Our trip to purchase a 335i started a couple of years ago. Two major events – 30th anniversary and writing my last tuition check ever – would happen in fall of 2008. My family has continuously owned BMW 3 series since 1977, so I put aside thoughts of buying a Porsche and purchased a 335i. I’ve probably read just about every trip report over the past two years, so I hope this report will add to the quality of information on this site. For those considering an early October delivery in the future, you may face some of the same issues I had. In no particular order:
• You will not likely know the colors, options, or price until your trip has been completely planned.
• You may be faced with EPA certification issues.
• You could start planning your trip when the DJI is at an all time high, and take delivery on the day it hits an all time low.
• You will have the time of your life.
I decided early on to use a board sponsor. While the two dealers in Minneapolis have their strengths, they were inflexible on price. Most importantly, I felt that using a board sponsor would give me the best chance of a no hassle deal since I would likely pay for the trip before I knew how much the car would cost. Although I will have to take delivery in Chicago, I am very pleased with Irv Robinson at MotorWerks. He met my expectations of a no hassle deal and he gave me a good price too. The board sponsors really know ED and they stake their reputation on it.
June, 2008 – placed the order and received a confirmation that my first choice, October 6, was accepted. I happened to be in Chicago for business that day so I stopped by and completed the paperwork. Received a call the next day that there was some issue with EPA certification and I wouldn’t be able to take delivery until October 13. Since my anniversary was October 7, and that was the ‘official’ reason for the trip, I declined to change my plans. BMW would provide me with a loaner car to use the first week of my trip. My plans would take me close to Munich on October 13, so it wasn’t a huge risk to take. Tried to make a reservation with Lufthansa and was told I had plenty of time. Called back a couple of days later and made reservations this time. Those couple of days cost me about $200, and the tickets would go up about another $200 over the summer. Lesson learned is to make the reservations as soon as you can. You don’t need a production number to do that.
September, 2008 – confirmed tickets with Lufthansa and paid for them. Got a call from BMW asking me if it was ok to give me a convertible with a manual for my loaner car. I thought that would be a good enough alternative that I strongly considered just shipping my car back. Irv sent me the invoice for the car on a day that the market went up 600 points. I had to pay for it on a day when the market went down 700 points. That was the toughest check I’ve ever written.
• You will not likely know the colors, options, or price until your trip has been completely planned.
• You may be faced with EPA certification issues.
• You could start planning your trip when the DJI is at an all time high, and take delivery on the day it hits an all time low.
• You will have the time of your life.
I decided early on to use a board sponsor. While the two dealers in Minneapolis have their strengths, they were inflexible on price. Most importantly, I felt that using a board sponsor would give me the best chance of a no hassle deal since I would likely pay for the trip before I knew how much the car would cost. Although I will have to take delivery in Chicago, I am very pleased with Irv Robinson at MotorWerks. He met my expectations of a no hassle deal and he gave me a good price too. The board sponsors really know ED and they stake their reputation on it.
June, 2008 – placed the order and received a confirmation that my first choice, October 6, was accepted. I happened to be in Chicago for business that day so I stopped by and completed the paperwork. Received a call the next day that there was some issue with EPA certification and I wouldn’t be able to take delivery until October 13. Since my anniversary was October 7, and that was the ‘official’ reason for the trip, I declined to change my plans. BMW would provide me with a loaner car to use the first week of my trip. My plans would take me close to Munich on October 13, so it wasn’t a huge risk to take. Tried to make a reservation with Lufthansa and was told I had plenty of time. Called back a couple of days later and made reservations this time. Those couple of days cost me about $200, and the tickets would go up about another $200 over the summer. Lesson learned is to make the reservations as soon as you can. You don’t need a production number to do that.
September, 2008 – confirmed tickets with Lufthansa and paid for them. Got a call from BMW asking me if it was ok to give me a convertible with a manual for my loaner car. I thought that would be a good enough alternative that I strongly considered just shipping my car back. Irv sent me the invoice for the car on a day that the market went up 600 points. I had to pay for it on a day when the market went down 700 points. That was the toughest check I’ve ever written.