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#1
04-18-2011, 04:14 PM
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What is the purpose of a BMW sales rep?
I want to test drive a new X3 this thursday as my Clubman is going in for service, but I dread having to deal with a sales person who doesn't know the ins and outs of their vehicles. It is also amazing how most BMW sales people can't seem to distinguish between the customer that is there for the performance of BMW's verses the people that buy their cars for prestige of owning a BMW. If I'm asking about adaptive suspension, transmission settings and steering feel/feedback... don't turn around and say "well, I don't know the answer to that question, but I can tell you that you are gonna look good in this 335!" Really? I feel like I would have a better experience if the master technician was the person selling the cars. In the past I have asked to speak directly the technician working on my car and it was a much better experience than dealing with a middle-man Service advisor. Is it just here in Atlanta? Do others on the forum ever deal with true BMW enthusiast salespeople that actually know their cars? Rui
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#2
04-18-2011, 04:50 PM
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My "salesperson" was useless! She couldn't understand why I wanted the 20" wheels. She had no clue what an aero-kit was! She didn't know what the auto tailgate was. She questioned why I wanted the active steering (as she didn't know what it was). She did not know that Saddle Brown leather was available, etc. etc.
The only thing that she said that I "had" to order was heated seats (which I do agree with...). And she's been "selling" at that dealership for years and been one of their top salespeople... Obviously, she has been selling cars/trucks to people that drive BMWs for prestige and not for performance...
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#3
04-18-2011, 05:31 PM
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The purpose of a BMW sales rep is to sell cars and It's no surprise that many don't know the products they sell. I believe that many people who buy vehicles don't know any more than the sales reps do so there you are.....
 If only a customer could get a big discount for sales rep ignorance...
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"What you hear in a great jazz band is the sound of democracy. “The jazz band works best when participation is shaped by intelligent communication.” Harmony happens whenever different parts get to form a whole by means of congruity, concord, symetry, consistency, conformity, correspondence, agreement, accord, unity, consonance……. 
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#5
04-18-2011, 05:58 PM
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Part of it is just American culture and American salesman who care more about the commissions and a quick sale. I know a couple sales folk who are genuinely into cars and BMWs, and although may not be 100% perfect on knowledge, do a very thorough job of going over major features. Unfortunately, the rest of them know just enough to pass by and talk more about how much fun they had at the Greer Plant when BMW demos the trucks on a track.
In Germany, most if not all salespeople are salaried and not on commission. I've gone to BMW dealerships there, and never been hassled. If one has a question, they're there to answer your question and they know their stuff, but won't pressure you into anything (the same applies to the parts dept.). It goes beyond BMW too........even folks at the Adidas shoe store took the time out to measure my feet and explain the whole shoe-buying process! Maybe next time I go to Germany, I'll ask to test drive a 1er hatchback or something. 
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#6
04-18-2011, 09:09 PM
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Quote:
I spend hours and hours over months to learn from this community and elsewhere what I think will be the best combination of features for me and my family in my next vehicle purchase from BMW. I plan it well and study my options thoroughly, as I hate regretting a purchase. Then, I walk into the dealership, randomly get assigned a salesperson and tell them exactly what I want. Why am I paying their commission? Sounds like the German dealerships got it right! (and the ones in CT don't  )Is there no way to order directly from BMW?
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#7
04-18-2011, 09:48 PM
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Quote:
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#8
04-18-2011, 11:30 PM
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OP: What dealer in Atlanta? YMMV based on which one. Global Imports is terrible, Nalley is run like a Honda experience (in my one window-shopping trip) but United is great and one of the big partners with the SC chapter of BMWCCA. SA isn't bad either.
I think that people who know enough about these cars aren't willing to sell them. My buddy is looking at working at an Infiniti dealership because it's family owned, but the employees at these national mill dealerships are treated and compensated like sh!t!
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#9
04-19-2011, 01:36 AM
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Why waste time with a sales rep. Ask to see the manager.
Once he/she realizes you have done your homework and ready to buy, then you will have the upper hand in negotiating the price down. Good luck. 
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#10
04-21-2011, 05:37 PM
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OK, so I drove the X3, and I want one!
I asked a sales rep to show me the car and he started the usual chit chat about all the features and luxuries in the car. I let him talk and talk, then when we got into the car I politely asked if he could refrain from talking with me unless I asked him a question. I explained that I wanted to focus on the car and nothing else. It worked! I was able to really get a feel for the car and it felt very close to my E53 except more nimble and the new transmission is much faster. The sales rep seemed to not be offended and in the end this was the best test drive that I've had in a BMW. Now how do I convince them next time to let me test drive alone like the Mini folks did? Quote:
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