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As for the tracking, you can call BMW NA Customer Relations and give them your production number. I believe the number is 1-800-831-1117. *grin* I've been calling about 2-3 times a week recently and some of the operators are starting to recognize me. They completely understand the anticipation though.
My wait's dragging on toward's wrjohnsonpghpa's ordeal though. I ordered early March with a mid-April build. It's so close I can taste it.
Glenn
Oops.
The problem with the Cadillac Escalade is the pizza sized emblem on the back. Have you seen that thing? Hate to rear end one of those, you would end up with a major traumatic brain injury from the emblem crashing through your windshield.
Now, I'm a firm enemy of political correctness as the worst development of the last decade and a half, but I have to admit to a little bit of self consciousness when I tell people I'm going to buy a BMW. They get a certain image in their heads, which is perhaps a little more acceptable now than it was 15 years ago. Remember the Yuppies on "Cheers" who took Norm's bar stool? I don't ever want to be thought of as them.
Boy am I dating myself. Some of the posters on this Board were in middle school when "Cheers" was last on the air.
You hit the nail on the head, though. Basically, the 3-series is the only car on the road that I notice, now, and have any envy for. See my next post for why I've decided to get one.
I had already driven three different A4's, and had fallen in love with the interior, the bang-for-the-buck, and the little details. Who wouldn't? Why can't BMW throw in a few extras now and then to sweeten the pot???
Today, I drove a black 325i first. It had PP, step, black leather, and heated seats. Within minutes of leaving the lot, I thought the comparison was over. The 325i was sooo composed. Such a beautiful blend of smoothness, sportiness and luxury. The steering and handling was better than any car I have owned, and the ride was downright placid for such a sporty car. The engine was louder than what I am used to, but only when you put the hammer down going up a steep hill. The transmission was very responsive, and the overall feel was exciting without too much intrusion from the road. I almost didn't drive the A4. But, I forced myself to do it, because its just such a beautiful car.
Despite my intoxication with the BMW, the A4 acquitted itself very well. It was slightly quieter (engine noise), and may have ridden even smoother. I felt the additional 30 horses and extra torque climbing that steep hill, where the transmission didn't kick down quite so soon or often. The BMW definitely had more of a "sports car" feel, though, even w/out the SP (which I think would make the ride way too busy for my taste). And, the brakes on the 325i were noticeably better, even in this short test drive.
In the end, while I absolutely love every detail of the A4, from the shape of the car, to the interior design, to the glove compartment, to the look of the open trunk,...in the end, the utterly sublime "feel" of the 325i PP gives it the edge. Since the cars are essentially the same price, that is not a factor.
One last thing that put me over the top on this decision: I felt my heart start beating faster when I sat in the 325i. There was a subconscious "excitement factor" that trumped the "admiration" I felt for the A4. Like when you are attracted to a girl just because she makes you sweat, rather than the girl that would make the perfect wife. Does that make sense?
I'm so glad I did this comparison, because now I know I left nothing on the table, and will never wonder about my decision. Now, all I have to do is figure out how I want this car configured, and begin the trauma of trying to negotiate a deal.
BMW builds 3, 5, 7 series and specialty cars. There are 3 numbers for each series. In your example, the first number denotes a series 3 car. The next 2 numbers refer loosely to engine size. The 330 has a 3.0 litre engine. The 325 has a 2.5 litre displacement engine. There are other subtle trim, wheel, and standard feature differences, too, but that's the main difference. I hope this helps (and I hope it's accurate, too. :-).
Larry
All of this is giving me a brilliant idea. Maybe we can lobby Citroen to bring back the 2CV, drop in a nice 2 liter turbo, and export it to the states. It's sure to be a Mini Cooper killer!
Like i said i think you will choose the 3er in the end
DL
OK, I have to go before my wife sees my post and I get smacked. Welcome to the BMW family!!
Seivwrig, saw your brother yesterday. Said howdy but forgot to ask about you. I see you're still pretty active on this board, though.
-nobee
BMWs are a great value, despite what some people believe is "overpriced" before ever test-driving one. Perhaps unfortunately for us "BMW snobs" I think more people are beginning to realize this and the 3 series is popping up everywhere I go now. I guess it'll just make it harder for me to be a snob when bimmers are becoming a dime a dozen. Who knows, maybe bimmers will be outselling the Camry or Accord in a few years.
I chuckle at my buddy who says I paid too much, that I could have bought a Passat. Until he drives a BMW, his words have no basis in my book. Why didn't I get a Passat? For a couple grand more, I got a whole lot more car!
Having a car to drive to work: $32,000. Big grin on my face when I get there: Priceless!
-murray
Besides, I'd go for a corvette. Who needs long term quality and balance,...give me gobs of performance!!!
Now that I've decided on the Bimmer, I somewhat dread the buying experience. But, after my test drive, I'm prepared to pay full MSRP, if necessary, so even if I don't get my deal, I'm not walking away from the car.
FWIW: all of my previous purchases were well negotiated and only a couple of hundred dollars over invoice, so do not get me wrong, I like a deal like everyone else.
Here is a theory: I think that the difficulty that most of us have in getting the price down from MSRP helps contribute to the higher residual value. I think it is a corporate strategy of BMW and in the end we all benefit. Does anyone have an opinion on this? The number crunchers use this kind of data when figuring depreciation and value and the MSRP of the car is a relatively meaningless number. The real number is the average price paid for the new vehicle. A Ford excursion might be had for $10k off MSRP and that pushes the value of that vehicle population down, whereas BMW 3 series are almost universally (in my narrow experience) sold near MSRP. I think the mean purchase price is what matters.
Here is a question for anyone:
Has anyone walked into a BMW dealership and "ordered" their vehicle (say you want a 330 manual, SP, PP, xenons, park distance control, ski bag, cold weather package, upgraded 18" rims, etc...i.e. a car that no dealer in the US is going to have on the lot) and been able to negotiate $1200 or more off of MSRP?
ED doesn't count, and the car has to be brand new, never driven by anyone.
$950 is IMO a good deal, no doubt and probably better than I will be able to do here in Houston. It isn't that much under MSRP and therefore I do not think that it would be an exception to my postulate above that deep discounts are not offered for cars that have to be ordered or rerouted to a particular dealer.
I do agree with you though that the longevity of BMW is also an important factor that contributes to their higher resale value.
MSRP: $33,345
Paid: $32,045 with floor mats & arm rest included (my install)
In my opinion, why wouldn't a dealer give you a good deal when ordering a car? You give them a down payment which they can use for 3 months and keep if you back out. They have limited risk/cost vs. ordering a car to sell off the lot.
Go in, tell them what you want and what you'll pay, then walk out if they don't want to sell it to you. Email & phone other dealers with the same deal.
Here is some more detailed advice that I read but didn't completely follow: http://bimmer.roadfly.org/3series/messages/archive/msgsy1999w01/13648.html
-murray
btw, how was your trip to Germany?
-nobee
But don't worry, my good friend..I won't be without a BMW! I'm currently in the buy mode and will purchase a '93-'97 3-series here in the near future. I would take my 5-series but I'm afraid it might be too big for Korea. And plus, I think everyone would laugh at the trailer hitch..HaHa!
-nobee
Negotiating - if anyone REALLY hates negotiating, I'd let one of the online services like www.eurobuyers.com or priceline.com do it for me.
You're going to love driving it in GE, except, it's soooooo hard keeping the mph and rpms low during the break-in period! ;-)
-nobee
nobee - what date were you looking at getting rid of the car? One of my German friends near Muehlhausen may be interested.
Funny thing is that I had already planned on using the Rizzo method like in the link above. I have printed out from the BMW website every BMW dealership in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama and was going to have some fun looking for a deal.
Best wishes to all!
Ed
I just didn't really want the hassle of changing to winter tires and running aftermarket rims on my $30,000 car for half the time I owned it,...not to mention acquiring and installing the damn armrest myself, having to make excuses about not having a sunroof and power seat, and sacrificing IMO alot of ride comfort and quiet for the 3 times a month when I could let the SP do its thing.
I drove my brother's 323 SP, and felt no appreciable difference in seat comfort in normal driving. I could feel more road feed-back in the SP, which translates to better handling feel, but the ride was noticeably louder and much "busier". Not jittery, but not luxurious. It felt like a very high quality sports car, much like an early 90's RX7 that a friend of mine has. The SP steering wheel is cooler, but so what. I actually like the placement of the radio controls better on the base steering wheel.
I'm not knocking the SP, or its handling benefits, but I came to this conclusion which I offer as decision-making advice: If you want a sports car (and the inherent daily life compromises that come with it) with 4 doors, get the SP. If you want a sports-luxury sedan, with great handling and that luxurious feel, don't get the SP.
This will be on an order car, since all 325i's in Pittsburgh seem to come with the PP, Step, Heated Seats, and leather. If they accept $1,000 under MSRP, I'll take it. If not, I'll go to the other four dealers in town and make the same offer. If nobody will bite, I'm prepared to take the best counter offer of the four.
I think the Topaz Blue is beautiful, and it is pretty distinctive. Don't think I've seen one on the road. If you have Topaz Blue, how hard is it to take care of? Does it show all of the swirls, acid rain, and dust, like black or Orient Blue (fantastic color, but might as well be black) would? Is it a hot color in summer, like the dark colors are? I don't want silver (too common), I hate grey cars (or variations of grey), and the other metallics do nothing for me. Opinions?
I would try $1200 over invoice. Remember, they will never offer you a price less than what you start at. When they counter, ask if that is the best they can do and walk out the door if you're not happy with it.
Treat your current car as a separate deal; get the best price on the new car, then start talking about the old car.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
-murray
I spoke with my dealer Friday to see what he knew. Not much; we have more current info. than he does. He thought the car would be processed within 10 days of being unloaded in Port H.
Did you receive a letter from BMWNA saying that the ship would be in on June 3rd? It was sent to my dealership and forwarded to me.
I've been doing pretty well not obsessing on the delivery date too much but was put to the test at our golf course this week as my dealership had a loaner 3er near the putting green. Must have walked past it 10 times. The last four times I shielded my eyes with an "out of sight, out of mind" attitude. I rationalize the waiting with "but it will be like getting the new car all over again--- how many people get to experience that!" mind set but then find myself on the 17 mile commute through apple orchards on winding, hilly roads thinking "damn would this be more fun in the 3er." Oh well, only a few more weeks . . .
ButMyWife
ButMyWife
1pierce: I agree that with a little effort you should be able to get $1200 over invoice, not $1200 under MSRP. I did it and only had to contact about 8 dealerships by email to do so.
Thanks, ButMyWife
By the way, I just got back from a little driving vacation in the Rocky mountains - pure joy. I found a new road with tons of long sweeping turns as well as tight switchbacks (with little traffic). Wow!! - there are no words that can describe it. If anyone is coming for O'fest and wants a few suggestions for great mountain drives - I got 'em. Let me know.
Ever see the Lexus GS commercial where the guy stops the car, gets out and is bending over trying to get his breath? That was me (except I don't got no stinkin' Lexus). Had to turn around and go back for more. YeeHaaa.
I have 5 dealerships to work with within 1-1/2 hours of my house. I don't think I'd go any farther from home than that. I was always told that when you special order, you can't deal very well. That said, at most BMW dealers, special order is the only way to get a car, let alone one that you want. Also, I'm going to argue that this is a very economical sale for them. All they have to do is put the order in, wait, and prep the car when it comes. I won't even waste their time with a test drive.
Yeah, bet that one will fly!
Still no bites on TOPAZ BLUE? Does anybody out there have this color? Maybe I should reconsider. There is unique, and then there is "rare for a reason".
Topaz Blue - This color isn't all that rare. I saw 2 today. It grows on you. I didn't like it at first, but I remarked to my wife just this afternoon that I wish I had gone with that color.
Were the Topaz Blue cars you saw sedans or coupes? Now that I recall, I think I saw a Topaz Blue sedan last summer,...and couldn't take my eyes off of it.
I like "Look at Me" colors. Thats why I like red and that yellow that BMW used to offer on the M3. Topaz Blue strikes me as that kind of color. I figure if I'm going to buy such a nice, expensive car, I might as well get a little attention out of it.
That said, it does cost $475 more. I might have to trade the Xenons for it.