Stories from the Sales Frontlines

jmonroe

jmonroe

Well, that didn't work.

I'm out !!!!!

jmonroe

stickguy

1st, real men don't spell check!

and RB, I called it a couple weeks back when I pegged you as a better option to just buy new.

and a BMW without a moonroof or power seats. Good thing you plan to keep it forever.

jmonroe

I'm considering something new- specifically a 2011 128i, optioned to my specs(M Sport Pkg, Cold Weather Pkg, Harman-Kardon audio, keyless entry, and xenons). Manual leather seats and no hole in the roof.

One more try.

Don’t forget the Nav system…just in case you make the wrong turn out on the track.

Nah, I’m not going near those emotorcons but I’m sure you get the idea. I’m just glad I got this far. I also hope I spelled that good. !!!!!!

jmonroe

crkyolfrt

Yup, you spelled that 'well'.

Ok, runnin' and duckin'..

fezo

It gave the word "laxative" an entirely new meaning.

Absolutely! Nothing lax about it.

crkyolfrt

It's on my calendar..to-do list..

I have heard that there is a LOT of cramp pain associated with the special concoction you drink, (once it kicks in). Is that true or was it a one-off that my poor friend endured?

roadburner

you will probably need RF snow tires

Yep. 16" Blizzak LM-25s on Sport Edition F10 wheels with TPMS and shipping will run $1340 from the Tire Rack. By the time the car is delivered it will be mi-March so I can delay purchasing hem until late next year.

jayrider

You feel the sense of urgency once the laxative starts to work -- but I wouldn't consider it painful. I've had 6 procedures.

murphydog

LOL - sometimes emotocons are handy...:)

murphydog

:shades:

verdugo

Was there a scruffy looking guy named "Mayhem" hanging on to it?

LOL, good one farmer.

I'm not going to push my luck with multiple replies, so I'm combining them. Kirstie, I'm glad that you are ok! The pictures didn't work for me, but based on everybody's reactions it wasn't pretty.

murphydog

OK - this new look and feel is not really doing much for me. the body of the message is hard to read, as is seeing the sender and who they may be replying to. Not against progress mind you, but only when it actually brings some kind of benefit...

string of invisible emotocons to follow..

:mad:

verdugo

the body of the message is hard to read, as is seeing the sender and who they may be replying to.

Glad I'm not the only one who feels that way. I like the idea of a streamlined look, but this implementation is not doing it for me.

stickguy

so, did the mazda do something new? or did the accumulated annoyances finally tip you over the edge?

sterlingdog

I'm remembering the old adage---if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Perhaps it is my new 25" inch monitor, but all of the glaring white is a bit irritating.

Richard

sterlingdog

I didn't have any cramps. I just kept running to the john every ten minutes. After about five hours, you're pretty well cleaned out and ready. The test itself is a breeze---best one hour nap that i have had in years.

Richard

sterlingdog

At least the system didn't destroy our original membership dates this time.

Richard

sterlingdog

Just thinking about the possibility of a good sales story is exciting. Good luck with your hunt. (Driver, I know that it may be a BMW story. Try to remain calm. Don't get carried away.) Grin

Richard

stickguy

If I keep getting these pesky tuition bills for my son's college, I may have a story soon about selling my car. Just don't expect a follow-up with me buying a new one!

driver100

Driver, I know that it may be a BMW story. Try to remain calm. Don't get carried away.

I have made my New Years resolution. I will not mention BMW for at least 3 months! (unless replying to someone else's remarks)

Guess I won't be able to tell you what the service department tells me today as to why my ABS warning light is on.

P.S. The new screen is pretty bright - works fine if you wear sun glasses!

driver100

All this talk of taking prep for a colonoscopy exam is perfect for this scene. This is for real,...on the CNN they cut to a scene about student demonstrations and somehow this classic scene from Dumb and Dumber appeared!

CNN News and Dumb and Dumber

jmonroe

jmonroe

If I keep getting these pesky tuition bills for my son's college, I may have a story soon about selling my car. Just don't expect a follow-up with me buying a new one!

I’ll try again, this is ridiculous. GRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

I know what you mean. I had two at Penn State for a year.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches helped…a little

jmonroe

jmonroe

I’ll try again, this is ridiculous. GRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

If this works, I figured it out.

Create a Word document and paste it in the reply box. It won’t help with the emotorcons but they retired long ago. (worthless little sacks of s###) !!!!!!!!

jmonroe

imidazol97

If you're talking about the Message box showing text entry box with handles for sizing..., just use the back arrow on your browser to go back one page, then use the browser arrow immediately to go forward to the page where you were typing in the text. Mine is always still there and the text box with handles is not showing.

I'm using IE8 browser with XP Pro as the OS.

It just happened in the middle of entering the previous paragraph. I've also found the text box appears almost always when clicking into the bottom row or text to modify or after modifying something else.

graphicguy

kirstie....first and foremost, glad to hear you're OK. Tidester would be insufferable around here without you adding some ying to his yang. ;-)

Might be time to test drive that "Juke". From the pics, I can't see any way an insurance company can't total that out. Looks like a bent frame, certainly suspension damage, in addition to the sheet metal damage. I'm thinking a good body shop is going to be into it well north of $10K, probably more.

Can't remember the year of your G. Still, that's a lot of damage, though.

Off topic, first big snow my TL SH AWD has seen around here (4"). Did extremely well on un-plowed roads. :-D

roadburner

Guess I won't be able to tell you what the service department tells me today as to why my ABS warning light is on.

My prediction is a bad connection at the wheel speed sensor or the sensor itself.

roadburner

After 15+ years and over 124,000 miles my beloved 318ti has developed a coolant leak- serious enough that I'm taking it to the dealer today. I'm 99% sure where the problem is, but currently it's 20 degrees Fahrenheit and the "service bay" in the heated garage is occupied by my 1975 2002(which is waiting for me to generate enough enthusiasm to finish installing the rebuilt heater box). Of course, it just had to snow the past couple of days, which means I get to enjoy sliding over to the dealer on summer track rubber. Actually, the main roads are clear and(mostly) dry, so I shouldn't have that much trouble. I just have to keep reminding myself that I drove 80 mph or more on snow covered roads during the 2000 ALCAN Winter Rally(yes, I was in an X5 fitted with studded Pirellis, but it was still a bit nerve-wracking).

driver100

My prediction is a bad connection at the wheel speed sensor or the sensor itself.

I'll let YOU know. I think the traction control isn't working and the ABS, Tire pressure gauge, and traction control are all connected. It is very icy today, and getting traction was not easy. We'll see if it is a faulty monitor or a real problem...glad I am still under warranty, for 10 more months!

isellhondas

Oh, c'mon...let us ALL know!

driver100

I get to enjoy sliding over to the dealer on summer track rubber

The last 2 years are the first times in my life I have ever had snow tires. What a difference. I wouldn't want to be without them.

Good luck, take it nice and slow. Even without the traction control it was difficult driving. Every once in awhile I would hit a patch of ice and the rear wheels just kept spinning, until I changed gears...nice to have a manual tranny too!

nyccarguy

Sorry to hear about your beloved ti's coolant leak. So you are gung ho 128i? I'd have thought for sure you'd be 1st on the dealer's list for 1 of the 1000 1 series M coupes. I'm sure you'll run circles around them & many others in your club sport & 128i anyway. BTW, are you "The Stig" from top gear? LOL!

roadburner

So you are gung ho 128i? I'd have thought for sure you'd be 1st on the dealer's list for 1 of the 1000 1 series M coupes.

For the $45,000 the M Coupe will cost I'd much rather have a CPO M3 sedan, or possibly even a CPO M5.

roadburner

I slithered down the slushy roads without incident and dropped the ti off in my BMW dealer's service department. I next went to look up my salesperson. As I walk through the showroom I spy a new Crimson Red 2010 135i automatic with the Sport, Premium, and Cold Weather packages- as well as Nav and a couple of minor options. MSRP is $46070, but a sign points out that the sale price is $39,000(!). While my salesperson was figuring up the deal on my proposed 128i M Sport I joked that I'd take the red 135i for $35,000. Anyway, he takes the 128i to the New Car Sales Manager and comes back with a great deal on the 128i(essentially a mini) and also says, "The manager told me you can have the 135i for $37,900." According to Edmunds the invoice on the 135i is $42460 and TMV is $42373. I wasn't planning on spending that much -or buying a slushbox- but that is some kind of deal- I think that maybe I can live without a clutch pedal in exchange for 300 bhp and an $8100 discount.

28firefighter

My concern on the 135i would be the HPFP issue. Other than that? Red seems to be a good color for you - the ti is red. I think its a sign.

stickguy

don't do it. Last time you tried to rationalize ("well, maybe I can live with FWD, it is such a good value deal") it didn't work out too well.

I have learned the hard way that a good deal on something you don't relaly want is not really a good deal. What price happiness? Never mind trading in a 2 YO car you hate! and yes, I speak from experience here.

and frankly, I am amazed you can get a 1 series coupe up over 46K. Then again, I just priced out an M class MB and an X5, and even staying with the base engine and not top trim level or options, you easily get up over 55-57K. Yikes!

stickguy

hey, forgot about that. At least on a new car, you got the warranty.

I love the NA 6 cyl. BMW engines. A 128 (or 328) would be plenty peppy enough for me.

actually, I really want to see an X1. That (in theory) is exactly what I am looking for. Well, that and the spare 30K to pay for it.

as long as I get a moonroof and a drivers seat that can be individually height adjusted front and rear, I don't need anything else it doesn't already come with.

stickguy

My first car was a 1985 Colt GTS (basically a turbo colt, without the turbo, leaving all of 68HP on tap).

still the best hadnling car (at least for pure grip and quick reflexes) I have ever owned. No need to slow down for off ramps, which was good, because it took a while to buld momentum (did I mention the 68 HP?)

anyway, a big part of this came from the Yokohama A008 summer tires. Basically designed for showroom stock racing. Minimal tread (and the outer 1/3 was just dimples, like a golf ball). Amazing grip on dry roads. I think OK on wet (from what I remember). Like driving on 4 taboggans on snow. Not iffy, down right dangerous.

related, I was reading Peter Egan's column in the latest issue of R&T, and it was about winter driving in WI. he tried to take his V8 Mustang out on M&S rated tires in a little snow, and coldn't move. But, he drives a RWD 2003 3 series with Blizzaks, and it is like driving a snow mobile. Goes anywhere as long as it doesn't high center.

roadburner

My concern on the 135i would be the HPFP issue.

Me too, although I have friends inside and outside of BMW NA who believe that the latest iteration of the HPFP and the associated software have cured the problem. In any event, I think BMW now warrants the pump for ten years and 120,000 miles.

roadburner

don't do it. Last time you tried to rationalize ("well, maybe I can live with FWD, it is such a good value deal") it didn't work out too well.

I have learned the hard way that a good deal on something you don't relaly want is not really a good deal. What price happiness? Never mind trading in a 2 YO car you hate! and yes, I speak from experience here.

Believe me, I'm certainly going to give the matter a great deal of thought. That said, I spent about three weeks driving a 2007 335i automatic drop top back when it was first introduced and I have to admit that the autobox works just about as well as the DCT- in my opinion, at least. It would also add a car that my wife could drive(right now her only options are the X3 and the 1975 2002).

explorerx4

Driver,
If you had an Explorer, you wouldn't be complaining about ice.
You could be doing this 'smiley thing'

explorerx4

Glad you both are ok.
What the heck was the other vehicle, to damage your car so badly?

jimbres

It would also add a car that my wife could drive(right now her only options are the X3 and the 1975 2002).

Just wondering - did you ever try teaching your wife to drive a stick?

Over the years, I've taught a bunch of people - both males & females - the fine art of shifting, & women have usually picked it up faster than men in my admittedly limited experience.

Closer to home, I taught my wife how to drive my Honda Civic shortly after our marriage in the mid-70s. We headed over to a vacant school parking lot on a Saturday afternoon, & by Monday morning, she was sufficiently proficient to drive the Civic to work. Not long afterwards, she traded in her automatic for a Toyota stick & drove nothing but manuals until the early 90s.

Today she prefers automatics in her cars, but she has no trouble with the sticks in my cars. If we take my car on a Saturday night & I consume a wee bit too much of the tincture, she'll drive home. She can also spell me on long trips & drive my stick Honda CR-V, which is our only 4WD car, in bad weather.

oldfarmer50

"...My concern...would be the HPFP issue..."

Just what is HPFP?

And why is it an issue?

explorerx4

back in the 70's it was easy to teach someone to drive a stick.
the engines had no torque, 2k, 3k, 4k on the tach made no difference.
I tried to teach one of my kids to drive the Focus I had at the time, but I couldn't take it.

roadburner

Just what is HPFP?

HPFP= High Pressure Fuel Pump The BMW turbo six is a Direct Injected(DI) engine. Like a diesel, fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. The HPFP is engine driven and pumps the fuel under very high pressure through piezo actuated injectors. Every DI engine uses a similar setup- Ford, VW/Audi, Mazda, etc.

And why is it an issue?

The issue is that a large number of HPFPs have failed on BMWs. I think BMW is on it's fifth redesign of the pump. What makes it a bit strange is that some cars(like the 2007 CPO I checked out a couple of weeks ago) are still on their original pump, while some 2009 cars are on their fifth one. Up to now, no one has been able to determine why some cars suffer multiple failures and others do not. The recent BMW recall of all twin turbo sixes indicates to me that they finally found the answer- I can't see Munich shelling out that much money if they don't believe that they have the problem completely solved.

driver100

If you had an Explorer, you wouldn't be complaining about ice.

No matter what car I had I don't have any desire to do that. I would really have laughed if they spun out of control and hit the Accord by the side of the road.

Once they get my traction control working I could probably do that too, if I wanted to.

driver100

did you ever try teaching your wife to drive a stick?

Excellent idea. Even better to go to a driving school that will teach stick...might save your marriage. In one or two lessons a person would master it pretty well, and might even enjoy it, and prefer it.

driver100

128i(essentially a mini) and also says, "The manager told me you can have the 135i for $37,900.

If they are willing to do that maybe they'll get you a manual...it should be about $2000 less and it would be just what you are looking for and at a great price.

The red looks good and it sounds like a really nice car. I checked out some 1s in the showroom when I took my car in for that repair, and they are really nice...but of course I am a bit prejudice, as some people may have noticed!