Declined my 50i today

NikonMan · 12-02-2013, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psycho

Now we either wait for the '15 X5/X6M or we cross to the dark side and look at the offerings from Ingolstadt and Stuttgart.

SQ5 is very nice but smallish - Q7 is in desperate need of a redesign and beefier engines (a monster output diesel would be nice). The Merc GL is very nice but a bit too big compared to the X5. The ML55 isn't bad but is too feminine looking IMHO.

My .02 cents ...

Psycho · 12-02-2013, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOVA99

From my experience: "We" the true BMW owners, know more about the product then the dealership sales teams know. I can "school" any dealer CA on the product they are peddling. Hence all the questions on threads in the forums. The dealerships and their "Customer Advisors" have no god dam clue. They are peddlars, not advisors.

+1. My view of CAs is that they should place orders, keep track of orders, and make sure vehicles are ready for delivery. And apparently they also have to activate Sirius radio subscriptions. The really good ones will occasionally troubleshoot for you. Much more important to have a good service advisor and service manager.

Psycho · 12-02-2013, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NikonMan

SQ5 is very nice but smallish - Q7 is in desperate need of a redesign and beefier engines (a monster output diesel would be nice). The Merc GL is very nice but a bit too big compared to the X5. The ML55 isn't bad but is too feminine looking IMHO.

My .02 cents ...

Q7 is in its last model year before the redesign, I think.

BMWMN1971 · 12-02-2013, 10:08 PM

You read my mind!!! BMW dealers are useless. It should be a place just for you to get your car serviced. They have no clue what they are selling and as I said before all they care about is selling. Once you take delivery you are on your own. I am still pissed I got a car with a cheap instrument cluster because the dealer had no clue BMW was putting that crap on cars without Driver Assistance Package.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOVA99

From my experience: "We" the true BMW owners, know more about the product then the dealership sales teams know. I can "school" any dealer CA on the product they are peddling. Hence all the questions on threads in the forums. The dealerships and their "Customer Advisors" have no god dam clue. They are peddlars, not advisors.

NikonMan · 12-02-2013, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOVA99

From my experience: "We" the true BMW owners, know more about the product then the dealership sales teams know. I can "school" any dealer CA on the product they are peddling. Hence all the questions on threads in the forums. The dealerships and their "Customer Advisors" have no god dam clue. They are peddlars, not advisors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWMN1971

You read my mind!!! BMW dealers are useless. It should be a place just for you to get your car serviced. They have no clue what they are selling and as I said before all they care about is selling. Once you take delivery you are on your own. I am still pissed I got a car with a cheap instrument cluster because the dealer had no clue BMW was putting that crap on cars without Driver Assistance Package.

True that - especially those volume dealers that are owned by the huge national super brands (AutoNation, Penske, etc.) Family owned dealers are usually the better bet for service.

NikonMan · 12-02-2013, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psycho

Q7 is in its last model year before the redesign, I think.

If you can deal with a smaller ride the SQ5 is great as is the Volvo XC60 R-Design. The GLK is ridiculous looking IMHO. The X3 is pointless as it looks like a cheap version of the X5 and the size difference is nominal begging the question as to it purpose (to me anyways). Volvo XC90 is even more dated than the Q7 and isn't due for a redesign until 2015. No more Yamaha V8 for the XC90 and the new engines will be small 6's or deisel's. However, Volvo's Polestar turbo straight 6 is a wonderful engine especially mated to the XC60. Haldex AWD is also great.

Zipforia · 12-02-2013, 11:23 PM

Sorry to hear this, bro. Trying to pass on a BS product to the consumers...even if it a 60K+ BMW...BS is BS, no matter how nicely it's wrapped up. I know it sucks to start over again, but many of us, in your situation, would've done the same. Screw the dealers. Raise hell with the BMW headquarters and demand an allocation for your 50i.

Z.

tiburonh · 12-02-2013, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOVA99

From my experience: "We" the true BMW owners, know more about the product then the dealership sales teams know. I can "school" any dealer CA on the product they are peddling. Hence all the questions on threads in the forums. The dealerships and their "Customer Advisors" have no god dam clue. They are peddlars, not advisors.

+1 in a big, big way

AresM3 · 12-03-2013, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOVA99

From my experience: "We" the true BMW owners, know more about the product then the dealership sales teams know. I can "school" any dealer CA on the product they are peddling. Hence all the questions on threads in the forums. The dealerships and their "Customer Advisors" have no god dam clue. They are peddlars, not advisors.

This is so true. While I have had very good experiences at the dealership I go to, you just can't rely on the information they have. I wonder if this is why BMW is looking at having a "BMW Geniuses" at each dealer. Of course, a better web site would help a lot too.

http://www.autotrader.com/research/a...technology.jsp

Roundown · 12-03-2013, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWMN1971

You read my mind!!! BMW dealers are useless. It should be a place just for you to get your car serviced. They have no clue what they are selling and as I said before all they care about is selling. Once you take delivery you are on your own. I am still pissed I got a car with a cheap instrument cluster because the dealer had no clue BMW was putting that crap on cars without Driver Assistance Package.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOVA99

From my experience: "We" the true BMW owners, know more about the product then the dealership sales teams know. I can "school" any dealer CA on the product they are peddling. Hence all the questions on threads in the forums. The dealerships and their "Customer Advisors" have no god dam clue. They are peddlars, not advisors.

I wish I could just buy cars online. Spec, submit a bid, wait for production/delivery.

Baunton · 12-03-2013, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AresM3

This is so true. While I have had very good experiences at the dealership I go to, you just can't rely on the information they have. I wonder if this is why BMW is looking at having a "BMW Geniuses" at each dealer. Of course, a better web site would help a lot too.

http://www.autotrader.com/research/a...technology.jsp

They have those 'product geniuses' in the UK dealers. Having talked with one on a number of occasions, I think they are just being ironic

chrisny · 12-03-2013, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riM3

I wish I could just buy cars online. Spec, submit a bid, wait for production/delivery.

Right? We go in knowing exactly what we want and what we're willing to pay... They could save tons of money and just make it entirely online and just have demo centers for those that want to see and drive them, no sales nonsense, just a place to check them out and have actual trained experts there to answer real questions. Pay them a fraction of the savings not having to give traditional dealerships a cut.

Hmmmmm, who do I know at BMW to pitch this to. I smell a new career for myself.

darksilkx1 · 12-03-2013, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psycho

Sucks cause there's really no competing product which offers the same goodies (all LED lights, huge NAV screen, HUD, B&O, etc.).

Yeah you don't have a lot of options. The next Q7 is at least a year out, and I wouldn't get a GL. I am only too happy that my wife's GL lease is expiring. It just never felt like a $1100 lease payment a month vehicle to me. And this was on a 350 not a 550 (MB has bad lease deals but might not matter to you if you are purchasing). Build quality was average to my eye.

Psycho · 12-03-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baunton

They have those 'product geniuses' in the UK dealers. Having talked with one on a number of occasions, I think they are just being ironic

My idea of a "genius" is a good service advisor (like an Apple genius), or the people on this board.

NoPII · 12-03-2013, 12:24 PM

I would much rather work with a website directly.

I used to buy my cars from a little tiny dealership in the middle of nowhere. Their building sucked (but was paid off) and they were blissfully easy to negotiate with. $500 over invoice, and you're done. Sadly, it closed.

The politics of dealing with the CA at the shiny fancy overpriced dealership, where I'm paying an entire team of people to "negotiate" with me, is just frustrating. Cut the middle men, the commissions, the overall BS - and let us order directly.

BMWMN1971 · 12-03-2013, 12:25 PM

A good start would be to hire a web designer to fix that "Build Your Own" tool. If that worked I could print that out and take to the dealer to place an order. Dealers would be just for show room (see the cars before you buy) and to get the car serviced. The way it is now we have a useless website combined with useless dealer. That is a terrible combination.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psycho

My idea of a "genius" is a good service advisor (like an Apple genius), or the people on this board.

Roundown · 12-03-2013, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisny

Quote:

Originally Posted by riM3

I wish I could just buy cars online. Spec, submit a bid, wait for production/delivery.

Right? We go in knowing exactly what we want and what we're willing to pay... They could save tons of money and just make it entirely online and just have demo centers for those that want to see and drive them, no sales nonsense, just a place to check them out and have actual trained experts there to answer real questions. Pay them a fraction of the savings not having to give traditional dealerships a cut.

Hmmmmm, who do I know at BMW to pitch this to. I smell a new career for myself.

BMW would definitely do it; in fact, they'd stand to benefit big time. Sadly, it's the dealer network in the US that would block it. They'll fight to the death for their 8% margin.

Look at Tesla- they'd love to sell direct to consumer....but in many states they're barred by laws seeded/lobbied by the major auto dealers.

Psycho · 12-03-2013, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riM3

BMW would definitely do it; in fact, they'd stand to benefit big time. Sadly, it's the dealer network in the US that would block it. They'll fight to the death for their 8% margin.

Look at Tesla- they'd love to sell direct to consumer....but in many states they're barred by laws seeded/lobbied by the major auto dealers.

Such as in Texas.

MysticBlue · 12-03-2013, 04:44 PM

I test drove an X5 a few weeks ago. I had a typical conversation with the CA, I mentioned that if I had my druthers, I would rather have an xdrive 5 series wagon, but they don't sell them here. He actually argued with me.
"Yes they do".
"No they don't, not in America".
"Yes they do".
"I'm talking about a 5 series wagon, not a 3 series wagon".
"Yeah, I can get you one of those".
"Not a Gran Turismo, a Wagon".
"Yeah, we sell them. We don't keep them in stock here at the dealership, but we can order them".
"...Ok, get me a quote and give me a call".
I haven't heard from him yet.

barcelona · 12-03-2013, 05:04 PM

The board members help each other which is nice knowledge sharing. Some CA are not so knowledgeable even after getting Head Office training on new products and the monthly internal news updates. The websites and brochures are sometimes inaccurate. The Owners Manual is worldwide and not country specific.

Genius is how my money is now in BMW's pocket. But I do enjoy my X's and that is the bottom line.

tiburonh · 12-03-2013, 11:41 PM

My CA has been open with me about how he gets better info from this forum than he ever does from BMW.

Brian55 · 12-04-2013, 08:20 PM

FYI. Companies like this one - Toronto based Unhaggle.com, just past the startup stage- are springing up. Quite an easy way to buy if you know what you want. For a small fee they issue an RFQ to dealers in a specified geography, all anonymous. If you like a bid, then proceed to a deal. I am just trying them out, looks good so far.

12-02-2013, 11:23 PM	#29
Zipforia Captain 98 Rep 693 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW i8 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: So. Cal. iTrader: (0)	Sorry to hear this, bro. Trying to pass on a BS product to the consumers...even if it a 60K+ BMW...BS is BS, no matter how nicely it's wrapped up. I know it sucks to start over again, but many of us, in your situation, would've done the same. Screw the dealers. Raise hell with the BMW headquarters and demand an allocation for your 50i. Z.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-03-2013, 12:24 PM	#37
NoPII Lieutenant 151 Rep 517 Posts Drives: 2024 XM Label Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Seattle, WA, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW XM Label [0.00]	I would much rather work with a website directly. I used to buy my cars from a little tiny dealership in the middle of nowhere. Their building sucked (but was paid off) and they were blissfully easy to negotiate with. $500 over invoice, and you're done. Sadly, it closed. The politics of dealing with the CA at the shiny fancy overpriced dealership, where I'm paying an entire team of people to "negotiate" with me, is just frustrating. Cut the middle men, the commissions, the overall BS - and let us order directly.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-03-2013, 04:44 PM	#41
MysticBlue Lieutenant Colonel 369 Rep 1,887 Posts Drives: '20 M5C, '09 M3 DCT Coupe Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon... They call 'em rigs here iTrader: (0)	I test drove an X5 a few weeks ago. I had a typical conversation with the CA, I mentioned that if I had my druthers, I would rather have an xdrive 5 series wagon, but they don't sell them here. He actually argued with me. "Yes they do". "No they don't, not in America". "Yes they do". "I'm talking about a 5 series wagon, not a 3 series wagon". "Yeah, I can get you one of those". "Not a Gran Turismo, a Wagon". "Yeah, we sell them. We don't keep them in stock here at the dealership, but we can order them". "...Ok, get me a quote and give me a call". I haven't heard from him yet. __________________ M5C 20% tint, Xpel full front, partial sides and rear. Spacers, 15mm front, 12mm rear. Turner Motorsport Oil Cooler Guard. M3: Active Autowerke filter, Dinan underdrive pulley, Dinan full exhaust and software, 3.45 Differential, Springs, Brakes, Dinan/HRE wheels, 275/30-19 w/10mm spacer, 295/30-19 w/3mm spacer, painted front reflectors, 30% tint, Escort 8500i & Lidar Jammer, LUX H8 V5 halos, Euro rear foglights, 3M ClearBra. Last edited by MysticBlue; 12-03-2013 at 06:22 PM..
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12-03-2013, 05:04 PM	#42
barcelona Major 271 Rep 1,417 Posts Drives: X Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	The board members help each other which is nice knowledge sharing. Some CA are not so knowledgeable even after getting Head Office training on new products and the monthly internal news updates. The websites and brochures are sometimes inaccurate. The Owners Manual is worldwide and not country specific. Genius is how my money is now in BMW's pocket. But I do enjoy my X's and that is the bottom line.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-03-2013, 11:41 PM	#43
tiburonh Private First Class 7 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 2014 i3 BEV, 2015 x3 diesel Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0)	My CA has been open with me about how he gets better info from this forum than he ever does from BMW.
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
Declined my 50i today

12-04-2013, 08:20 PM	#44
Brian55 New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: F15, i4 coming soon, 911 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	FYI. Companies like this one - Toronto based Unhaggle.com, just past the startup stage- are springing up. Quite an easy way to buy if you know what you want. For a small fee they issue an RFQ to dealers in a specified geography, all anonymous. If you like a bid, then proceed to a deal. I am just trying them out, looks good so far.
	Appreciate 0 Quote