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.

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

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.

:iagree:

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

Refer to this thread on what changed on 2009 model

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.

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

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.

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.