"fbloogyudsr" > wrote in message
...
> "Amanda Robin" > wrote
>> I will probably buy a BMW 3 series later this year. I have been doing my
>> homework on the Internet and visited a dealer a couple of times.
>> Exchanged some e-mails with the dealer in the next town over.
>>
>> I think I'm going to want an all-wheel-drive model. My question is, is it
>> ever possible to order a car (not buy off the lot) and retain any ability
>> to negotiate a good price? I'm pretty patient, but I doubt whether I will
>> have many chances to find close to what I want on a lot.
>
> Well, there are two or three things you need to know.
> 1) AFAIK, the new 3-series (E90) is currently not available with AWD,
> although you may be able to get the previous model (E46) still.
> 2) You're probably not going to get much price movement on the
> new model - from BMW or any other manufacturer for that matter.
> If you do, look for a price about 1/2 way between MSRP and invoice;
> usually $1000-$2000. Note that BMW dealers usually make their cut
> on options; there is less room in the markup than other makes.
> 3) You can get deals on ordered cars - I did. I have one of the
> very few 330xi's without a sunroof in the US; probably fewer than 100.


Why did you special order a car without a sunroof?

This feature has value, even if you don't use it. Frankly, I can't imagine
not using it, even if all one does is tilt the rear up for ventilation.





> 4) BMW does allow you to order options that aren't available in
> the US brochure; like cloth seats, no sunroof (the E90 in the US
> comes with it standard), etc. However, you have to find a dealer
> who is willing to do the extra work...
>
> Floyd