Which dealership to buy BMW?
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Anonymous
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I have not bought a new car in 15 years and really need help to know which dealership to go to. I know many are rated badly - any good ones where someone can actually help you understand the options.
I am willing to travel anywhere in the area since it is not daily that I buy a new car. |
Anonymous
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Bought our most recent SUV at Silver Spring in 2019. Not a fan of Alexandria sales or service.
The ordering process can be somewhat chaotic at the moment because different features and options show up as being available/unavailable almost day-to-day depending on supply. Things like HUD, seat lumber and power lift gate are sometimes deleted and have to be added back to the order manually by the dealer as the build date approaches. The online custom configuration is a good starting point. There are also “Individual” options for some vehicles including custom interior and exterior colors (I have a 4er Individual) but these add more time and cost. Google “Order Guide” and “Price Guide” for the model in which you’re interested. These detailed documents will help you better understand the packages (usually a 3 letter/digit code) and available options. Bear in mind that “even numbered” models are generally more performance oriented while “odd numbered” or more luxury/comfort oriented. Case in point: an X3 and X4 have different suspensions and package options. Of note is that a number of the performance oriented models will default to summer tires, with the option to substitute all-season tires, and some SUVs can be optioned with a spare tire if you substitute non-run-flat tires. The process and degree of customization can appear overwhelming at first but the packages help make things easier to understand. One of the most significant packages is “M-Sport” which typically includes unique bumpers, seats, stiffer (adaptive) suspension, larger wheels, high speed rated tires, etc. Different interior and exterior colors can be available. Then you get into things like Executive, Active Driving Assistant, Cold Weather, and Parking Assistant packages. Most of the current models are now equipped with state-of-the-art iDrive 7 or 8, the infotainment/nav system. BMW Sensatech, like it’s Mercedes counterpart, is a very good synthetic leather that wears extremely well. There are mixed views about ventilated seats, which can offer less side bolster support. “M-Sport” as a package is not to be confused with true “M” or “Motorsport” cars like the M2, M3/M4, M5, X3M/X4M or X5M/X6M, and M8 (with some of those coming in “Competition” subvariants) which have handbuilt “S” series engines. That said, most of the ICE models can be had with either a 4 (2.0 liter) or 6 (3.0 liter) cylinder turbocharged engine. To add further confusion BMW has rebranded many of the 6 cylinder models (M240, M340/M440, M540 and X3/X4 M40). I won’t delve into the 8 cylinder models (M550, M850 or X5 M50) or conventions of the PHEV (330e) and new EV models (i4 and iX). One perk of BMW ownership is to consider taking delivery at the factory in Spartenburg SC (Performance Center Delivery/PCD). You get overnight lodging, a tour of the museum and factory, lunch and the opportunity to test your driving skills on a track before driving home in your new car. |
Anonymous
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Passport BMW is great. They will pick up your car for service and leave you a loaner. That sealed the deal for us.
I had previously purchased from BMW of Fairfax which was fine but did not offer that level of customer service. As a DC resident that made it a no-brainer. |
Anonymous
| Passport has the best pricing when they have available cars/allocations. I just ordered from Fairfax few days ago because they had an allocation available, matched the price of the lowest I could find, and closest to my house. If you really want a good deal, try contacting some dealers in PA or buy from any dealer in US and do performance center delivery. |
Anonymous
| Why a BMW? They are the worst! Why not a more reliable car? |
Anonymous
Yeah, what do 1/3 of all drivers in Europe know? |
Anonymous
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/new/luxury-cars/?categoryId=11365 ? |
Anonymous
Life is too short to drive an Accord or RX350. A car should aspire to be more than an appliance. |
Anonymous
Moreover, BMWs are reliable if you take care of them. They are not Japanese cars. They are engineered differently and are far more sensitive to temperature. Oil changes are your religion, but if you do them regularly and keep up with maintenance, they will treat you right. Yes, if a car is an appliance to you - merely something to get you from Point A to Point B and you never want to think about it again, then a BMW is not for you. But, if you love to drive and are willing to keep up on maintenance (including the cost!), then they cannot be beat. PS - We bought ours from Rockville BMW. Sales and service are fine. |
Anonymous
| We had an excellent experience with BMW of Fairfax on the sales side and the service side. |
Anonymous
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I solicited bids from 15 or so dealers across several states and ended up driving down to Richmond for my purchase. Painless, and saved quite a bit compared to most of the alternatives.
That said, pricing changes frequently depending on many factors, so a dealership which is unwilling to offer a good price one day may be in a different position a few days or weeks later, depending on factory incentives, internal dealership goals, inventory, buyer demand, and so on. It pays to cast your net widely. |
Anonymous
| I was in Rockville BMW last week and was told they will not negotiate MSRP right now. Are others hearing this at other dealerships? Looking at X3. |
Anonymous
| ^ Bump |
Anonymous
I got 3% discount on a X3 M40i allocation 2 weeks ago at a DC area dealer. You should be able to get even more discount on a X3 30i. |