Hi,

I've ordered a 535d for delivery on 1st September (hopefully). Excuse the essay, but here's the gist of the story. I decided to buy the car and placed an order at the end of May. I was unsure of my options selection (although had made my mind up on the majority). I specced this at the dealers and then began to haggle the price. The amount of discount would have an effect on the options I would then add afterwards.

Clearly I couldn't get the dealer to agree to a price until I was prepared to strike a deal, so it was a bit chicken and egg. So, I proceeded and agreed a price, but we agreed that the car would go into the order at the beginning of July so I had some time to make some option alterations. I've been back one about a week later and added some more, then went on holiday and have come back and want to add the Sports Auto.

Now for the problem, the car has been sent for build and the spec can't be changed. The dealer is trying to be helpful, but at the minute really wants me to take the car they've ordered as it's got about 10k's worth of options on it and he says he could have a problem trying to shift it from the forecourt. They are also saying, if they do agree to re-order the car, then it wont be ready till some time in October!!!

Now Im not sure I believe the October date, and maybe they are using that to put me off asking them to re-order.

So, my question is.... Should I a) make the dealer re-order inc sport auto with paddles and take a delayed delivery or b) am I not really going to miss it after playing with the paddles a few times and take delivery on September 1st anyway???

Frustrated and Confused!!!!

 

I make it June. Not July.

Additionally, time from order to you driving away is about 6 weeks. I can't remember if BMW closes down for a couple of weeks during the summer. In any event it doesn't bring October into the equation.

ABC

 

I think they do close down which is why the new model year is announced in Sep time

Just out of interest what spec have you gone for anyway? I think you may kick yourself if you haven't got quite what you wanted.

 

In Germany you can change the order until three days before the production starts.

 

I recommend you phone BMW UK ASAP. They will be able to shed light on whether what your dealer told you is correct or not,and may be able to twist some arms if necessary.

Apparently there is a month long shut down during the summer from what i have read....

 

Interesting comments guys... Particularly the one regarding BMW UK if the order isn't build. Anyone know how to get hold of BMW Uk?

ABC... I make the build 1st July, giving all of July and August for delivery in September, not withstanding this shut down mentioned here.

Spec from the order as it is currently is as follows:

535d LCI, Carbon Black, Black Dakota Leather, Black Trim High Gloss, High Gloss Shadow Line, Anthracite Headlining.

Visibility Package (Xenon Headlights, Adaptive Headlights, Headlamp Washer)
Media Package (Nav Professional, BMW Assist, Voice Control, Bluetooth, 6 CD Changer)
Extended Interior Light Package
19" 172 Wheels (with Space Saver Spare)
Comfort Seats Electric
Active Seat Backrest Adjustment
ISOFIX Child Seat System
Active Cruise Control - Stop & Go Function
Heads Up Display
Hi Fi Logic 7
Auto Dim Int / Ext Folding Mirrors
Through Load System
High Beam Assistant
M Rear Spoiler
No Model Inscription

As I say, the only bit I want to add on ideally is the sports auto which I wasn't even aware was available until I found this board...

I've been thinking about it, and Im not that sure if the sports auto will break the deal or not... I currently drive an Evo and enjoy "driving" the car, but the BMW is more for me about motorway miles if I'm honest, I'll still have the Evo for a year or so for the weekends.... Just not sure now.

Appreciate your opinions.

Barry

 

Hi

I have similar spec on a 530D m sport individual option, 2 months old. I decided not to wait for paddle shifts. 1. Would rarely, if ever, use them. 2. They look obtrusive, and a bit odd. 3. I dont live on brands hatch.

You`ll love it with or without.

regrds

 

The flippy flappys are presented together with the new Sports Auto Transmission. For 70 quid.

I guess your rationale applies to the box too but not to the MSport trim and suspension?

ABC

 

Ok guys, I went to the dealers today to have a chat with the Sales Manager.

I didn't go out for test drives again today, despite the dealer go to the trouble of making sure that they had both a pre LCI 535d with normal transmission and also a 335 Coupe with flappy paddles. I didn't do this for two reasons, firstly, they aren't really the comparison I need to make as I need to compare an LCI 535d and an LCI 535d with Sport transmission although I did think the paddles on 335 would obviously let me know if I was comfortable with them.

Basically, I have decided that since the sports auto provides the additional driving characteristics as defined in the posted page of the manual on Mogsymans thread as well as the paddles, that I will be dissappointed if I don't have this.

Having pointed out to the dealer that this option is more than paddles they have agreed to see what they can do. They have been quite helpful thus far in understanding, the only issue we have to resolve is that of accepting that they ordered the car before the time that was agreed with me, that coupled with the sales person leaving has created the problem with the car already having been ordered. Their issue is that to order me another car leaves them with a highly spec'd car which they need to find a new owner for without taking a hit on it, which I can understand is a business issue for them, but to me, they've not adhered to the customer's requests and therefore I haven't created the problem.

Currently the sales manager is going to have a discussion with the business manager and come back to me on Monday with a decision, so hopefully it will be a positive one.

 

What factory can afford to close down for a couple of weeks?

Some factory service and trimming (for the new MY) are made in August,
which is the main holiday season in Europe.

To bardel:

Get the car that you want and with the extras you really desire!
Otherwise it will eat you all the time.

What's a couple of months compared to years.