posted 08-08-2001 09:24 PM            

Like I said before, my dealer gave me the 2002 option list. It was printed out of the BMW NA MIS system. It does state "***For Internal Use Only***" at the bottom. This is what I used to choose colors, options and to write the “What’s new for 2002” posting

My order confirmation, which also came from the BMW NA MIS system, has this list on info:

“ BMW Group Vehicle Inquiry – Ordering” is at top of page in a large BMW type font.

Dealer: Filled with my dealers 5 digit code
Production number: Filled with a 7 digit number
Status: Filled with “On Order”
Serial Number: Blank
Status Code: Filled with “ 111 – Order Accepted at AG”
VIN: Blank
Modifiable: Filled with “yes”
Order Type/Description: Filled with “ 1/ Customer “SOLD”
Customer Name: Filled with my name
Dealer Notes: Blank
Est Prod Date: Filled with a specific date in September
Actual Production Date: Blank
Model Code: Filled with “0237” which is the BMW NA code for an M3 Coupe – BMW AG uses code # BL93
Model Description: M3
Exterior Code: Filled with the code for my choice of color
Exterior Description: Filled with my color choice
Interior Code: Filled with the code for my choice of color
Interior Description: Filled with my color choice

Option Codes and Description: Filled with the list of the option I ordered

Bottom of page has date of when it was printed.

I hope all this detail helps.

I have relationships with salespeople at 4 different BMW dealerships. Some dealers choose not to give all the M3’s in their tiny monthly allocation to customers with deposits. Many are taking the opportunity to utilize the forces of “Supply and Demand” in order to maximize profits. I know of 2 specific cases where customers paid $20,000 over list in order to drive cars now. Many more are willing to pay more than list. These are very difficult temptations for a dealer to resist. I suspect that in my area many M3's are sold to customers willing to pay more. BMW NA has no authority to dictate what dealers sell cars for. There’s a slew of laws that prevent a manufacturer from price fixing, thus the dealer is free to sell the car for what ever he wants – that’s why it’s called “Suggested Retail Price.” (SPR)

Each dealer has to choose if he is willing to compromise his commitments to deposit paying customers for big additional profits. Lucky for me my dealer has chosen integrity over quick profits.