Dealer stringing me along?

[Gronkspike]

I've had a deal ready to go for over a month now for a '16 M3. I've tried to get an answer as to when their allocation will be available and I just get "probably January or February." I don't like not knowing a solid date so I want to bail.

Do dealers really not know when they are up for a new allocation? I understand they are comparatively smaller dealer but I was able to get a good deal.

[evanevery]

I sell eggs at 2 cents a dozen when I don't have them too!

[Clark_Kent]

Originally Posted by Gronkspike

I've had a deal ready to go for over a month now for a '16 M3. I've tried to get an answer as to when their allocation will be available and I just get "probably January or February." I don't like not knowing a solid date so I want to bail.

Do dealers really not know when they are up for a new allocation? I understand they are comparatively smaller dealer but I was able to get a good deal.

Unfortunately, they do not know when they are up for new allocations nor do they know the quantity. They're only speculating at this point. They are typically released by BMW to the dealers within the first week of each month.

It's difficult to say if they're stringing you along but it would be in your best interest to have a few contingencies in place. I was placed on the dreaded waiting list by my dealer but they came through. It doesn't always work that way. It's just easier to deal with dealerships that have an allocation already.

[Bluex]

The short answer is yes, of course they are stringing you along

The longer answer involves whether or not you have given them a deposit.

Jan/Feb is a LONG time to wait for an allocation.....but this time last year (which doesn't in ANY WAY correlate to this year) I had put my order into the system and I did not get my allocation until Feb.

You're being strung along in the sense that they want your business and will say or do whatever it takes to keep you hooked. Your "deal" doesn't really mean a thing until you have your production number. While they don't know exactly when they will get their allocations and how many, they have general ideas....but what you don't know is how many people are on a list in front of you.

As long as you haven't given them a deposit (and even if you did, depending upon the state, should be completely refundable) you should feel free to shop around for another dealer that does have an allocation. Don't waste your time with anyplace that can't give you a production number right on the spot, you'll just end up being in the same situation as you are currently in with your dealer.

[Deja_Vu]

Originally Posted by Bluex

you should feel free to shop around for another dealer that does have an allocation. Don't waste your time with anyplace that can't give you a production number right on the spot, you'll just end up being in the same situation as you are currently in with your dealer.

This. And in today's day and age that means you can shop across the country without issue. I bought my car through a California dealer.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Bluex

The short answer is yes, of course they are stringing you along

+1

Legit dealer will give you a production number right away, and won't even charge a deposit to your credit card

[Gronkspike]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

Unfortunately, they do not know when they are up for new allocations nor do they know the quantity. They're only speculating at this point. They are typically released by BMW to the dealers within the first week of each month.

It's difficult to say if they're stringing you along but it would be in your best interest to have a few contingencies in place. I was placed on the dreaded waiting list by my dealer but they came through. It doesn't always work that way. It's just easier to deal with dealerships that have an allocation already.

It must be frustrating for the smaller dealers. I like the idea of having contingencies and will surely work on some this week. Thanks.

[Gronkspike]

Originally Posted by Bluex

The short answer is yes, of course they are stringing you along

The longer answer involves whether or not you have given them a deposit.

Jan/Feb is a LONG time to wait for an allocation.....but this time last year (which doesn't in ANY WAY correlate to this year) I had put my order into the system and I did not get my allocation until Feb.

You're being strung along in the sense that they want your business and will say or do whatever it takes to keep you hooked. Your "deal" doesn't really mean a thing until you have your production number. While they don't know exactly when they will get their allocations and how many, they have general ideas....but what you don't know is how many people are on a list in front of you.

As long as you haven't given them a deposit (and even if you did, depending upon the state, should be completely refundable) you should feel free to shop around for another dealer that does have an allocation. Don't waste your time with anyplace that can't give you a production number right on the spot, you'll just end up being in the same situation as you are currently in with your dealer.

Good stuff. I'll be sure to start contacting dealers asking for the production number. Thank you.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by Gronkspike

I've had a deal ready to go for over a month now for a '16 M3. I've tried to get an answer as to when their allocation will be available and I just get "probably January or February." I don't like not knowing a solid date so I want to bail.

I'm sorry, but you don't have a deal ready, unless the dealer has an allocation and dedicates it to your order. In which case you would be in the possession of your build #.

What you have is a dealer selling you hot air.
Since they are talking Jan/Feb production, they did NOT get a Nov/Dec allocation. Or they got them, and gave them to another customer who is producing a higher margin for them.

Either way, you do NOT have a deal.

Originally Posted by Gronkspike

Do dealers really not know when they are up for a new allocation? I understand they are comparatively smaller dealer but I was able to get a good deal.

The size of the dealer is irrelevant.
They either have an allocation and production #, or they don't. If they don't, they are guessing as to when they might get another one, and are stringing you along for the ride.

Works the same way for dealers of all shapes and sizes.

a