Tired of waiting

[Steve Germany]

So many delays and asking me to accept compromises. I'm definately considering cancelling my order for my 4.8 X5. Thoughts?

[trueX5er]

If you think that's what's best, then do it.
Write a kind letter to BMW expressing your concern.
And when the time is right, come back to it.
What are you driving right now? Do you think you'll drive it for 6 more months?

[Cairns]

Don't feel alone.

I delayed production until April to get the USB port. I may be waiting even longer for the interior color I want (tobacco). I've spoken with BMW who were very polite but who could give me virtually no information (neither tobacco or black is available in April in either grade of leather???!!!).

If I have to wait for May production I might wait until next year and see what improvements and changes they have in mind for 08 (or look at other marques- a new Cayenne perhaps? I'm a Porsche owner too). My mind's not made up yet but I'm not happy.

In addition to another BMW (and the aforementioned Porsche) my wife and I drive a 2001 4.4 Sport now which is running fine and was a recent recipient of $3,000 in valley pan and valve cover gaskets. We can certainly drive it for six months or longer.

If I'm going to pay 70 large for a car I believe I should, at the very least, be able to choose among the options that are ADVERTISED AS AVAILABLE and order the car I want. The original intro of the car (year 2000) was no where near as screwed up as this one is.

[Wagner]

Cancel it. You can get one later.

[Coffeeman]

I'll be looking to replace my '05 E53 in about 4 months. The marketing wizards at BMWUSA continue to limit the color and option choices for U.S. buyers, which I consider a huge slap in the face, as the U.S. market is their largest...not to mention that all E70's are made in the U.S.

Add to this, that the meager options that ARE available to U.S. buyers keep getting discontinued. Who the hell is in charge of their supply chain? As much as I love BMW's, and the E70, I'm starting to look at other marques as possible replacements for my E53. BMW needs to get their act together, with regard to the E70.

[ryan5446]

Understand it is the same story everywhere. Mine(Euro) is scheduled to arrive in June(sport seats). The wait for an X5 with comfort seats is delayed aready to August without a fixed date.

Spoke with my collegue in Dubai(UAE) who confirms long waiting lists there aswell.

[Cairns]

They are definitely in need of a new supply chain manager.....but BMW upper management could do a lot by updating their website and keeping customers informed. They act like an airline.

As to the Euro/Canadian options I feel the same way- I would LOVE the saddle interior.

[Steve Germany]

Originally Posted by trueX5er

If you think that's what's best, then do it.
Write a kind letter to BMW expressing your concern.
And when the time is right, come back to it.
What are you driving right now? Do you think you'll drive it for 6 more months?

I've already cancelled once and four weeks later replaced my order - the Ipod interface became available. I really want the Saddle Brown!!!

[AzNMpower32]

Wow, BMW really dropped the ball on the E70 distribution and production. I understand if they have trouble the first 2 or 3 months, but its been well over 7 months. They KNEW that people would want it (unlike the Audi Q7 which sits on lots) and they should have done a better job ensuring their production could keep up.

[Cairns]

I am going to contact them later today to see if there's a possibility of special ordering the saddle brown and if so what it costs and will post results here.

There should be- you can special order any currently made paint color for $2,500. That may seem outrageous but it's half of what Porsche charges. Hopefully an interior is much cheaper.