Update: Got the Deal Done

Thank you everyone for the tips and coaching. For those that did not read my prior post, I was choosing between a 2011 CPO 35i (white, black interior, 10,200 miles, M sport) or a 2013 35i (black sapphire, black interior and M sport). But the Dallas dealership was not being competitive on the price (said that this forum's posts on 5-7% off MSRP were lies etc...) and unfair on my trade in (I will admit value is subjective when it comes to a car that has been in an accident and not repaired), so the black sapphire option went away. I put a deposit on the 2011 car and was going to move forward on that one but then the Plano dealership made me a very good offer on a new 2013 (custom ordered to my specifications). At that point, I had a $9,500 difference between the 2011 and 2013 and was going to stick with the 2011. Either way I was getting an awesome car, so it would be good to save the money. So I emailed the Plano dealership and sent along a spreadsheet showing my math. I said that I would be willing to buy the new car if the difference was less than $6,000 so I needed them to come up with an additional $3,500 in value. I didn't care if they reduced the price or increased my trade in. They gave me an additional $2,900. So at a $6,600 difference, I decided to go for the new car so could pick the options I wanted (i.e. Oyster instead of black and Cold Weather instead of the premium sound).

Here is what I ordered:
35i in Alpine White with Oyster Nevada leather, fineline wavewood trim (i.e. the darker one).
Packages: Convenience, Premium, Technology, M Sport, Dynamic Handling, Cold Weather and the BMW Apps.

At the end of the day, I think the most powerful tools for negotiation are (a) information from forums like this, bmwconfigurator and other websites and (b) more than one good option. Speaking of which, if anyone wants a 2011 CPO 35i with the M Sport feature, I suggest calling Joe at BMW Global Imports in Atlanta tomorrow morning. They released my deposit tonight. It is mint condition, only 10,200 miles and has every option except heated seats and the driver assist. It is a good looking car and they were a very nice dealership to work with.

Congrats on the purchase... there is nothing like the smell of a new car.

Your configuration is very close to my car.... and I love my car!

Now the wait begins.

Sounds almost identical to mine, but in DSB instead of AW. Either way you're going to love it.

Congrats. Nice configuration, similar to mine (except for the M), but I'm also DSB.

Now it's time to get ready for the next round, the Finance & Insurance (F&I) guy at delivery time. He's going to try and sell you the following:

1) Wheel and Tire insurance
2) Clear Bra
3) Paint and Leather Protection
4) Paintless Dent Removal
5) Different Financing, unless you're buying/leasing through BMW

Knowing what you're going to be offered, you have the opportunity to decide up front if they're anything that you want. You can ask about pricing up front too, rather than when you're excited and under pressure at delivery time, and you'll have the opportunity to investigate and decide if you would prefer an after-market solution.

Originally Posted by 02420X3

Congrats. Nice configuration, similar to mine (except for the M), but I'm also DSB.

Now it's time to get ready for the next round, the Finance & Insurance (F&I) guy at delivery time. He's going to try and sell you the following:

1) Wheel and Tire insurance
2) Clear Bra
3) Paint and Leather Protection
4) Paintless Dent Removal
5) Different Financing, unless you're buying/leasing through BMW

Knowing what you're going to be offered, you have the opportunity to decide up front if they're anything that you want. You can ask about pricing up front too, rather than when you're excited and under pressure at delivery time, and you'll have the opportunity to investigate and decide if you would prefer an after-market solution.

Wow, I didn't know there were going to be more decisions. I have financing handled at 1.95% from the credit union at my work. The dealership told me they couldn't beat that. Bu on the other 4 options, can anyone shed light on how much those options cost and weather they are worth the money. With my last car, I had wheel/tire coverage and never needed it, but I have seen some comments about the run flat tires being super expensive. And what is a "clear bra"? Thank you for the heads up and additional information.

White on oyster! You are going to have the coolest car in TX. Congrats.

Clear Bra is the name used by many for the clear plastic film that some have attached to the areas of their car where the paint is most likely to be dinged by stone chips. There's actually a Clear Bra brand, but others such as 3M and Xpel make similar products. Common areas to be covered are the leading edge of the hood and fenders, the front bumper, and the mirrors. Many (most?) people pass on it. Your experience with your previous vehicles will be good guidance. Did you pick up paint dings in those areas? Expect the dealer to be looking for $1000 or more. If it's something that you're interested in then consider checking with the local BMWCCA chapter to see if there is a local installer that they recommend and who will give you a better price. All of these items are high markup and high profit items for dealers.

"high profit centers" !!!! Yes indeed this is where the F&I guy/gal (I used to call them the "scotchguard" person) makes up for the excess profit the dealer gave up to get your deal -- and of course finances their own trip to Cancun! Remember - the extended warranty can be purchased at any time before the original warranty runs out, so you have no pressure on that one. It is also available at any other BMW dealership, and they do negotiate on these. The other stuff, your call -- personally I wouldn't get any of it, unless you were running the AlCan Highway and thought you would pick up dings and busted wheels. Nice job in getting what you wanted too! New is always better than used IMHO!

Congrats on your purchase. I feel going with the new one was a better choice for the small price difference.

I would skip on all the F/I items... not needed. You can "seal" the paint on the car yourself by using any of the great sealants available, like Klasse All in One followed by Klasse Sealant Glaze (what I use in my cars), Zaino, Pinnacle, Seuverann, Wolfgang, Etc.

The 3M clear bra plastic is personal preference for some. I HATE them and will never buy it, while others would not drive a car without it. To me, the 3M film is like having a nice living room furniture set and then installing plastic covers in all of them. To each their own.

haha, I can think of another analogy related to male anatomy and latex but we are in mixed company.

I put the latex on my car.

Originally Posted by tango131

The 3M clear bra plastic is personal preference for some. I HATE them and will never buy it, while others would not drive a car without it. To me, the 3M film is like having a nice living room furniture set and then installing plastic covers in all of them. To each their own.