Hi there,
Could anybody explain to me what dealer prep is and if it is included in the MSRP price or an additional charge.

Thanks a bunch,

Zwanzig

dealer prep includes (but is not limited or guaranteed to include):

1: removal of plastic and cardboard transit protection (to keep the interior from getting messed up in transit)

2: adding in dealer installed options

3: programming the car's options and updates into the computer

4: installing floor mats, detailing, waxing etc.

I've probably forgotten a few things, but when we take the cars off the trucks they are certainly not in a position to show to a customer.

oh and I've never seen it added as a charge, but who knows... there are some shady dealers out there. some of that may be included in the 'destination' charge though.

I bought mine today... there was no dealer prep charge...

Thanks guys. At the Bimmerfest they were talking about price increases for the after March models, and somebody stated that the dealer prep fee went up from $700 to $800 something...And I thought whaaaat??? Another close to $1000 :mad

But it seems that the guy must have mixed that up with the destination charge or something....Phew.....

Zwanzig

Basically it's a $695 charge that you will find on your window sticker and added to the MSRP and is generally non-negotiable. It covers about one hours work....removing plastic from seats, removing protective materal from various locations and washing the car and putting tire-black on the tires. Just another charge to increase dealer profits.

Thanks guys. At the Bimmerfest they were talking about price increases for the after March models, and somebody stated that the dealer prep fee went up from $700 to $800 something

I believe the dealer service department charges BMW for prep. Although these amounts seem high.

Basically it's a $695 charge that you will find on your window sticker and added to the MSRP and is generally non-negotiable. It covers about one hours work....removing plastic from seats, removing protective materal from various locations and washing the car and putting tire-black on the tires. Just another charge to increase dealer profits.

the destination charge (going up $80 as of today) covers the transportation charge to get that vehicle here and the removal of the transport protection etc. we don't really see any profit from it, but some dealers do increase it for profit.

the destination charge (going up $80 as of today) covers the transportation charge to get that vehicle here and the removal of the transport protection etc. we don't really see any profit from it, but some dealers do increase it for profit.
That is correct. On domestic cars the destination charge is like 50 bucks. The boat ride from Germany is not cheap. And if the dealer charges you for the prep than I would call BMW USA and tell them. Buying any new car most definitely qualifies it, at the very least, to be washed by the dealer before presenting it to you. They can't release the car to you before going through the prep process anyway.

No dealer prep when I got mine. I used to sell cars and we never charged it either. I would question any dealer charging a prep fee. Sounds like a way the owner funds their retirement plan. I would also quesiton any dealer charging huge amounts for documentation fee.

Dealer Prep also includes reducing the pressure in the tires. They transport them over 50 lbs of air. I know because my new E91 was pulling to the right so I checked the air pressure in all tires and found that they failed to deflate one of the front tires. There goes there J D Power reating. And no, they should not charge you for it. That is just additional profit for them.