Looks like I'll pass on the X5 Diesel for Now

[Max Blast]

Originally Posted by KenB

Probably could have done a tiny bit better but I hate dickin' around with sales people.

Then don't. Go direct to the fleet or internet sales manager.
Every time I've bought a car it's been a smash n grab op.
Get in, give them the check, get the car, get out.
Nice work, congrats on your new car.

I can only describe going from 60-80 or from standstill to 80 like a force of nature pushing you along. 425 lb/ft babay!

[Lubehead]

2 dealers contacted so far on a car fairly loaded with an MSRP of approx $72k, both immediately went to invoice price, one adding $500 another adding $1k over invoice-problem is they want to steal my '08 loaded X5 w/45k miles, one offering a paltry $29k???

Do I need the X35d? Nope! Do I want one? Yup? But hey, I'm already driving an E70 so I either get the deal I think makes sense or move on and wait for whatever may happen. Might even look at the competition, they're not the only game in town.

By the way I've got a loaded '08 X5 for sale. Sapphire Black w/Tobacco

[rh71]

Originally Posted by Max Blast

Then don't. Go direct to the fleet or internet sales manager.

Exactly. If you're a salesman you try and get a feel for the customer to see what the highest they'll pay is - so you'll never simply say "ok" to what the customer wants just because they asked - you want to maximize profit so you put manageable numbers out there.

If you the buyer ask directly for someone (internet sales mgr) and tell them you know the invoice numbers and looking to go X over/below it, they know you're not just feeling things out and are ready to buy right away. Tell them you have numbers and you need them to beat it... if they can't, then move on. Take your lowest price and have the final couple dealers compete over it. As long as they're not losing money on the sale (which they won't even on invoice), someone will bite.

[Aspenisland]

Originally Posted by KenB

I went and test drove one for the second time last sunday. Power off the line is great, I was afraid that it would fall flat in highway passing 60 to 80mph (this was actually the reason for the test drive), but it didn't you don't realize that it is actually accelerating very well but it doesn't really feel like it.

Ended up ordering one, Invoice +2000, less the 4500 incentive. Probably could have done a tiny bit better but I hate dickin' around with sales people.

Just a couple of examples i found from BMW.de technical info:

passing time from 80 to 120 kmh (50 to 75 mph)

540i 6.2 sec / 530d 5.1 sec

335i 5.3 sec / 330d 4.8 sec

There is the torgue. It is in highway where diesel makes the difference, i think.

[DSE]

and paid more than I'd like at $2,345 over invoice. I'd have been happier at $2,000 over invoice but the hassle of getting there wasn't worth it me (well, my wife was getting tired of me haggling) and I wanted to lock in the benefit of the additional $4,500 off, which I am getting. Plus, no upcharges or overhead fees like dealer and marketing fees that one dealer charges (just $825 destination and handling)

One interesting point: the sales associate said they had no diesels anywhere on the lot and said there were no 2009s in the area. He claimed that demand for diesels has picked up significiantly as word of mouth has spread and folks try out their friends diesels (I'm sure dielsel price reductions have not hurt.

[KenB]

Originally Posted by DSE

and paid more than I'd like at $2,345 over invoice. I'd have been happier at $2,000 over invoice but the hassle of getting there wasn't worth it me (well, my wife was getting tired of me haggling) and I wanted to lock in the benefit of the additional $4,500 off, which I am getting. Plus, no upcharges or overhead fees like dealer and marketing fees that one dealer charges (just $825 destination and handling)

One interesting point: the sales associate said they had no diesels anywhere on the lot and said there were no 2009s in the area. He claimed that demand for diesels has picked up significiantly as word of mouth has spread and folks try out their friends diesels (I'm sure dielsel price reductions have not hurt.

We are in the same boat, and they know it. The 4500 off is a very nice incentive.

My dealer has only one '09 X5 Diesel, white with no options and 'Clean Diesel' stickers all over it.

[tim-atl]

Originally Posted by DSE

One interesting point: the sales associate said they had no diesels anywhere on the lot and said there were no 2009s in the area. He claimed that demand for diesels has picked up significiantly as word of mouth has spread and folks try out their friends diesels (I'm sure dielsel price reductions have not hurt.

I'm hearing the same here but I'm calling BS. Prior to the 4500 eco credit there was no magic demand for the 35d, they were sitting unsold and dealers simply weren't ordering any more. Now the eco credit appears, people buy whats on the lot and Spartenburg isn't making any more 2009s. So, yes there's now increased demand but it's not from word of mouth of other 35d owners it's the eco credit.

Tim

[DSE]

Originally Posted by tim-atl

I'm hearing the same here but I'm calling BS. Prior to the 4500 eco credit there was no magic demand for the 35d, they were sitting unsold and dealers simply weren't ordering any more. Now the eco credit appears, people buy whats on the lot and Spartenburg isn't making any more 2009s. So, yes there's now increased demand but it's not from word of mouth of other 35d owners it's the eco credit.

Tim

I always call bs on whatever a dealer tells me. I agree BMW doesn't put incentives on cars that are already selling themselves, but I am pleased to hear most reviewers and folks with diesels are very happy with them.

I am quite sure if you want a diesel you could save money by haggling longer and more effectively than I did (all I got thrown in for free was mats and front tinting), though I personally would work out a deal that takes advantage of a $4,500 incentive before it possibly expires 8/31/09.

[tim-atl]

agree/concur


Tim

[KenB]

Originally Posted by tim-atl

I'm hearing the same here but I'm calling BS. Prior to the 4500 eco credit there was no magic demand for the 35d, they were sitting unsold and dealers simply weren't ordering any more. Now the eco credit appears, people buy whats on the lot and Spartenburg isn't making any more 2009s. So, yes there's now increased demand but it's not from word of mouth of other 35d owners it's the eco credit.

Tim

Very true. Speaking for myself, the eco-credit was just that last little nudge to get me to place an order right now. The Diesel is the only X5 I would have purchased, and I would have purchased one with or without the credit.