1M Production - Question: Will Military Sales offer it?

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by HondaGoneRogue

I agree, but it isn't all military. And that's what he made it seem like. I would argue that anyone that HASN'T served most assuredly takes way more for granted than anyone that has.

No, not all military. I'm AD myself for 7 years now and also a combat vet. But in my view all I did was sign a voluntary contract and then live up to it. I meet guys all the time that: A) don't realize how good they have it and/or B) are constantly whining about being owed something.

But we're veering off-topic here.

[Drillslinger]

Originally Posted by HondaGoneRogue

Then why don't you just find a stateside dealer that will do ED?

Because you still have to send your car back to the states if you do ED. And buying from a stateside dealer and shipping it over would run anywhere from 2k to 4k over the price of the car.

[Drillslinger]

And just to add, I've done a little bit of research. BMW Military Sales has already requested 1 allocation per dealer (same as minimum that US dealer supposedly got) but were denied. Military Sales has 11 dealers throughout the world. 9 of these dealers are single location and 2 dealers (Pentagon/Bavarian Motor Cars) each have 10. (To be fair, First Choice MSP services Kuwait and UAE from a single office) So I don't understand why BMW couldn't allocate 15 slots for Military Sales? (1 each for the 9 single locations and 3 each for Pentagon/BMC) Even at MSRP this would AT LEAST give us the opportunity to get a 1M (and would actually save BMW shipping costs ).

Edit: I forgot to add Unilife which services Japan, Okinawa and just about everyone else that the folks above don't. I don't know how many folks are in their AOR so even if they get 5 slots, it's still only 20 total for the entire MSP.

[muwarrior07]

This is why I am moving on to a different car. I've had a 3k deposit down for about 6 months. I would like to use my bew car a little bit on the autoban before I leave early next year, and I'm tired of waiting in limbo.

Though it looks like I'll be be pushing my purchase to the right by a couple weeks since I just broke my ankle...

[HondaGoneRogue]

Originally Posted by Drillslinger

Because you still have to send your car back to the states if you do ED. And buying from a stateside dealer and shipping it over would run anywhere from 2k to 4k over the price of the car.

I've purchased a new car from a stateside dealer before and paid no tax. That alone would cover the shipping of the car. And are you positive you HAVE to ship the car to the states? I don't see why you can't choose where you want YOUR vehicle.

[Drillslinger]

Originally Posted by HondaGoneRogue

And are you positive you HAVE to ship the car to the states? I don't see why you can't choose where you want YOUR vehicle.

It's a customs requirement for ED vehicles.

[HondaGoneRogue]

That's unfortunate. Military sales option should be offered for that reason alone. But alas, that is the sacrifice of service albeit far from the greatest.

[BimmerJim]

Word is that Military Sales will not get it this year.

[Drillslinger]

Originally Posted by HondaGoneRogue

But alas, that is the sacrifice of service albeit far from the greatest.

Very true.

For me the frustrating part is the lack of opportunity. Yes, Military Sales is a small percentage of BMW's market... but it's still a market. The way BMW/MINI has handled both the MINI GP and now the 1M leads me to believe that the program doesn't even register on BMW's list of priorities. As a customer, that stings a little.

[HondaGoneRogue]

I agree.

[Drillslinger]

Originally Posted by BimmerMaj

Word is that Military Sales will not get it this year.

The decision to build the 1M past December has not yet been made but right now it's unlikely as the Leipzig plant should start building the new 1 series early next year. It's been said that Military Sales may get allocations if the 1M hasn't sold out by September/October.

[Grey Dove]

Originally Posted by Drillslinger

Very true.

For me the frustrating part is the lack of opportunity. Yes, Military Sales is a small percentage of BMW's market... but it's still a market. The way BMW/MINI has handled both the MINI GP and now the 1M leads me to believe that the program doesn't even register on BMW's list of priorities. As a customer, that stings a little.

I'm just trying to help here, could someone you trust in the US order one ED
( 7% discount on retail price) come over to pick it up and then sell this car
straight to you? It would not have to be schipped out and your'e paying no
taxes thus far, just when you take it back home. The only issue i'm in the dark here are how about the license plates?

[Drillslinger]

I'm not sure, but I think that would require me to pay German VAT and import duty, which would be... a lot.

[HondaGoneRogue]

like 29% a lot.

[BimmerJim]

Originally Posted by TARMAC007

So, now that BMW said they will build as many as ordered will Pentagon sales be selling them?

I talked to Mathias at Pentagon and he said that Pentagon would not be getting 1Ms this year.

[BimmerJim]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

Maybe have someone proofread your letter next time. That was painful to read.

Be glad they offer the military/diplomatic sales program at all - many automakers don't. One thing about military folks that kills me sometimes is the entitlement. You really don't expect them to part with a limited production car that is in high demand for below MSRP, do you?

Bimmer Bob- I am military and I agree with you. If I was a business and could get MSRP for a limited production car I would not part with it. I think they call it supply and demand.

[BimmerJim]

Originally Posted by Drillslinger

I'm not sure, but I think that would require me to pay German VAT and import duty, which would be... a lot.

Drillslinger, are you near a Pentagon showroom? If so, go ask them about how ED works. I would not try to claim that I know, but I bet they could give you some good info.

[Drillslinger]

Originally Posted by TARMAC007

So, now that BMW said they will build as many as ordered will Pentagon sales be selling them?

While the "word" is that BMW will build a car for every order it doesn't help us because Military Sales has been prevented from actually inputting orders into the system.

[BimmerJim]

Originally Posted by maxnix

Hey, where's the 7DCT group?!!

Maybe someone needs to start one.

[Drillslinger]

Originally Posted by BimmerMaj

Drillslinger, are you near a Pentagon showroom? If so, go ask them about how ED works. I would not try to claim that I know, but I bet they could give you some good info.

Negative, not near Pentagon but I've asked my local MSP folks about it and they didn't know anything since it's not a MSP program.

[fuzzy_dunlop]

I have to stop reading this damn thread. Wake me up when something official is out. All I know for sure is my deposit is down at pentagon and they haven't told me anything else. So ill stay hopefully.

[Grey Dove]

Originally Posted by Drillslinger

I'm not sure, but I think that would require me to pay German VAT and import duty, which would be... a lot.

Im not sure but i think there might a be possibility to aquire temporary license
plates due to the fact that this car is not EU conform ( kinda transit plates )
and will be for export. I know something similar exist or existed in Belgium.
About the import issue, if jou bring the car home as a second hand car then
i guess import taxes will be lower no? Many ways to go here or at least worth
while to investigate. I just wishes there would an easier way for you,
nevertheless you have my sympathy, just dont give up yet