What are the up-sells?

cellarrat · 04-25-2022, 01:13 PM

My car is in production and it looks like I'll be taking possession in a couple of weeks.

I intend to write a check so there should be no need to talk to their finance guy. Nonetheless, I suspect they will insist, so they will have the opportunity to talk me into various extras. I know they have several extended service plans and extended warranties, and will probably talk to me about coatings etc.

Is there anything else? I'll do my research before walking in, so if you guys know of any source that carefully examines the warranty/service options, I am all ears.

Anything you think is worth considering they will offer?

I am in my 60s and have buying cars for MANY DECADES, and I have never faced anything like the learning curve I face here, esp given the fact that the 45e will be my first hybrid. The number of options/settings/quirks on this car seems endless.

TurtleBoy · 04-25-2022, 01:26 PM

You definitely will need to talk to the finance guy since that is the position that usually does all of the paperwork. Just say no to everything if they ask.

goobies818 · 04-25-2022, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cellarrat

My car is in production and it looks like I'll be taking possession in a couple of weeks.

I intend to write a check so there should be no need to talk to their finance guy. Nonetheless, I suspect they will insist, so they will have the opportunity to talk me into various extras. I know they have several extended service plans and extended warranties, and will probably talk to me about coatings etc.

Is there anything else? I'll do my research before walking in, so if you guys know of any source that carefully examines the warranty/service options, I am all ears.

Anything you think is worth considering they will offer?

I am in my 60s and have buying cars for MANY DECADES, and I have never faced anything like the learning curve I face here, esp given the fact that the 45e will be my first hybrid. The number of options/settings/quirks on this car seems endless.

You hit the main ones...extended service and warranty packages. The other one would be wheel and tire protection packages.

I think if you look around this board you'll find a wide array of opinions on these items. Extended service packages i think are generally ok...you're essentially pre-paying dealer service at a discount. Extended warranty i think really depends on how much driving and how long you're keeping the car.

Finally, wheel and tire protection packages i think are a rip off. You're basically paying ahead for a what-if scenario.

TurtleBoy · 04-25-2022, 01:31 PM

Before going to the dealer, give them a call and make sure they will accept your check. We have seen where dealers will only take cashier's checks and some will only take bank wires due to fraud.

charlie fairmont · 04-25-2022, 02:24 PM

There is a guy on bimmerpost called golfRR or something similar. He works for a BMW dealership out of CA, Steve Thomas BMW, I believe. If you message him, he'll give you the contact info of his dealership's finance dept. A quick two line email with your VIN will result in the finance woman (forget her name) sending you quotes for official BMW warranties and, most importantly, the full warranty booklet that explains what is and is not covered. (It was irritatingly difficult to squeeze that out of my finance guy.) Like anything else, dealers are free to adjust warranty prices. This dealership is apparently a volume leader and will have prices ~25% lower (at least in my case) than what my dealer initially offered. If you think you may be interested in an extended warranty, I would start your homework with a message to golfRR.

White340 · 04-25-2022, 02:37 PM

If you already have a bmw and qualify for loyalty, it's 1000 which you need to finance to get. Nothing stops you from sending a check in for the balance right after walking out the door…

One dealer told me I need to buy the protection package and prepaid maintenance. Another said I don't have to buy anything at all. Of course when the car arrives there's nothing stopping them from trying to blackmail me then…

TurtleBoy · 04-25-2022, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie fairmont

There is a guy on bimmerpost called golfRR or something similar. He works for a BMW dealership out of CA, Steve Thomas BMW, I believe. If you message him, he'll give you the contact info of his dealership's finance dept. A quick two line email with your VIN will result in the finance woman (forget her name) sending you quotes for official BMW warranties and, most importantly, the full warranty booklet that explains what is and is not covered. (It was irritatingly difficult to squeeze that out of my finance guy.) Like anything else, dealers are free to adjust warranty prices. This dealership is apparently a volume leader and will have prices ~25% lower (at least in my case) than what my dealer initially offered. If you think you may be interested in an extended warranty, I would start your homework with a message to golfRR.

His name is GOLFFRR and the finance manager there is Christine who can be reached at cnewman@stevethomasbmw.com. I have attached the brochure.

OP - You can buy an extended service contract anytime prior to your warranty expiring.

BMW_Extended_Service_Contract_Brochure.pdf

RebelEddy · 04-25-2022, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

Before going to the dealer, give them a call and make sure they will accept your check. We have seen where dealers will only take cashier's checks and some will only take bank wires due to fraud.

Second this. I asked my dealer if I can bring a check with me to pick up my new X5 and they said they can't accept it due to policy. My client advisor told me they got burned a few years ago and spent 2 years working with collections chasing their money down. Luckily I asked this ahead of time and ended up sending a wire that made it there in time when I arrived to sign the papers. Call the dealer and ask what they accept!

cellarrat · 04-25-2022, 03:54 PM

Fantastic responses, folks. Taking notes. Thanks so much!

bayarea328xit · 04-25-2022, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

His name is GOLFFRR and the finance manager there is Christine who can be reached at cnewman@stevethomasbmw.com. I have attached the brochure.

OP - You can buy an extended service contract anytime prior to your warranty expiring.

Attachment 2868118

I'll vouch for Steve Thomas BMW and Christine - she helped me with the purchase of a BMW Extended Warranty in December. Great price. I'm in the Bay Area - doing the paperwork remotely was seamless.

skyline408 · 04-25-2022, 04:56 PM

I had to bring a cashiers check, no personal checks.

PittsDriver · 04-25-2022, 05:12 PM

It's been my experience that everything that happens in the finance office is negotiable. Financing rates, extended warranty, road hazard coverage for wheels and tires, service plans, and car treatments like Zurich shield and the like. Extended warranty plans, road hazard, and to some extent, car treatments I think of like insurance. If I can afford the loss, and I think it's not likely to happen, then I don't buy any of those things.

One thing I'm going to research is what paint treatment and interior protection the dealer offers as an upsell option. I've never bought anything like that in the past and always considered things like "undercoating" and interior stain proofing and thought those things were scams. I recently bought a Machine Gray Metallic Miata with a white leather interior and purchased Zurich Shield for it which was a paint surface treatment and interior protection - and a warranty which I have no idea how good it is and hope to never find out.

The car has a great liquid looking finish on it and it's stayed that way for a year and - so far so good, no blue jeans stains on the white seats.

So, I'll research what they offer at the dealer and what they want for it and compare that with a couple of excellent detailers in my area to do a full ceramic coat on it. Unless they can show me a new car they just treated with it I'll probably pass on that and take it to the detailer.

taek · 04-25-2022, 06:40 PM

Many of them are on the owners website.

https://www.bmwusa.com/financial-ser...n-program.html

Extended Service Contract (Platinum/Gold/Powertrain)
Lease End Protection
GAP
Tire & Wheel
Windshield
Paintless Dent Repair
Key Protection
All Surface Protection

And your specific dealer can add on more. Zurich Shield is a common one around here.

There are some discussion threads about the value of any of these on this forum.

SWBOS · 04-26-2022, 09:11 AM

Could anyone comment as to which level of coverage would include the Air Suspension (or any suspension for that matter) components please?

PittsDriver · 04-26-2022, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWBOS

Could anyone comment as to which level of coverage would include the Air Suspension (or any suspension for that matter) components please?

According to this brochure, only the platinum level covers suspension work.

https://www.bmwusa.com/content/dam/b...202021_web.pdf

SWBOS · 04-26-2022, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PittsDriver

According to this brochure, only the platinum level covers suspension work.

https://www.bmwusa.com/content/dam/b...202021_web.pdf

WOW! I totally missed that entire line - HA. Thanks for the point out PittsDriver

malvern_man · 04-26-2022, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PittsDriver

So, I'll research what they offer at the dealer and what they want for it and compare that with a couple of excellent detailers in my area to do a full ceramic coat on it. Unless they can show me a new car they just treated with it I'll probably pass on that and take it to the detailer.

I'd never have a dealer applied paint/interior protection, the paint work has to be prepared properly before being applied, which they won't do. There have been numerous cases here in the UK where customers have been charged for paint protection and it hasn't even been applied.

You'd be better going to a proper car detailer who will more than likely give your car a single stage polish and a full decontamination before applying a real ceramic coating to the paintwork and wheels. The dealer will just put something on your paintwork to make it look shiny for a few months unlike a proper ceramic coating that if looked after correctly should last year's.

Hejusnice · 04-26-2022, 03:40 PM

I bought the paintless (pointless) dent repair. Filed a claim for a dent and was denied because of suspected paint missing. As you can see in the picture they could've removed the dent without causing more harm.

I ended up going with a local dent repair service for $200. Now Im back to a flawless look!

PittsDriver · 04-27-2022, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hejusnice

Filed a claim for a dent and was denied because of suspected paint missing.

Wait, what? So you're saying that if you purchase this dent repair coverage and get what looks to me like a standard parking lot ding from another careless person, they'll deny the claim for suspected paint missing!?!

Vivek. · 04-27-2022, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PittsDriver

Wait, what? So you're saying that if you purchase this dent repair coverage and get what looks to me like a standard parking lot ding from another careless person, they'll deny the claim for suspected paint missing!?!

I typed out this exact response and deleted it because I re-read it and thought "tbh that sounds about right". Why would they want to do work when they already have your money and they can make up some reason to not do it

Hejusnice · 04-27-2022, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PittsDriver

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hejusnice

Filed a claim for a dent and was denied because of suspected paint missing.

Wait, what? So you're saying that if you purchase this dent repair coverage and get what looks to me like a standard parking lot ding from another careless person, they'll deny the claim for suspected paint missing!?!

Yes you are correct…as you see someone else fixed my issue!!

jeannieliv · 04-28-2022, 11:49 AM

I picked up my X5 45e yesterday and it looks great. Got the list of add-ons with extended warranty, extended service plan, windshield replacement, etc. I declined everything except the XPEL Paint Protection Film ($1,900), which is actually useful for our roads here since they use a lot of sand and rocks during the winter months. The only other thing I was interested in was the interior fabric protection. I have the ivory white vernasca interior. I guess the BMW option comes with 5 years protection against everything, from denim transfer to tears, etc. Will replace the whole cover at no cost if necessary. It's $895. Worthwhile? I also purchased these products for DIY, but haven't used yet and will not use if I go with the BMW option:
https://www.amazon.com/COLOURLOCK-Fr.../dp/B01BCCQWGK
https://www.zainostore.com/product/Z-9.html
https://www.zainostore.com/product/Z-10.html

Thanks for any thoughts!

04-25-2022, 01:13 PM	#1
cellarrat Captain 518 Rep 775 Posts Drives: 2022 X5 45e Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	What are the up-sells? My car is in production and it looks like I'll be taking possession in a couple of weeks. I intend to write a check so there should be no need to talk to their finance guy. Nonetheless, I suspect they will insist, so they will have the opportunity to talk me into various extras. I know they have several extended service plans and extended warranties, and will probably talk to me about coatings etc. Is there anything else? I'll do my research before walking in, so if you guys know of any source that carefully examines the warranty/service options, I am all ears. Anything you think is worth considering they will offer? I am in my 60s and have buying cars for MANY DECADES, and I have never faced anything like the learning curve I face here, esp given the fact that the 45e will be my first hybrid. The number of options/settings/quirks on this car seems endless.
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04-25-2022, 01:26 PM	#2
TurtleBoy General 13507 Rep 20,141 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 40i,2021 M340i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	You definitely will need to talk to the finance guy since that is the position that usually does all of the paperwork. Just say no to everything if they ask. __________________ 2021 BMW G20 M340i xDrive - Verde Ermes/Black - 03/2024.40 2019 BMW G05 X5 xDrive40i - Phytonic Blue/Cognac - 11/2023.50
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04-25-2022, 01:31 PM	#4
TurtleBoy General 13507 Rep 20,141 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 40i,2021 M340i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Before going to the dealer, give them a call and make sure they will accept your check. We have seen where dealers will only take cashier's checks and some will only take bank wires due to fraud. __________________ 2021 BMW G20 M340i xDrive - Verde Ermes/Black - 03/2024.40 2019 BMW G05 X5 xDrive40i - Phytonic Blue/Cognac - 11/2023.50
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04-25-2022, 02:24 PM	#5
charlie fairmont Lieutenant 476 Rep 594 Posts Drives: His & hers, GC & X5 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Jax, FL iTrader: (0)	There is a guy on bimmerpost called golfRR or something similar. He works for a BMW dealership out of CA, Steve Thomas BMW, I believe. If you message him, he'll give you the contact info of his dealership's finance dept. A quick two line email with your VIN will result in the finance woman (forget her name) sending you quotes for official BMW warranties and, most importantly, the full warranty booklet that explains what is and is not covered. (It was irritatingly difficult to squeeze that out of my finance guy.) Like anything else, dealers are free to adjust warranty prices. This dealership is apparently a volume leader and will have prices ~25% lower (at least in my case) than what my dealer initially offered. If you think you may be interested in an extended warranty, I would start your homework with a message to golfRR.
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04-25-2022, 02:37 PM	#6
White340 Lieutenant Colonel 1396 Rep 1,988 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 Comp / 2022 X5 45e Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: NYC iTrader: (3)	If you already have a bmw and qualify for loyalty, it's 1000 which you need to finance to get. Nothing stops you from sending a check in for the balance right after walking out the door… One dealer told me I need to buy the protection package and prepaid maintenance. Another said I don't have to buy anything at all. Of course when the car arrives there's nothing stopping them from trying to blackmail me then… __________________ 2022 X5 45e : AW/Tartufo 2018 M3 Competition : AW/SO 2016 340i xDrive : AW/CR (sold)
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04-25-2022, 03:54 PM	#9
cellarrat Captain 518 Rep 775 Posts Drives: 2022 X5 45e Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	Fantastic responses, folks. Taking notes. Thanks so much!
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04-25-2022, 04:56 PM	#11
skyline408 Major 1577 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 2023 G80 M3 2022 F95 X5M Join Date: May 2013 Location: Silicon Valley, CA iTrader: (1)	I had to bring a cashiers check, no personal checks.
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04-25-2022, 05:12 PM	#12
PittsDriver First Lieutenant 387 Rep 301 Posts Drives: X5 3.5i, X5 M50i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Annapolis MD iTrader: (0)	It's been my experience that everything that happens in the finance office is negotiable. Financing rates, extended warranty, road hazard coverage for wheels and tires, service plans, and car treatments like Zurich shield and the like. Extended warranty plans, road hazard, and to some extent, car treatments I think of like insurance. If I can afford the loss, and I think it's not likely to happen, then I don't buy any of those things. One thing I'm going to research is what paint treatment and interior protection the dealer offers as an upsell option. I've never bought anything like that in the past and always considered things like "undercoating" and interior stain proofing and thought those things were scams. I recently bought a Machine Gray Metallic Miata with a white leather interior and purchased Zurich Shield for it which was a paint surface treatment and interior protection - and a warranty which I have no idea how good it is and hope to never find out. The car has a great liquid looking finish on it and it's stayed that way for a year and - so far so good, no blue jeans stains on the white seats. So, I'll research what they offer at the dealer and what they want for it and compare that with a couple of excellent detailers in my area to do a full ceramic coat on it. Unless they can show me a new car they just treated with it I'll probably pass on that and take it to the detailer.
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04-25-2022, 06:40 PM	#13
taek Lieutenant 294 Rep 464 Posts Drives: X5 45e Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Many of them are on the owners website. https://www.bmwusa.com/financial-ser...n-program.html Extended Service Contract (Platinum/Gold/Powertrain) Lease End Protection GAP Tire & Wheel Windshield Paintless Dent Repair Key Protection All Surface Protection And your specific dealer can add on more. Zurich Shield is a common one around here. There are some discussion threads about the value of any of these on this forum.
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04-26-2022, 09:11 AM	#14
SWBOS Private First Class 48 Rep 106 Posts Drives: Soon - X5 40i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Could anyone comment as to which level of coverage would include the Air Suspension (or any suspension for that matter) components please?
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04-26-2022, 03:40 PM	#18
Hejusnice Private 32 Rep 64 Posts Drives: BMW X7 Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I bought the paintless (pointless) dent repair. Filed a claim for a dent and was denied because of suspected paint missing. As you can see in the picture they could've removed the dent without causing more harm. I ended up going with a local dent repair service for $200. Now Im back to a flawless look! Attached Images
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04-28-2022, 11:49 AM	#22
jeannieliv Private 39 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2022 X5 45e Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Central Oregon iTrader: (0)	I picked up my X5 45e yesterday and it looks great. Got the list of add-ons with extended warranty, extended service plan, windshield replacement, etc. I declined everything except the XPEL Paint Protection Film ($1,900), which is actually useful for our roads here since they use a lot of sand and rocks during the winter months. The only other thing I was interested in was the interior fabric protection. I have the ivory white vernasca interior. I guess the BMW option comes with 5 years protection against everything, from denim transfer to tears, etc. Will replace the whole cover at no cost if necessary. It's $895. Worthwhile? I also purchased these products for DIY, but haven't used yet and will not use if I go with the BMW option: https://www.amazon.com/COLOURLOCK-Fr.../dp/B01BCCQWGK https://www.zainostore.com/product/Z-9.html https://www.zainostore.com/product/Z-10.html Thanks for any thoughts!
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