[NightWriter]

I am interested in ordering a '23 M3, which will begin production next July.

I have contacted several dealers in the MD/DC area, and most are grumbling about current production delays and satisfying existing customer orders. Reactions thus far:

- BMW of Silver Spring said they'd take a $1k deposit and get me in the queue (which is 8-deep for them at this point), though I get the impression they are currently applying "market adjustments" on pricing.

- BMW of Catonsville sounded bewildered even thinking about next year.

- BMW of Owings Mills wasn't far off, and suggested I call back after the New Year.

- BMW of Rockville was a lot more accommodating, saying their current pre-order queue should take them through the end of the 2022 model year, and that I could get in line now for a ~July ('23) production target. They also committed to selling at MSRP, but they require a hefty $5k deposit.

I'm fine with waiting if that's the prudent move, but given the delays and crazy market conditions, if it makes sense to get the process started earlier, then I'm willing to do that.

Curious if anyone else is dealing with this?

[KnightedBMW]

It’s a little early to put down money on a ‘23. I’d see what’s what after the new year IMO.

I’d also never put down $5k, especially just to hold a spot for an allocation. YMMV.

[vj123]

I believe its too early as well to place a deposit for MY23.

If any dealer is willing to take a deposit, i wouldnt do anything more than $1000 to get in line.

[androidtopp]

I was able to put down a $1K deposit on a '22 in...I want to say...May/June '21? No earlier than April '21, for sure. And that got me what they claimed was the first '22 allocation for my dealer, but who knows if that's just them telling me stuff, since this is my first business with them, hard to believe there wasn't a long time/loyal customer in that slot. In any case, I would imagine you are probably going to be waiting for a similar time, April-June '22, to put a deposit down for the mid-summer '23 builds to begin. But who knows with demand and what it'll be early next year, and maybe I was late to the party when I put mine down (although, again, doesn't seem like it if I really did get their "first" allocation).

[BRAKE!]

I'd be wary about putting money down this early. Particularly as circumstances can change from now till when you buy the car, not just with production but maybe you find some other car you like?

Anyway, just doesn't sit well with me that you give money to a dealership without definitive guarantee of anything and pigeon holing you into a specific dealership (cutting down the ability to shop different dealers). Add't, should you change your mind, I'm not sure how readily the dealership will just give you your money back easily...

[androidtopp]

My dealer told me it was 100% refundable - I'm supposed to pick up the car tomorrow, literally, and could still walk away. As of this moment, I think demand is high enough that they'd just mark it up and sell it in a heartbeat, no skin off their nose. But yes, I would absolutely confirm regardless of timeframe that the deposit is refundable and does not lock you in to a sale.

[M3GALLY]

Out of curiosity any reason you'd want to wait for a 23 mode? Any options expected? Or just timing?

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by DRM3GALLY

Out of curiosity any reason you'd want to wait for a 23 mode? Any options expected? Or just timing?

I'm expecting (hoping for?) the LCI with iDrive 8 and the new dash. Any cosmetic updates (inside or out) would be nice too, but less important. I'm a little disappointed with the current digital dashboard.

[iviegatron]

I wish the screens for idrive 8 were integrated into the dash rather than tacked on. For that reason alone I went with the 2022 model. I'm sure the tech would be the latest and greatest, but I can't get past those screens. To each their own.

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by iviegatron

I wish the screens for idrive 8 were integrated into the dash rather than tacked on. For that reason alone I went with the 2022 model. I'm sure the tech would be the latest and greatest, but I can't get past those screens. To each their own.

Yeah, I agree they'd look better integrated in the traditional dash form factor... will be interesting to see whether BMW adapts it in that manner to any models, or whether they'll all get that giant curved pane of glass with the side-by-side screens.

[M3GALLY]

Originally Posted by iviegatron

I wish the screens for idrive 8 were integrated into the dash rather than tacked on. For that reason alone I went with the 2022 model. I'm sure the tech would be the latest and greatest, but I can't get past those screens. To each their own.

Any pics of what this looks like?

[V-Eight]

don't worry, it'll be tacked on. It's not integrated. Just like the iX or the new 7 series.

[vj123]

Originally Posted by DRM3GALLY

Any pics of what this looks like?

idrive 8 google search will give plenty of pictures from iX vehicles.