Deposit on the 1M

[HERR FSTIR]

I've put $500 down to be at the top of my dealer's list. I will have to put down an additional $2500 once they have a build allocation and can actually order the vehicle.

[PrimoM3]

$500 is fair, just make sure it is refundable up to the point of order. Mine will go toward an e92 ///M3 should the 1///M be a disappointment. Doubt that tho- I have faith in ///M Gmbh and Dr. Kay.

[Robert]

Make sure you guys demand in writing no markup will be applied.

[MarkR171]

1k is normal. I put a 1k deposit when I ordered my 135i.

[Mr. Nice]

I only had to put $100 down at Motor Werks in Barrington, IL. Number one on their list, number one in your hearts.

[moveswiftly]

Deposit on credit card. if you ever have an issue you'll be able to dispute it.

[tkbr0wn]

Originally Posted by chesterfan1230

Deposit on credit card. if you ever have an issue you'll be able to dispute it.

Isn't there some sort of time limit on that?

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by tkbr0wn

Isn't there some sort of time limit on that?

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/...rts/p79885.asp

[tkbr0wn]

Originally Posted by jkp1187

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/...rts/p79885.asp

That article really didn't answer the question. If I put a deposit down a year ahead of time, can I still dispute it 12 months after the charge?

[HERR FSTIR]

Originally Posted by tkbr0wn

That article really didn't answer the question. If I put a deposit down a year ahead of time, can I still dispute it 12 months after the charge?

I doubt it. I suspect the credit card company would require some evidence of a fraudulent transaction. If you willingly put down a deposit on a vehicle one year ahead of production, then change your mind, you will be subject to the terms of the deposit. In other words, if the dealer specifies the deposit is nonrefundable, then don't expect your credit card company to bail you out.

[DSCPLN]

So I went to my Dealership (Herb Chambers of Boston MA) and asked if I could put a down payment on a 135i M and they said it hasn't been confirmed yet so they're not collecting down payments? Do I just go to another dealership? o.O

[HERR FSTIR]

Show them Dr. Segler's announcement and the official teaser videos at M power.com.

If that doesn't convince them, then find a dealership with a clue.

[DSCPLN]

Originally Posted by HERR FSTIR

Show them Dr. Segler's announcement and the official teaser videos at M power.com.

If that doesn't convince them, then find a dealership with a clue.

their argument was that it may not release in the states

[HERR FSTIR]

Scott has given us the release dates for the EU and the US, but I don't believe these are "official". Maybe you should just go to a different dealer.

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by tkbr0wn

That article really didn't answer the question. If I put a deposit down a year ahead of time, can I still dispute it 12 months after the charge?

No.

Originally Posted by http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/banking/creditcardsmarts/p79885.asp

The next step is contacting your credit card company and alerting them of the disputed purchase amount. To be protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act you'll need to do this in writing and within 60 days after the bill with the disputed charge was sent to you.

With the caveat that if you're a valuable customer for the bank, they may very well try some good faith efforts on your behalf even if the 60 day deadline is blown -- at least, that was policy at the bank I worked for when I worked in credit card billing disputes 15 years ago. If you're a fantastic customer and complain enough, they may even just write it off for you. Don't count on that, though. That's pretty rare for large amounts.

There was also at that time a Mastercard/Visa rule that no chargebacks could take place more than 180 days after the date of the transaction. I have not stayed current on these rules, so I cannot vouch for that one. I also have no knowledge of American Express, Discover, or Diner's Club procedures.

[michifan]

Originally Posted by HERR FSTIR

Show them Dr. Segler's announcement and the official teaser videos at M power.com.

If that doesn't convince them, then find a dealership with a clue.

Many dealers, mine included, don't take deposits until they can order a car. It's actually good business sense, because dealers are creating a liability by accepting a deposit.

The general manager of my dealership knows that I'm interested in the M and I have a good enough relationship to know that I'll get the call when the car becomes available. I'm still not sure if I will even pull the trigger, but at least I know I'll be given the option.

[michifan]

Originally Posted by tkbr0wn

That article really didn't answer the question. If I put a deposit down a year ahead of time, can I still dispute it 12 months after the charge?

Anytime I put a deposit down on something, I get in writing what the deposit entitles me to and whether I can get the money back.

Because you are dealing with a licensed dealer, they do need to be providing something in return for your deposit. Many dealers don't take deposits without a order slot / VIN for this very reason.

I'd go back to your dealership and get in writing what your rights are, if you are unsatisfied or concerned - get it back now and find a reputable dealer.

[1978.530i]

Slightly off-topic, but does it matter what dealer you use if you want ED? I split my time between Washington, DC and Savannah, GA. The DC area dealer sells MUCH higher volume than Savannah. Will the high-volume dealer have a better chance at securing the car for me early, or would being first on the list of the smaller dealer be better? I know there are a lot of variables to consider, so I'm just looking for general guidance.

Also, if timing weren't my primary concern, am I more likely to get a better deal from a high-volume dealer or a smaller dealer on a limited edition like the 1M? Thanks in advance!

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by 1978.530i

Slightly off-topic, but does it matter what dealer you use if you want ED? I split my time between Washington, DC and Savannah, GA. The DC area dealer sells MUCH higher volume than Savannah. Will the high-volume dealer have a better chance at securing the car for me early, or would being first on the list of the smaller dealer be better? I know there are a lot of variables to consider, so I'm just looking for general guidance.

Also, if timing weren't my primary concern, am I more likely to get a better deal from a high-volume dealer or a smaller dealer on a limited edition like the 1M? Thanks in advance!

It does not matter what dealership you purchase the car from. In fact, you could theoretically order from a dealership in Alaska, pick up the car in Europe, then have it re-delivered to the Performance Center in South Carolina, and just handle everything with the dealership via e-mail, telephone and FedEx.


(The only downside is that when you take the car in for service, dealerships typically will try to hook their own customers up with loaner cars; they may not be willing to do that for people who didn't buy the car from them.)

It's tough to say how the dealerships will treat you. I'd suggest talking to both of them and seeing what kind of deal you can cut. Personally, I ended up talking to about 10 or 15 dealerships both in my area and outside the area....and it turned out that the dealership within walking distance of my home was right in line with pricing with everyone else, so I went with them.


Here's another thread talking about Euro-Delivery stuff: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=414015

[1978.530i]

Thanks for the info!

[Ty Vil]

For new models coming out such as this we generally will take a 1k deposit to get a spot on the list; and we never sell over MSRP.

If you don't use your spot on the list - it goes to the next person. You can't trade or "sell" your spot as many were trying to do when the E46 M3 came out.

[jbtco]

Also £500. (refundable). So at present interest rates not losing much - probably safer than the bank !!