Lease new 328xi w/ Mercedes Trade In

I recently got out of my 2011 M3 lease () and am looking to get a new, more practical lease for the snowy Midwest. I've decided on a 328xi, but my parents have a 1988 Mercedes 560 SL with only 6,000 miles on it that they want me to help them get rid of.

My question: Will a BMW dealership take a non-BMW, trade-in? Can I use this to get a better deal on a new lease? Has anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by ksh937

I recently got out of my 2011 M3 lease () and am looking to get a new, more practical lease for the snowy Midwest. I've decided on a 328xi, but my parents have a 1988 Mercedes 560 SL with only 6,000 miles on it that they want me to help them get rid of.

My question: Will a BMW dealership take a non-BMW, trade-in? Can I use this to get a better deal on a new lease? Has anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks!

They will take it, but they won't give you what it's worth. Just like any other delaership. Sell it privately if you want to get the most out of it.

I bet Mercedes would want that car if its immaculate... Only 6000 miles??

At the very least, take it to a CarMax and they give appraisals that you can leverage with your BMW dealer at a minimum. There should be several in the MidWest, though you can check there website for the closest location.

Private sale will always be better, but depends how much effort you want to put into that.

It's a bit of a collectors car. Very few big box dealers will have a clue how to value it and will only find a way to screw you. BMW is a NO go, MB is a chance, as sometimes the dealer or owner of the dealer will want the car for private consumption or to have on display at the dealership.

Originally Posted by ksh937

I recently got out of my 2011 M3 lease () and am looking to get a new, more practical lease for the snowy Midwest. I've decided on a 328xi, but my parents have a 1988 Mercedes 560 SL with only 6,000 miles on it that they want me to help them get rid of.

My question: Will a BMW dealership take a non-BMW, trade-in? Can I use this to get a better deal on a new lease? Has anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks!

Selling a car privately can seem intimidating if you haven't done it before, however in most states it is very straight forward. Buyer provides money + state required documentation. You all go to a notary and you sign the title + whatever documentation is needed. Done. This is in PA at least.

I prefer cash or a money order, or a certified check. I would never accept a personal check without a waiting period.

Originally Posted by Jamesonsviggen

It's a bit of a collectors car. Very few big box dealers will have a clue how to value it and will only find a way to screw you. BMW is a NO go, MB is a chance, as sometimes the dealer or owner of the dealer will want the car for private consumption or to have on display at the dealership.

^^this. You are COMPLETELY NUTS if you don't find a way to sell that car to a Mercedes enthusiast who will pay you what it is worth!!!!


(btw - just to be very clear, COMPLETELY NUTS = unbelievably stupid.)

Thanks for all the responses.

I've never sold a car privately before so I'm a bit hesitant to do that, but it sounds like it's probably the best way to get the most for the car. I'll try taking it into a Mercedes dealership here and see what they say.

Ideally, I want to be able to sell it and use the money towards maxing out MSDs on a new car lease.

BMW,MB OR any dealership is going to pay wholesale for your trade MB will put a little more in it, if you trade it in at the dealership. Dealer or private lots buy wholesale sell retail sale yours retail ebay

On AutoTrader Classics there is a 1987 model with over 37,000 miles listed for $24,000 and a 1986 model with 33,000 miles listed at $25,000.

Originally Posted by tturedraider

On AutoTrader Classics there is a 1987 model with over 37,000 miles listed for $24,000 and a 1986 model with 33,000 miles listed at $25,000.

This makes me think even more you have a collectable car. No dealer will give you the right value... Better get in touch with Mercedes Benz Club of America (mbca.org) and see if any club members want to buy it. Lots of collectors over there!

Originally Posted by tturedraider

^^this. You are COMPLETELY NUTS if you don't find a way to sell that car to a Mercedes enthusiast who will pay you what it is worth!!!!


(btw - just to be very clear, COMPLETELY NUTS = unbelievably stupid.)

+1

Only 6K miles on a 1988 560SL? DO NOT GIVE IT TO A DEALER! If you are intimidated by selling yourself, I know there are some classic car dealers that will put your car in the showroom and take a cut on the sale too. Check out Hemming s Motor Book or something. Even E-bay is better than selling to some dealer a 25 year old car with only 6,000 miles!

Originally Posted by tturedraider

On AutoTrader Classics there is a 1987 model with over 37,000 miles listed for $24,000 and a 1986 model with 33,000 miles listed at $25,000.

I am trying to remember if '88 was the last year of the body style or '89.

But this car might be worth MORE than a new F30.

Look at this on eBay, it's upto $19k, has not hit the reserve yet and has 57k miles.

With 6k miles, this might be a Barret Jackson worthy car and might approach closer to $35-40k depending on condition, color and options.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/560SL...#ht_500wt_1182

Thanks for all the responses. I'll check out mbca.org and Hemmings.

Also, kpgray, nice 2013 328 I'm looking at pretty much the exact same setup...

Now you got me looking at these cars. My dad wanted one back then... Ended up getting a 560sel instead cuz it was more practical... Just thinking one of these SL's would be a great 80th birthday gift... But I'm sure he wouldn't want to maintain it...