Order Cancellation Letter Opinions

[pgaX5]

Hey X Outposters...after a lot of hand wringing, I have composed this letter to email to my CA later tonight...thought I would run it by you to see if I should tweak it anywhere:

Dear ---,
I learned some information over the weekend that affects our deal and I wanted to touch base with you to propose a plan. I have read that documents outlining the LCI for the E70 started reaching dealers in the last couple of days, so you may have already seen internal documents about this. It appears that production will begin in March for Mid-April delivery of the 2011 X5’s, which are receiving minor changes to the bumpers and lights. More importantly, I am hearing that the N55 twin-scroll turbo with 300hp & 295lb-ft of torque will be replacing the naturally aspirated 3.0 liter as the base engine. Not only is this a more powerful engine, it gets better gas mileage.

This is all new information for me, and so I would like to decline delivery of the X5 we ordered and instead, leave my deposit on hand with you and be placed on a waiting list to be first to order the ‘11 model. As a sign of good faith, I am more than happy to sign something making this a non-refundable deposit.

I realize we’ll lose the $2500 Holiday Credit and risk higher Money Factors and MSRP, but I would rather face that than take delivery of a model that will be mechanically outdated in 3 months. I have had a good relationship with the you (and ----Service Advisor)) for many years and look forward to purchasing our family’s vehicles from ---BMW Dealership Name--- for many years to come, so I hope you will be able to accommodate this change of plans. Please let me know how you would like to proceed.

Best wishes

[Lubehead]

My opinion, that's a personal visit. I wouldn't give up any negotiating position, and I certainly wouldn't allude to anything about a risk of paying MSRP (since that's what you'll most likely pay since you stated it was a risk) I would simply state that I've decided that I would prefer a 2011, cancel the deal you've entered into and leave your options open for the 2011. Separate transactions, cancel one and enter into the other.

Do it in person, an e-mail will be forwarded to the sales manager and discussions will ensue, a personal visit makes them act now as opposed to giving them time to think about it (and perhaps come up with an alternate plan that may not be to your liking).

If you feel you need something in writing, do it after a meeting.

[wallyx5]

The letter sounds excellent, hopefully they will not give you any grief and give you the new 11 model. That just makes sense.

[e92law]

I wouldn't include this information unless you have evidence of these changes/timing. You must be reading something I haven't seen, because there has been nothing regarding timing that I am aware of. If there is something, can you provide a link? Thanks.

"I have read that documents outlining the LCI for the E70 started reaching dealers in the last couple of days, so you may have already seen internal documents about this. It appears that production will begin in March for Mid-April delivery of the 2011 X5’s, which are receiving minor changes to the bumpers and lights. More importantly, I am hearing that the N55 twin-scroll turbo with 300hp & 295lb-ft of torque will be replacing the naturally aspirated 3.0 liter as the base engine. Not only is this a more powerful engine, it gets better gas mileage."

[x5mb35d]

Add anticipated before announcement and appropriate grammar changes - Fixed.

[corima]

Personal visit. You can always follow up with a letter thanking or admonishing them for their customer service.

[Armand]

I agree with those who suggested a visit and I would also recommend that you get your money back first. Once it has been credited to you, start anew. Another dealer may give you a better deal or have higher priority builds. You have time why rush into another deal? Take your time.

[pgaX5]

Thanks for all the input guys...I chose to stick with email, made the recommended changes, and it appears all is well. My CA replied by asking where I got my information. He hadn't heard any of this. Then two minutes later, emailed me back saying that Production of the current X-5 halts in March, so that might mean a change. I also received the following email from a very good source at BMW this morning (which I forwarded to my CA):

Good to hear from you.

This is what I have on the specs:

1.) 4.4 liter 8 cylinder turbo charged gas

400hp (increase of 50hp)

2.) Valvetronic 6 cylinder 3.0 turbo charged gas (BMW TwinPower Turbo)

300hp (increase of 40hp)

3.) 3.0 Diesel engine with Common Rail 3 Technology

180 kW (increase of 7kW)

4.) 40d top-diesel engine (BMW TwinPower Turbo)

225 kW (increase of 15kW)

The launch date is scheduled for May 2010, so I would assume it would be a 2011 model.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Best,
----

I'll let you all know how things progress!

[e92law]

That is great information! Thank you.

[z2g]

OP,
The news that's been floating around sounds great if it's true. However, until it's actually been confirmed by legitimate sources (i.e. actual BMW news releases), I wouldn't rely too much on the rumors. So, I wouldn't mention it as a reason to cancel an order. You only need to mention that you're interested in the 2011 now...that's it.