Where to buy in Southern Cal?

CAracer · 11-16-2009, 07:05 PM

I'm new to the BMW forum and hope to purchase a new M3. Are you guys dealing with Fleet Sales Mgrs. only to get the best deals?

I was at the dealership yesterday and did a test drive with an 09 M3. The car ran great! But, the salesman didn't want me to exceed 5k rpm during the test drive. The car I drove was an Excutive model and had 5500 miles on it. So it was broken in. Why would they be so concerned about exceeding the 5k rpm limits? Are these cars that fragle? How solid is the 4.0 L motor? How about the DCT 7 speed trans? Has the trans been holding up with no issues?

Any recommendations on dealerships would be greatly appreciated. Also, any info on must options. Do we really need the heated seats in CA?

Thanks in advance.

FStop7 · 11-16-2009, 07:21 PM

I bought my car at Long Beach BMW from Will Shaw, he was great to deal with.

The rest of your questions can be answered via search.

Bluesummer · 11-16-2009, 07:32 PM

Shelly BMW and ask for yi-wen. just mention my screename and he will hook you up. PM me if u want his number to set things up

Mike V8 · 11-16-2009, 08:54 PM

i would go to New Century BMW in Alhambra! They, in my opinion, are absolutely the best! Ask for Hamlet he will definately hook you up!

attbimmer · 11-16-2009, 09:37 PM

I've bought a few cars now from Stephan Caraway at Crevier BMW in Santa Ana. He's been great and of all the many CAs I've talked with from various OC dealers he's been the best.

I also prefer to buy from a dealer that is close to home. I end up stopping by the dealer about once a month for something or other even if its just to hang out a bit with Stephan, grab lunch and play with what ever just came out. Also most dealers offer free service loaners if you bought the car from them, which is nice.

If you ask my wife heated seats are required in socal, but now even I like them in the winter. I never use the regular heater and often have the heated seats on with the windows open.

Aussie7 · 11-16-2009, 09:49 PM

Try calling Phillippe Kahn at South Bay Bmw, he is straight up and gave me a great deal.

davedave · 11-16-2009, 09:56 PM

it is all depend who you talk to in the dealership. Each Dealer have an asshole.

I got mine at Long Beach with internet fleet market dept. They are small dealership but people are more down to earth.

aajami · 11-16-2009, 10:18 PM

I bought mine from Rusnak BMW in Westlake Village. It's a bit out of the way, but I got a great price. Go straight to the fleet manager (unfortunately, I forget his name) and don't bother dealing with any of the dealers.

aus · 11-16-2009, 11:37 PM

OP, just call the SA mentioned above instead of running all over town.

I bought from Will at LB BMW too and he is cool, and his partner Steve is also really cool (he has a black M3). The service department's pretty good too. They do have loaners and free rentals. BUT they don't give the best prices.
For the best prices you should check out Nick Alexander. Call for Reza. He's no pressure kind of guy. Just keep in mind that you only get a loaner from the dealer you bought from.

DON'T go to McKenna. Theys SUCK ASS. They didn't fill the tank and I had to ask for the floor mats. NO LOANERS and they wanted $45/day for a compact!!! They can kiss my ass, I'll NEVER BUY FROM THEM AGAIN.

muzeon · 11-17-2009, 10:18 AM

Bought mine from Phillippe Kahn at South Bay BMW. I would also have bought this BMW from Henry Suh (Interneet Manager) at New Century BMW - bought a few from him, but just didn't have the right car on the lot for me at that time.

Both straight forward, no games... good luck and enjoy!

CAracer · 11-17-2009, 02:17 PM

What a great forum. Thanks for all the referrences. I hope to be buying shortly.

It seems most of you purchased through a salesman? I usually purchase from the Fleet managers for a better deal. Do you all feel that the salesmen can provide the same deal as the Fleet managers?

Thanks for the tip on the heated seats. I'm sure my GF will want the warmth of heated seats too.

Thanks again guys...

CAracer · 11-18-2009, 04:29 PM

I see my post was moved and I'm not sure why or where I've been moved to.

Thanks,

john@wickedparts · 11-18-2009, 06:34 PM

They moved you to the Cali forum...

jimmyeatsworld · 11-18-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

OP, just call the SA mentioned above instead of running all over town.

I bought from Will at LB BMW too and he is cool, and his partner Steve is also really cool (he has a black M3). The service department's pretty good too. They do have loaners and free rentals. BUT they don't give the best prices.
For the best prices you should check out Nick Alexander. Call for Reza. He's no pressure kind of guy. Just keep in mind that you only get a loaner from the dealer you bought from.

DON'T go to McKenna. Theys SUCK ASS. They didn't fill the tank and I had to ask for the floor mats. NO LOANERS and they wanted $45/day for a compact!!! They can kiss my ass, I'll NEVER BUY FROM THEM AGAIN.

Second that on McKenna. Getting service done there is terrible. Caused more problems on my e46 m3 than they fixed.

interlago_m3 · 11-18-2009, 06:57 PM

I think the best way u do, found the color and the option u really want from autotrader.com first. And go direct to that dealer. Most BMW dealer in Southern CA, they dont trade car to each other.

SpencerM3 · 11-22-2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FStop7

I bought my car at Long Beach BMW from Will Shaw, he was great to deal with.

+1

Greer · 11-22-2009, 11:57 PM

Go to Philippe Kahn at South Bay BMW you won't be disappointed!

M-Tuned · 11-23-2009, 02:25 AM

I just got my E92 M3 from William Shaw at Long Beach BMW. Great guy to deal with!!

cpiguy · 11-26-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aajami

I bought mine from Rusnak BMW in Westlake Village. It's a bit out of the way, but I got a great price. Go straight to the fleet manager (unfortunately, I forget his name) and don't bother dealing with any of the dealers.

His name is Ron Randall, and he's the best. I've bought lots of car from them, and it's worth the drive.

crackberry · 10-16-2010, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesummer

Shelly BMW and ask for yi-wen. just mention my screename and he will hook you up. PM me if u want his number to set things up

NEVER EVER go to shelly bmw at buena park. i went over to test drive a m3 and they told me i couldnt test drive it. i worked with peter and he was an asshole. they said that they dont let ppl test drive v8's. bullshit! he didnt know anything about the m3 and pushed custom ordering the m3 even tho i havent seen silverstone in person and have not test driven it yet. i cant believe i wasted my time with those assholes.

Aussie7 · 10-16-2010, 03:56 PM

That's why you need to head to Southbay bmw and see Philippe Kahn or his associate Chris Conway. Too many of these salesmen think that the walk in customer is a sucker waiting to be raped over the coals. Make sure you are well informed of all the things you want in the car and what price you want and deal with them via e- mail or phone and go in to the dealership you feel most comfortable with. As far as them not letting you test drive a V8 you should have told the SA to wrap a diaper under his mouth to catch all the bullshit that was coming out.

aus · 10-16-2010, 05:18 PM

Since it's been bumped. Will Shaw is now at Nick Alexander. He'll take care of you.

11-16-2009, 07:05 PM	#1
CAracer Registered 1 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2004 Z-06 Corvette Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	Where to buy in Southern Cal? I'm new to the BMW forum and hope to purchase a new M3. Are you guys dealing with Fleet Sales Mgrs. only to get the best deals? I was at the dealership yesterday and did a test drive with an 09 M3. The car ran great! But, the salesman didn't want me to exceed 5k rpm during the test drive. The car I drove was an Excutive model and had 5500 miles on it. So it was broken in. Why would they be so concerned about exceeding the 5k rpm limits? Are these cars that fragle? How solid is the 4.0 L motor? How about the DCT 7 speed trans? Has the trans been holding up with no issues? Any recommendations on dealerships would be greatly appreciated. Also, any info on must options. Do we really need the heated seats in CA? Thanks in advance.
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11-16-2009, 07:21 PM	#2
FStop7 I like cars 329 Rep 5,052 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA iTrader: (3)	I bought my car at Long Beach BMW from Will Shaw, he was great to deal with. The rest of your questions can be answered via search. __________________ My photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/racelap/
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11-16-2009, 07:32 PM	#3
Bluesummer Lieutenant General 588 Rep 15,818 Posts Drives: slower than Ayrton Senna Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (15) Garage List 2017 BMW X5M [0.00] 2015 M4 [0.00] 2011 E82 135 [0.00] 2011 M3 [0.00] 2007 335 [0.00]	Shelly BMW and ask for yi-wen. just mention my screename and he will hook you up. PM me if u want his number to set things up __________________ IG:d.violet.m3
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11-16-2009, 08:54 PM	#4
Mike V8 First Lieutenant 24 Rep 398 Posts Drives: '09 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: So. Cal. iTrader: (0)	i would go to New Century BMW in Alhambra! They, in my opinion, are absolutely the best! Ask for Hamlet he will definately hook you up! __________________ "...it's not about the money and not about the brand of the car, it's about handling,performance and passion......And that, no other car has all together like an M3........when you talk about the most complete car the M is invincible." --Tony Kanaan.
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11-16-2009, 09:37 PM	#5
attbimmer Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 260 Posts Drives: '08 E90 M3, '88 E30 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: socal iTrader: (5)	I've bought a few cars now from Stephan Caraway at Crevier BMW in Santa Ana. He's been great and of all the many CAs I've talked with from various OC dealers he's been the best. I also prefer to buy from a dealer that is close to home. I end up stopping by the dealer about once a month for something or other even if its just to hang out a bit with Stephan, grab lunch and play with what ever just came out. Also most dealers offer free service loaners if you bought the car from them, which is nice. If you ask my wife heated seats are required in socal, but now even I like them in the winter. I never use the regular heater and often have the heated seats on with the windows open. __________________
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11-16-2009, 09:49 PM	#6
Aussie7 Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 200 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 SSII Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: socal iTrader: (1)	Try calling Phillippe Kahn at South Bay Bmw, he is straight up and gave me a great deal.
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11-16-2009, 09:56 PM	#7
davedave Captain 40 Rep 788 Posts Drives: Godzilla Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (7)	it is all depend who you talk to in the dealership. Each Dealer have an asshole. I got mine at Long Beach with internet fleet market dept. They are small dealership but people are more down to earth.
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11-16-2009, 10:18 PM	#8
aajami Brigadier General 432 Rep 4,567 Posts Drives: Space Gray '09 E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Manhattan Beach, CA iTrader: (4)	I bought mine from Rusnak BMW in Westlake Village. It's a bit out of the way, but I got a great price. Go straight to the fleet manager (unfortunately, I forget his name) and don't bother dealing with any of the dealers. __________________ '09 E92 M3: Space Gray, Black, Carbon Leather \| ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL \| link 1 / link 2 Mods: M Performance exhaust \| ZCP retrofit \| Euro airbox \| GTS DCT flash \| JPN 240 ECU flash \| Euro LCI taillights \| CRT lip \| OEM alarm retrofit \| Space Gray bumper plugs \| BMW Performance: Mk. II spoiler / Mk. II non-electronic steering wheel / mirror caps / front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem
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11-16-2009, 11:37 PM	#9
aus Major General 892 Rep 9,032 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	OP, just call the SA mentioned above instead of running all over town. I bought from Will at LB BMW too and he is cool, and his partner Steve is also really cool (he has a black M3). The service department's pretty good too. They do have loaners and free rentals. BUT they don't give the best prices. For the best prices you should check out Nick Alexander. Call for Reza. He's no pressure kind of guy. Just keep in mind that you only get a loaner from the dealer you bought from. DON'T go to McKenna. Theys SUCK ASS. They didn't fill the tank and I had to ask for the floor mats. NO LOANERS and they wanted $45/day for a compact!!! They can kiss my ass, I'll NEVER BUY FROM THEM AGAIN. __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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11-17-2009, 10:18 AM	#10
muzeon Private 5 Rep 93 Posts Drives: '09 e90 M3,'71Fiat500,'64 356 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	Bought mine from Phillippe Kahn at South Bay BMW. I would also have bought this BMW from Henry Suh (Interneet Manager) at New Century BMW - bought a few from him, but just didn't have the right car on the lot for me at that time. Both straight forward, no games... good luck and enjoy!
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11-17-2009, 02:17 PM	#11
CAracer Registered 1 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2004 Z-06 Corvette Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	Good forum, thanks for all your referrences... What a great forum. Thanks for all the referrences. I hope to be buying shortly. It seems most of you purchased through a salesman? I usually purchase from the Fleet managers for a better deal. Do you all feel that the salesmen can provide the same deal as the Fleet managers? Thanks for the tip on the heated seats. I'm sure my GF will want the warmth of heated seats too. Thanks again guys...
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11-18-2009, 04:29 PM	#12
CAracer Registered 1 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2004 Z-06 Corvette Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	Where have I been moved to? I see my post was moved and I'm not sure why or where I've been moved to. Thanks,
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11-18-2009, 06:34 PM	#13
john@wickedparts 3 Rep 168 Posts Drives: Going round and round Join Date: May 2009 Location: Van Nuys, CA iTrader: (0)	They moved you to the Cali forum...
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11-18-2009, 06:57 PM	#15
interlago_m3 Private 15 Rep 96 Posts Drives: M3 E92/ E60 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 M3 [10.00] 06 E60 [0.00]	I think the best way u do, found the color and the option u really want from autotrader.com first. And go direct to that dealer. Most BMW dealer in Southern CA, they dont trade car to each other.
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11-22-2009, 11:57 PM	#17
Greer Colonel 1893 Rep 2,511 Posts Drives: 2022 M5 Competition Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Go to Philippe Kahn at South Bay BMW you won't be disappointed!
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11-23-2009, 02:25 AM	#18
M-Tuned JOY IS BMW. 20 Rep 335 Posts Drives: 2010 AW/FR E92 M3 & 2018 X5 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I just got my E92 M3 from William Shaw at Long Beach BMW. Great guy to deal with!!
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10-16-2010, 03:56 PM	#21
Aussie7 Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 200 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 SSII Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: socal iTrader: (1)	That's why you need to head to Southbay bmw and see Philippe Kahn or his associate Chris Conway. Too many of these salesmen think that the walk in customer is a sucker waiting to be raped over the coals. Make sure you are well informed of all the things you want in the car and what price you want and deal with them via e- mail or phone and go in to the dealership you feel most comfortable with. As far as them not letting you test drive a V8 you should have told the SA to wrap a diaper under his mouth to catch all the bullshit that was coming out.
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10-16-2010, 05:18 PM	#22
aus Major General 892 Rep 9,032 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	Since it's been bumped. Will Shaw is now at Nick Alexander. He'll take care of you. __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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