[bimmer4x]

With supply chains a mess and chip shortages causing BMW to limit packages, I'd rather just wait this out and get the M4 I want in 6-8 months.

How about you?

[golovko]

If I didn't already have my M3 I would be thinking the same thing. However, I don't think 6-8 months is realistic. This will extend to 2022 at a minimum because of chip shortages.

[Gfit]

I'm not that patient and I've always known "life is short" but after 2020 I also realize you never know what's around the corner. So I say, why not? So maybe it cost a few more thousand. My happiness is worth it.

[Zirenz2006]

ok.....oops too late

[golovko]

Originally Posted by Gfit

I'm not that patient and I've always known "life is short" but after 2020 I also realize you never know what's around the corner. So I say, why not? So maybe it cost a few more thousand. My happiness is worth it.

I think there are two separate issues with the same root cause. Supplies are limited so dealers can markup or be less flexible on cost. If money is not a concern then there is no reason to wait.

The other issue is you can't get the exact car you want due to options being pulled/removed due to supply. If your issue is you want the exact car with all the options you like then you have no choice but to wait.

[bimmer4x]

Originally Posted by golovko

I think there are two separate issues with the same root cause. Supplies are limited so dealers can markup or be less flexible on cost. If money is not a concern then there is no reason to wait.

The other issue is you can't get the exact car you want due to options being pulled/removed due to supply. If your issue is you want the exact car with all the options you like then you have no choice but to wait.

yeah, for me it's:
(1) I want a custom build with exact options; wont compromise one bit on a $90k car.
(2) I can afford it, but I like getting a nice deal.

[Pantagathus]

It really depends on what you want. I paid MSRP in NorCal, got everything I wanted, bought with 0.9% financing and plan to hold the car hopefully 10+ years. No interest in buying used and taking the risk in that scenario, and don't really care if in 6 months I could save a few k, over a longer time period it just becomes irrelevant. We also needed a car right now.

They start pulling options and make it hard to get what you want and I agree it becomes a different scenario.

[bimmer4x]

Originally Posted by Pantagathus

It really depends on what you want. I paid MSRP in NorCal, got everything I wanted, bought with 0.9% financing and plan to hold the car hopefully 10+ years. No interest in buying used and taking the risk in that scenario, and don't really care if in 6 months I could save a few k, over a longer time period it just becomes irrelevant. We also needed a car right now.

They start pulling options and make it hard to get what you want and I agree it becomes a different scenario.

Interesting about holding 10+ yrs. How do you reason about the maintenance costs at years 5-10? do you buy BMW extended warranty for thousands more?

[bri1042]

Sometimes I think we all forget that buying these cars, regardless of discount or interest rate, is always essentially a stupid decision. The best we can hope for is to be satisfied with our particular level of financial stupidity when we sign the documents, and after having the things for a while.

A few dollars here or there don't change the base concept that buying anything more expensive than a Honda Fit is basically financial folly. Personally, I enjoy the folly. This is where I splurge. I also sit on the "waiting makes less sense after the last year" side of the fence.

[barryc365]

I don't see how your negotiation power increases in a few months with chip shortages and general inflation, it could get worse...I would buy now unless your looking for an excuse not to. I've been calling around dealers in the North East. Plenty of them have very nicely specced cars arriving and available at MSRP. Can't really expect a massive discount on MSRP when this is the hot car right now.

Sure you could wait it out to save what? $5k? You'll spend that on some other car in the interim but the only difference is you won't be driving an M3 right now in time for summer. Last thing I'd want is to buy this car in December when the weather is poor and I won't want to take it out

[Gfit]

Originally Posted by barryc365

I don't see how your negotiation power increases in a few months with chip shortages and general inflation, it could get worse...I would buy now unless your looking for an excuse not to. I've been calling around dealers in the North East. Plenty of them have very nicely specced cars arriving and available at MSRP. Can't really expect a massive discount on MSRP when this is the hot car right now.

Sure you could wait it out to save what? $5k? You'll spend that on some other car in the interim but the only difference is you won't be driving an M3 right now in time for summer. Last thing I'd want is to buy this car in December when the weather is poor and I won't want to take it out

Plus inflation is ramping up. Cost of just about all raw materials (rubber, steel, cotton, fuel, literally everything) is in double digits so expect serious price increases as well as a big jump in interest rates. Today's prices, even at MSRP or a little discount, may be cheaper than next years with a discount.

[Delmoney335]

Any new car right now is going to be more expensive relative to the past. Can’t really compare that, different times and global issues.

If able to secure an allocation at a discount or msrp , if you’re comfortable with that isn’t that bad, if you want the car. When compared to the figures at the end of the F80 cycle sure it will look worse.

[modat]

I am a impatient mofo and I want the car now.

[Pantagathus]

Originally Posted by bimmer4x

Interesting about holding 10+ yrs. How do you reason about the maintenance costs at years 5-10? do you buy BMW extended warranty for thousands more?

An extended warranty is almost certain to cost you more money than you save, it's basically just insurance.

Maybe this car will be different, but I've always found cars really reliable through that 10 year mark, it takes awhile before they start costing more money than they're worth. Maybe this one will be different, but it's not likely.

[Multimodal]

You either want it now or you don't. If you can wait, it's probably better. Note this statement applies to almost all discretionary purchases.

If I wanted an M4 and couldn't get laserlights, I agree, I would not buy now.
However, I wouldn't wait to buy because of pricing. Brokers have been delivering 7-9% off M4s and I don't see deals getting better than that in the next 6-12 months. I personally got 4.5% off an M3 order.

[Ximian]

Inflation, shortages, and production cut backs are going to get you a deal off the MSRP for a car that doesn't have everything you want. I'm assuming these conditions will extend into 2023 but hopefully not.

[KevinGS]

There's always many reasons to "wait". So, if you're asking the question, I'd just wait. Especially if you're not able to finagle a good deal on one that you want. Never any harm in waiting...

[35mphgolf]

Originally Posted by Mr. Maboomba

You either want it now or you don't. If you can wait, it's probably better. Note this statement applies to almost all discretionary purchases.

If I wanted an M4 and couldn't get laserlights, I agree, I would not buy now.
However, I wouldn't wait to buy because of pricing. Brokers have been delivering 7-9% off M4s and I don't see deals getting better than that in the next 6-12 months. I personally got 4.5% off an M3 order.

Spot on.

I couldn’t wait though I put a deposit down and the exact build I wanted. 8 weeks later and still no allocation. I caved. It’s ok though. It’s a piece of metal. And they’re going to continue making this piece of metal. No biggie. I’m gonna have fun with something else in the meantime. I’ll be back though

Had I not sold my primary car I would still be waiting. I jumped the gun on a good offer and I didn’t think I’d go two months with no allocation.

Congrats to all who waited! It’ll be well worth it for sure

[9153mark]

Totally agree with previous posts, especially that buying any car like this is a stupid, bad financially, decision...
But we still do cos we are only here once...
But if for you, waiting is right, do it otherwise you'll have to live with regret.
For me NOT getting one would have meant the same, and I've learned to follow my heart and enjoy the now!
But glad I got my order in and she's fully specced

[amzbimmer]

Originally Posted by bimmer4x

yeah, for me it's:
(1) I want a custom build with exact options; wont compromise one bit on a $90k car.
(2) I can afford it, but I like getting a nice deal.

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm hounding dealers hoping for an allocation. If you have the patience to get the car you want at the right price, waiting is smart. I personally refuse to pay MSRP.

As other's have pointed out, we have no idea what the future holds. Prices could go up or down, and constraints could get better or worse. Interest rates could go up. Inflation can erode the value of your assets. If you find the right spec at a price you can live with, I would go for it.

[rak299]

Originally Posted by Pantagathus

An extended warranty is almost certain to cost you more money than you save, it's basically just insurance.

Maybe this car will be different, but I've always found cars really reliable through that 10 year mark, it takes awhile before they start costing more money than they're worth. Maybe this one will be different, but it's not likely.

I don't think the old rules for reliability of cars that were mostly mechanical relate well to the current models where systems like engine timing, suspension, steering and brakes are controlled by complicated electronics. There isn't enough history to know how reliable those systems will be after a few years. I am sure they will be expensive for out-of-warranty repairs.

[Bch53211]

I’m starting to think I can do without the exec pack. Laser lights sound kind of cool but do they change the looks of the car at all? Thinking not much if at all. I’m am looking to order an awd as soon as possible (dealer has me at #1 spot on list) , they may not even be available. Remote engine start, gesture control , power tailgate, heated steering wheel ? None of those mean much to me. I would miss hud but to save roughy 90$ on monthly payment (3200$ on a three year lease) I can live without it . Wireless charging is nice but another poster said his doesn’t really work.