Let me preface this post with the statement that I'd buy, or lease a M3 coupe if I could swing it. This is entirely subjective, but I just don't see the number of e92/e90 M3s driving around that I did E46 M3s this long after thier respective launches. Two dealerships where I live have three or four new M3s, and they've been sitting around for about three weeks. The economy is weak right now, and people have to be cutting back on their "toy" purchases. I think if you can afford a new M3, high fuel costs are not going to be a deal breaker. A barrel of oil has more than doubled in the last year however, and for potential buyers that are reaching to make monthly lease payments, 11 or 12 m.p.g., in real world driving, could influence their decision. I wonder what BMW NA's current sales numbers for the e92/e90 M3 are like in the U.S.? :cashwalle

NOT well. Assael BMW, one of the largest in the nation, has about 5 m3's sitting there in the showroom

I actually can afford the M3. However I am always skeptical about picking up a car in its new model launch year, thus I got the 335i. I figured I will get it when it hits mid production.

I actually can afford the M3. However I am always skeptical about picking up a car in its new model launch year, thus I got the 335i. I figured I will get it when it hits mid production.

:confused how long has the 335i been out?

I would say that since there is still a wait list for people ordering M3's, that they are selling just fine. Of course there are a few on the dealer lot, but that's to be expected.

There are about 30 sitting at local dealer lots here... 12-15 at one dealership alone. The thing is, there is a wait list because people want to order their own specific car. If you can compromise, you can probably get one off the lot.

They are not selling well at all. The ones sitting on dealer lots can be had at healthy discounts to MSRP.

Do you guys have any links, photos or other evidence of reduced MSRPs on M3s? I could really use it if you do.

I snagged my ideal M3 convertible by placing a deposit on the unit before it came in. A bit of a long story, but I'm overseas and returning to California, and I happened across a car that was just my exact spec -- I couldn't resist.

Now I'm wondering if I can put any pressure on the dealership to come off MSRP, if only a bit. They ordered this car before they heard from me, so they sure can't claim that it's "my specific, quirky design." It's theirs. The car is currently at the prep center and will be at the dealership next week. Then it's time to bargain -- or, at least, attempt to.

So, if you have any evidence of other M3s with reduced prices, please please let me know... it would be an incredibly powerful tool to show the finance guy when he comes out to arm wrestle!

Do you guys have any links, photos or other evidence of reduced MSRPs on M3s? I could really use it if you do.

I snagged my ideal M3 convertible by placing a deposit on the unit before it came in. A bit of a long story, but I'm overseas and returning to California, and I happened across a car that was just my exact spec -- I couldn't resist.

Now I'm wondering if I can put any pressure on the dealership to come off MSRP, if only a bit. They ordered this car before they heard from me, so they sure can't claim that it's "my specific, quirky design." It's theirs. The car is currently at the prep center and will be at the dealership next week. Then it's time to bargain -- or, at least, attempt to.

So, if you have any evidence of other M3s with reduced prices, please please let me know... it would be an incredibly powerful tool to show the finance guy when he comes out to arm wrestle!

You're a sucker if you pay sticker. This vert was sold at 5k less than MSRP:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___2008-M3-BMW-Convertible-5000-00-off-retail-must-sell_W0QQitemZ160249358755QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20Truck sQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item160249358755&

Things are slow. Don't know about BMW, but Porsche has cut US deliveries by about 20% this year, and dealers still seem to have plenty of inventory. Especially bad timing for the M3. Like most BMW's, it has an engine that begs for high revs, and needs them if performance is desired. High revs, big engine, heavy car, isn't the formula for good gas mileage, even in its peer group. I drove one recently, and it is a fine sports sedan, but you have to flog it if you want any power. But if you're in the market, it may prove to be one of the best times in recent history to buy one.

I guess none of you read the WSJ? The M3 has been either number 1 or number 2 every week since it's release in terms of movement off of dealership lots.

That is indicative of incredibly high demand.

I guess none of you read the WSJ? The M3 has been either number 1 or number 2 every week since it's release in terms of movement off of dealership lots.

That is indicative of incredibly high demand.

Not really. If you look at industry comparative numbers from the last few years, I think you might conclude the M3 is selling relatively well, but in a terrible market.

:confused how long has the 335i been out?

One more year than the M3.:wave. It didn't help that an owner brought their M3 on a flatbed while I was ordering my car...

My salesman says that in the 15 years he's worked at the dealership, he's never seen an M3 sitting around on the lot (they've always been pre-sold) and he says that there are 3 that have been there for about a month. So, at least around here (Seattle), they're selling slower than usual.

This thread brings up a good point. I ordered mine to spec, and it's been delayed in delivery (was supposed to be today). Do I have *any* chance at all in negotiating off of MSRP, and if so, what approach should I take?

Thanks for the advice in advance.

My salesman says that in the 15 years he's worked at the dealership, he's never seen an M3 sitting around on the lot (they've always been pre-sold) and he says that there are 3 that have been there for about a month. So, at least around here (Seattle), they're selling slower than usual.

This thread brings up a good point. I ordered mine to spec, and it's been delayed in delivery (was supposed to be today). Do I have *any* chance at all in negotiating off of MSRP, and if so, what approach should I take?

Thanks for the advice in advance.

Well this is actually the best time to negotiate. Its not profitable for the dealer to have the car sitting in the lot. So they would obviously rather sell it. Due to the slow selling numbers, the threat of backing out of the deal may force your dealer to lower the price.

My dealer had loaded 328's that they were willing to sell me for invoice but my heart was set on the 335.

What do you think is a "good deal"? Are we talking within spitting distance of invoice, or a few hundred off of MSRP?

4000 off MSRP

Okay, how to approach it? Just get all the way to the finish line, then threaten to walk out if they don't drop $4K off of the price?

just go to the dealer, and tell them right away that you're only interested if they knock off 4k. dont beat around the bush. be firm.

Tell them once the car gets here and I go to pick it up, or now?

They are not selling well at all. The ones sitting on dealer lots can be had at healthy discounts to MSRP.

This means nothing. How about numbers.

There are 8 at just one of three dealers sitting on the lot. . . . haven't seen many running around town - my guess below MSRP on sitting cars = highly likely, won't know unless you try. . .

k

Much as I like the new M3, except for the styling, they really are not selling well at all. They are overflowing at dealers now. VOB in MD has 26 on the lot and even the small dealer near my house has 4.

My dealer is calling offering $3K off MSRP. Tough timing for M3 - gasoline prices, recession, and high MSRP.

Wow, $3,000? Thats not bad - perhaps the rumored $5,000 will happen by year end.

The dealer I visted Wednesday told me 7%. So for a vert, about $4,900-$5,300 off. I gave him a good bit of trouble, as I traditionally like to do. Many people dread buying cars due to the trouble with dealing w/ the salesperson. I feel that my noble place in life is to wear out as many sales folks as I can on the aforementioned folks' behalf.
1. The economy is soft.
2. I don't care if most people who buy BMWs have more money, they still don't like buying in this economy either.
3. Gas prices.
4. Yes, they really are offering ~$11K off of the ZO6.
5. Gas prices.
6. Yes, I delight in this...

I agree, tormenting car dealers is great sport. I called mine and asked if he would sell one of the M3's on his lot, 68k list with M-DCT for 5k off. Said can't do that. He called back 1 day later and asked if I would buy before Jul 31 they would do it. Said sorry, changed my mind. :evil2

does anyone think the styling may have something to do with it? gas/price/and crappy economy are key factors too.

It"s not the gas-mine gets 21mpg on the highway!

They're not selling well at my local dealer at all. There are 4 coupes on the lot, 1 sedan, and 1 vert.

I tried to like the vert - I can certainly afford it - but ended up in a 335i because of the engine. I like the 335i engine a lot better. I cannot be commuting 15000 miles a year and getting 12 mpg, and I certainly cannot be breaking the speed limit all the darn time, and I like a little low end torque so I don't have to be revving 5 grand all day, and that put me into the 335i.

I guess none of you read the WSJ? The M3 has been either number 1 or number 2 every week since it's release in terms of movement off of dealership lots.

That is indicative of incredibly high demand.

Link please.

I am in a similar position now. Sort of looking on the sidelines at prices. So far most are way over MSRP still where I am, and I am not seeing what I think is right online. However this isn't me in the dealership talking to someone yet. Seems there is stock building up perhaps. Saw a couple used ones with very low miles, but I am not buying a red one.

I'm on the cusp of ordering an e92, but I need to sell my Mini first...

I love the idea of having 400+ hp awaiting my commands...HOWEVER, I also get very disappointed when I look at an e92 M3 and DO NOT see a sports car. It looks like a coupe with gills. I'm sorry because I have an e36 M3, a Z3 and a MCS, all of which we bought because of their perofmance and styling. I have done some suspension mods to the M and am getting ready to add a pulley and software upgrade to the MCS.

The 135i is also tempting, but when I see the side view, the roofline and the drooping belly overwhem the car.

We are in a great Horsepower-rich car-buying generation, but the stylists need to look at what has gotten them to the poor sales environment, aside from the economy and fuel price.

When I got the M3, new in '99, the complaint that US buyers had was that we got stiffed on the power that EVERYONE else in the world enjoyed. Now the table has turned...just the opposite...power but poor cosmetics. There really must be a reason that only one year after its' introduction, the M3 is undergoing a facelift.

Good luck to all of us Bimmer-philes. I hope we can get the stars right between the engine guys and the STYLISTS.

There really must be a reason that only one year after its' introduction, the M3 is undergoing a facelift.


Only the sedan is getting a face lift and the reason is that it has to follow the 3 series sedans/wagons lineage which are getting the regular mid life face lift after 3 model years. It is just a normal point in the production life cycle of most (if not all) car manufacturers. The unfortunate part is that the M3 lagged so much and you only get 1 MY before the facelift.
Styling is always a personal thing, but I for one think that the 3 series is getting better looking with each generation and that by itself is a big feat.

Here in Boulder they are offering $5,000 off all their M3's which they have 7 of.
The dealer put stickers on the side of them reading $5,000 off including the
M5's. Go to www.gebauto.com to see for yourself on pricing.

I am not feeling the M3 near $70K, sorry. Neat car otherwise....

This should help support anyone claims that the Bimmers (M3's) are or are not selling. If a dealer can get them off the lot, that's their problem. They are probably trying to get premium (Over sticker) for them...

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/bmw-reports-best-ever-sales-first-half-year-of-2008/

Okay, first of all, the M3 now has 3 models instead of just 2. Also, they came out with all of them at just about the same time. Remember when the E46 came out, it came in coupe only first, then a vert joined I believe a year later. Now within the same year the sedan and the vert came out along with the coupe, so that is at least 3 cars that a dealer needs to stock...so having 7 cars on hand, is not bad, that's only 2 of every model. And with all the options that go along with them, it makes sense to hold an inventory of them. Yes, we are also in a down economy, so people are not spending as much. Not b/c most of the people who buy M3's got pay reductions, but all their assets are not worth nearly as much anymore, so they become more cautious buyers. Also, let's not forget that there are lot more options out there right now, even Lexus created the IS F, because other car companies what to compete with the M3, so they are taking sales away, even if they are small.

If I was going to buy a $60-70k sports car, I would most likely get the M3...my favorite car of all time, and will always be.

As C&D stated..."Every other manufacturer should give up on building their own cars and just make M3s instead."

:)

Hi, I'm in the market for an 09 M3. I like the suttle changes tey made to the interior. First off, not sure between a 2 Door and 4 Door. 2 Door comes with Carbon fiber roof, whereas 4 door doesn't. Upsetting. The dealer, who was very helpful and curteous offered me $1,500 above invoice. I probably won't buy the car unless I can get it at invoice. Has anyone got close to invoice? Also trying to decide whether or not I should get navigation, technology package and premium sound. Anybody have these options? If so, what is your advice? I heard the standard sound system is already good enough, true?

Thanks!

There prices way to high... THey had a m3 sitting next to a m5 that had a msrp of 79.000 with every option imaginable. Was a sick car but I thought they were supposed to be around the $60+mark.

Hi, I'm in the market for an 09 M3. I like the suttle changes tey made to the interior. First off, not sure between a 2 Door and 4 Door. 2 Door comes with Carbon fiber roof, whereas 4 door doesn't. Upsetting. The dealer, who was very helpful and curteous offered me $1,500 above invoice. I probably won't buy the car unless I can get it at invoice. Has anyone got close to invoice? Also trying to decide whether or not I should get navigation, technology package and premium sound. Anybody have these options? If so, what is your advice? I heard the standard sound system is already good enough, true?

Thanks!

I really highly doubt you will be able to get a 09 M3 for invoice... Dealers are still holding inventory of 08's...so until those are gone, I think $1,500 above invoice for a 09 is a damn good deal...especially since we are still in August of 08!!! Good luck though...

There prices way to high... THey had a m3 sitting next to a m5 that had a msrp of 79.000 with every option imaginable. Was a sick car but I thought they were supposed to be around the $60+mark.

What a red herring...:)

E60-M5, were never priced at 60K base brand new. Now, if they are left overs, you will see prices like $79K, etc...

Anyway, if one can afford the M5 and not be phased by the gas prices, I say that would be your better choice, IMO.:buttrock

I also wonder what the price increase from 60G's to 70G's did to the M3 market. Getting up into the Mid 70's like some of the higher optioned cars do now puts it among a number of other high performance cars. I've always been a huge M3 fan, my 2003 was $59K when brand new and fully optioned and I thought that one looked better then the new ones. I've seen 1 of the E92's driving around and I see tons of E36's and some E46's. Judging by that and that alone I dont think they are selling at all...

In Australia... many people are still waiting for their m3s to come... however, there are tons of new M3s at the dealerships' lots.... and they have been sitting there for ages... my dealer told me that a guy picked up a near brand new M3 (fully optioned with a CF roof) for 20K AUD off the drive away price (which is around 178K AUD)... the guy got it for just under 160K AUD....

So it shows that the M3s are selling slowly though according to my dealership (not as good as E46 M3 used to be)...

cheers,

richie

I counted 8 M3's on the Inskip lot in RI last night. Might be even more at their remote lot.

I know many of these have been on the lot for most of this year.

They have 1 red coupe with the dual clutch tranny. I want to get one for my wife but the "auto tranny" seems quite rare at this time.

So who has a line on an Alpine White, sedan with the dual clutch set-up?

I counted 8 M3's on the Inskip lot in RI last night. Might be even more at their remote lot.

I know many of these have been on the lot for most of this year.

They have 1 red coupe with the dual clutch tranny. I want to get one for my wife but the "auto tranny" seems quite rare at this time.

So who has a line on an Alpine White, sedan with the dual clutch set-up?
What do you mean by "auto tranny" seems quite rare at this time? I thought they are only offering the 6MT and DCT options, the latter replacing the need for a traditional slushbox AT.

What do you mean by "auto tranny" seems quite rare at this time? I thought they are only offering the 6MT and DCT options, the latter replacing the need for a traditional slushbox AT.



Was just refering to the DCT. I put it in "quotes" because my wife is only concerned that it drives like an automatic.

wow crazy, the C63 is selling well and people are getting them for over MSRP< just like 500-1000 but I think the Ms have been out longer.

So what is going rate for an '08 these days (in LA in particular)? Seems like around invoice is pretty standard. One of my local dealers has 23 on the lot and I can't imagine they aren't dealing on them. Comments?

wow crazy, the C63 is selling well and people are getting them for over MSRP< just like 500-1000 but I think the Ms have been out longer.

Any real facts to back that up or is this just how you feel. You have all the right to share you opinion but state it, I believe it would be more helpful to community.

Hi, I'm in the market for an 09 M3. I like the suttle changes tey made to the interior. First off, not sure between a 2 Door and 4 Door. 2 Door comes with Carbon fiber roof, whereas 4 door doesn't. Upsetting. The dealer, who was very helpful and curteous offered me $1,500 above invoice. I probably won't buy the car unless I can get it at invoice. Has anyone got close to invoice? Also trying to decide whether or not I should get navigation, technology package and premium sound. Anybody have these options? If so, what is your advice? I heard the standard sound system is already good enough, true?

Thanks!

You don't get the carbon fiber roof if the car has a sunroof!
Mine has the nav, tech and premium sound. I could care less about the radio but nav is a big plus! Depending on the dealer you can negotiate price. I would suggest calling Bryan Baker of Moritz BMW in Arlington , Texas. He is willing to work deals on M3"s-or at least he did for me!

Hi, I'm in the market for an 09 M3. I like the suttle changes tey made to the interior. First off, not sure between a 2 Door and 4 Door. 2 Door comes with Carbon fiber roof, whereas 4 door doesn't. Upsetting. The dealer, who was very helpful and curteous offered me $1,500 above invoice. I probably won't buy the car unless I can get it at invoice. Has anyone got close to invoice? Also trying to decide whether or not I should get navigation, technology package and premium sound. Anybody have these options? If so, what is your advice? I heard the standard sound system is already good enough, true?

Thanks!

Have all these options in a '08 M3 Coupe. All the options you mentioned IMO are GREAT! If you are tone deaf, then opt out for the Highend Sound package.

I would say that since there is still a wait list for people ordering M3's, that they are selling just fine. Of course there are a few on the dealer lot, but that's to be expected.

The biggest issue, that I've seen, with dealer stock is that they have some of THE worst color combos. Alpine white with red interior, etc. I saw a Porsche 911 turbo a while back, it was black with 100% cherry red interior. Horrid, just horrid.

I've got an offer from a dealer for about 1200 over invoice on an 08 Coupe 6spd and that's without even trying. I suspect I can get that down a bit if I talk to the guy.

FYI BMW is offering some pretty decent financing options as well; my bet is these aren't selling well at all (I won't speculate on the reason). Each dealer I've looked at has at least half a dozen cars in inventory, some have close to a dozen.

you should be able to get $1500 off invoice at least depending what you get and how good u are at talking them down u could get more.

I'm nervous about the economy which holds me back from putting money into a car that I don't need...but maybe by summer next year I will take the plunge

I agree with Iveman. I could get a 08 coupe sedan convertible whatever I wanted
a month ago at invoice. If you are buying an 08, then you should get under invoice
especially on a car that has been sitting. But its just not BMW, Porsche is having problems too. I have seen 15K drop in GT3s in the last month. The only car I know selling well is the AMG C63

I just got a special financing offer in the mail- 0.9% for up to 60 months on sedan and convertible, 1.9% for coupes- 2008 MY only. Anybody else get this?

I just got a special financing offer in the mail- 0.9% for up to 60 months on sedan and convertible, 1.9% for coupes- 2008 MY only. Anybody else get this?

That deal is across the board for everyone