U.S. Purchasers are PAYING for Spartanburg?

[alpywhite]

As discussed in a separate thread, Canadian M5 owners (all 271 of us) have been invited down to Spartanburg on March 14/15.

It's limited to 20 owners and 20 guests - first come first served. The cost is $1,950 CDN per pair.

Interestingly, the invitation letter from BMW Canada Inc. states that:

"...unlike BMW M5's sold in the US, the cost of this course was not included in the Canadian retail price of your vehicle."

So...if you're a U.S. owner...and you have no intention of going to the Experience...well, I leave it between you and your dealer or whoever...

Alps

[Teutonaddict]

Alps-
It may be back to an issue between you and your dealer!
When I confirmed my date at the M5 Experience (May, 00), I received a letter from BMWNA stating that I would be responsible for any taxes associated with this 'gift.' See another recent thread for a discussion about (IRS form) 1099s, what we Americans receive in order to declare miscellaneous income. While I have not received the 1099, I believe the weekend was considered a package NOT included in the purchase price of our Beasts.
Sorry you folks have to pay for the Experience, but it was such a hoot I doubt you'll mind!
Enjoy it, eh?
-Dave

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'00 Carbon Black/Black All-Leather/Sportive
101421

[Tim W]

What is typical Canadian MSRP vs. US MSRP?

That would tell.

Tim

[Serge]

2000 M5 retails for $102,650 cdn and 2001 M5 retails for 104,650 I think. This comes out to be around $67532.89 and $68848.68 US respectively. These are all base prices and before any applicable taxes.

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Serge
00 Titanium M5

[Ken]

I don't know about the diff. is in MSRP in Canada vs. US, but in Europe it is all over the board. Value Added Tax and import duties are the main cause of the inequities, but price gouging by car manufacturers exists as well (particularly, until recently, in the UK). My M5 cost approx. $93K USD (all taxes included and as delivered). Factor in that the dealer gave me a 3% discount on sticker, and was eager to sell one because they have never sold one in this country before (and it is the biggest BMW dealer here, and one of only 2). The 22% import duty and VAT and another 4% tax made the price so high. Back out the taxes (BMW gets none of that), and I decided it was a fair deal (take the 28% tax off, and compare that to the US sticker). Yes, taxes are a killer everywhere in Europe on big-ticket items.

For point of referenece, I have almost every option available on the car (other than some options that I think are available only in Europe like double glazed and impact protective glass (too heavy for me to have ordered, but I did consider it) and heat resourvouir system (pretty sure it's not available in North America)).

I did not get any "free" driving school offer, and felt I paid a high price for the car, but it makes me grin ear-to-ear each time I start the beast up, and isn't that all that matters?

[MarkM5Lauderdale]

I was told the school was included as part of the purchase of the car. Not that it was a gift, or that you could decline and have the cost removed. (Kinda like ordering the car without tires and buying your own later) It was simply a feature of the vehicle. As such, I went and enjoyed the heck out it! I would go back again even if I had to pay for it.

Mark
'00 Dinan M5
'01 X5 4.4 Sport

[alpywhite]

Serge,

I believe it's $102,650 plus about $1,500 PDI.

Serge, Jet Black and I have the privilege of paying 17% sales tax on our cars in this province...that's after the 54% taxed on the money we earn to buy the car...

Alps

[Serge]

I have the privilege to pay that 17% as well.
Alps and Jet black, did you guys order any special options that require more $$ on top of the base price?



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Serge
00 Titanium M5

[StaceyM]

Hey guys,
no one has to pay taxes for the program. no 1099's will be sent out. it was a mistake on BMW's part.

Originally posted by Serge:
I have the privilege to pay that 17% as well.
Alps and Jet black, did you guys order any special options that require more $$ on top of the base price?