[EvokeIns]

Hello! I am trying to order an individual M3 and my two local dealers are less than educated on the subject and I just don't feel comfortable going forward. Both of them are also wanting very high deposits on the cars. I am willing to travel to any dealer as long as they are enthusiasts and give a good experience. I am surprising my son with his "dream" build, he is 9 and obsessed. Who would you all recommend and what kind of deposits have you all been putting down on your orders?
Thanks

[ano0oj]

Depends on the relationship you have with a dealer! I know many members in Houston are extremely happy with BMW of West Houston.

Also, I wouldn't be afraid of just going to the dealer that's closest to you -- individual orders are not common so it sort of makes sense they aren't too educated on it. Doesn't hurt to ask for a salesman that has helped with an individual order at that dealership, I'm sure there's at least 1.

As for deposits, I didn't put a dime down. Again...relationships, my family has bought 3 cars from BMW West in the last 6 months alone and there's been no less than 3 BMWs in the family at any given time for the last 15 years.

What is the typical deposit you are seeing?

[EvokeIns]

Thanks for the response. I have purchased two M3s from this dealership and have them both serviced there. I guess I should flex that relationship more. The salesperson that I have used in the past is gone unfortunately. The deposit is $2,500 and they said most likely non refundable.

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by EvokeIns

The deposit is $2,500 and they said most likely non refundable.

That's a load of horse manure. They'd be able to sell the car (likely at a greater profit) if you bail out. Most CA's I've dealt with (in the Mid-Atlantic area, at least) are asking for $1000, fully refundable deposits.

[Tyga11]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

That's a load of horse manure. They'd be able to sell the car (likely at a greater profit) if you bail out. Most CA's I've dealt with (in the Mid-Atlantic area, at least) are asking for $1000, fully refundable deposits.

I would run, not walk, from any dealer asking for a non-refundable deposit.

We, as consumers, need to start advocating more on our behalf. What a complete joke.

[vj123]

At this point, it might be any dealer who has an allocation or a shorter waitlist. Most high volume and knowledgeable dealers have a long waitlist. If SAs are not knowledgeable, you can always work directly with the sales manager.

Regarding deposits, dealers whom i contacted are asking anywhere between $0 and $4500.

[BugKiller]

... using a credit card authorization form that did not say anything about "non-refundable." [Might not be legal in Calif. It varies by state.]

My last car purchase and so far my current one have started as a here-is-what-I-want email, a call back to me with a price and to iron out minor details, and my emailing a credit card deposit form back.

This is what happens when things go right, after all the time and effort wasted elsewhere.

Someday we should start a thread here titled Clown Stories. GSMs could make new CAs read 25 pages of it as their first training exercise.

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by EvokeIns

Thanks for the response. I have purchased two M3s from this dealership and have them both serviced there. I guess I should flex that relationship more. The salesperson that I have used in the past is gone unfortunately. The deposit is $2,500 and they said most likely non refundable.

Between my wife and I, we've purchased 3 brand new BMWs, two of them an M4 and an M3, in a 7 year period, none from the same dealer. We didn't put down a deposit on any of them.

In CA, deposits are fully refundable up until you actually sign and take possession. This varies by state.

[psylovibe]

Originally Posted by EvokeIns

Thanks for the response. I have purchased two M3s from this dealership and have them both serviced there. I guess I should flex that relationship more. The salesperson that I have used in the past is gone unfortunately. The deposit is $2,500 and they said most likely non refundable.

I always put a down deposit with my AMEX card. Worst case scenario, you dispute the transaction. I don't see a reason for them to side with the merchant.

[DVG 335]

I can see them asking for a bit higher of a deposit on an individual build vs. something more standard, like AW over black.

[EvokeIns]

It seems like I just need to see if they will accommodate my idea of a smooth transaction. I'm okay with a credit card hold as long as it's refundable. I'm going for Irish green so nothing too crazy. They did tell me today that I would see the car until maybe mid February of 23'. That's a bummer but I'm sure I'm not the only one dealing with that.

[AndroidRobot]

I know a dealer in Connecticut that's great to work with if you're interested

[psylovibe]

Originally Posted by EvokeIns

It seems like I just need to see if they will accommodate my idea of a smooth transaction. I'm okay with a credit card hold as long as it's refundable. I'm going for Irish green so nothing too crazy. They did tell me today that I would see the car until maybe mid February of 23'. That's a bummer but I'm sure I'm not the only one dealing with that.

February of 2023?! Find another dealer.

[ano0oj]

Originally Posted by EvokeIns

It seems like I just need to see if they will accommodate my idea of a smooth transaction. I'm okay with a credit card hold as long as it's refundable. I'm going for Irish green so nothing too crazy. They did tell me today that I would see the car until maybe mid February of 23'. That's a bummer but I'm sure I'm not the only one dealing with that.

Plenty of red flags here that should encourage you to find another dealer. Non-refundable deposit? Not the norm by any means.

[meechy6ix0]

Jimmy from Steve Thomas BMW if you are near Southern California.

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by EvokeIns

They did tell me today that I would see the car until maybe mid February of 23'.

Wait, they're telling you to expect a 13-month delay?! That's insane. Find another dealer.

[YamaLink]

Reza at BMW Bellevue, Washington. No deposit. Sells at msrp. Great communication and honest.

[Fins1972]

I purchased an individual order M3 and only had to place a FULLY REFUNDABLE $1,000 deposit. My guess is that the deposit was to ensure that you were serious about the purchase; the deposit receipt stated that it was fully refundable. I did not believe it was a big ask by the dealership. All went well with the order -- except for the additional wait time! Atlanta dealership.

[SquidG80]

Originally Posted by Fins1972

I purchased an individual order M3 and only had to place a FULLY REFUNDABLE $1,000 deposit. My guess is that the deposit was to ensure that you were serious about the purchase; the deposit receipt stated that it was fully refundable. I did not believe it was a big ask by the dealership. All went well with the order -- except for the additional wait time! Atlanta dealership.

I just did the same though it was made crystal clear to me that my deposit was NOT refundable! Its written all over the agreement etc.

I intend to go through with the sale so it doesn't really matter plus, obviously, the deposit goes towards the final cost of the car anyway.

I did use a credit card just in case it all goes pear shaped, and then the the CC company can deal with it.

Maine dealership.