Re: Had a horrible experience with BMW... Buying E (archive)

Walked into my local N.J BMW dealership to buy an M5 that they had in the showroom: 2001 Lemans/Lemans, 3500 miles. I was dressed very casually, i.e. jeans and a sweater. Stood for exactly 25 min until one salesmen came over and asked me , "Yes?"
I asked about the M5 and the salesman interrupted by saying "Maybe you would be interested in a 540 6 spd? Theyre very similar cars. M5 just has a more boy-racy body kit."
I simply walked out. I found that comment to be very insulting of my intelligence and knowledge of BMW automobiles.
Went to local MB dealer and they had a beautiful silver / black 2001 E55. Absolutely stunning. Salesmen treated me like a king.
I dont know what the hell is wrong with BMW dealerships. Oh well, their loss.
I love the E55. Never going back to BMW again.
A very satisfied MB owner,
A.F

I agree with a lot of posters here, except the abusive one.
This happens on both sides of the fence. A lot of these salespeople try to size you up and feed you nonsense instead of information. Most of the time the informed buyers end up knowing more about the cars than these 'salesmen'.
You are obviously an informed buyer. So you needed a salesman like a third eye :). I understand your choosing mercedes. I chose BMW because of a similar experience at a Merc dealership in Austin, Tx. Now don't get me wrong they are both good cars and when deciding on cars that are close, sometimes you end up choosing one over the other because you are concerned with the long term customer support you may receive.
As a new bimmer owner three years ago, I was undecided between a 540I sport and a Mercedes 430 sedan. Since the Bimmer was the only one that offered a Six Speed, I was leaning towards the bimmer, but my wife wanted a mercedes.
Well in my case, after being treated by the Merc's salesman with a take it or leave it attitude, my wife swore off mercedes and now three years later, we are waiting for our third BMW.
Like one of the other posters stated, ultimately these cars sell themselves, but the manufacturer must realize that if treated poorly, most emotionally healthy customers will close their wallets and move on.
Good for you. If you ever want another Bimmer, just call around and get a dealer that appreciates your business. Don't give that jerk the satisfaction of depriving you from driving what you want.
I use a dealer who is 100 miles from my house where I am treated like a king.
1998 540I/6
2000 M5
Soon to be 2001 Z8

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