance person telling you your brand-new (well, okay not new, but you get the point) BMW is a piece of crap and that you're stupid for not spending an extra $4800 on a service contract.

I realized it didn't have the DCT, as soon as I had driven the car home. Put a total of 50 miles on it. I called them the next day and wanted to see if there was anything they could do.

Long story short, there was nothing they were going to do about it. Never mind that at one point they had me drive 50 miles in (on false promises) and wasted my time with several different people, only to drive 50 miles back (x2 because my wife was following me in another vehicle)

Here's my take on why I'll never go to Sterling again:

1. The salesperson never said anything about the fact it did not have a DCT
2. I had to *Explain* what the difference was, and why you'd want one
3. The finance person's attitude was abysmal and outright unethical, especially with regards to the return clause fiasco.

Buyer beware, sure, and that's my own fault, not theirs, and I don't hold that against them. What I do hold against them are those three points. If you're selling a BMW, you should know that (some) of your clients are actually buying a BMW because of the driving experience. If you don't know what equipment comes in the cars, then why are you selling them.

goffsroad · 12-25-2010, 12:03 AM

Ugh, I am sorry you had such a terrible experience. You always want the buying process to be a positive experience when purchasing a car, but sometimes we forget to do a lot of things and allow the dealer to push us through something that we would normally take the time to think about. I have purchased several cars in the past that way, and always felt like shit afterwards. I at least hope that you can enjoy the car.

Turbolader · 12-25-2010, 01:01 AM

Hey thanks man. I really do love the car, and despite the fact that it has a slushbox, I will say it is the best slushbox I've ever driven. The fact that it provides real engine braking in DS mode is pretty surprising, along with how quickly the shifts are (Much less 'lazy shifts' like most ATFs).

dicker · 12-27-2010, 12:53 AM

You didn't get the DCT but you did get the N54!!

Honestly most salespeople don't know shit about the cars, I spend half of my time at work fielding product knowledge questions from other salespeople.

tranism · 01-23-2012, 02:58 AM

Sasha Babich at Center BMW in Sherman Oaks. She's young, super chill, and knows her stuff. Ordered a car thru her.

Kazar · 01-26-2012, 12:45 PM

+1 for Center BMW (They are also a Dinan location so you can add your goodies to your lease/purchase). Top of the line BMW Dealership.

jsmonet · 01-27-2012, 08:38 PM

I don't think i've ever had a worse experience than at monrovia bmw. lied to about what they had in stock, about the timing of a dealer trade (they said they'd have my wife's car on the lot when we came in), and lied to about pricing. We'd negotiated a reasonable price for her vehicle before coming in, only to be told we would be lucky to pay msrp.

while sitting there waiting for Byron to come back, for a half hour (asked to test drive *any* of that model that they had, only to see him fucking off on the lot chatting with people) we'd located another at another dealership, called to verify it was there, and made an appointment to see it in a half hour (drive time). We got the price we wanted on a far better-equipped vehicle, but i'm not convinced i'd go through that other dealership for... anything at all.

my car was ordered through a friend of a friend in the bay area, so that bit doesn't apply here.

11-10-2010, 06:26 PM	#23
RWolf10 Lieutenant 69 Rep 557 Posts Drives: Alpine White 135i DCT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Chino Hills, CA iTrader: (28)	Derek Dicker at Shelly BMW in Buena Park He gave me the best price on my 135 order. I took it to New Century BMW in Alhambra where I purchased my previous 128 lease and they couldn't match it. Derek himself just got his new 135 so hes all about it. Hes the man to see about ordering a new whip. Knowledge and enthusiasm....fully recommend!
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11-10-2010, 06:38 PM	#24
Mr. Clarkson Lieutenant 41 Rep 541 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	BMW South County is pretty good, gave me a very good price __________________
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12-15-2010, 08:47 AM	#25
Rodzilla Lieutenant 32 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 2008 Montego Blue 135i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [0.00]	Just be careful with the extras that the finance manager will try to get you to purchase. __________________ There are no impossible deeds, only incapable men. Eibach frontsway,BMS JB4,AFE Drop InBerk Street Axleback, H&R SPORT SPRINGS,Active Autowerke DP's ,Active Autowerke BOV,Active Autowerke FMIC , BMWPEDALS.COM, JB SPEED Black Grills,Alpina B3 TCU Flash
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12-15-2010, 07:18 PM	#27
Dannydeleted Private 4 Rep 83 Posts Drives: Subaru STi Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Fountain Valley iTrader: (0)	I've been recently dealing with the folks over at Crevier BMW. Great group of folks!
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12-18-2010, 10:52 AM	#28
M_BYEEE Brigadier General 147 Rep 3,269 Posts Drives: BSM X5M Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Camarillo, CA iTrader: (7)	Give Ryan Amico at Steve Thomas BMW he will take good care of you. He's a really down to earth guy, Steve Thomas doesn't play games they are very unorthodox car salesman, in a good way. No bs __________________
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12-21-2010, 09:07 PM	#29
TMR Brigadier General 395 Rep 3,161 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Torrance iTrader: (12)	Amanda at South Bay BMW. The dealership is crap but Amanda will get straight to the point and gives you a good deal. __________________ 2015 M3 BPM Tuned, Eibach, Magnaflow and more www.tmrmzine.com/m3/f80 SOLD E92 Slēk Carbon Fiber Widebody M3 www.tmrmzine.com/m3/slek/ SOLD E92 335i Stage 3+ with all the toys www.tmrmzine.com/335/ SOLD E39 M5 Modded, What a great car! www.tmrmzine.com/m5/
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12-21-2010, 11:18 PM	#31
HondaGoneRogue They like my Swag... 433 Rep 3,762 Posts Drives: 15 GSM 435i GC Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: South Dakota iTrader: (4) Garage List 2015 435i Gran Coupe [0.00]	+ 1 for Center BMW __________________ 2015 435i Gran Coupe - Current 2008 AW 135i - Sold
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12-21-2010, 11:54 PM	#32
goffsroad Private 8 Rep 75 Posts Drives: The non-enthusiasts 128i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Surf City USA iTrader: (0)	If you are in the OC, Sterling BMW in Newport Beach is the way to go.
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12-22-2010, 10:59 PM	#33
Turbolader The Fat Stig 11 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: 2003 Stg 3+ SRT-4 iTrader: (1)	Just got mine from Sterling. Never again. Already took the Sterling Plates off.
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12-24-2010, 11:28 PM	#36
Turbolader The Fat Stig 11 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: 2003 Stg 3+ SRT-4 iTrader: (1)	I bought a 2010 135i with the steptronic tranny thinking it was the DCT. (Fail...I know...Keep reading...) During the test drive, I remarked several times about how glad I was that it had the DCT. The sales person never said a word. The buying process took way too long, and lots of the used-car good cop/bad cop BS. In the end, when we agreed on a number, We went to finance. The saleswoman there was very condescending, as if She didn't have time to deal with a "used" car purchase. When we got to the return clause, I said I wanted it, but she told my wife and I that we shouldn't get it (Something like "Well do you want the car or not?") and "I'd have to fill out 10 pages of extra forms to do it, and it would cost you $750 if you used it...and it's only good for 2 days") Against my better judgement I passed on it. Next was the extremely high-pressure to get the extended maintenance service contract. Nothing like the finance person telling you your brand-new (well, okay not new, but you get the point) BMW is a piece of crap and that you're stupid for not spending an extra $4800 on a service contract. I realized it didn't have the DCT, as soon as I had driven the car home. Put a total of 50 miles on it. I called them the next day and wanted to see if there was anything they could do. Long story short, there was nothing they were going to do about it. Never mind that at one point they had me drive 50 miles in (on false promises) and wasted my time with several different people, only to drive 50 miles back (x2 because my wife was following me in another vehicle) Here's my take on why I'll never go to Sterling again: 1. The salesperson never said anything about the fact it did not have a DCT 2. I had to Explain what the difference was, and why you'd want one 3. The finance person's attitude was abysmal and outright unethical, especially with regards to the return clause fiasco. Buyer beware, sure, and that's my own fault, not theirs, and I don't hold that against them. What I do hold against them are those three points. If you're selling a BMW, you should know that (some) of your clients are actually buying a BMW because of the driving experience. If you don't know what equipment comes in the cars, then why are you selling them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-25-2010, 12:03 AM	#37
goffsroad Private 8 Rep 75 Posts Drives: The non-enthusiasts 128i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Surf City USA iTrader: (0)	Ugh, I am sorry you had such a terrible experience. You always want the buying process to be a positive experience when purchasing a car, but sometimes we forget to do a lot of things and allow the dealer to push us through something that we would normally take the time to think about. I have purchased several cars in the past that way, and always felt like shit afterwards. I at least hope that you can enjoy the car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-25-2010, 01:01 AM	#38
Turbolader The Fat Stig 11 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: 2003 Stg 3+ SRT-4 iTrader: (1)	Hey thanks man. I really do love the car, and despite the fact that it has a slushbox, I will say it is the best slushbox I've ever driven. The fact that it provides real engine braking in DS mode is pretty surprising, along with how quickly the shifts are (Much less 'lazy shifts' like most ATFs).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-27-2010, 12:53 AM	#39
dicker Captain 69 Rep 847 Posts Drives: F80 6MT Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (8)	You didn't get the DCT but you did get the N54!! Honestly most salespeople don't know shit about the cars, I spend half of my time at work fielding product knowledge questions from other salespeople.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-23-2012, 02:58 AM	#40
tranism Care Bears vs Klingons 34 Rep 205 Posts Drives: 128i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Sasha Babich at Center BMW in Sherman Oaks. She's young, super chill, and knows her stuff. Ordered a car thru her.
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01-26-2012, 12:45 PM	#41
Kazar Enlisted Member 0 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2009 135i with M Sport package Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	+1 for Center BMW (They are also a Dinan location so you can add your goodies to your lease/purchase). Top of the line BMW Dealership.
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01-27-2012, 08:38 PM	#42
jsmonet Captain 302 Rep 913 Posts Drives: 2020 x7 m50i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: so cal iTrader: (2)	I don't think i've ever had a worse experience than at monrovia bmw. lied to about what they had in stock, about the timing of a dealer trade (they said they'd have my wife's car on the lot when we came in), and lied to about pricing. We'd negotiated a reasonable price for her vehicle before coming in, only to be told we would be lucky to pay msrp. while sitting there waiting for Byron to come back, for a half hour (asked to test drive any of that model that they had, only to see him fucking off on the lot chatting with people) we'd located another at another dealership, called to verify it was there, and made an appointment to see it in a half hour (drive time). We got the price we wanted on a far better-equipped vehicle, but i'm not convinced i'd go through that other dealership for... anything at all. my car was ordered through a friend of a friend in the bay area, so that bit doesn't apply here.
	Appreciate 0 Quote