BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > M3 (E90 / E92 / E93) > New and Preowned M3 Pricing, Ordering, Tracking / European Delivery / Dealer Reviews
 
BPM
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-01-2012, 01:36 PM   #1
kdphan
Captain
338
Rep
774
Posts

Drives: everything is gone!
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Emeryville, CA

iTrader: (0)

BMW dealership won't let me test drive used M3?

I bought my Z4 coupe from this dealership in July.

Things are starting to change and i'll need 4 seats. So it's about time to give up the Z4.

So as I was looking at the car with the salesman, i asked him to take the car out for a spin.

His answer, "we don't allow test drives on M3's unless we agree on #'s."

And that "We don't let ANYONE test drive them since they're the best cars"

At that point, I felt insulted and told him I didn't have any sort of problems test driving cars when I bought my car from them 5 months ago. And it's a 2008 used m3 for all that matters.


Has anyone been in a similar situation?
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 01:40 PM   #2
Krozi
Colonel
Krozi's Avatar
United_States
162
Rep
2,736
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SoFla - Bonita Springs

iTrader: (24)

Hhahaha that's awesome...if they're being THIS bitchy with a used M3 then I would definitely go to a different dealer.
__________________

2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White//Fox Red//6MT//
Florida Bimmer - Join us on FaceBook!
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 01:50 PM   #3
kdphan
Captain
338
Rep
774
Posts

Drives: everything is gone!
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Emeryville, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Krozi View Post
Hhahaha that's awesome...if they're being THIS bitchy with a used M3 then I would definitely go to a different dealer.
it was a used '08 e90 m3 with 40k miles

I just thought it was because i'm 28 and guys my age can't afford an m3?

Been looking elsewhere for an m3 with CPO.

Really sucks because weatherford bmw is literally 1/2 mile from where I live.
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 01:53 PM   #4
spdy330
Major General
spdy330's Avatar
United_States
528
Rep
6,149
Posts

Drives: 05 Tundra, 15 FIT, 17 CRV
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Chino Hills, CA

iTrader: (163)

When I purchased my M3 both dealers would not let me test drive one either. Since I already had an E90 I did not make that big of a deal but it does suck when they will not let you test drive a car. One dealer told me I can test any car but an M.
__________________
If you will be purchasing ANY AT&T services online or in store could you mention that you were referred by me? My Employee Referral ID is eo4489. This would be a great help and it costs you nothing, thank you!
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 01:56 PM   #5
kdphan
Captain
338
Rep
774
Posts

Drives: everything is gone!
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Emeryville, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by spdy330 View Post
When I purchased my M3 both dealers would not let me test drive one either. Since I already had an E90 I did not make that big of a deal but it does suck when they will not let you test drive a car. One dealer told me I can test any car but an M.
i can understand if the m3 is new and has close to 0 miles on it.

But the one I was interested in has 40k miles.

I made an appointment to come in and see it too. So that was a bummer.
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 02:34 PM   #6
PhillyNate
ENTHUSIAST
PhillyNate's Avatar
United_States
135
Rep
2,097
Posts

Drives: 2010 Porsche Cayman
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
If you currently own a BMW I feel it's insulting to not be allowed to test drive whatever you want. If I were a CA I would be more concerned about an M3 test drive if you were a Prius owner. That person is obviously wasting your time. And if the dealer is worried about damage well, in order to make an omelet you have to break a few eggs. Sorry, you sell cars.
__________________
"what I'm driving here...is an ending." Jeremy Clarkson
2010 Carrara White Porsche Cayman 6mt
2014 Whiteout Toyota GT-86 6mt(Sold 05/23/15)
2011 Alpine White BMW M3 6mt ZCP Coupe(forced retirement 06/06/14)
2008 Alpine White BMW 328i 6mt Coupe(retired 06/21/11
)

Last edited by PhillyNate; 01-01-2012 at 04:19 PM..
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 02:36 PM   #7
Krozi
Colonel
Krozi's Avatar
United_States
162
Rep
2,736
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SoFla - Bonita Springs

iTrader: (24)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kdphan View Post
it was a used '08 e90 m3 with 40k miles

I just thought it was because i'm 28 and guys my age can't afford an m3?

Been looking elsewhere for an m3 with CPO.

Really sucks because weatherford bmw is literally 1/2 mile from where I live.
Probably more than half of M3 owners are under 30 lol...
But, I guess if the service department is good then you could buy the car there...you only have to deal with the sales guys once..unless there is something wrong with the car they don't want you to know about.
__________________

2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White//Fox Red//6MT//
Florida Bimmer - Join us on FaceBook!
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 03:38 PM   #8
spdy330
Major General
spdy330's Avatar
United_States
528
Rep
6,149
Posts

Drives: 05 Tundra, 15 FIT, 17 CRV
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Chino Hills, CA

iTrader: (163)

I agree with you. The one I wanted to drive was a new one and they had no used ones on the lot.


Quote:
Originally Posted by kdphan View Post
i can understand if the m3 is new and has close to 0 miles on it.

But the one I was interested in has 40k miles.

I made an appointment to come in and see it too. So that was a bummer.
__________________
If you will be purchasing ANY AT&T services online or in store could you mention that you were referred by me? My Employee Referral ID is eo4489. This would be a great help and it costs you nothing, thank you!
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 03:57 PM   #9
SergioPark
Second Lieutenant
SergioPark's Avatar
United_States
13
Rep
229
Posts

Drives: 2012 E92 m3
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: NJ, USA

iTrader: (1)

I went to my local dealer and they didn't want to let me test drive an M they had on the lot. He said, and I quote, "no one test drives an M, they just buy them because this is an M3." I burst out laughing and told the guy that I just wrapped test drives with the S5 and C63, and there is no way in hell I am going to buy a car without driving it first. He looked at me for a second and went to get the keys. I do get it though, I am sure there are lots of people that just want to drive the car with no interest in buying. At the end of the day, the guy wasn't very nice and pricing was way too high. So, I am buying from a different dealer.
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 05:18 PM   #10
e92m3_f15x5
mmmmmm
Canada
23
Rep
156
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (1)

Same thing happened to me when I wanted to test drive a Subaru STi. The guy says I have to be serious, which means I have to put down a deposit first. That was the last time I thought of buying an STi. He said the exact same thing: "no one test drives an STi, they just buy them."

The M3 I just bought is a CPO, and I was allowed to test drive it. Your dealership/salesperson must be real tight about this, or just arrogant.
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 05:19 PM   #11
e92m3_f15x5
mmmmmm
Canada
23
Rep
156
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (1)

I love test riding bikes. My salesperson just hands me the keys and tells me to come back in an hour or so That's how I bought my current bike.

They're probably lazy to move the cars.
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 06:21 PM   #12
BMW Fanatic
Banned
Canada
135
Rep
3,293
Posts

Drives: slow
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Calgary

iTrader: (11)

Would you class it as a 'big' dealership or just a smaller one? The same thing happens here in Calgary, at BMW Gallery I wasn't allowed a test drive but at BMW Calgary they have a test drive version available for every single car. I've been in to their garage where they keep them and a whole load of other modded BMW's (no idea who they belong to, assuming they were in storage), that was a beautiful sight!
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 08:06 PM   #13
piloto
Captain
28
Rep
842
Posts

Drives: 2011 E90 M3 - AW/FR
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (0)

Go to a Carmax that has an M3. Many around here have them. They'll let you test drive all you want. That's what I did piror to getting mine, mostly because the one I did test drive at another dealer was DCT and I wanted to feel what the 6MT was like prior to committing to it.
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 08:40 PM   #14
Slapshot9
First Lieutenant
Slapshot9's Avatar
22
Rep
351
Posts

Drives: '08 E90 M3 JzB 6MT
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SoFla

iTrader: (0)

Funny... How old are you? If you're under 30, I might understand for obvious reasons. I don't buy anything without trying it on, looking at it, or driving it. It's your money, move on.
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 09:47 PM   #15
kdphan
Captain
338
Rep
774
Posts

Drives: everything is gone!
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Emeryville, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Slapshot9 View Post
Funny... How old are you? If you're under 30, I might understand for obvious reasons. I don't buy anything without trying it on, looking at it, or driving it. It's your money, move on.
i'm 28 at the moment.

To answer an earlier post, this BMW dealership is one of the bigger ones in northern CA. As I was walking around their warehouse, I saw 3 other M3's in different colors.

I just hope other BMW dealerships are like this. I would not want to talk about #'s before I test drive a car.

I've also checked around the area for M3's at Carmax. I haven't found one yet.
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 10:38 PM   #16
Endless619
DHS
Endless619's Avatar
169
Rep
3,973
Posts

Drives: 2023 M4, 2020 Land Rover
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Disneyland

iTrader: (14)

Garage List
Yeah thats odd. I have bought a couple cars from big BMW dealers here in the PNW and never test drove them because I honestly didnt care since they were both CPO and still under factory warranty and maintenance. Some dealers know that you are serious while others don't want kids test driving them with no interest or funding for the purchase. Infact I am getting rid of my E92 M3 this week and its used but not my cup of tea. I already contacted another dealer where my next car is an they were like sure you can test drive anything we have and we have a couple Porsche 911s.... So some know you are serious and some don't think you can afford it.

It also helps when you drive up in a car more expensive than an M3. lol
Appreciate 0
      01-02-2012, 01:50 AM   #17
W Cole
Major
145
Rep
1,130
Posts

Drives: 2009 M3
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Newport Coast, CA

iTrader: (5)

Don't feel bad, dealers definitely discriminate based on your age. I'm 24. No one will let me test drive anything.

About 9 months ago when I was in the market for an M I drove over 50 miles to look at and drive a 2004 e46 M3. They asked to run my credit before I drove it. I explained I was already pre-approved through my credit union and did not want to ding my credit and if I decided to purchase an e46 I would most likely be paying cash anyways. Still woundn't let me drive it.

When my buddy was in the market for a WRX the first dealer we went to (one over 75 miles away that happened to have the color he wanted) wouldn't let us test drive. Do they think I drive hundreds of miles for sport in hopes of a test drive in a shitbox Subaru?

In both cases I drove up in late model cars that were $50K+ when new.
Appreciate 0
      01-02-2012, 02:21 AM   #18
kdphan
Captain
338
Rep
774
Posts

Drives: everything is gone!
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Emeryville, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by EndlessZ4M View Post
Yeah thats odd. I have bought a couple cars from big BMW dealers here in the PNW and never test drove them because I honestly didnt care since they were both CPO and still under factory warranty and maintenance. Some dealers know that you are serious while others don't want kids test driving them with no interest or funding for the purchase. Infact I am getting rid of my E92 M3 this week and its used but not my cup of tea. I already contacted another dealer where my next car is an they were like sure you can test drive anything we have and we have a couple Porsche 911s.... So some know you are serious and some don't think you can afford it.

It also helps when you drive up in a car more expensive than an M3. lol
Seems like i'll have to gather a few m3post members and bring them with me to a bmw dealership.

I'll just have to test my luck elsewhere.
Appreciate 0
      01-02-2012, 03:51 AM   #19
Endless619
DHS
Endless619's Avatar
169
Rep
3,973
Posts

Drives: 2023 M4, 2020 Land Rover
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Disneyland

iTrader: (14)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by kdphan View Post
Seems like i'll have to gather a few m3post members and bring them with me to a bmw dealership.

I'll just have to test my luck elsewhere.
Yeah, I would just go somewhere else. Not worth your time. Thats sad and their loss IMO.

GLW your search.
Appreciate 0
      01-02-2012, 05:43 AM   #20
gthal
Major General
gthal's Avatar
Canada
1901
Rep
5,678
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i xDrive
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Canada

iTrader: (2)

I think part of the reason they don't allow it is that M buyers are picky and the minute they allow someone to test drive an M the car is instantly worth less money because many of us picky sons o' bitches won't then buy the car or will demand a big discount.

If I went to a dealership to buy an M3, if they had one that had been test driven I would personally either order one new or expect a significant discount because you know people beat the sh&t out of the car.

A large dealership may have an M available to test drive and not care whether it devalues the car but a small to mid sized dealership may have a real problem with this. I don't like it but I do understand it. However, on a used M3, there is zero excuse to not allow a test drive to a legitimate customer.
__________________
2020 X3 M40i | Black | Current DD
2020 C8 Corvette | Z51 | Torch Red ... built and waiting for delivery
2016 M2 | Long Beach Blue | 6MT
2015 M4 | Austin Yellow | DCT
2012 MB C63AMG | 2011 E92 M3 | 2010 E92 M3
Appreciate 0
      01-05-2012, 10:21 PM   #21
hammick
Private First Class
6
Rep
122
Posts

Drives: '11 335d
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Kansas City, MO

iTrader: (0)

Look for a different car at a different dealer.
Appreciate 0
      01-06-2012, 06:55 AM   #22
Casem1
New Member
United_States
0
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: 2008 E90 M3, 2006 E46 ZHP
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

When I lived in Houston the BMW dealers had demo M3's that you could drive (and I had no problem driving one at the age of 24) and they made you drive the car hard. I visited two shops, both of them had one M3 that could be driven, but the others were off limits.
Funny story - during my visit to the second dealership (about 6 months after the first) I was on my test drive along a quiet road off of the highway. There happened to be a younger woman jogging along the road. The salesman had me accelerate to about 60 mph of so, take my hands off of the steering wheel and then slam the brakes. The car stopped like a champ but the woman who was jogging freaked out, jumped a fence and ran across a field away from us! The salesman's face lost all color and he looked like he was going to be sick. We all felt really bad but it was just a coincidence!
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:14 PM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST