Discounts from independant Dinan dealers? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Clem · 10th July 2006, 21:10

Are there any discounts to be had from independant Dinan dealers? Or are they required to sell at MSRP/set pricing?

Much respect to Dinan products. Their pricing structure as everyone knows leaves a lot to be desired. I know of the upsides to going the Dinan route. i.e. warranty, R&D, consistency in stated gain from vehicle to vehicle but the premium is really outrageous.

I'm well aware of the "pay to play" addage but it's way out there. The only competitvely priced item Dinan has is it's suspension and that's pushing it since for the price Dinan asks a set of height and dampening adjustible coilovers could be had.

As one would assume with buying a "package" there would be discounts. That is not the case with Dinan unless of course you count the badge and the serial number plate as bonuses. (Both of which you get anyways once you have the items required to get the package status, if purchased individually. The badge for sure, the serial number plate I'm not so sure about)

For a kick I priced the individual parts required for the Dinan S package and low and behold it's the same price for the package as it would be if you bought the items individually.

What gives?

Now I suppose this topic has been discussed at length and to ***** but with the number of members headed for S2/S3 status I figured it's my time to ask.

Flame away I'm a big boy I can handle it. :p

DRM · 10th July 2006, 21:46

The simple answer to your question is yes/probably. You should check Dinan's website to see if any dealers are in your area. If so, then talk to them directly. Dinan does frown on product discounts given by their dealers; but they don't police it and I'm told there's no legal issues related to the dealer agreement.

I negotiated my "full monty" S2 package w/Dinan wheels with a local indy dealer/installer. Even though it was a "package", you're right; the sum of the parts equals the whole. So, he went through each component and discounted 0 - 20% (depending on the dealer margin; some components have very little margin at all. I passed on the BBK for this reason) and gave me a reduced labor rate. I wound up saving about $6000 and he also sold some stock components for me which got me another $2500.

Admittedly, I've had a long relationship with this indy shop and I'm sure that was a factor in his willingness to give me a good deal. Plus, he's Dinan's largest SoCal dealer and probably gets good compenent dealer pricing. But, I don't know that for a fact.

Yes, Dinan's prices have been debated endlessly and I really don't have anything to add. All I can say is the product works as advertised, any problems are instantly taken care of without any questions, and I'm extremely pleased with the whole integrated set-up. 'Did this 1 1/2 years and 20,000 miles ago; have had zero issues. To me, that's worth something.

Anyway, 'hope this helps and good luck.

Clem · 10th July 2006, 21:56

That's great info. Thank you.

My local Dinan dealer is my BMW dealership of choice. I like to think I have a good repoire with them. I will have to stop by and chit-chat with the rep sometime soon.

gsfent · 10th July 2006, 22:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clem

That's great info. Thank you.

My local Dinan dealer is my BMW dealership of choice. I like to think I have a good repoire with them. I will have to stop by and chit-chat with the rep sometime soon.

If you can get a discount, I wouldn't blab about it all over the net. It might upset the home office. On the other hand, what they don't know won't hurt anyone!! Just my $.02
Regards,
Jerry

DRM · 10th July 2006, 23:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsfent

If you can get a discount, I wouldn't blab about it all over the net. It might upset the home office. On the other hand, what they don't know won't hurt anyone!! Just my $.02
Regards,
Jerry

You're "blab on the net" comment is valid. However, within Dinan's dealer agreement, there's no mandatory pricing to the customer imposed. Hell, a dealer/installer could "give" you the product if they choose. That said, there is a strict prohibiton against a dealer sourcing Dinan components and then reselling them for ANY price to the public at large; on Ebay for instance. There's also language dealers will only source product from Dinan that will be installed by that dealer. So, if you can negotiate a "package deal" (parts and labor) with a dealer/installer, that's perfectly OK.

gsfent · 10th July 2006, 23:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by drm64099

You're "blab on the net" comment is valid. However, within Dinan's dealer agreement, there's no mandatory pricing to the customer imposed. Hell, a dealer/installer could "give" you the product if they choose. That said, there is a strict prohibiton against a dealer sourcing Dinan components and then reselling them for ANY price to the public at large; on Ebay for instance. There's also language dealers will only source product from Dinan that will be installed by that dealer. So, if you can negotiate a "package deal" (parts and labor) with a dealer/installer, that's perfectly OK.

I defer to your knowledge of the contract. I know Dinan wants to keep prices firm, so it is one thing to discount, another to advertise about the discount. No one says Dinan has to make all products available to all dealers all the time. Dealers who discount and advertise that fact (or customers who advertise it for them) may find it difficult to get the high demand parts. Again, don't know, I suspect you are technically correct, but why antagonize the franchisor unnecesarily?
Regards,
Jerry

DRM · 10th July 2006, 23:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsfent

I defer to your knowledge of the contract. I know Dinan wants to keep prices firm, so it is one thing to discount, another to advertise about the discount. No one says Dinan has to make all products available to all dealers all the time. Dealers who discount and advertise that fact (or customers who advertise it for them) may find it difficult to get the high demand parts. Again, don't know, I suspect you are technically correct, but why antagonize the franchisor unnecesarily?
Regards,
Jerry

I think your advice is wise. 'Probably should have communicated my thoughts and knowledge via PM.

Clem · 11th July 2006, 01:47

Thanks for everyone's feedback via this thread and PM.

My Dinan rep was "out of the office" but I'll pay him a friendly visit tomorrow.

MCarRacr07 · 13th July 2006, 07:01

Ask and ye shall receive......so I asked...and I received. My dealer did all the Dinan installs and gave me a little something off....

....then again I've bought 5 cars in 6 years from this place and they do most of the service.
Regards
MCar

ard · 13th July 2006, 07:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by drm64099

You're "blab on the net" comment is valid. However, within Dinan's dealer agreement, there's no mandatory pricing to the customer imposed. Hell, a dealer/installer could "give" you the product if they choose. That said, there is a strict prohibiton against a dealer sourcing Dinan components and then reselling them for ANY price to the public at large; on Ebay for instance. There's also language dealers will only source product from Dinan that will be installed by that dealer. So, if you can negotiate a "package deal" (parts and labor) with a dealer/installer, that's perfectly OK.

In my limited experience, manufacturers have many ways to "enforce" non-contract price minimums....

Legally, mfgs cannot control dealer end pricing- to do so creates safer harbor issues- so they have "suggested" pricing.

But dealers who do not toe the line find themselves getting screwed. No invites to functions/meeting/retreats/races, long lead times, no profit sharing, no year end rebates, limited availability on new items....

I would NOT blab over the net- Dinan strikes me as the kind of outfit to get really pissy with discounts. Certainly I would not let it be know WHICH dealer was discounting...