Posts: 2
Registered: Sep 2001

posted 10-04-2001 05:37 PM            

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Im in the market for a 2002 M3 w/ the SMG 2 tranny. The local dealer (San Diego BMW) has told me that if I wait for the car [1-1.5 years] I will pay MSRP and not a dime more, which was actually a relief, however, he said if I wanted to buy one off the lot, it would go to the highest bidder, which has usually come out to ~ 15k over MSRP!
If any of you who waited and bought the car for MSRP, I would appreciate any input, and whatever bargaining chips that might be of use, to use with the dealer, would also be appreciated, and any sepcific general commentary on the options packages, leather interior/trim, stereo, fit and finish, gas milage, and general ownership experience would be greatly appreciated.

Also, what weight of oil are the e46 m3's using? I recently asked the dealer what weight, and was told that 5W-30 full synthetic was the oil of choice, but since its release BMW has sent out a service bulletin calling for 10W-60 fully synthetic, anyone have some insight on this? And is anyone taking seriously BMW's claim for oil change intervals at 15K miles? I really think that's a little optimistic, no?
Thanks in advance, Im new to this forum, and would like to thank the admins for providing the resource!

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Posts: 4
Registered: Oct 2001

posted 10-04-2001 07:01 PM            

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Thats interesting.. in the UK BMW GB do not permit the dealer to sell any car they have at over the list price.. seems you don't have those rules over there ?

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Posts: 6
Registered: Aug 2001

posted 10-04-2001 07:06 PM            

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Hubert,

I think if you look around you can find a few dealers that may be able to get you a 2002 with SMG for about $5K above MSRP. The wait will probably be shorter. Try the dealers around the LA area.

As for options; I've heard the Harmon Kardon system is not great. The other options I do not know that much about.

Suj

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Posts: 2
Registered: Sep 2001

posted 10-04-2001 07:46 PM            

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MattUK,
Yeah N.American dealers, especially West coast dealers are notorious for marking up cars to redicoulous highs when their in limited supply or high demand. For example, when the s2000 came out, people were paying $45,000 US Dollars for them! Its amazing, dealers can be so...oh you know!
Suj,
Thanks for the info, but what I guess I was getting at, was the that I really dont mind waiting, if I will in fact be able to buy the car for MSRP, then I can spare myself the added $5K and just day dream a little longer, not like I haven't been anyway..
By the way, did you or anyone you know opt for the M Cloth inserts? Or, has everyone just gotten the leather..?
Thanks again...

[This message has been edited by Hubert (edited 10-04-2001).]

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posted 10-04-2001 08:18 PM              

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You will have to do some homework, but start searching on the internet and you can find a 2002 M3 at MSRP within a more reasonable time frame. But you will have to look all over the country - literally. Also check out roadfly.com for its message board. lot of good tips there.

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Posts: 6
Registered: Aug 2001

posted 10-04-2001 08:49 PM            

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Hubert,

I did not order the M cloth inserts. Just got grey leather.

You can try Nick Alexander Imports in LA, Beverly Hills BMW and Irvine BMW.
See what those dealers say about the SMG wait.

Suj

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