08 and 09... or even 2010...

[x838nwy]

Okay, I'm pretty sure this has been dealt with already, but for some reason I cannot seem to find it. So here goes...

1.) I'm being offered a rather good deal on an '08 M3 Coupe - as I understand it, the only difference between the '08 and '09 is the I-Drive, correct? The '08 car is UK-Spec. Will the '08 have the OLD I-Drive?

2.) A grey-importer is also offering me an '09 JB M3 Coupe for quite a lot less than the dealer (actually cheaper than the '09 above). Now there's a bit of a problem here 'cos I seem to recall that in about a month's time, if I place an order the car will come in as a 2010 model year. So:

2.1) What are the differences between '09 and 2010? LED lights only?
2.2) I understand that orders from 25th of July will be for the 2010 model year. Is this correct?

To clarify the price differences:
a.) Let the list price of an '09 or 2010 model from a dealer is 100% (as far as I know, they're not increasing the price).
b.) I'm being offered an '08 at 95% from the same dealer (I think I can get it slightly lower)
c.) A grey importer is offering an '09 at 87%, this will be the lowest they will go.
d.) A 2010 car from a grey importer will be at about 90% of the price of an '09 from a dealership.

I have some idea of what I might do, but just wanted some opinions...

Thanks guys

[ChitownM3]

08 is the fastest year so far.

[x838nwy]

Originally Posted by ChitownM3

08 is the fastest year so far.

LOLz...I kindda had my opinions on that but it's all a bit crazy at the moment with the economy and everything. A lot of dealers are trying to get rid of 08 and even 09's and prices are a bit weird. I think I'll let things calm down a touch before making my mind up on things.

[nvez]

Out of curiosity, OP, what's a grey importer exactly? How legit is it out of 10 :P

[x838nwy]

Originally Posted by nvez

Out of curiosity, OP, what's a grey importer exactly? How legit is it out of 10 :P

It's a bit of a new concept for me too, but what it is, is just a company that imports cars into the country themselves - so, they probably have a contact in the UK or Germany who buys the car there, stick it in the container then have it shipped over here. So the car will be UK or German specifications.

A 'dealer' for me is like an official BMW dealer who gets his allocations from BMW (Thailand in this case) and goes through all the motions of a normal dealer like you have in, say, the USA.

The main difference, as far as I know, is the lack of dealer support. Or rather official dealer support. And obviously, the price.

I'm still trying to understand the process myself, but I',m pretty sure the cars these importers sell are not like stolen or something... or rather I hope not!

[wheelman]

I'd order a 2010 from the dealer.