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Comments
orkwis - I was referring to extended service. I am not familiar with the extended warranty coverage.
pierce1 - I have always sold my cars myself. The best trade-in I could get for my last car ('97 Jetta VR6 with 95K miles on it) was $6,000. I sold it myself for $8,500. The advertising costs are minimal (<$100) and I don't mind showing the car to potential buyers. The big drawback is that it may take a few months to sell the car but I was able to afford keeping both cars till I sold the Jetta.
Steven's Creek - worst dealership in the world
Allison - pleasant salesmen, 1st round of negotiations have gone well
Concord - pleasant, but not the best deal
MYBMW, Seaside (Monterey) - pleasant, but not even close to a good deal
SF BMW - stupid sale techniques used, but people generally pleasant, early negotiations off to a decent start
I think most of you know that usage of "rice" terms speaking of vehicles or people is not acceptable in the Town Hall. So I would very much appreciate it if we could just not do that.
Now, before some of you come screaming for my head, let me just say that I have not one thing to do with creating the policies here. My job is to make sure they are followed and I have no leeway with this issue.
If you want to object to the policy itself, the proper avenue is an email to our Consumer Services Manager, Jonah Brown at jbrown@edmunds.com.
This is not a subject that we can debate here, so let's move on, okay?
Email Jonah, email me, but do not post about it here, because I will just have to remove the messages, I'm sorry.
Thanks, I appreciate it.
(Can you tell I've been through this before? :-))
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
As far as the alarm goes, I haven't yet talke to my insurance agent about a discount, but it doesn't seem all that worth it to me. The coded key is supposed to keep anyone from driving away with your car, and all that the alarm would do is protect the contents of the car. Which on the surface sounds good, but c'mon, how many people take action when a car alarm is going off? If someone wanted your stuff, they'd take it and leave while everyone ignored the alarm.
Petrarch: what do you mean by "stupid sales techniques used" at SF BMW? Just curious since I ordered my car from them but I haven't yet dealt with anyone face to face. What kind of price did they quote you for your 325i?
The limo driver made it to my house at 3:30 AM on Tuesday Morning (still seems like yesterday morning). I got to Newark at 4:10 for my 6:20 flight. Bad news, the NWA ticket counter was not even open yet :-(. When NWA finally decided to wake up (sometime before 5:00), I had no problem making the flight. Given that there were still very few folks going through the security checks at that time of the morning, the individuals performing the "Random Screenings" were basically screening everybody, including me. I got the full body scan, pat down, shoe x-ray and detailed carry-on luggage check. I then got nailed again for the same thing in Toyko, maybe I look a little shady. ;-)
Car spotting here in Taipei is kind of fun. To say that I was surprised to see a fair number of American cars here (a couple of Buicks and Chevys and an even greater number of Chrysler products like Caravans, Neons and Intrepids) is more than just an understatement. On the whole, most cars here are very small, the owners of the factory that I am visiting here are totally Stylin' in their (American built?) Toyota Camry. I was also surprised to see a couple of S600 MBs as well. I have not seen too many BMWs on the road yet, just a few 5s and 3s mainly. Last night on the road from the airport, I swear I saw a new Mini and today at lunch I saw what I first thought was an 850i that upon closer examination had M8 badging. I have never heard of an M8, was this just wishful thinking by its owner or was there REALLY such a critter?
Bing330i, I have not had authentic (as in not cooked in North America) since I was in Hong Kong back in the late 1980s (until lunch time 2 hours ago that is). I did not take any "Pink Stuff" with me, but given some of the things that I just finished eating (don't go there ;-)), maybe I should fetch some on the way home. ;-)
This morning here at the factory, the owners served me some Green Tea that was absouletly wonderful. After a couple of cups, they asked me how I liked it, and I told them that it was by far the best Green Tea that I had ever had. I then asked them where I could buy some to take back home, I did not like the answer. This stuff is some special award winning limited production (only in certain years from very high altitude plants) and it costs $3,000 USD for 600 grams (about 1.3 pounds)!
I will keep y'all posted.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Most on this board probably won't like it and I have no way to know if it's the truth, but I work with a Taiwanese guy and when I said I was buying a BMW he asked "why not a MB, in Taiwan only gangsters drive BMWs!" Perhaps its the smooth engines with high HP so as to make a speedy exit from the law but it might explain your observations. Maybe you need to get some friends in low places while you are there!
Thanks for the note. I did not find any specials on the BMW N.A. www site for new or CPO cars. The payment estimator function plugs in something over 7.0% for new car purchases where as the CPO payment estimator leaves it 'blank' for the user to define the interest rate for a loan. So, what gives?
BMW are available, but seen more like an Omega...whereas most covet the Rolex.
BMW are available, but seen more like an Omega...whereas most covet the Rolex.
Shipo, have you seen those MB hwy patrol cars? Dont they have Bimmers for patrol cars too?
Dan
BTW, MB S600 costs 6 million NT$ (1 US$ = 35 NT$), the price is quite in sync with the model number on S class, so S320 is 3.2 million NT$ and so on, the MSRP of 330i is about 1.92 million, ~2.7 million fully equipped.
Unlike U.S., small engine MBs and BMWs are popular in Taiwan, so don't be surprised to see MB E200 or C180, BMW 520 or 318.
What scares the heck out of me is that right now, if I give the car back, I am in essence getting the full residual for it. If I keep it and CAN'T sell it, I am not only losing the continuing payments (since I can't afford to pay cash for it), I also risk having to sell it for less than the residual just to get rid of it. This would be worse than going upside down - at least from a morale standpoint, and could get particularly bloody if it takes 6 months or so.
It kind of stinks either way. I'm a fan of leasing, but the BEST way to lease (other than having your company pay for it!)is to get a car that you know you will want to replace with the same car next time. Those guys have it easy. I just wasn't in that economic class last time around, as a 6-cyl BMW was out of my price range.
But then he tried to sell me the same car with a couple more options, only because he had it on the lot. Fair enough; that's what salesmen do. But his whole "you need to take advantage of this deal NOW!!!" attitude was so cliched. Also, a previous customer of SF BMW, who referred me to this salesman, informed me that when he picked up his car, it was parked inside for inspection, as opposed to outside with better light.
No big issues, really. They do seem willing to negotiate, and that's all I need.
Does anyone have a view re benefits of the sp?Does anyone with a 330 regret not getting the sp?
Any thoughts would help.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Also, IMO, a 3-series with the sport suspension and good high-performance ALL SEASON tires will provide all the handling prowess that 99% of us will ever take advantage of. This may elicit a few howls from the gallery,...but I think you have to be a pretty aggressive and highly skilled driver (not to mention a little crazy) to get 100% of the extra handling out of the summer performance tires. I consider the suspension to be much more important.
If I were you, I'd get the 330i w/out the SP, if you can live without the cool steering wheel and the more supportive seats.
as far as sidewall rigidity, i believe (for the reason above, less absorbtion of energy because less flex), that the more rigid, the more possibility of damage... disclaimer: this is an educated guess. also, i don't think it plays anywhere near as large a factor as the first paragraph... i could be off in leftfield on this one...
his last sentence is the truest of all... "avoid potholes"...
-Chris
don't underestimate the part of your car that contacts the road...
-Chris
go to tire rack and see what they say... usually, there's at least ratings from users, if not written feedback, on just about everything they sell...
-Chris
san jose
steel blue/sand 'ette
step
moonroof
myrtle wood
MSRP $31045
INVOICE $28515
Since I only choose very few option, I know I won't talk down the price too much,
finally got $800 off MSRP and floor mat
$33000 out door
hope that's not a bad deal.
Sounds like a decent deal. Just got my 2002 325 sedan from San Jose too.
Keep in mind car alarm is extra. They tried to charge $1000 but I took it to another local dealership and it cost me quite a bit less. You'll also get a better deal for the 6 disc changer by avoiding the dealer install. It's literally plug and play!
Thanks for the primmer on the 850csi (ne. M8). Who knows, the car I saw yesterday (today for y’all) could very well have been something like an 825i with the cobbled together “M8” badging as an add-on.
MB vs. BMW here in Taipei:
Yes in fact there are FAR more MBs here, and surprisingly, not all of them are equipped with anemic engines. I have seen many S500s, a few S600s, lots of E320s and E430s, and even a few C280s. On the other hand, I have also seen a number of very anemic BMWs such as a 518i. What surprises me the most is that of the non-Japanese brands here, the two most common are Chrysler and MB. I cannot for the life of me understand the appeal of Chrysler products here (and this from a life long MOPAR fan) in Taipei, however, there are a great many Neons, a fair number of short wheel base Caravans and even a number of Stratus and Intrepids/Concords.
Dantlo:
No, I have not yet seen ANY constabulary of ANY kind.
Bent rims:
I have spent the last 3+ years driving my 1999 328i (non-SP, 16” rims) in and around NYC without so much as a single bent rim. Contrast that to my previous car (1995 Passat GLX), which had something like 5 new rims in 4 years, driving under the same conditions.
Brave,
Given how much of that tea that I drank yesterday, I probably went through at least $200 USD worth of tea. Given that I rarely drink anything with Caffeine, I did indeed have quite a buzz going all day. Meanwhile, I continue to eat as my Hosts eat, and while some of the things that I have put in my mouth “Looked” unfit for consumption, I have yet to try something that I truly did not like. That said, there has been MUCH that I have liked a lot and would certainly look forward to eating again. I am sure though that when I get home, I will be long overdue for a good old PBJ. ;-)
A quick observation:
Since my arrival here I have had this weird sense of Deja-Vue. Last night, it was raining; there were all of the noises of this very bizarre industrial district coupled with the election time vans with the HUGH loud speakers driving up and down the narrow alleys blaring out all of the political rhetoric of the candidates, and of course, the lights, smells and what not. I finally figured out why it all seemed so familiar, I happen to be something of a fan of the old Harrison Ford movie “Blade Runner”, and this area of Taipei seems just like the set for that movie. Very cool.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Sounds like a decent deal. Just got my 2002 325 sedan from San Jose too.
Keep in mind car alarm is extra. They tried to charge $1000 but I took it to another local dealership and it cost me quite a bit less. You'll also get a better deal for the 6 disc changer by avoiding the dealer install. It's literally plug and play!
by himself, very easy he said.
I probably will follow him.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
The food.....
http://www.pacificbmw.com/catalog/access/detail.asp?pid=29&category=5§ion=24&model=E46
As you will see, they sell them for $139.23, which is a substantial savings from the $192 you are being offered. As to the installation, I don’t think it took me more than a half an hour to install AND program all three buttons.
The transceiver has fairly detailed installation instructions included, the only thing that I might add is that you should make sure you have an X-ACTO knife with a fresh blade for cutting the opening from the headliner cover. Said cover is pre-scored for the cutout, however, there is still about 1/16th of an inch of very hard plastic to cut through. I used a new X-ACTO knife on a cutting board and was able to make the cut in about 10 minutes. The actual installation after that will only take another 5 minutes to connect the wire and snap everything in place.
Good luck.
Best Regards,
Shipo
It goes without saying that you guys are instrumental in my decision to purchase one.
I'm interested in the following:
2002 325i
Jet Black
Black Leather
Premium Package
Stick shift
I live in southern california and is wondering if anyone can share their buying experience, e.g. price, recommended dealer, etc. I have ruled out ED right now because of my schedule.
Any input would be highly appreciated.
http://www.bmwnation.com/ARTICLES/diy/bmwut/bmwut.html
$500 for at most 1 hour of shop labour is truly gouging!
I just bought a 1999 pre-owned BMW 323i. I was paging through the manual and noticed some items my car was "missing," such as the Parking Detector, the dimming auto mirror, the hazard triangles, and the first aid kit under the passanger side.
Some of these things could have been option, (though I have never seen it listed as an option. I was told by the dealer that these things were for the Europe cars only. That does not make sense to me. Does anyone else know anything about this?
By the was with the rear view mirror, it does not dim and does not flip up, what do you do at night when a car behind you is blinding you?
Thanks,
Joe
Knight - Park distance detector was an option, as well as the dimming mirror which only came with the premium package. To flip your mirror, spin the "clown nose" the red alarm light on the bottom of the mirror. Hazard triangle and first aid kit only came with European cars, not US.
Hope that helps.
Dunlop SP9000 series, another Z rated with great, great wet/rain traction, very quiet, smooth riding, and very very sticky in the dry..
Good luck
DanF
ccotenj: I wonder if you're right about a "base suspension" w/perf tires handling better than a perf suspension w/HP All Seasons? I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just not sure I agree. Pretty hard for the average driver to test this theory. Consider this for argument sake:
There are many grades of All Season tires, which vary from basically winter compounds with a highway tread, to basically performance tires that won't necessarily kill you in the rain and snow. Obviously, you can get an All-Season with a serious bent toward dry weather handling. On the other hand, you can't vary the suspension of the car at all (lets assume you aren't going to customize - otherwise, why not get the perf suspension in the first place).
Now, consider,...1) there have been complaints by auto test critics that the "base" suspension of the 2001 3-series is "too soft". That's why BMW changed the calibration on the base 330i to the sport setup (I guess they figure us poor 325 wanna-bees will just have to make due with more wallow). 2) Buying the non-SP 330i may make the best sense, since you already get the suspension. You can therefore equip it with whatever rubber you like, until you find the handling/comfort/rim protection balance that suits your needs.
Am I all-wet? This theory is one of the reasons I'm leaning toward buying the 325Ci, since it comes with the sport suspension and All-Season tires. I can't even consider a 330i - for budget reasons.
Clear Lenses: I believe the clear lenses are ONLY available for the Ci and M3. The headlights on the coupes have a totally different shape than on the 2002 sedans. BMW has done a good job of distinguishing the Ci from the sedan, and this is one of the ways.
BTW, a friend here at work (albeit a rich friend) just got a 2002 M3 convertible, Silver w/Black Leather and Top. It's beyond awesome.
Just ordered a 325i steel blue metallic with steptronic (nothing else--I'm on a budget) paying $1,500 over dealer invoice from a dealer about 130 miles from where I live. Found the dealer on the BMW USA wed site; e-mailed all dealers in my state; two accepted my offer. Should take delivery at the end of March. Two questions:
1. Should I have any concern that I won't get good service from a dealer that I didn't purchase the car from? Particularly, regularly scheduled maintenance which BMW picks up during the first three years or warranty service. Does anyone have any experience in this regard.
2. Can I have the front center arm rest installed as an accessory. It's not listed as an accessory anywhere that I've looked (broshure, web sites; it comes with the PP), but I thought I read a post from many months (years?) ago that said that someone else had one installed. I believe they said they paid $260. Anyone's thoughts, please.
http://www.bariaur.com/e39/EDsavings.html