Business and Pleasure [got a new car!]

[Sahara]

I apologize if this is considered off topic but for the first time in my life, I own a bimmer produced in this century. Until today I owned ONLY two cars, a '97 Z3 and my '02. Needless to say, winter sucked, and the Z3 was starting to get pretty long in the tooth. It was the car I learned about cars on, drive stick, change the oil etc., and it had some scars as a result. Hard to trade in a sports car for a wagon, but I was thrilled by the performance of the 328i XDrive. It'll be hauling 2002 wheels and other parts in that big hatchback soon enough.This picture is awful because I spent six hours negotiating at the dealer and it was dark when I got home, but it's nice to see the generations side by side. 

 

[iinca]

very nice! love the white.

 

328's are great cars...

 

I've been looking at an 07 328xi coupe with a 6 speed manual this week to replace my 03 330xi. They want $5700

 

 

Edited March 14, 2020 by iinca

[irdave]

 

Woohoo new car!

 

7 hours ago, Sahara said:

This picture is awful because I spent six hours negotiating at the dealer ...

 

It's really too bad that BMW (all?) dealers are like this.  I hate having to go to the local dealer, Co's BMW in Loveland.  The parts guys are good but the sales staff is atrocious, sexist, aloof and all around not fun to deal with.

 

And yeah, probably should have been in off topic.  :)

[NYNick]

All car dealership sales departments are like this. There are a bunch of very illuminating videos on youtube explaining how they work to get as much money from you as possible. (Hint, hint. The longer they make you wait the weaker you get. Hint, hint. They make the real money when you meet with the finance guy, not necessarily on the price of the car).

 

However, I've found BMW, Mercedes and Porsche dealerships to be the worst. These salespeople have treated me like if I have to ask the price I can't afford the car. I've traveled hundreds of miles to avoid one dealership who treated me poorly to buy the same car from another. Screw them.

 

But, congrats on your new car! They look great together.

 

[Mike Self]

First of all, be sure to bring the '02 to Mid America--we need more Sahara representation there!

 

The last new car I bought for myself was the '69, and I ordered it long distance without ever dealing with a sales person.  But since then we've bought three new cars for my wife, and I have fun doing it.  After deciding on what we want to buy, I send out e-mails to all the dealers of that make within 100 or so miles of Dayton, stating that we're taking bids on a new XYZ, equipped thusly.  We'll be buying (or ordering) within two weeks; lowest bidder wins.  It's remarkable how well that works and what a good deal we get on a car when those dealers are bidding against each other!  Most if not all dealerships these days have sales folks that handle internet sales almost exclusively, and are quick to respond.  This was true even in 2007, when we bought our last new car...  And it's fun to put the shoe on the other foot--the pressure is on the dealer, not us.

 

mike

 

 

[jp5Touring]

Always liked BMW Tourings. I tried to get my S/O in one like yours, but no luck.

My Summertime daily Touring.

 

Untitled 

Edited March 14, 2020 by jp5Touring

[steve k.]

The world needs more touring

 

[dirving]

My wife and I have had an e91 for ten years. CPO car. We love it. Goes through anything, hauls large things, handles well, good cruiser, reliable. Had to fix hatch wiring and split gas tank regulator insert. No big thing. Wanted to upgrade intake to 330 spec with two Tisa valves but don't want the computer hassle. You're gonna love it. Fortunately another dealer 20 miles away had the same car on their lot so after playing them against each other we got a good price. Three year warranty and three year maintenance too. @mike We're planning on being at MA02. Fingers crossed.

[Harv]

Wish I could have kept my e91 6sp. 
 

Oh well, can’t keep em all. 
 

john

[Teelinger]

E46 touring for me. Recently purchased for my daughter to learn to drive in - for cheap! These things are a deal right now if you know what to look out for. I'll pass it down to her when she graduates high school. 

 

[bmw_e30]

i like wagons, especially fast stick ones

[Brandon]

I’ve bought plenty of cars at various dealers both new and used, they all have the same motive...selling you a car for the most they can.  It’s their job, can’t blame them really.

[Beantown]

My 02 needs a bit more work than yours does, but my wife's 325 diesel x-drive wagon shares the garage with my 02.  I love that car.  It is sooo fun to drive,  tons of torque, AWD handles great, comfortable and it gets 44 mpg!  LOVE IT.

[thinksound_mike]

I've actually been thinking about selling my 02 and getting one. Blasphemy!

[yeewiz]

Hey, if this has turned into a "Show Me Your Touring" thread, count me in.  Here's my 2007 530xiT.  Unfortunately, it's not a stick but love it anyway.  Here it is in a Yellowstone snow storm.  Anyone got a lead on someone who can fix a panoramic roof that doesn't retract completely nor correctly?