[redhot47fla]

I've had an M850i since Dec. 13. And best I can tell, we got a curiously good deal insofar as most of these around the country are going for sticker or maybe $1,000 or so below sticker.

The car: Alpine over Night Blue/Black Merino, with Driving Assistance Plus/Active Driving Assistant Pro (a package no longer available on the configurator), Comfort Seating, the M Carbon Roof and the (to me) redundant and not really necessary Anthracite Alcantara Headliner. It had 30 miles on it, about six of which were put on by me.

MSRP, including destination charge: $119,145.

The deal:

- $4,170 off MSRP sticker (3.5 percent)
- $2,000 loyalty credit, tied to accepting BMW financing
- $500 USAA credit (I'm an Army veteran)

Actual cost of car: $112,475, plus tax, tag, fees. etc.

That was further reduced by a fair-market trade allowance on my 440i (I had done the research). I also got them to tint the windows.

The dealer is Capital Eurocars in Tallahassee. The salesman is Jeremy Christoph.

I'm a pretty good negotiator, but I'm not THAT good. After the papers were signed, I asked why they were so eager to deal on a one-of-its kind car (in this region) that they may not see again for some time. They said that they work hard to make a deal, especially with a repeat customer such as I am. (This is the fourth BMW we've bought here in about seven years.)

Quick review: No regrets. Powerful, smooth, quiet, some amazing bells and whistles. Very pleased with the purchase.

Full disclosure: Have already experienced a few new model/early sample issues. 1. It almost immediately had a recall for something regarding the stability system. 2. It almost immediately threw off an emission control warning light. Turned out to be a bad 0/2 sensor heating unit, and the car remained drivable. A new sensor was shipped from Germany, was lost for a week by FedEx, but finally was installed this past Friday. 3. A telematics module performed inconsistently and was replaced, but I'm still having trouble with ConnectedDrive. Hoping to get that one resolved this week.

All in all: Pleased with the car and with the deal. A little less pleased with the dealership's service department.