jtp1947

How much under MSRP was that?
[/quote]
MSRP $62,470 and paid $58,562. It was the owner's car, spotless, and had 4400 miles on it. Only 6 spd. I could find in Sept. of this year. The color was my first choice and couldn't wait till MY2005. Afraid my wife would change her mind!

Guest

I had a great experience at Irvine BMW, where I bought my 545i in January 2004. I checked nearly every BMW dealer in the LA, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties and Irvine was the only one willing to negotiate for the best price (at the time, no Costco, AAA, cardirect.com or other pricing was available). Ask for Art Portnoff.

Bark41

Jerry Bendal at South Bay BMW in Hermosa Beach. He is the Fleet Manager. He doesn't play games. Let's put it this way, I spent the last 8 years in the car business as a Sales Manager and I have bought 3 BMW's from this guy and it is always a "no brainer"!!!!!!! I even drive all the way from San Diego!!!! About two hours away!!!!! He shows you the invoice gives you the "buy" rate, if financing or leasing, I highly recommend him!!!!!!!

Jimbo

I see you received a nice welcome and quite a few reccomendations.
Way to go guys/gals!
Good luck. Keep us updated on your progress.

ps. If you're an AAA member, they have a buying service you can check out.

redondoman

I second this one. I bought from him using European Delivery last September. He was fair and honest. Long Beach BMW actually tried to bait and switch me with a low ball price quote, "Oops I'm sorry I was looking at the wrong price sheet."

bdoviack

Hello E60.Net members

Thanks to Iceman and E60.Net'ers for the warm and pleasant greetings. I think I have enough information to start contacting a few dealers. Hopefully, if all goes well, I'll have a new 05 545i in my garage by Christmas.

As I am currently based in Asia, this will be a pure internet/phone transaction; hence the need for honest opinions about dealer experiences.

This purchase adds even more excitement to return home for the holidays.

Thanks again for all help. I look forward to talking to you all soon!

rlinger

Dealerrater also has some information.

Take with a grain of salt, since not all postings are verified -- but this should give you a general clue of which ones to avoid.

hope this helps
Charley

http://www.dealerrater.com/search/search.a...rName=&x=36&y=7

Jimbo

Be sure and use Edmunds, KBB, Autobytel or Consumers Reports to get the bottom line invoice pricing before you start.

But you already knew that!
Good luck.

alohalc

welcome aboard, bdoviack ! sorry for the late welcome .