Worth It? 2008 BMW M3 Coupes Start Arriving At US Dealers, Priced At $100k+!

I luv the free market also, especially since customers are free to boycott when dealers start gouging.

— EnnNorak (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 4:20:54 PM | | Votes: 6   

The 100k claim is highly exaggerated. You can find the new M3 on ebay motors, buy it now for 75k, only 6 over sticker. It looks great and every bit the benchmark of the industry.

— Autoegr525 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2008 1:04:41 AM | | Votes: 2   

Same here.

— Ironman273 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 1:51:04 PM | | Votes: 15   

and here.

— mscottc1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 2:18:20 PM | | Votes: 13   

and here.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 4:09:23 PM | | Votes: 7   

And a better one.

— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 9:58:05 PM | | Votes: -1   

Elementary of course.

But the practice istelf can tarnish the consumer's image of a model.

The Acura NSX and BMW Z8 both were hurt by dealer inflated pricetags when launched. In the case of the NSX, the selling point of its comparitively low price was nullified.

Yes both cars were in demand. Yes some chose to/were able to buy the cars at the dealer's marked up price.

But in situations like this the dealer (and possibly manufacturer) ends up paying in a loss of long term sales and lost reputation.

And that "supply and demand" calculation was done already by the manufacturer, hence the m.s.r.p.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 2:36:07 PM | | Votes: 6   

But the other fluctuations you speak of are accurately reflected in their respective marketing.

For a hot car such as the M3, the local dealer network likely does no advertising themselves, instead relying on national campaigns and news articles which reflect only the msrp.

Then there is the incosistency between everything a consumer has seen about the price prior, and the handwritten markup they see in the dealer showroom.

You seem to be focusing on the legality of the situation. However, its the crappy image the dealer is portraying that is of concern.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 3:50:37 PM | | Votes: 1   

No kidding.

And you should not have been deboosted twice for that.

— Spectator (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 2:40:11 PM | | Votes: 0   

It isn't BMW, it is the dealer

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 2:16:58 PM | | Votes: 10   

it's a DEALER, not bmw.

and if someone pays the price, then it's econ 101: supply and demand meet at the market clearing price.

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 2:25:20 PM | | Votes: 3   

But you CAN custom-order one from the dealer, in which they wouldn't be able to mark it up. Not to mention, you'd have it with your own options.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 3:34:12 PM | | Votes: 2   

Attention S4cabrio-whatever...
Again, You cannot order a car from BMW. You have to order it from the dealer. The dealer, and only the dealer, determines the price of the car. I always keep my comments to informatory and educational, but I must now say it amazes me the confidence some people hold in their unresearched, ignorant comments.

As the others who have tried to explain, This is the law of supply and demand. It is a basic proven law that has been around longer than you and I, and longer than BMW.

As for the depreciation comment, there is a reason that the Mini Cooper has one of the highest resale values in the world. They have been consistantly priced over MSRP since their introduction. Rebates and special financing are things that make cars depreciate, which is why heavily incentivized products have terrible resale value. What people ACTUALLY PAY determines the market value of ANYTHING, from chewing gum, to sneakers, to cars. The best thing about this whole article is- IF YOU DON'T THINK THE PRICE IS RIGHT, YOU CERTAINLY DON'T HAVE TO BUY IT!!!!!!

— mkvegas (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 3:50:51 PM | | Votes: -1   

"You have to order it from the dealer."

Yes... that's what I said.

"The dealer, and only the dealer, determines the price of the car."

True, but the dealer wouldn't be stupid enough to charge six figures for a car at this price that YOU ordered, for fear of a lost buyer. I would be surprised if they asked for more than $10K over sticker.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 9:30:39 PM | | Votes: 0   

I can guarantee you that if you went to that SoCal dealer and ordered it through there, before they took your $5,000 deposit for the car they would inform you what you'd be paying, which would amount to your built price plus the $30,000 "fair market adjustment" or whatever they feel like calling it.

— Ironman273 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 9:30:55 AM | | Votes: 0   

@ S4cabriofoxone
If a dealer is getting $100K for these cars, what would they have to fear in not selling it to the person who ordered it?

— chilipalmer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2008 6:28:48 PM | | Votes: 2   

Good point.

— 07G35J (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 3:06:38 PM | | Votes: 5   

bingo.

market clearing prices move down AND up.

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 6:41:14 PM | | Votes: 1   

Because,(Dealer Mark-ups) are a short-term approach to selling autos and manufacturers DO NOT LIKE dealers doing it because it creates resentment for the brand as well as destroys any hope of building customer relations.

Your reasoning or justification for mark-ups is classic sales manager instructions for their salespeople - right out of the manual.

When I have encountered this 'usery' attitude with dealers I tell them I will not consider buying anything from them now or ever until the 'dealer tax' is taken off the table...believe me, if you walk out the door-they will end up chasing you. Too many purchasing options out there for dealers to play these BS games.

Anyone who pays these charges are idiots who deserve to get screwed.

— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 9:41:37 PM | | Votes: -3   

"Your reasoning or justification for mark-ups is classic sales manager instructions for their salespeople - right out of the manual."

it's called capitalism. are you more inclined to the soviet model?

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 11:50:25 AM | | Votes: 0   

No, I like the free market approach...free to take my business and customer loyalty elsewhere.(Other dealers,Internet sales,et) When you develop a relationship with a dealership,buy several cars, they will never charge a repeat customer a mark-up.

And lets face it..most of the dealers revenue comes from the service department and if they have lost customer loyalty by being predatory at the front of the house they will likely lose it at the back of the house as well.

— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 12:28:50 PM | | Votes: -1   

@ ICON

If you stood in the middle of my showroom and told me that you weren't going to pay, I would shake your hand and tell you to have a good day. That is how dealers create this kind of frenzy pricing on these models.

If a dealer chases you down afterwards it tells you one thing- the car isn't as hot as they would like you to believe. If a car is truly going to carry a premium the dealer will hold firm until the cars stop moving faster than the national turn average. Then you will get chased down. I doubt there is one BMW dealer who is backing off of there price whether it be MSRP or well over MSRP on an M3- Why? Because the next guy walking in the door will pay if you don't.

A great sports cliche comes to mind- who wants it more?

However in this case it comes down to who wants to get pounded in the rear more.

— chilipalmer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2008 6:35:35 PM | | Votes: 2   

Am I the only one who sees that the point of advertising is to get you in the door?

When a chinese restaurant advertises Kung Pao Chicken do they show the highest price you could pay?

Am I also the only one who sees the disclosure on every manufacturers ads that say "actual price set by dealer"

For what feels like the 200th time on this forum, when will you realize that BMW does not truly care about additional dealer markup?

As long as you are in the showroom buying a BMW they don't care what you pay for it.

— chilipalmer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2008 6:40:48 PM | | Votes: 2   

BMW's M3 will kick an IS-F's A__ ! Just because it has more HP than the M3 does not make it superior!

— bmwman1963 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 3:10:32 PM | | Votes: 2   

It's not slower. Car and Driver M3 4.1 IS-F 4.2

— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 3:22:53 PM | | Votes: -1   

This isn't unique to BMW.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 3:40:47 PM | | Votes: 1   

Never said it was.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 3:44:28 PM | | Votes: 1   

This should clear it up for you:

What dealer would appear more honorable and consumer friendly, the one selling a car a the price the customer believes it cost based everything they've been told and shown. Or the the one who adds whatever extra cost they can onto the price?

It's not a question of could, but should.

When a luxury car dealer acts like a Ebay reseller of Hot Wheels cars, it leaves a bad taste in the customer's mouth.

If you don't get that, I feel bad for you.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 4:50:54 PM | | Votes: -1   

Who the hell is in business to 'appear honorable and conumer friendly?' They're trying to make a buck.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 5:31:12 PM | | Votes: 2   

Well, the business that is run intelligently wouldn't let a short term gain interfere with long term sustainablility.

If your dealership is "famous" for markups, customers will shop elsewhere.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 5:49:17 PM | | Votes: 2   

that depends. If i were a choosy and deep-pocketed customer, i would actually prefer a dealer known for markups. The steeper price would be worth it to me if the dealer provided an exclusive environment. Rich people don't like to mingle with common swine.

If a dealer is known for markups, that would prohibit poor people and bargain hunters from patronizing said dealership.

Wouldn't you prefer to shop for your M3 or 760Li without having to rub shoulders with some slovenly chump trying to finance a used 328i?

That's why i never shop at Wal-Mart. I'm not rich, but i do well enough to make that choice. I just don't like the people i see at Wal-Mart. Target has a slightly better looking crowd. Macy's is even better. Why? Because more expensive prices keep undesirables from even showing up.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 7:31:11 PM | | Votes: 3   

Pushrod,

My jaw dropped when I read your posts, and that takes a lot. You've made it obvious that you have little tact and absolutely no sense of business. Becoming known for outlandish markups is the quickest way to run yourself out of business. An "exclusive environment" devoid of "common swine" and "slovenly chumps" is not developed by pricing your products so high that they becme unaffordable. You make the comparison between Wal-Mart, Target, and Macy's. These stores sell similar products, but the quality is different. It's not like Macy's sells the exact same Polo sweater for 40% more than Wal-Mart. By the same token nobody is going to pay a premium for a car if the same car can be purchased for 10% less elsewhere. You pay a premium to buy a BMW instead of a Toyota. It's in the price of the car, but there is an increased expectation of service and value along with it. If you think the wealthy are looking for an "exclusive" place to buy a car that is only exclusive because they demand a premium just to walk in the door, you're incredibly out of touch with reality. There are places like that. They are called champagne rooms in strip clubs in Vegas. Your perception of buyer motivation is incredibly shallow.

— jpighetti (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 8:11:16 PM | | Votes: 3   

Pushrod Whats wrong with a guy shopping for a used 328i? I mean I am not rich either, but as a roughneck on a drilling rig I make pretty good money. Why bash someone who is less fortunate than you. I grew up very poor. I made something out of myself. And I am not an uneducated roughneck either. I have a degree in meteorology, served 7 years in the Air Force before becoming 30% disabled. I worked as a mechanic and a heavy equipment mechanic. I just chose the oil field to learn something new and to open up new doors. Not everyone cna afford a new BMW and even though I can afford one I will always buy certefied pre-owned from BMW. Not because I can't afford it, but because it makes better financial sense. Less depreciation loss, better warranty and it's still a farily new BMW especially if its a low mileage one. Don't laugh or look down on someone who is trying to get a better bargain. Some of the richest bastards in the world are so uptight that they bitch about .04 cents. At least they have the taste for a nice car.

— 85bmw745i (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 8:33:21 PM | | Votes: 3   

there are all kind of different consumers with different kinds of tastes. If i were i the market for ultra exclusive snob appeal, i certainly would patronize a store that charges exhorbitant prices for the purpose of keeping poor people away.

Have you ever been to Neiman Marcus? Or Saks Fifth Avenue? Those retailers use prestige pricing in full effect. You can't buy a piece of chewing gum in Neiman Marcus for less than a hundred bucks. You can't tell me that keeping common shoppers out of the environment isn't part of the strategy.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 8:33:25 PM | | Votes: 0   

there's nothing wrong with buying a used BMW. I drive a Chevy Impala SS and i live in North Philly. I'm not rich.

I do run a catering business though. And sometimes i host parties where i charge $200 just to come in the door. Why? I have a small group of clients (drug dealers, mostly) who spend a LOT of money with me. They prefer an exclusive environment sometimes, and they like it when i throw an event that any and every body can't afford to attend.

My point is that the rich have their way, and there are many retailers who go to extremes to satisfy this clientele, so it is conceivable to me that a BMW dealer could charge markups and stay in business.

I meant no disrespect to any working man, I'm a working man. I just wanted to get my point across.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 8:42:27 PM | | Votes: -2   

think about brands like Gucci and Versace. When they start making cheap trinkets like keychains to go downmarket, they lose appeal among affluent customers who simply don't want to be seen in the same thing that any commoner can purchase. it's called prestige pricing. Of course it's just a markup for nothing, but you tell your rich customers that they are 'buying exclusivity.'

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 8:46:26 PM | | Votes: -1   

Point well put pushrod. I do see your point. And your right, if Versache and Neiman Marcus made cheap keychains and such yes the appeal would go down but then you do have all kinds of fakes and knock offs, which only the trained eye and one who knows real from fake will know the difference. The night club I work at has a stricter age limit and dress code. I live in Shreveport, La, hood rat city, and the club I work at is a 90% black club but we limit the age to 25 for men and no tennis shoes plain t-shirts Jerseys ETC. because we don't want the thug troublemaker crowd from the other clubs, which have fights and injuries on a nightly basis. We on the other had have had no fist fights or injuries, so I see your point in keeping it out of range for certain crowds. Thugs are much less likely to dress nice and carry themselves well because they pride themselves on the ignorance and negative stereotypes that hold them down wondering why they are looked down upon, not trusted nor respected. well I'm getting too far off subject here. I think the markup is too high but this car has been so anticipated that there were many willing to pay that price regardless of the MSRP.

— 85bmw745i (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 9:47:54 PM | | Votes: 0   

Again, I strongly suggest your correct your ignorance of business ethics by taking a class or two.

Nobody is saying a company can't charge what they want for something. They are free to do what they want.

However, there is a problem when a consumer is promised one price via TV/magazine ad or website and then is shown a different price when they go to purchase said product.

And your Hannah Montana comment was irrelevant. The high ticket prices for her shows were the result of secondary market transactions. Those buying directly through ticketmaster or whatever paid the face value.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 9:50:35 PM | | Votes: 3   

Sorry. My above comment was inserted in the wrong place thanks to my computer.

Please ignore it here and continue explaining to pushrod why he is wrong.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 9:57:43 PM | | Votes: 3   

LMAO at Answer. That was clever

— 85bmw745i (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 10:36:35 PM | | Votes: 0   

Not with M3 Sedans, coupes, and convertibles in the product line, there will be more than enough cars out there to satisfy the market to keep prices ultimately around MSRP. With US economy slowing down, gas prices going up, I would not be surprised to see cars moving for under MSRP by this Fall.

— Jaybrn (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 3:54:18 PM | | Votes: 2   

By what? There is only one car currently in production that could match it for $54K: the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 9:39:18 PM | | Votes: 2   

Why would hit a salesman in the face with a spitwad ? I sell cars..and its not my fault you don't want to pay the price that the management/ownership set. Salesman/woman are there to earn a living just like you Mr.Whelan
With these days when customers know invoice and holdback and how much everything is, dealerships aren't making a killing on new cars..so when something comes in that here is huge demand..why not capitlized..dealerships are in to make money..not charity

— Doukas (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 4:22:34 PM | | Votes: 0   

Whelan,
I just wanted to take a moment to say, "Thank You". Thank you sir, for reminding us that the only people who are whining and complaining about this are people like you. People who number one, can't afford the car regardless of mark-up. Number two, love to hide behind their computer and shoot out rediculous statements that make no sense, with terrible grammar by the way. Finally, have the high level of class to threaten to '...spit in the salesman's face...' You sir, must be awefully proud of yourself and your ignorance.

— mkvegas (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 4:41:51 PM | | Votes: 2   

mkvegas,

I woould just like to thank you for registering at autospies with the express intent of defending your dealership practices.

In the spirit of "not hiding behind the computer", what is the name of the dealership you work for?

That goes for you to kthor.

I'm guessing you two are co-workers or at least friends.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 5:54:53 PM | | Votes: 2   

Answer,
My dealership doesn't mark up cars like that, so I don't have to defend myself at all. What I am defending is a free market. Actually more just explaining how it works, as no one seems to understand it. Consumers determine the prices of goods. Not the manufacturers. Again, an age-old proven economical theory.
I don't know kthor, just because you attacked both of us and we both responded doesn't mean we know each other.
ps- to correct spelling of your comment- 'would', and 'too'.

— mkvegas (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 6:16:43 PM | | Votes: -2   

Thanks for correcting my typos.

Last I checked, you and your friend had only posted in two stories, both identical. If you are not aquaintances somehow, then you must be one in the same person.

Anyway, I'm not questioning the why or how of capitalism as I know that already.

I'm just curious as to why anyone would defend a business practice which is so anti-consumer, no matter how legal it may be.

You seem to profess a knowledge of the economical aspects of business. I would suggest you take a course in the ethics of business. You are clearly uninformed in that regard.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 6:35:12 PM | | Votes: 4   

there are no ethics in business.

"let's get paid and go home"

anything else is superfluous.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 7:33:00 PM | | Votes: -3   

Answer,

There are ethical problems in the sale of automobiles when someone clears a salvage title and sells it to a family with children. There are ethical problems when someone steals someone else's identity to buy a car. There are no ethical problems with someone charging what the market will bear on a luxury product that is strictly a WANT. With this mentality, you had better launch a full-on strike against companies like Louis Vuitton, Rolex, high-end steakhouses, theatrical shows, Gucci, Coach, Prada, Ferrari...

— mkvegas (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 8:18:40 PM | | Votes: -1   

...and good Lord I would hate to hear what you have to say about Hannah Montana...

— mkvegas (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 8:37:13 PM | | Votes: -1   

gain, I strongly suggest your correct your ignorance of business ethics by taking a class or two.

Nobody is saying a company can't charge what they want for something. They are free to do what they want.

However, there is a problem when a consumer is promised one price via TV/magazine ad or website and then is shown a different price when they go to purchase said product.

And your Hannah Montana comment was irrelevant. The high ticket prices for her shows were the result of secondary market transactions. Those buying directly through ticketmaster or whatever paid the face value.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 9:56:00 PM | | Votes: 1   

Answer,

You win. You are really smart. Listen Mr. Economics, if the dealer didn't sell them for market value, people would buy them and do just that! Ethics have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with ANY part of this conversation. So funny that you use ethics as a crutch for your base-less arguement. Respond all you want, you won't get another from me. Good luck with your lawsuit against the mythical supply and demand ethics fairies, I hear they have a really good attorney...

— mkvegas (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 1:46:40 PM | | Votes: 0   

Answer,



"However, there is a problem when a consumer is promised one price via TV/magazine ad or website and then is shown a different price when they go to purchase said product."

Would you please take a look at the ads that you are seeing for ANY car and look at the disclaimer from the manufacturer that says "Actual price set by dealer."

Who promised you a price? They told you right up front that there is no telling what you might have to pay to get one.

— chilipalmer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/13/2008 7:53:35 PM | | Votes: 2   

I like watches so, I would wait a month buy a nice watch and then pick up my car for MSRP.

— RobD (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 4:55:37 PM | | Votes: -1   

Not saying I wouldn't Kthor, but given the circumstance, I would seriously ask my question if the new M3 a contender to the 911. I think not.

— SSP350 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 7:57:48 PM | | Votes: -1   

really? Because Edmunds, Road and Track, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend all got 911 performance figures out of it. Edmunds even called the M3 a legitimate 911 and more of a sports car than the R8.

0-60 4.1-4.3 seconds
1/4 mile 12.5-12.7 seconds
0.95-0.98g skidpad
73.3mph slalom
60-0 braking 110 feet

That's a compilation of test data on the M3 from various sources, for both the sedan and the coupe. If you didn't know that was an M3 whose stats you were reading, I'd be willing to bet most people would have read that and asked "which 911 model was that?"

And for $74k fully loaded with M-DCT ($72k sedan) it's a lot less expensive than a 911.

— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 8:02:52 AM | | Votes: 2   

Edmunds didn't call it "more of a sports car" than the R8, which would imply that it was more capable. They called it "more hardcore," which means it has a harsher ride. Contrary to popular belief, a softer ride isn't necessarily a bad thing. The R8 manages to balance that with fantastic handling and feedback.

Just clearing that up--I think you know that I want the M3 as much as you do.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/12/2008 4:19:43 PM | | Votes: 1   

To be honest, I wouldn't. There's little to no reason for buying an M5 over an M3. They have very similar acceleration, but the M3 has better handling, better steering, a better suspension and better looks. Its only disadvantage is interior space.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 9:43:26 PM | | Votes: 3   

For $100k I would just get an M6. Love the M3 but its suppose to be the pound for pound, or in this case $ for $ winner. At $100k you have other options.

— vman1013 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 12:07:03 PM | | Votes: 0   

Fastonekiller,
That's forgiveable. Since Porsche's all stem from the same design, not saying its a bad thing, but they're all relatively the same size.

— SSP350 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 7:54:36 PM | | Votes: 0   

Car and Driver test results
Porsche 911
0-60 4.3 Sec.
14 miles 12.8 Sec. @ 111 MPH
Skid pad .94G

BMW M3
0-60 4.1 Sec.
14 miles 12.6 Sec. @ 113 MPH
Skid pad .95 G

"the 911 S will blow the M3 out the water on any given day." You may want to rethink that statement.

— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 8:00:03 PM | | Votes: 4   

Yes, a 997 Carrera S will blow the M3 out of the waters. it does 0-60 in 3.9s, but not that the 0-60 is the only bench mark.

But you would expect that from a Sports car vs. a sports sedan.

— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 8:24:19 PM | | Votes: 3   

It doesnt matter! Whoever likes the M3 and has the $100k to pay for it, then by all means buy the car! Why not?? We all have different preferences. If someone can't afford the M3 and is upset at it then tough luck. Work a little harder and start saving if you want it so bad. Dont bash BMW or the dealer for it. After all, were all just trying to get a little wealthier...

— Zagarella (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 11:45:39 PM | | Votes: 1   

I wouldn't call the M3 Sheepish. Performance numbers are a very good match. For example I can't stand it when someone thinks that .1 or .2 seconds faster on the quarter mile means the other car got it's doors blown off. The Porsche and BMW are a totally different class of car and it is quite commendable that the M3 can hold it's own so well against the Porsche.

— 85bmw745i (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 9:56:45 PM | | Votes: 3   

My point is that there may be fools that will pay the 'Dealer Tax' and call it a great deal. You can call it 'market value' or whatever you want, but in reality you have adusted the MSRP listed price by adding a label, offered no added value and therefore have left your self open to dealerships that take a longer view of customer relations and will not sell for MSRP plus markup.

(So if BMW dealerships in Manhattan and Newport Beach Ca are selling the M3 at MSRP with no markup what do you call that? Below "Market Value"? LOL

I can assure you, I along with many associates and friends have purchased enough newly launched models (including BMW's) to know the game and have never paid a markup. And no one had to wait for the fire sale either.

Your arguments are specious and do not take into account that the customer still is king and ultimately holds the power if they choose to use it.

Those that don't are the saps you can take advantage of. Dealerships like yours will always lose in the long run.

Think on that Bud.

— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 4:33:51 PM | | Votes: 1   

This article HAS been enlightening in that it has shown how many dealer sales people/employees are part of Autospies. Interesting.

BTW I think the code words "Market Value" should be referred to by it's proper term -"Sucker Pricing"

I have never seen Edmunds,Dealerships,Brokers( or any resource for resale) list or ask if you paid 'Market Value' for an auto. LMAO

— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 4:50:44 PM | | Votes: 1   

I couldn't agree with you more about the customer being king. That is my sentiment as well. When we have a car that is selling for above MSRP and can't keep the car in stock why would we sell it for less? This is a rare occurance and only happens when a product first comes out. As the market cools on the car so does the price. Again, why would we sell a product for MSRP to have it sold immediatly for a profit?

— S4fanatic (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 6:19:35 PM | | Votes: 1   

How can you compare?? There two different classes of vehicles. Ones an almost "super sportscar" and the other is an every day high performance coupe.

— Zagarella (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2008 11:48:40 PM | | Votes: 0   

Actually, the M3 is much better to drive than the cheapest Aston, the $120,000 V8 Vantage.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 12:35:42 AM | | Votes: 2   

^^ S4... What was so different about the drive? Did you ACTUALLY drive both or ...?

— irie77 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 10:04:57 AM | | Votes: -1   

Obviously not, but it's clear from EVERY review ever written about the two cars that the Aston is disappointing considering its sticker price, and that the M3 is incredible in every respect.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 6:37:16 PM | | Votes: 1   

A few readers responded by saying their BMW dealerships will sell the M3 at MSRP. It will be helpful if you can respond with the dealership name.
That will be a win-win situation for both buyers and sellers. Thanks much.

— bclemans (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2008 3:18:55 AM | | Votes: 1   

But you wouldn't be able to pick up an R8 for under $150K.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/12/2008 5:24:43 PM | | Votes: 2   

...It also looks like the last-generation BMW M3.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/12/2008 5:22:39 PM | | Votes: 2