Your car got swapped, sorry sir!!

[53 TURK]

I have ordered 535xi 2 months ago, signed the contract, paid $500 deposit. I have been tracking the car almost every day. Finally the tracking things says the car is at the dealer.
I called the dealer to let them know that I am ready to pick teh vehicle up.

The manager calls me a while ago
Manager: Mr. Arici, this is such an such from such an such dealer
Me:Yes -I am thinking oh yeah I will be picking up the car this weekend, yay-
Manager:We have a problem with the car
Me: What happened
Manager: We can't find the car
Me:Is this a joke?
Manager: The car got swapped while we were trying to move to our new building
Me: Did you sell it to someone else?
Manager: No, sir. I never made such a mistake in my life. I am sorry
Me: People make mistake, I am not mad but please tell me the truth , what happened
Manager: It got swapped.
Me:Ok, people make mistake. if it wasn't meant to be then it wasn't.
Manager: We have searched the whole country to find you the same car, but no luck
Me: Ok
Manager: We can reorder the car but it will be 2009( wait another 2 months)
Me:I will come in to talk with you face to face.
Manager: Can you come in saturday
Me: Yes I can

Now what, I have a contract, paid a deposit, i have been waiting for the car for 2 months, my current lease will be up in a month. I don't know what to believe.

Any ideas, advise?

[tturedraider]

Is your car eligible for the 0.9% financing? If so you need to go there today and MAKE them find it!!!!!

[mawana]

He sold it to his buddy - sleazy stealership!

[Andrew*Debbie]

If your current car is leased through BMW FS they will extend your lease at the current terms.

I'd ask the dealer to make you whole on the '09 or find you another new unsold '08. No additional cost since it was their error.

[53 TURK]

Is your car eligible for the 0.9% financing? If so you need to go there today and MAKE them find it!!!!!

it is a lease deal for 08 535xi,

[BMWFanboy]

Give us the name of the dealership and wait until the owner responds here.

[woh0]

get the 09 for the same price? and ask them to give you a loaner until u get the new one once your lease is over? :D

[Kamdog]

Read that lease contract and the sales contract. You never know what you will find.

Ask the dealer if he filed a stolen car report.

[b-y]

Read that lease contract and the sales contract. You never know what you will find.
Ask the dealer if he filed a stolen car report.

I'm interested in this aspect too. Did they sell (or lease) the same car twice? Was the lease and the financing through BMWFS? If so, have they authorized payment twice on one vehicle? :dunno: (Even if it was retailed by a different dealer after the swap, there is a good chance the financing went through BMWFS both times. Does anyone check that?)

[53 TURK]

I'm interested in this aspect too. Did they sell (or lease) the same car twice? Was the lease and the financing through BMWFS? If so, have they authorized payment twice on one vehicle? :dunno: (Even if it was retailed by a different dealer after the swap, there is a good chance the financing when through BMWFS both times. Does anyone check that?)

actually this is a very good point you have brought up, i have the contract through bmw fs, i paid them deposit, they sent me the vin # ,

how is that possible that they sold the car again? their argument may be that there was no vin # on the contract.

all i know is what they have done is unethical and i am trying to have a good game plan

[Z4luvr]

This is easy if you ask me. Go meet with the manager. I would bring a friend (who might be a lawyer, but he could be a podiatrist) to the meeting so I have a witness.

Plan A - Ask them to re-order the car, they sell you a 2009 at your old car price and if the 0.9 financing is no longer available, they further discount the car to compensate. They will provide a loaner after your other lease comes due or allow you to stay in your car at a reduced rate.

Plan B - They need to "search the country" again for a similar car (with more equipment) and sell it to you for the same price.

Plan C - If there is no deal by now, tell the manager, excuse me, I need to consult this with my counsel. Step away and talk with your friend for a few minutes, making several hand gestures, pointing at the manager and then the cars. Go back to the manager and have your friend say "We have given you two options in good faith. Rather than initiate litigation, I would prefer that my client gets the car he ordered or the closest thing available. If we walk out this door, we will not be coming back. What can you do to compensate him for breaking the contract and selling his car to someone else?"

All kidding aside, make sure you bring a witness who could pass for a lawyer.

[epoints]

Sorry to hear about this - it's like show up to your wedding and they swap the bride on you... just kidding..

Good suggestions from previous posters - I think you should go for 09 at 08 price and extend your current lease from bmwfs.

[mclaren]

Sorry to hear about this - it's like show up to your wedding and they swap the bride on you... just kidding..
A lot of men wished they swapped the bride later.

I thought "your car got swapped" meant they swapped the car with another dealer by mistake.

[quackbury]

Getting an '09 for the same price is NOT enough, as you will miss out on the FABULOUS August incentives - low MF, high residual, Premium Package credit, Owner Loyalty discount on the MF etc. Even if they find you an identical '08 in Spetember, your monthly lease payments are likely to go way up.

I would get to the dealer ASAP (like tomorrow) and be prepared to bring in BMWFS (you DID have a valid contract with BMWFS, didn't you?) the BBB and the NY AG's office. Insist on a comparable (or better) vehicle, with the same incentives, etc., and take delivery by the end of this month! If they have to do a dealer swap to get you the car, that's their tough luck.

[BigPimp]

Well, this bites but what did you order? There is a ton of 535XIs out there, have them locate one, sell it at cost and you are done.

[Orient330iNYC]

was this the brooklyn dealer by any chance?

[JD650]

was this the brooklyn dealer by any chance?

Sounds like something BK dealer would do....lol!

[JSpira]

I thought "your car got swapped" meant they swapped the car with another dealer by mistake.
What else could it mean? A swap has a specific meaning no? :confused:

[Calif65GM]

I'm curious can't one of the dealer sponsors take a look in the system and see what's showing for that particular VIN?

[BMWFanboy]

Where did the OP go?

Edit: Hmm, seems like he started a similar thread in another subforum.

[angler]

tell them to make you whole however that looks to you or you will be left with no choice but to see your attorney. very simple in my mind.

[Orient330iNYC]

Sounds like something BK dealer would do....lol!

i've dealt with said dealership before. suffice to say, i'm more than happy to drive an hour out of state vs visit a dealer 15 mins away. ;)

[53 TURK]

I live in brooklyn, and after visiting the dealer in bk, in manhattan i had decided to go little further out from the city where you can find fairly honest people, plus they treat you better.
Their word to me is that the car got swapped ( sold to a different dealer in PA on 8/13, someone helped me track the car by vin and found this info)
I am all confused now, I am going there this saturday to sort this out.

[JSpira]

What dealer is this?

[RaveD]

Bob Kaufman in Greenwich will treat you well.

[Orient330iNYC]

I live in brooklyn, and after visiting the dealer in bk, in manhattan i had decided to go little further out from the city where you can find fairly honest people, plus they treat you better.
Their word to me is that the car got swapped ( sold to a different dealer in PA on 8/13, someone helped me track the car by vin and found this info)
I am all confused now, I am going there this saturday to sort this out.


got swapped means they sold it to another dealer. if its their allocation, another dealer cant just come in and take the car.

[53 TURK]

got swapped means they sold it to another dealer. if its their allocation, another dealer cant just come in and take the car.


they keep telling me that it was a mistake but how is that possible that a 2 ton car got sold without they realizing that the car was already owned by someone else. Didn't they have a folder of the car have all the info?

[Orient330iNYC]

they keep telling me that it was a mistake but how is that possible that a 2 ton car got sold without they realizing that the car was already owned by someone else. Didn't they have a folder of the car have all the info?


when the order gets switched to priority 1 (sold), the new owner's name gets tagged onto the vehicle.

here's an inquiry report, i blacked out the name and vin, but next to where it says customer: the owner's name is tagged in. this was a report from before the car left germany, as u can see, its status 150.


http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/4599/scan0017ab9.jpg

forget the folder, the car's info is tagged with the owner on centernet.

i doubt this was a simple mistake...

[Z4luvr]

when the order gets switched to priority 1 (sold), the new owner's name gets tagged onto the vehicle.


i doubt this was a simple mistake...This is the smoking gun you need for your little meeting with the dealer. You position just got a lot stronger. I would not show it to him right off the bat. I would let him explain away how this happens and then drop this bomb on him when the moment is right.

[53 TURK]

This is the smoking gun you need for your little meeting with the dealer. You position just got a lot stronger. I would not show it to him right off the bat. I would let him explain away how this happens and then drop this bomb on him when the moment is right.

you are absolutely right. when I go there on saturday, i will just sit down ask the manager to explain what happened, as we go I will pull out the aces I have gathered so far.

i just remembered that they also told me that the car was at priority 4 that is why they could not tell if the car was already owned, blah blah.....I guess

[SJAPoc]

you are absolutely right. when I go there on saturday, i will just sit down ask the manager to explain what happened, as we go I will pull out the aces I have gathered so far.

i just remembered that they also told me that the car was at priority 4 that is why they could not tell if the car was already owned, blah blah.....I guess

I have a feeling there is going to be a broomstick somewhere in this room :dunno: and I am not quite sure how and who will use it. It seems unlikely that it was an honest mistake but regardless, the dealer needs to make it right!

Bring a friend as a witness or at least for a little (silent) support. I wish you well and can't wait to learn the outcome of your meeting... Hope it all works out :thumbup:

[Orient330iNYC]

you are absolutely right. when I go there on saturday, i will just sit down ask the manager to explain what happened, as we go I will pull out the aces I have gathered so far.

i just remembered that they also told me that the car was at priority 4 that is why they could not tell if the car was already owned, blah blah.....I guess

so they had a car, that you custom ordered to your spec, that they took a deposit on, tagged at priority 4 which is dealer stock

riiiight

[1985mb]

What dealer is this?

+1

A write-up should go into the Dealer Feedback forum when all is said and done. I wonder if this will be another 'Flow' :rofl:

[53 TURK]

I don't want to give out the names yet. I will post the outcome of the meeting here on saturday. I really appreciate the comments, advise.
I also apologize that I opened two threads, one here and one at the e60. I was just furious and wanted to share with everybody.

[53 TURK]

so they had a car, that you custom ordered to your spec, that they took a deposit on, tagged at priority 4 which is dealer stock

riiiight


they told me that the car arrived sooner than they expected that is why they put it under priority 4 so that the car doesn't come off the port and may get damaged.

[BayAreaBMWFan]

So they changed the car's priority number to hold it at the port since your lease was going to start at a later date and then did a dealer swap on it? This could be a honest mistake though the strategy of changing the Priority to hold at the port is gaming the system. Perhaps their lots were really full of unsold cars.
All I would do is tell the dealer to
(1) Order the exact same car (MY 08 or 09) AND lease it to you at exactly the same monetary terms or better. If the lease rates are different and not in favor of the dealer, let them eat the cost by giving a larger discount off the sticker.
(2) BMWFS will allow you to extend your current lease for a few months at the old monthly rate.
(3) If #2 is not acceptable (tires about to wear out soon, registration too expensive to renew), ask for a loaner.

BTW, I am not sure whether you are currently leasing a car with BMWFS. Were you waiting for the new car to arrive and would have picked it up the day it got here?

[53 TURK]

So they changed the car's priority number to hold it at the port since your lease was going to start at a later date and then did a dealer swap on it? This could be a honest mistake though the strategy of changing the Priority to hold at the port is gaming the system. Perhaps their lots were really full of unsold cars.
All I would do is tell the dealer to
(1) Order the exact same car (MY 08 or 09) AND lease it to you at exactly the same monetary terms or better. If the lease rates are different and not in favor of the dealer, let them eat the cost by giving a larger discount off the sticker.
(2) BMWFS will allow you to extend your current lease for a few months at the old monthly rate.
(3) If #2 is not acceptable (tires about to wear out soon, registration too expensive to renew), ask for a loaner.

BTW, I am not sure whether you are currently leasing a car with BMWFS. Were you waiting for the new car to arrive and would have picked it up the day it got here?

I was gonna pick up the car on 8/30 regardless of my current lease I would have two cars for a month or so. I have ordered the car on 6/31 and they told me it will be 8 weeks so I said OK I will pick her up whenever it gets here, probably 8/30.

May be it is an honest mistake, I will really find out this saturday.

[ZoomVT]

very curious to hear how this turns out.
good luck.

[53 TURK]

Well, I went to the dealer today to find out what had happened to my car. They explained me the situation. I was/am convinced that it was an honest mistake that they swapped my car. They have changed my cars priority to #4 ( dealer stock). The reason they have changed the priority to #4 was beacuse the car arrived in 5 weeks, we were expectiing 8 weeks. ( I placed the order on 6/31 and the car got here on 8/7/08), and they didn't want the car to come off the port soon. Everything is OK as far as the swapping story goes. I told them I understood that we all could make mistakes, yet I am still frustrated because of the time I spent to decide the car, color combo, to track the car, etc...

The manager told me I can either order 09 535xi or pick something from their inventory. He also added that he would give me a good deal. I picked one of the cars on the floor; the only differences between this car and the one I have ordered are;
- it is a 535i ( after hearing unsatisfaction stories of the x drive from couple friends, I was OK with the i. All I gotta do is to get dunlop winter sport m3 tires)
- performance 18" tires on new car, the swapped car was 17" all season
- no park distance control, the swapped car hade PDC
- no comfort access, the old car had comfort access
- satelite radio as an extra, the swapped car didn't have satelite radio
- exterior is monaco blue, the swapped car was Titanium Silver


08 535i
Monaco Blue - Natural Brown - Bamboo Anthracite Wood Trim
Sports Package, Cold Weather, Premium
paddle shifters
high beam assist
nav
logic 7
satelite radio
ipod usb interface

The MSRP is $61,320
Invoice Price is $56,855
Selling Price is $55,255
24 Month lease 15K/year Residual 66% MF 0.0012
Due at signing $1,170( including first months pay +$375)
I also got my current leased vehicle preinspected on 6/28, and they quoted me $750. They waived this fee as well. By reducing the due at signing to $1,169 from $1920. I will pay the 750 to BMW)

Monthly payment including tax - $795.00

I will let them know on monday about my final desicion. I also asked them if tehre would be any cosmetic, software, etc.. upgrades on the 09 5series. They told me; new wheels and new i drive, which will be on late 09 models)

What would you do if you were me?


Thanks in advance.

p.sbelow is the deal I got on the swapped car

2008 BMW 535xi Sedan -Tit. Silver Met./Nat. Brown Leather/Bamboo Anthracite Wood
Steptronic
Prem. Pkg.
Sports Pkg.
Cold Weather Pkg.
Comfort Access
Park Distance Control
High Beam Assist
Navigation
Logic 7 Sound
iPod & USB Adapter
MSRP - $62625.00
ePRICE - $56800.00 plus tax and mtr. veh. doc. fees (quote reflects "option credit" good through 6/30/08)

residul 65% mf 0.0017

24/15,000 would run $913.75 per month (NY tax 8.625% in payt.) with inception fees due at delivery - $1957.75

[JSpira]

For me, comfort access and PDC would be required, esp. CA.

In order to compare deals, we would need the MSRP and selling price (as well as MF etc.) of the swapped car.

The price for the xDrive car is higher than the non xDrive so that accounts for a good part of the difference.

Also, you should put on winter tires, not AS tires, in the winter. AS tires are a compromise.

[JD650]

Well, I went to the dealer today to find out what had happened to my car. They explained me the situation. I was/am convinced that it was an honest mistake that they swapped my car. They have changed my cars priority to #4 ( dealer stock). The reason they have changed the priority to #4 was beacuse the car arrived in 5 weeks, we were expectiing 8 weeks. ( I placed the order on 6/31 and the car got here on 8/7/08), and they didn't want the car to come off the port soon. Everything is OK as far as the swapping story goes. I told them I understood that we all could make mistakes, yet I am still frustrated because of the time I spent to decide the car, color combo, to track the car, etc...

The manager told me I can either order 09 535xi or pick something from their inventory. He also added that he would give me a good deal. I picked one of the cars on the floor; the only differences between this car and the one I have ordered are;
- it is a 535i ( after hearing unsatisfaction stories of the x drive from couple friends, I was OK with the i. All I gotta do is to get all season tires for winter)
- performance 18" tires on new car, the swapped car was 17" all season
- no park distance control, the swapped car hade PDC
- no comfort access, the old car had comfort access
- satelite radio as an extra, the swapped car didn't have satelite radio
- exterior is monaco blue, the swapped car was Titanium Silver


08 535i
Monaco Blue - Natural Brown - Bamboo Anthracite Wood Trim
Sports Package, Cold Weather, Premium
paddle shifters
high beam assist
nav
logic 7
satelite radio
ipod usp interface

The MSRP is $61,320
Invoice Price is $56,855
Selling Price is $55,255
24 Month lease 15K/year Residual 65% MF 0.0012
Due at signing $1,170( including first months pay +$375)
I also got my current leased vehicle preinspected on 6/28, and they quoted me $750. They waived this fee as well. By reducing the due at signing to $1,169 from $1920. I will pay the 750 to BMW)

Monthly payment including tax - $795.00

I will let them know on monday about my final desicion. I also asked them if tehre would be any cosmetic, software, etc.. upgrades on the 09 5series. They told me; new wheels and new i drive, which will be on late 09 models)

What would you do if you were me?


Thanks in advance.

p.s the montly payment on the swapped car was; for 24mo 15K was $913 , $1919 due at signing


I absolutely wouldnt mind going with this one.....but then you gotta evaluate the lease....Xi no biggie, neither is PDC or CA, PDC doesnt even activate by itself unless you reverse....I would pick sirius over PDC & CA in a heart beat....for Brooklyn get a bumperbully and you wont need a PDC anymore..

[JSpira]

I would pick sirious over PDC & CA in a heart beat...
Sirius is way old technology; I wouldn't bother with that when there are tens of thousands of internet radio stations plus a zillion podcasts out there

[JD650]

Sirius is way old technology; I wouldn't bother with that when there are tens of thousands of internet radio stations plus a zillion podcasts out there

Sirius works for me...I dont want to spend the entire time I drive figuring out which station I want to hear to.....my wife keeps listening to FM....she doesnt even care about Sirius...but it works for me.....

[BloodRedHog]

If it were me, I could live w/o the PDC...I don't have it now and don't miss it.
The comfort access, to me, would be a deal breaker...it is SO convenient....

Monaco-Nat Brown is a killer color combo and much less common than TiAg, which every soccer mom has...

Tough choice...

[djw521]

Park distance control is a MUST have requirement. Have it now and would never have another without it. Also folding rear seats is a must have. Internet radio , pass. Color changes would also be a non-starter for me. Want what I want. Dealer should order car to repace the initial order and eat the price increase and provide loaner for the period between the end of leased car and delivery of new one.

[Z4luvr]

Only you can determine what is a "must have" for your car. If you really want the xi, you need to wait for the 09. CA and PDC don't sound like deal killers to me. After having owned a TiAG 5er and a Monaco Blue 535, I really prefer the Monaco Blue. (I am biased.) There are too many TiAg out there such that they don't stand out. That natural brown looks great. It was my first choice on interior, but I ended up getting a killer deal on a loaner.

I would probably counter that I would buy the car for a little less and require them to add the USB / IPOD connection. I think that can be added by the dealer, but I am not certain. They probably have a little more wiggle room.

Good luck.

[mjowens]

I've been following the posts, and I agree that the only correct solution is to have the dealer order a similar '09 for the same price and either work an extension on the lease or provide a loaner until it comes in. They may have been trying to do you a favor by delaying the delivery, but they certainly weren't watching out for you when they let the car out of their grasp. And now they are offering to get another car off their lot without much pain on their part. You ordered the car - color, xi, ca, etc. - because that's what you wanted. And that is what you paid for and should receive. I agree with others that four wheel drive is not necessary to drive in the snow but it is nice to have it; and again you ordered it. The first time you get stuck in the snow you will regret this 'swap' and turn a good car into a bad experience. The only acceptable swap in my opinion should be a step up, not a step across. If the dealer really balks at ordering the '09, then accept an '08 fully loaded with every option BMW offers. The dealer needs to feel your anquish. Don't let them off the hook and then second guess yourself for the term of the lease.

[quackbury]

You will never, ever see a lease deal this good on an '09. It is not up to the dealer, it is BMWFS that sets the MF and residual, and BMWUSA which offers the PP credit (thus allowing the dealer to sell you the car below invoice). If you think your dealer is powerful enough to recreate this lease package on an '09 you are fooling yourself.

Monaco / Natural is a killer combo. Gets dirty quicker than TiAg, but as others have said, your car will stand out. And the 535i has a real sport package, unlike the cosmetic "sport" package on the xi. :thumbup:

For your winter tires, get a 17" tire/wheel package from the Tire Rack. You'll recover the money you spend initially on the package by not having the expense of changing over the tires and rebalancing the wheels twice a year. Plus the 17's will stand up better to potholes.

AFAIK the big change on the '09's is the hard-drive based Nav, and that won't be here till later in the year. So the only thing you'd achieve by ordering an '09 would be different wheels and the new iDrive interface with the menu buttons. For the $1,000 increase in base price, I'd pass.

IMHO CA is a big yawn. I have had it on loaners and don't miss not having it on my car. While PDC is very, very nice, I think it would cost you another $200/month to build an '09 with it. Not worth it IMHO. Sirius is a useful option, especially if you like music genres which are not on mainstream radio. (E.g. no jazz stations here in Boston). If you decide you don't like it, you can always drop the subscription after the first year.

I still don't think it was an "honest" mistake, but I think you should JUMP ON THIS DEAL! Now that the '09 pricing has been released, lots of folks are realizing what killer deals are out there on the '08's and someone else will buy this car by the end of the week if you don't.

Let us know how you make out.

[mclaren]

I agree with quack, I'd take the deal.

[53 TURK]

Thanks for your great inputs, it helps ,big time, to look at my situation from different perspectives. As I always believe that everything happens for a reason. I have seen the color combo monaco/nat brown, I believe it is nicer than what I have ordered Tiag/Nat Brown. As far as options go, I can live without the PDC and comfort access. These are not the real deal breakers for me.

As far as tires go, my biggest concern was the winter in NY/NJ. THe car has 18 perf. tires, bu I found Dunlop winter sport M3 on tirerack for $990, and I believe these should help during the winter. On the other hand there is also 17" winter tire& wheel package for $1,200.

I think the deal I got on the 08 535i is fair, I mean there is a $100 drop in the lease payments; yes It is not an xi, not exact what I have customized but I think the deal is good.

there ios no end to this discussion since we all have different mentality. As I have mentioned any comment/idea/advice is appreciated.

[tturedraider]

Just for curiosity's sake I'm wondering if the dealer offered to do a wide search for an xi that has all the options you ordered (and maybe more) and then get that car and make a killer deal on it for you.

Regarding the winter wheel/tire situation - Of course, I have no personal experience with this need, but from everything I've read from you poor saps :p who have to deal with this I think the separate 17" wheel/tire set up is the better route to go. Having to dismount and remount the tires twice a year wil be a pain and it will increase the odds the wheels may be scratched in the process. Having smaller and slightly less wide wheels will also give better winter/snow traction.

Good luck.

btw - something about this situation I haven't quite understood - how did your CA fail to realize your car had been delivered to the dealership and how long had the car been gone when they discovered it? Why were they unable to "un-swap" the car with the other dealer? I'm guessing enough time had passed that the new "owner" of the car from the other dealership had already taken possession.

[New Motors]

53 Turk, I like the deal your looking at. Like I PM'd you, work the dealer for all you can. I'm not sure if you said they are going to cover the winter tires or not. The car sounds great. Glad to help out.

[ANZAC_1915]

Changing the order to priority 4 after it hit the port is just BS. They could have called you and asked you what you wanted to do.

I would still complain to BMW. Taking your car off priority 1 is unacceptable.

[wyb]

there is something missing from the story - WHY was the car taken off priority 1..??? Perhaps a CA can advise... my guess would be it has everything to do with invoicing and when the dealer has to pay for the vehicle - ie, a priority 1 gets invoiced immediately as opposed to a priority 4 being 90 days or or something similar.... I'm sure it is something like that.

[jcatral14]

Thanks for your great inputs, it helps ,big time, to look at my situation from different perspectives. As I always believe that everything happens for a reason. I have seen the color combo monaco/nat brown, I believe it is nicer than what I have ordered Tiag/Nat Brown. As far as options go, I can live without the PDC and comfort access. These are not the real deal breakers for me.

As far as tires go, my biggest concern was the winter in NY/NJ. THe car has 18 perf. tires, bu I found Dunlop winter sport M3 on tirerack for $990, and I believe these should help during the winter. On the other hand there is also 17" winter tire& wheel package for $1,200.

I think the deal I got on the 08 535i is fair, I mean there is a $100 drop in the lease payments; yes It is not an xi, not exact what I have customized but I think the deal is good.

there ios no end to this discussion since we all have different mentality. As I have mentioned any comment/idea/advice is appreciated.
If you can(may not clear the brakes), get 17" snow tires. It's a better choice in our neck of the woods.

[beashonda]

Well, I went to the dealer today to find out what had happened to my car. They explained me the situation. I was/am convinced that it was an honest mistake that they swapped my car. They have changed my cars priority to #4 ( dealer stock). The reason they have changed the priority to #4 was beacuse the car arrived in 5 weeks, we were expectiing 8 weeks. ( I placed the order on 6/31 and the car got here on 8/7/08), and they didn't want the car to come off the port soon. Everything is OK as far as the swapping story goes. I told them I understood that we all could make mistakes, yet I am still frustrated because of the time I spent to decide the car, color combo, to track the car, etc...

The manager told me I can either order 09 535xi or pick something from their inventory. He also added that he would give me a good deal. I picked one of the cars on the floor; the only differences between this car and the one I have ordered are;
- it is a 535i ( after hearing unsatisfaction stories of the x drive from couple friends, I was OK with the i. All I gotta do is to get dunlop winter sport m3 tires)
- performance 18" tires on new car, the swapped car was 17" all season
- no park distance control, the swapped car hade PDC
- no comfort access, the old car had comfort access
- satelite radio as an extra, the swapped car didn't have satelite radio
- exterior is monaco blue, the swapped car was Titanium Silver


08 535i
Monaco Blue - Natural Brown - Bamboo Anthracite Wood Trim
Sports Package, Cold Weather, Premium
paddle shifters
high beam assist
nav
logic 7
satelite radio
ipod usb interface

The MSRP is $61,320
Invoice Price is $56,855
Selling Price is $55,255
24 Month lease 15K/year Residual 66% MF 0.0012
Due at signing $1,170( including first months pay +$375)
I also got my current leased vehicle preinspected on 6/28, and they quoted me $750. They waived this fee as well. By reducing the due at signing to $1,169 from $1920. I will pay the 750 to BMW)

Monthly payment including tax - $795.00

I will let them know on monday about my final desicion. I also asked them if tehre would be any cosmetic, software, etc.. upgrades on the 09 5series. They told me; new wheels and new i drive, which will be on late 09 models)

What would you do if you were me?


Thanks in advance.

p.sbelow is the deal I got on the swapped car

2008 BMW 535xi Sedan -Tit. Silver Met./Nat. Brown Leather/Bamboo Anthracite Wood
Steptronic
Prem. Pkg.
Sports Pkg.
Cold Weather Pkg.
Comfort Access
Park Distance Control
High Beam Assist
Navigation
Logic 7 Sound
iPod & USB Adapter
MSRP - $62625.00
ePRICE - $56800.00 plus tax and mtr. veh. doc. fees (quote reflects "option credit" good through 6/30/08)

residul 65% mf 0.0017

24/15,000 would run $913.75 per month (NY tax 8.625% in payt.) with inception fees due at delivery - $1957.75

Sirius is way old technology; I wouldn't bother with that when there are tens of thousands of internet radio stations plus a zillion podcasts out there


forget the Sirius satellite radio. They talk way more than you think they do and reception can be spotty. The comfort access if nice, but neither that nor PDC are must haves and really worth the money, IMHO. I agree if you live where you must park on the street, to get that thing for the bumpers instead. Much cheaper.

Have the them throw in tire insurance since you have run flats and low profile and have NY potholes to deal with. You'll need it.:)

[Mysticblue325i]

Sounds like you took the deal. Good deal, too, and one that I would have taken. Even though I am biased on the matter, I would never take an xi, especially due to the chatter on the forum and the lack of a true sports pkg which is why I bought the darn car in the first place. I'd be disappointed w/o the CA, as it's super convenient, though if the keys are on the same side as my phone, locking can be spotty due to interference. And the only time I really rely on PDC is parking in the garage to make sure I'm at the exact spot so as not to get the rear bumper hit when closing the garage door. And the front sensors do indeed need to activated manually, unless you put the car in reverse beforehand. Oh, and now you get the sport auto trans...brother, you lucked out!!!

[BayAreaBMWFan]

I think PDC is a feature which is on the border of nice to have to must have. If you drive and park in cramped spaces then PDC is a boon. I have moved to an area where I never had to parallel park to an area where parallel parking is the norm, and without PDC it would have been a disaster.

Also the 535xi and 535i are different cars altogether. So do not go by the $100 reduction in the lease payment. If I were you, I would look at the discount off the MSRP and the lease markups (if any) and insist on more than what the original deal was. Also make sure they are factoring in the various incentives out there like the Premium Package Discount, the OLP etc.

And finally, the sports package makes the suspension stiffer than the one on the xi model. This can be a challenge on the pot-holes of new york, especially with low profile tires. You should DEFINITELY take the car or a similar one with low profile tires and the sports suspension on a test drive on a typical tri-state road. I have noticed that the number of cars with ZSP in this area is less here than the SFO area and apart from the snow, the condition of the roads has a lot to do with it.

And since you are leasing, you keep in mind the cost of the winter driving tires (about $50/month if you are paying $1200 for a 24 month lease).

[JRob37]

actually this is a very good point you have brought up, i have the contract through bmw fs, i paid them deposit, they sent me the vin # ,

how is that possible that they sold the car again? their argument may be that there was no vin # on the contract.

all i know is what they have done is unethical and i am trying to have a good game plan

You (or any dealer rather) should be able to track the car via the VIN or production number. The whole thing sound a little fishy...

[53 TURK]

I am about to go crazy trying to pull the trigger. I got another deal from the dealer.

535i MANUAL - Monaco Blue/Cream Beige @3000 miles

Cold Weather

Premium Package

Sport Package 18"

Active Steering

Rear side-impact airbags

Comfort Access

Power rear sunshades

Fold down rear seats

Park Distance Control

Navigation

HD radio

Sirius

Logic 7

Ipod



$680 per month

24/15000 miles

$1505 - due at signing including first payment + we are making your last payment of $550

I am so confused now. Manual gives me back ache( I have driven manual for 10 years) plus I think it is not as good as Automatic on snow. What do my fellow BMW addicts think?

[Z4luvr]

You are going to have the car for 2 years. If driving a manual will drive you crazy, get the auto. If not, that manual sounds like a pretty good deal too with all those additional options and lower payment.

[BayAreaBMWFan]

The manual with 3K miles looks like a dealer demo. I hope it is priced accordingly (80-85% of MSRP) given all the incentives out there.

[bmwKbiker]

A manual is also a 5-series the dealer would be happy to be rid of even at a loss.
Unless you were really on fence between Auto/MT don't settle for (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306367)what you wouldn't have ordered.

[Z4luvr]

Whatever you do, sign on the bottom line this weekend. Incentives will be reduced in September.

[53 TURK]

Oh yeah, finally I sealed the deal with the 535i, i picked her up yesterday, so far everything is great. thanks to everyone of you who shared their thoughts on this thread.

535i STEPTRONIC - Monaco Blue/Cream Beige /Light Poplar @2000 miles

Cold Weather
Premium Package
Active Steering
STEPTRONIC
Active STeering
Comfort Access
Fold Down Rear Seats
PDC
High Beam
Lane Departure
Navigation
Head up display
HD radio
Logic 7

24 mo /20K
$1400 due at signing
$715/ month including tax
They made the past payment of my current leased vehicle ($529)
They take my current leased car back as is( i got it preinspected and they quoted $750 for the repairs)

I think this deal is fenominal.

[mdsbuc]

Congratulations on the new 5er. She seems very sweet indeed, especially with the stick, sport pkg., and all the amenities. I am wondering though, why the car has 2/3K miles. Was the car a dealer demo?

[cha777]

Oh yeah, finally I sealed the deal with the 535i, i picked her up yesterday, so far everything is great. thanks to everyone of you who shared their thoughts on this thread.

535i MANUAL - Monaco Blue/Cream Beige /Light Poplar @2000 miles

Cold Weather
Premium Package
Active Steering
STEPTRONIC
Active STeering
Comfort Access
Fold Down Rear Seats
PDC
High Beam
Lane Departure
Navigation
Head up display
HD radio
Logic 7

24 mo /20K
$1400 due at signing
$715/ month including tax
They made the past payment of my current leased vehicle ($529)
They take my current leased car back as is( i got it preinspected and they quoted $750 for the repairs)

I think this deal is fenominal.

Congrats...but which is it, 6MT or Steptronic?:dunno:

[bmwKbiker]

Oh yeah, finally I sealed the deal with the 535i, i picked her up yesterday, so far everything is great. thanks to everyone of you who shared their thoughts on this thread.

535i MANUAL - Monaco Blue/Cream Beige /Light Poplar @2000 miles

Cold Weather
Premium Package
Active Steering
STEPTRONIC

:confused:

[Mister Mayor]

Been following this thread with great interest and the advise given by you all has been outstanding....:thumbup: Looks like he got a good deal.
Having said that, I myself would have insisted on an '09 at same cost/mrc. Dealer dropped the ball.

[53 TURK]

my apoligies for the type, it is a steptronic, there were two cars; the one I have picked up is the Steptronic.
The car is great so far, I can't image how she will be like after I add the PES chip, which adds 95 HP.

[carnuts3]

my apoligies for the type, it is a steptronic, there were two cars; the one I have picked up is the Steptronic.
The car is great so far, I can't image how she will be like after I add the PES chip, which adds 95 HP.

PES chip? Please explain. Is it easy to install and then remove at lease end? What is the cost for install and removal? Doesn't affect the warranty? Where to get installed? Thanks.

[53 TURK]

PES chip? Please explain. Is it easy to install and then remove at lease end? What is the cost for install and removal? Doesn't affect the warranty? Where to get installed? Thanks.

The PES chip costs $1195 no install in this cost, it is very easy to install, you can install it yourself in 40 mins, and you can remove it in 20 mins. They have tested two 335i for a year or so, one manual one automatic, the automatic is little more faster with the chip. They can install it or you can install it yourself by watching the DVD they will send you.

A friend of mine have driven the chipped car he says it is fenominal. I will be getting it for my 5er. Imagine a 535i with 395 hp and 440 tq.

I will PM you the contact person so they can help you find the closest installer to you.