2010 Active Ventilated Seats---Multi Contour Seats
 

I recently placed an order for a 2010 X5 35d. Pretty excited about it. I ordered the Active Ventilated Seat package as well as the Sport Activity package. But there is a problem. As a subset of the Sport Activity Package you can upgrade from sport seats to the Multi-Contour Seats for an additional $1200. My understanding is that the Multi-Contour Seats are included as part of the Active Ventilated Seat package and so the upgrade under the Sport Activity package would be included--at least that is how it appears under the 2010 pricing guides as well as the 2009 Build Your Own module on the BMWUSA website. When the Active Ventilated Seat package is ordered with the Sport Package (or the 2010 Sport Activity Package) the $1200 upgrade to Multi-Contour Seats is checked but it doesn't appear in the MSRP total on the left-hand side of the screen.

My problem is I just received the MSRP sheet from my dealer and it appears that the MSRP data he quoted me includes charges for the Active Ventilated Seat package, the Sport Package AND the Multi-Contour Seats add-on/option. The MSRP he quoted me is exactly $1200 more than I anticipated. I told him something is not right, that the Multi-Contour Seats are included in the Active Seat package and that I am being charged twice. However, he says he is certain that the price is correct. I have pressed him to look into it again, which he says he will do. Anyone else have any experience with this? Am I missing something? The Multi-Contour Seats are included as part of the Active Ventilated Seat package--at least they were in 2009 and it would appear from the 2010 pricing sheets that they are again this year. If I've ordered the Active Ventilated Seat package, why would I have to pay for Multi-Contour Seats AGAIN under the Sport Package?

Thanks for your help. This is my first time posting. I have enjoyed reading the posts so far. I've learned a lot. I am certain someone here will be able to offer me some guidance. Thanks again.

you are correct, your dealer is wrong....

ZAV will give you the comfort seat already, so no need to check it again in ZAP...

Yup, the dealer is wrong.

yeah my dealer tried to do the same thing on me too

It's unbelieveable how many salespeople you run into that don't know anything about the cars they're selling. While looking at the X5M I asked how much extra it costs to order any color other than black leather...and the salesguy says there's no extra cost. He said "The leather's right there, you can just pick what ever color you want when you order it!" I just smirked and said okay. Looked at the order guide later and what do you know, it's a $4,500 option for extended leather in any color other than black! In this case, the guy was just plain stupid and not familiar with the product he's selling. But when you put the order down on paper and they're trying to convince you of the price?? They're just trying to screw you over so I would simply point it out, say thanks and order through another dealer who's a little more honest!

I concur, your dealer is misleading you - either because they are ignorant of the facts or are trying to create extra profit.

I have to say I'm not at all surprised. I've either purchased or been involved with the purchase of so many new and CPO BMW's over the past ten years and it never ceases to amaze me how many employees from Service Advisors to Client Advisors and sometimes even managers who quite simply DO NOT know the product. What it's really confounding is that in almost every dealership I've come in contact with they have sold BMW's exclusively so it's not like they have multiple lines to know.

Customer service and product knowledge has repeatedly been the most frustrating part of the BMW ownership experience and I really think they are making a huge mistake by not focusing more on that.

So what should I do now?
 

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, I am a little astonished about how vehement the salesperson has been about the MSRP being correct. It just doesn't make sense. I am getting a great deal, worked the dealer down to $1000 over invoice on a fully loaded X5 35d, with the full $4500 credit to still be applied. You cannot even come close to that here in SoCal any more. Every time we've talked he's told me what a great deal I am getting, which has me nervous about him trying to pull a fast one and make some more money.

My question is do I need to have the dealer make the MSRP change or will it work itself out through production and through BMW Corporate? It seems that BMW Corporate would have to charge the dealer the additional in order for the MSRP to fly. Is there any possibility that this will work itself out? I've emailed BMW customer service. Is there an 800 number that I can call?

Thanks again for all of your advice.

1stBMWX5,
If you have agreed on $1000 over invoice and it sounds like you have, then all of this back and forth with the dealer is irrelevant. You're going back and forth on MSRP, who cares? Any dealer who makes a deal based on invoice should, as a matter of course show you the actual invoice along with the final buyers order. The number on the invoice should (when added to profit) equal the exact "purchase price" of the vehicle on your contract/buyers order or whatever is used in your state (here in NJ and where my dealer is in VA it's a Buyers Order). Any other charges etc would come later on other lines.

That's how it SHOULD work and has worked for me in the past. My deal was $500 over invoice and to date I don't know what that number is and frankly I don't care it's set by the factory, whatever it will be it will be.

I would table the discussion (IF YOU AGREED ON $1000 above invoice) and just reiterate that. As long as he agrees that is your deal then when you show up to sign the paperwork the invoice should be there. I would expect to see the "Vehicle Inquiry Report" with the numbers. I have a copy of mine (still blocked) and would be happy to share it with you if you want to email me directly ([email protected]).

Be aware that the official invoice from BMWNA will include training fees and Regional advertising fees that typically add-up to around $500. These fees are not shown on the "wholesale price" sheets and calculations floating around the internet.

Blair780, I agree that all of the back and forth is silly and normally wouldn't even get into it. The issue is how it appears that I am being double charged for the multi-contour seats. This double charging will have an impact on stated MSRP and Invoice. I would like to see your info, if possible. I will follow up with an email to you directly. We have the same options. I'd like to see how yours is being priced.

Penguin, thanks for the head's up. My deal was for $1000 over invoice. I was unaware of the advertising/training fees. I'll try to get out of them, but I think I may end up paying them if they are listed on the official invoice paperwork. Advice? It really is kind of annoying how difficult it is to get a straight forward deal these days. You've got to be aware of EVERY SINGLE TRICK, which only means they keep coming up with new ones faster than you can figure out the old ones.