That's why there's more than one dealer! My local (archive)

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In Reply to: I am amazed....... posted by Greg-in-NY on January 13, 2002 at 20:15:12:

So I drove 40 miles the other direction from my home. I found a saleman that was helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and genuinely interested in my purchase. He returned calls promply, picked me up (and dropped me off) at the train station on my way home in each of the 4 X5's I test drove during 2001 as I couldn't decide 3.0 auto/5speed, 4.4 sport/non-sport. I worked with him for 9 months, and he never lost interest.

Best part was that I got close to $4k off MSRP on a 2002 4.4i, plus free CDC, floor mats, and the integrated phone with voice for only $200.

After owning several different high end auto brands, like just recently a Benz, I wanted to try something different so I took the plunge and got a 2002 X5 which I pick up tomorrow. All in all, this board has been helpful both positively and negatively, in my assistance to acquire more info regarding my new vehicle. I do have to get one thing off of my chest that I intend to put into letter format to BMWUSA. It is my sincere hope that after reading this matter, BMW will institute some changes to make it better for future BMW owners.

My disappointment is in my absolute outrage with my experience in shopping for my new X5.

Firstly, I found the Sales Rep, pretty knowledgeable but rather crass and ill-mannered at times. I really feel that he was not doing this intentionally as I would not have placed my business there. But the thing that irritates me the most is the fact that BMW, a supposed industry leader of auto manufacturing, does not seem to care that the buying experience is really an embarrassment when you have to beg/haggle for the simplest of optioned amenities that should be otherwise standard. It was rather telling when I had to request power passenger seats and some other miniscule items only to find them as additional extra charge items. Through my years of vehicle ownership, I can not recall ever having felt such cloak and dagger salesmanship when discussing available options.

Moreover, the most shocking absent standard option was a safety feature such as auto communication with a center such as OnStar. Surprisingly it was only available requiring the purchase and installation of the NAV system.....!

I am sure some of you will come to the rescue of BMW and say to me, "then why continue with the purchase?" well I like the look of the X5 and wanted one but if BMW wants to improve it's future offerings, then it has to take positive criticism from Consumers like myself and effect the appropriate changes.

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