South Bay BMW, Torrance, CA
 

Just thought I’d relate my purchase experience with South Bay BMW in Torrance / Redondo Beach, CA for those shopping for a new X5.

First, I have no affiliation of any kind with this dealer or my salesman, Russ Fowler. This is the first time I’ve done business with them, and my first BMW period.

To make a long story short, I live in Orange County, CA and had been shopping for a lease on an X5 4.4i, loaded. Premium, Sport, Nav, Rear Climate, Cold Weather, DSP, 19” Wheels, etc. (MSRP $62,695). All the OC dealers I spoke with were totally unwilling to discount the car below about $2500 over invoice, and wanted to mark-up the money factor a bunch. One dealer said they would do the deal, and then it turned out that they had quoted me a lease without tax, which was a clearly sneaky move on their part, so I walked.

I had basically given up on the car when I called South Bay, and spoke to Russ Fowler in the internet department. He gave me the deal I wanted without hesitation and asked what color I’d like and when I’d be in to pick it up so he could have it detailed—it was that simple. After a week of exhausting back and forth BS with four other dealers, this guy took all of 5 minutes to get things worked out to my satisfaction.

I went in this morning, and they did the deal as promised, absolutely zero B.S. or hassle of any kind. In fact, I had forgotten to tell him I wanted floor mats included in the deal, and when I mentioned it after the fact, he threw them in for free without blinking. He didn’t have to do that (I’d have bought it anyway as the deal was WAY better than anyone else’s) but he did anyhow.

In sum, I can’t recommend South Bay and Russ Fowler enough. Everyone I dealt with, from the finance guy to the receptionist, was professional and pleasant. The dealership was brand-new and very plush, and they had a huge selection of 4.4i’s (which was very rare in my experience). And lastly, they lived up to their word 100%, doing the deal they said they’d do without any surprises.

Oh, and the car is fantastic, but then you folks already knew that.

My salesman was Russ Fowler: [email protected]

The dealer website is: southbaybmw.com

I 2nd this opinion
 

I too had a VERY positive experience with South Bay BMW on a loaded X5 4.4i. Compared with others in So. Cal., nobody could match the lease rate or discount from MSRP. Their appraisal of my "trade -in" was about $1500 lower than I expected, but they made up for it with all the extras. They were nicer to deal with than Porsche - from whom I made a purchase 2 yrs. ago.

I dealt with David Church in internet sales.

I have no affiliation with this dealer and am just a happy customer.

I used to deal with South Bay when it was located over on the corner of PCH/Artesia and I was living in Hermosa Beach. Great bunch of people over there. I leased my '01 4.4 from Long Beach BMW (never had a problem with them either) but when I moved to HB, I went to South Bay. I was just in LA a couple of weeks ago and noticed that SB had moved to a new HUGE facility, holy cow i've never seen a BMW dealer with more cars on the lot... they must be doing very well.

Sterling BMW down in Newport was a nightmare to deal with.

South Bay BMW is roughly a few blocks from my residence, so it's great to hear that you had a pleasant experience. I need to browse their lot sometime =)

I just ordered my 4.4 X5 from South Bay BMW as well. Donna Esposa rocks. Not only did she search around for an X5 exactly as I wanted, but she also got me a super price.

I also had a great experience with Donna. She cut me a deal on a 4.8is that no one else would do. Got me exactly the car I wanted, fast and for a great price. She even delivered the car to me so I wouldn't have to drive out there. I was VERY happy with my deal. My only recommendation is, if you have someone bring you the car, make sure you fax over your key programming unstructions before they bring you the car. ;-)

Ditto...
 

After reading this message and previously going back and forth with a couple of other local dealers, I called Russ. I spent 5 minutes on the phone and when I got to the dealer he had everything ready and I was in -and- out in an hour. Paperwork was ready, car was preped, and nothing but extremely helpful service.

By far the best car shopping experience I have ever had.

I live near this dealership and everyone is cool

I am dealing with Donna now, she is very cool. I am still working the deal with her but so far its been great!

This is so nice to hear! I was almost ready to give up afer my experience in Vegas. :tsk:

I started searching for dealers in CA & was referred to South Bay. I just started the process a few days ago & so far my contact person has been great .... 2 weeks 'til delivery .... :)

South Bay service is horrible though. Long beach BMW is far more better than South Bay

Congrats LVGirl! Be sure to post some pics. :thumbup:

(Specs of your new X5?)

Thanks BreytonX5! I will post pics of my new baby when "he" arrives :)

Got a name for "him"? A couple of people here have names for their X, of course in the opposite sex.

Btw, I'm assuming you're into LV stuffs er bags? ;)

Well, I don't have a name quite yet ... I know most men name their vehicles after women ... but, my X is definitely a boy! :)

LV stuffs ... bags? :confused:

Boy it is. Oh welcome to X5World btw.....you'll find lots of good infos here as well as friendly peeps.

LV = Louis Vuitton? (maybe I'm wrong :eek: )

Thank you! I am happy to be here ... lots of great stuff!

Yes, I love LV - Louis Vuitton (however, I am more Dior these days) .... but the LV in my name is for "Las Vegas" :)

Dang knew I was wrong. Dunno much about bags but heard Channel is nice too? :dunno:

:welcome:

Welcome LVGirl! Looking forward to pics! You're gonna "LV" your X5!

Thanks X5Jay! BTW - heard you guys got some decent snow last weekend ... I am originally from MA - lived in Beverly for a few years :)

Hey, you know L. Vuitton ... you're doing just fine :thumbup:

Vegas is such a nice place to live. I don't suppose you miss snow do you?

Yes, I am enjoying the WestCoast - do miss a few things about the EastCoast (Boston) ... snow is pretty when it just falls - although I will admit I favor Summertime ... but I have heard its quite nice where you live :)

It's nothing to write home about up here. But I've lived in Boston for a few years and I love that town. Now Vegas, that's a fun town. Btw, is the X5 your first BMW? You probably can't wait to take delivery, can you?

When did you live in Boston? Vegas can be fun - just have to pace yourself! Yes, the X5 will be my first BMW - can't wait! :driver:

I did grad school there in the mid 90's for four years just before they did the transformation. Had a boatload of fun while I was there but it was expensive as heck to live.

Are you getting 3.0i, 4.4i or 4.8is? And color?

:hijack:

I am getting a Black 3.0 (sport pk) - but would LOVE a 4.8 :cool:

Sweeet!! Black always looks great (except in winter, but you don't have to worry about that ;) ). Remember to post pics.

Thanks! All my vehicles have been black, (not a very popular color choice for the desert I guess) but - I love it .... my fav color :)