[monolith]

I went to a dealership today to get some info. I asked what arctic looked like and he showed me one. I told him what features I was looking for and he said none exist in the US and I would have to build it. Does pretty much everyone build? He said they keep very few cars on lot (unlike Ford, for example). Is invoice +$1000 (in Texas) a good deal when building one? I didn't even ask about price, it got awkward and I left. I suspect he thought I was wasting his time since I look 12, which I understand.

[Artz 330]

Originally Posted by monolith

I went to a dealership today to get some info. I asked what arctic looked like and he showed me one. I told him what features I was looking for and he said none exist in the US and I would have to build it. Does pretty much everyone build? He said they keep very few cars on lot (unlike Ford, for example). Is invoice +$1000 (in Texas) a good deal when building one? I didn't even ask about price, it got awkward and I left. I suspect he thought I was wasting his time since I look 12, which I understand.

70% of people order there cars

[MIKEYMIKE]

I don't have any official numbers but I believe most people who get 6mt's have to end up ordering their cars.

But if you want an auto I don't why they couldn't locate one for you, but then again Arctic might be more of a rare color combined with your exact specifications.

I wasn't in a rush for my car, and I knew EXACTLY what I wanted..so I ordered it.

[monolith]

Originally Posted by MIKEYMIKE

I don't have any official numbers but I believe most people who get 6mt's have to end up ordering their cars.

But if you want an auto I don't why they couldn't locate one for you, but then again Arctic might be more of a rare color combined with your exact specifications.

Yea, there was 1 arctic on lot, lol. I wanted aluminum trim, black seats, sports, and xenon.

[BIMMER GUY]

Hello my friend from Houston, i got my car from Advantage BMW clearlake. I don't say i got a good price, i paid 1957 over invoice. The only thing is that i bought the car in Feb 2006 and there was lot of demand for the car in houston since it was after christmas. Now as per Edmunds the TMV price is 32200.

When you go to show rooms ask them what all charges they are adding, for example if you go Momentum BMW they will add service charge of 550 which i think is very foolish to pay and other dealers in houston don't charge.

I have lot of experience here in Houston, contact me for more details or if you have any question because i went to all the dealers in Houston before i bought my car

[Artz 330]

i paid 500 over invoice

[rchanou]

If you can wait you should order the car.

[siriusinvestor]

Yeah I did not want to wait 6 weeks for my vehicle so they did a dealership swap with BMW of Manhattan and I got my car within 1 week.

[bos]

Originally Posted by monolith

Yea, there was 1 arctic on lot, lol. I wanted aluminum trim, black seats, sports, and xenon.

According to a couple dealers I talked to when buying my car, aluminum trim is fairly uncommon amongst lot cars. 6mt's are also in the minority. This means it may be difficult to exactly match your option package. If there are other options you are on the fence about, you can broaden your search. For example, you might be able to find this configuration plus a $500 option like heated seats or comfort access.

The dealer should also be able to search the rest of the region and any inbound cars.

[monolith]

Originally Posted by Artz 330

i paid 500 over invoice

[e90rocks]

I suggest getting exactly what you want. This is a huge investment. We'll keep you entertained on this forum til it arrives. 1000 over invoice won't send any dealers home crying, but it's good enough for most. I think I was in that neighborhood, or slightly better but honestly it was a negotiation 6 months ago and I don't even remember! Edmunds TMV runs high, though you'll find that people who post in this forum will be on the very bottom end. There's definitely a geographic variance as far as how well people do, too.

If you have any options on which you're on the fence, figure out how much you'd be willing to pay for them and use them in your negotiation to help close the gap.

Good luck!

monolith,

If you can get the car you want for $500 over invoice, and I'm certain you can, (you have a friend there in Houston that has volunteered to help you), you've got yourself a good deal.

My recommendation is to order exactly what you'd really like to have. BMW is one of the only manufacturers that allows you to do this, so take advantage of it.

When you are young it is almost impossible to be patient, I know. Hell, it's hard to be patient at my age, and I'm an old man. But there's nothing like ordering a car that's built exactly to your specs.

The wait will be far easier than usual if you frequent E90Post every day, 'cause you'll keep busy enjoying the fun of interacting with other E90 enthusiasts.

So, decide what you want, make your deal, order your car and then wait for your beauty to arrive -- you will not regret it!

Heck, you live in Houston, you'll get yours about 2 weeks quicker than I did!

[LEDZEP]

Most BMWs are ordered. As previously advised, if you can wait it's best to get exactly what you want. Good luck!

Welcome!

[monolith]

Thanks everyone. I'm definitely ordering it. I have a functional car that will last me however long it is.

[CALIF65GM]

Originally Posted by monolith

Thanks everyone. I'm definitely ordering it. I have a functional car that will last me however long it is.

Yes good call. I would tend to think the dealer is right. Because there are very few 6mt and aluminum trim vehicles ordered for inventory and also the Xenon option on a 25.

If you can wait a few months, you can even think about the new 328 coming in Sept.