Re: 540 owner thinking about new M3--questions (archive)

1. Are are being taken at this time. Actually some people have been on the list for more than 1 year already. Don't get too discouraged, though. I have seen spots as low as 14 at some dealers here in California (even lower in other states). When putting your name on a list also inquire about the size of the dealer, etc. Some of the smaller dealers will get 10 or less cars for the year.

2. Horsepower has not been released for the North American cars. BMW is stating reliminary figures of 330bhp. European cars have been spec'd at 343bhp (or close to that number). However with the stricter emission laws and difference in how horsepower is tested (SAE in USA), the US car will likely be 10-20hp lower. Real world difference may be less.

3. I called about 25 dealers in my search for the shorted wait list here in Ca. I found that about 60 percent of the dealers were selling the cars at MSRP (which is estimated to be $45,000-50,000). The other dealers are ordering cars with the options they think will sell and then auction the car off basically (what ever the market will bear). I have heard that some dealers are expecting a $5,000-12,000 premium.

However, if you can wait, just put your name on a wait list at MSRP. You will be able to choose your own options, wait to see how the car really is, read the reviews, etc. Deposits range from $500-3,000 and are always refundable should you change your mind. Keep in mind that dealers do not know there allocations. Some expect 4 cars per month others will not even get 1 per month.

Hopefully, some of this helps.

98 540ia-after driving several 3 series loaners i am thinking about a new M3-are orders bieng taken yet??-is the hp going to be 325 or 345-ive heard both--is this going to be an M5 situation where the dealers will be trying to rip off all their customers with over MSRP??-what will MSRP be??-comments please--thanks in advance--chris

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