M3 On the Euro Delivery Learning Curve

Just moved here from M3 subforum being a newbimmer and all - I've settled on the M3 and Eruopean Delivery for sure and have loads of questions. First, I have read that pricing on specific options can be broken out if for European Delivery which can be advantageous versus just packages vis-a-vis BMW USA pricing/configurator. True or no? If so, then who to go to for that ... local dealer or specialist or what? Sales guy at local dealer already telegraphed to me he's not too keen on ED and almost pouted about not losing his margins ... really? I may eventually be ablet to work with him, but don't really feel like having to drag him along on this ride. Is there any disincentive for using dealer from wherever? After all, local dealer would be doing service which we all know is their real honeypot. Second (or would that be 3rd or 4th), I plan on taking advantage of USAA special discount AND ED which would be double whammy good deal, but deadline is Jan 2, 2013. That's no problem, except that we would want to target more like April, 2013 timing for Munich delivery. Is that a reasonable expectation or will I be subject strictly to BMW's mfg scheduling if that must be earlier or even much later? And I haven't even gotten into the ED itenerary questions. But that can wait for now. 1st things first.

You can check our bmwconfig.com for pricing information. It will give you the US and Euro Delivery price for every option. If your dealership is complaining about margins find another dealership. Euro delivery is an easy sale for them. M3s come out of their allocations but the profit margin is not less because your doing Euro delivery.

As for April delivery. You will not be able to lock in current rates for then unless you are in California. You will be able to lock rates for 90 days so you'll have to complete the paperwork before the end of March. The other states are 60 days.

Originally Posted by cchrisv

but the profit margin is not less because your doing Euro delivery.

Are you sure about that? Doesn't the dealership lose the bonus cash when doing an ED sale? Many dealerships would potentially like to retain that bonus as far as possible.

Originally Posted by ekbimmer

I plan on taking advantage of USAA special discount AND ED which would be double whammy good deal

https://www.usaa.com/inet/ent_blogs/...mw_mini_teamup

USAA incentives may not be used in conjunction with BMW Corporate Fleet Program (EPP), BMW Group Associate & Family Program, Center Employee Lease Program, Diplomatic Program, European Delivery, USOC Program, PGA Program, BMW Group Vendor Program, BMWCCA, CPO and Used vehicles.

USAA is not combinable. Take delivery in US only.

Originally Posted by chrischeung

Are you sure about that? Doesn't the dealership lose the bonus cash when doing an ED sale? Many dealerships would potentially like to retain that bonus as far as possible.

If its an allocation it is the same sale as a US delivery. It counts towards their sales #s etc. Anything over invoice is profit regardless of US or EU invoice.

Your best bet would be to contact one of the Bimmerfest Sponsors, perhaps Adrian Avila in Atlanta - unless your "Southern USA" is closer to the left coast where several other sponsors work out of California. Typically the sponsors are very well informed about European Delivery and are willing to offer the best deals - often $500 over invoice price.

M3s and M5s seem to be in short supply and come out of the dealer's allocation. Often this means that you will not get as good a deal. But, you might check the thread listed below as it appears that there are, in fact, fabulous M3 deals available right now.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?p=7179058

Originally Posted by cchrisv

If its an allocation it is the same sale as a US delivery. It counts towards their sales #s etc. Anything over invoice is profit regardless of US or EU invoice.

The ED discounted price comes at the expense of the dealer's bonus cash. That's why ED is cheaper. This thing - http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...11&postcount=3

I just find it hard to believe that BMW is willing to sell a car at the ED price, AND pay the dealer the bonus cash on a dealership allocated car that they wouldn't normally get on a car that came out of the ED Dept allocation. My assumption has always been that they don't get the bonus cash on any ED sales - dealership allocation or not.

But if someone can confirm otherwise, that is important for folks to know.

Yup. Just checked out USAA link from chrischeung .... spot on. Too bad

cchrisv - "As for April delivery. You will not be able to lock in current rates for then unless you are in California. You will be able to lock rates for 90 days so you'll have to complete the paperwork before the end of March. The other states are 60 days."

Not worried about rates, because it'll be a cash buy. It's the date - April - that we're shooting for. From some other folks it seems that 6 months is more like it. Anyone know what is lead time for M3?

I may give local dealer a shot, but if not competitive based on what I learn here I will bail and go elsewhere. Timing is key and pricing the right options also important.

If you're doing a purchase and not trying to lock in a loan or lease rate, then you're the one calling the shots on scheduling. Just don't wait too long. The earlier you get this all set up, the happier you'll be and the better the experience.

An ED is much more complex with many more moving parts than a normal purchase. I would never recommend just going to one's local dealership and talking to the first person who claimed to be the European Delivery specialist. And your local dealership CA's reaction turns it into "never, EVER". We still don't know where you are geographically, but Adrian would be a great place to start.

Originally Posted by ekbimmer

Yup. Just checked out USAA link from chrischeung .... spot on. Too bad

cchrisv - "As for April delivery. You will not be able to lock in current rates for then unless you are in California. You will be able to lock rates for 90 days so you'll have to complete the paperwork before the end of March. The other states are 60 days."

Not worried about rates, because it'll be a cash buy. It's the date - April - that we're shooting for. From some other folks it seems that 6 months is more like it. Anyone know what is lead time for M3?

I may give local dealer a shot, but if not competitive based on what I learn here I will bail and go elsewhere. Timing is key and pricing the right options also important.

Can you lock 90 days out if you use a CA dealer but you yourself are out of state?

Originally Posted by fzutel

Can you lock 90 days out if you use a CA dealer but you yourself are out of state?

Is this 90 lock in California for BMWs only or is this a law that covers all cars. My son is looking to special order a Lexus and they have an incentive running. I apologize for getting off target.

It's a BMW Financial Services rule/policy. Dunno if it applies to other companies. 'Sides, the OP has stated that he's purchasing and not leasing.