What year is my X5?? Please help

[Viperfreak2]

I would sue a dealer that sold me a car that wasn't the year indicated on the used-car info sheet legally required to be stuck to the window (in the US)

Without that, I guess it's buyer beware.

[X5 Meister]

At least until he tries to sell it as a 2009.

Originally Posted by Penguin

Well, I hear ya', but don't let it ruin your enjoyment of the car -- the car is as good as always and there were no changes of any real importance that I can think of from 2008 to 2009, i.e., it's really just a question of price, not the vehicle's quality or performance. So be angry at the Dealer, but enjoy the car.

[Noodle555]

Originally Posted by bmwman3241

Yes I do have a bill of sale/invoice. It is currently at the office, but I am certain that it lists it as a 2009. I will check it out.

Who would I present the case to, the dealer or BMW? Also, what are possible outcomes? I don't want to waste time or money (if I need a lawyer) just to get a letter of apology or something stupid like that.
I know my dealer would be unwilling to listen or cooperate.

Also, what are differences between the 2008 and 2009? I know there are many between 09-10-11, but am not sure of any between 08 and 09.

Get a lawyer to write a letter with the facts. It's amazing what an official letter will do as far as making a dealer jump. If you present it yourself the dealer will probably not take you too seriously. If they sold you a 2008 for a 2009, I would say you have a reasonable claim.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by Noodle555

Get a lawyer to write a letter with the facts. It's amazing what an official letter will do as far as making a dealer jump. If you present it yourself the dealer will probably not take you too seriously. If they sold you a 2008 for a 2009, I would say you have a reasonable claim.

Normally I would agree, but I'm not at all sure how effective that would be for an ex-pat (I assume) with a dealer in Abu Dhabi.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

I don't see the issue. Car was built in 4/2008. It's a 2008.

Model year changes happen in September or October unless noted otherwise on this website under News Center--> Factory Milestones: -->

[LeMansX5]

Refer to this thread on what changed on 2009 model

[EdwardL]

Originally Posted by bmwman3241

Thanks for the advise Penguin.

Unfortunately my vehicle was purchased (Abu Dhabi) and is in Dubai, UAE. The rules and laws here are different from the US which is why I am unsure of the outcome, if any.

I really am pissed about this, and am never buying from this dealer again. The car will never be the same to me either.

Yes I would be pissed off too. But taking the legal route means $ and time, and more stress - is the pay off going to be worth it in the end? And it will only burn bridges with your dealer - and I doubt if there would be that many to choose from where you are...?

If you feel you need to change the car, why not consider trading it in for the 2011 model, or at least price the trade-in? I suggest, play dumb, go back to the same dealer that sold you it as a 2009 and see what they would give you as a trade-in - do your homework beforehand so you can tell whether they've priced it as a 2008 or 2009 built car. You may even find there's not that much difference in $ between the value of a 2008 or 2009, and decide to just hold on to it until the next major x5 update (2013?).

I think the dealer that sold you this car will give you the best trade-in, because you're a repeat customer, and if they do price it as a 2008 car then you can ask the question why when they sold it to you as a 2009, and negotiate a better changeover price. Other dealers will immediately value the car as a 2008 build, not leaving you much room for negotiation.

[ard]

Originally Posted by bmwman3241

So I bought a 2009 and paid for a 2009, but I am driving a 2008. I just wanted to know/confirm what the date was. I think it would make anyone mad to spend soo much money ($125,000 US) and not get what they paid for.

What options do I have as far as talking to the dealer or BMW regarding selling me the wrong year? Or is it too late for that?

Where is this dealer?

What are the laws where this dealer is?

It isnt a matter of "taking it to anyone"... if the dealer has already defrauded you, WHY WOULD YOU TAKE THIS ISSUE TO THEM???

BMW will do nothing- it is a civil matter (if you are in the US)

As far as not wanting to "burn bridges". Are you kidding me? Being a patsy and asking "how far" when they ask you to bend over is not my idea of having a good relationship with my dealer. I'd find other cars to drive.

Good luck

[bmwman3241]

Originally Posted by EdwardL

Yes I would be pissed off too. But taking the legal route means $ and time, and more stress - is the pay off going to be worth it in the end? And it will only burn bridges with your dealer - and I doubt if there would be that many to choose from where you are...?

If you feel you need to change the car, why not consider trading it in for the 2011 model, or at least price the trade-in? I suggest, play dumb, go back to the same dealer that sold you it as a 2009 and see what they would give you as a trade-in - do your homework beforehand so you can tell whether they've priced it as a 2008 or 2009 built car. You may even find there's not that much difference in $ between the value of a 2008 or 2009, and decide to just hold on to it until the next major x5 update (2013?).

I think the dealer that sold you this car will give you the best trade-in, because you're a repeat customer, and if they do price it as a 2008 car then you can ask the question why when they sold it to you as a 2009, and negotiate a better changeover price. Other dealers will immediately value the car as a 2008 build, not leaving you much room for negotiation.

I have no idea what the pay off (outcome) would be which is why I am unsure as well. Any idea what a possible outcome could be if I get a lawyer/sue the dealer?
I do have my local dealer to buy from, and I have a good salesperson. I purchased from a different dealer for my X5 because they had the exact car I wanted.

I am considering trading it in for my 2011 X5M. I had the BMW used cars team check the trade in value of my car in November 2009, when I had owned the car for 11 months and they told me US $68,000. Thats a drop of 57k in 11 months. Don't know of they checked the value as 2008 or 2009.

[bmwman3241]

Originally Posted by ard

Where is this dealer?

What are the laws where this dealer is?

It isnt a matter of "taking it to anyone"... if the dealer has already defrauded you, WHY WOULD YOU TAKE THIS ISSUE TO THEM???

BMW will do nothing- it is a civil matter (if you are in the US)

As far as not wanting to "burn bridges". Are you kidding me? Being a patsy and asking "how far" when they ask you to bend over is not my idea of having a good relationship with my dealer. I'd find other cars to drive.

Good luck

Abu Dhabi, UAE

I assume they have the same business laws as the US or close.

What do I do about it then?

I agree. I coud care less about my relationship with the dealer. I won't be buying from them again unless they make this right, which I doubt.