Any dealers NOT marking up? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

vndkshn · 5th September 2003, 19:32

Talked to the local dealers in my area, all of them are already talking about "what the market will bear for this premium vehicle". I am trying to get a lock on ordering when they are first available to do so, but I don't want to take a bath on it. Anyone know any dealers on the East Coast, from NYC to N/S Carolina that are not marking up, and taking reservations?

Its sad really... I started the list at the dealer I like... now they are talking about markups....

Jessem · 5th September 2003, 19:38

I know Devon Hill BMW(10 miles west of Phila) are taking deposits and were(are?) commiting to MSRP.

zzzzMD · 6th September 2003, 00:45

BMW of Watertown (Formerly County Line BMW) in Watertown, Connecticut. 800-442-4269. Ask for Lawrence Vaccarella. Tell him "The Doc" sent you.

M5manny · 6th September 2003, 17:50

I just P.M. you.

I will never charge a board member nor any other enthusiast over MSRP.

m3ster · 6th September 2003, 23:30

The dealership in Salt Lake never goes above MSRP. They have a waiting list that is pretty long. If you got on it right now it would be close to 2 years after the E60 M5 comes out before you got your car.

AJ · 7th September 2003, 19:50

foreign motors west in natick, ma is telling me that they will not charge me over msrp.

alex
02 gts
few other cars

MEnthusiast · 8th September 2003, 00:47

its way too early to know who will do what.

you get a hot economy, limited supply car and you will get markups. period. just human nature- unless you are a valued customer of the dealership or have some other reason not for it.

the best thing you can do is lock in a price right now. but they can get around it and they will try.

IMHO- dont be in a big rush to get the car, and youll pay sticker for it. I think the luke-warm/cool economy + debatable looks + idrive will make real price gouging past the first 6 months very difficult.

vndkshn · 8th September 2003, 16:52

I am working my dealer here, and he has finally offered to write up a purchase order, which I assume will indicate they will sell at MSRP. Can they trully get out of that? I would think a purchase order would be a binding contract. I have not decided which way I should go.

As for being too early, most (VOB/Fairfax BMW/Sterling BMW) have all indicated that they are not sure (and I cut and paste from an email):

Unfortunately, I can't predict what the market will bear when the M5 hits the street. Therefore, I can't honestly tell you that we will not be charging over sticker for this premium vehicle when it is released. I sincerely hope that we don't charge over sticker, but that is not my decision and has not yet been determined.

From that... it seems they are all thinking about it. One of them said they plan to have as little (!!) as 10k markup.

MEnthusiast · 8th September 2003, 18:19

most dealers will do whatever they want because for you to enforce that piece of paper you have to be troubled to bring a legal action that will cost you money. they figure- and they are correct- that youd rather spend your energy finding a car from another dealer and they will sell this one for their premium. if you bring legal action and happen to prevail, what will you get? the car at msrp? that price has a markup for the dealer already. so they cant lose.

one strategy Ive seen done is to put a deposit down at several dealers. you can then play them off each other. I am sure they would not like someone to do this- but it happens all the time.

in your shoes, Id have a sit down discussion with the dealership manager and explain that I believe in recopricity and therefoew would be a very loyal customer if I were treated properly- meaning MSRP. Id also explain that I would like to get the car within x months of its release but would be willing to let the first few go to those wanting to pay the premium but I wouldnt want to be forced into year 2. this way you give them something to work with and you hopefully get some goodwill in return.

vndkshn · 8th September 2003, 20:21

With the multiple deposit strategy, wouldn't you loose your deposit? That may not be too bad, but getting the boss (she can be a mean one!!) to sign off on throwing 500 away would be a tough sell!

Excellent points though. They wanted to do the whole thing over the phone because they know it is a drive for me, but I told them I would drive in, at least to talk.

GNALUZU · 10th September 2003, 23:59

Deposits are usually refundable up until production of the car begins. So, if you have 5 deposits down, as soon as you get a production number on one of them, cancel the others. You should be able to get refundable deposit in writing.

As for waiting for the second year of production... I would most certainly wait. We all know that there were gremlins with the first US production year. High oil comsumption and other issues. Also, for '01 the Nav screen got bigger. Who knows what kind of changes will happen with the E60 M5. If I were getting one, I would want my order to say "No sooner than 2nd year production".