Why so many M3s just sitting around?

RandyB · 03-12-2008, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveMondragon

On the contrary, my co-worker has had his E92 M3 since last week and hates the 6-spd in it... at least for his commute into work. Today he drove his wife's Range Rover but otherwise hated it the last few days driving into downtown LA with the manual gearbox. He said he liked driving his old E60 M5 becuase that at least was more comfortable to drive in traffic and still had plenty of power when needed. He likes his M3 and wants to keep on driving it on a daily basis but now plans on going to the dealership later this week to put down a deposit on the DCT model that comes out in the summer because he likes that setup better, and will trade in his 6-spd.

And before people start to say that it's a better setup for the track or racing, he has a 360 CS that is dedicated for runs at the track so I don't think he's worried about that.

He had no idea he would have to shift a manual trans so much when he bought it, or he couldn't wait one more month?

SteveMondragon · 03-12-2008, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyB

He had no idea he would have to shift a manual trans so much when he bought it, or he couldn't wait one more month?

After owning a 996 GT2 for a few years, one would think that he knows how to drive a manual no problem, especially in LA traffic. I guess when you have cash to throw and want a specific car, you're not going to wait around.

When he placed his order and threw down a deposit a year ago, there were no dates or prices available for DCT and early predictions were mid/late 2008. Although I wouldn't be surprised if there was an allocated DCT model that comes in next month sitting around at the dealership and he just buys that.

RandyB · 03-12-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveMondragon

After owning a 996 GT2 for a few years, one would think that he knows how to drive a manual no problem, especially in LA traffic. I guess when you have cash to throw and want a specific car, you're not going to wait around.

When he placed his order and threw down a deposit a year ago, there were no dates or prices available for DCT and early predictions were mid/late 2008. Although I wouldn't be surprised if there was an allocated DCT model that comes in next month sitting around at the dealership and he just buys that.

Gotcha. Just curious. He's not just getting lazy, is he?

ybbiz34 · 03-12-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rldzhao

The car has only been launched for a couple days, so give it some time! This is a $70,000 piece of toy - not a $300 iPhone.

People who really want an M3 (like us) already ordered. The ones on the dealer lots are only supposed to be demos (most of them have full options), but many dealers are ignoring bmw's advice and marking them up way high for sale. So most rational people (who don't want it ASAP) would rather order one @ MSRP.

Moreover, M3 customers are usually enthusiasts who are very picky about color, options, etc., so that's why a lot of people would rather order them to get the exact car they want.

Last, how do you know there are "so many"? Just because there are serveral threads on this forum? M3 is a mass production car, so of course there will be ones sitting around on the lot.

Some good points.

SteveMondragon · 03-12-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyB

Gotcha. Just curious. He's not just getting lazy, is he?

You try driving an hour in LA traffic, between 1st & neutral, 1st & neutral, over and over, twice a day. Over time, you'll also want to get an auto car if you make that drive on a daily basis

.

eclipsisNA · 03-12-2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveMondragon

You try driving an hour in LA traffic, between 1st & neutral, 1st & neutral, over and over, twice a day. Over time, you'll also want to get an auto car if you make that drive on a daily basis

.

I've said this for years. While I love manuals, 1st/neutral a thousand times over in 405 traffic is a nightmare.

RandyB · 03-12-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xcellere

I've said this for years. While I love manuals, 1st/neutral a thousand times over in 405 traffic is a nightmare.

MOVE!!

J/k!

drvai · 03-12-2008, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveMondragon

You try driving an hour in LA traffic, between 1st & neutral, 1st & neutral, over and over, twice a day. Over time, you'll also want to get an auto car if you make that drive on a daily basis

.

Not me.

ersin · 03-12-2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MShift

markup..

+1. The stealers want as much $ as they can get out of these first ones while they are still rare and if someone is willing to pay, so be it. They might also want to keep the showroom floor models around for a bit until more M3s start arriving.

Besides, everyone is waiting for the GT-Rs anyway.

BMW335icDDS · 03-12-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ersin

+1. The stealers want as much $ as they can get out of these first ones while they are still rare and if someone is willing to pay, so be it. They might also want to keep the showroom floor models around for a bit until more M3s start arriving.

Besides, everyone is waiting for the GT-Rs anyway.

LOL, hope to see your GTR next to mine!

ersin · 03-12-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW335icDDS

LOL, hope to see your GTR next to mine!

Me too

. I'm under no delusions here. While it is a better performing car than the M3 I'm not sure if it as livable as the M3 and with what Nissan said about bringing only 1500 GT-Rs into the US (but there has been speculation that they'll bring more) the demand will be kept high ==> dealer markups for a while.

Seriously, I was just kidding with my remark about everyone waiting for the GT-R.

rai · 03-12-2008, 02:53 PM

I talked to my local nissan dealer they want +$20K and say they are just getting 2 GTRs this year so I don't think the GTR is as much in play for me. I'm having a hard enough time with the idea of a $70K M3 let alone a $94K Nissan.

If I can locate a msrp GTR that would be my choice but I do not want to pay +$20K games.

ersin · 03-12-2008, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rai

I talked to my local nissan dealer they want +$20K and say they are just getting 2 GTRs this year so I don't think the GTR is as much in play for me. I'm having a hard enough time with the idea of a $70K M3 let alone a $94K Nissan.

If I can locate a msrp GTR that would be my choice but I do not want to pay +$20K games.

Yeah, with about 600 and some odd qualified dealers in the US, that works out to about 2 or 3 cars per year. However, some forums were implying that this is not realistic and Nissan is trying to create demand by saying this. Can't vouch for this, only a rumor. We'll see. Still the GT-R is more expensive than the M3, even a loaded M3.

yungmsix · 03-12-2008, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ersin

Yeah, with about 600 and some odd qualified dealers in the US, that works out to about 2 or 3 cars per year. However, some forums were implying that this is not realistic and Nissan is trying to create demand by saying this. Can't vouch for this, only a rumor. We'll see. Still the GT-R is more expensive than the M3, even a loaded M3.

Yeh, a GTR is an amazing car, very easy to drive on the street and on the race track, the car is really scary. I have a friend that works for UNIVERSAL NISSAN, hes going to call me as soon as they get one, i really want to take a good look at this car, i saw it at the LA AUTO SHOW, and i was extremely impressed with the car. It has alot of good qualities to it, i can see the interior from a distance but it looks very clean with the suede inserts, their are youtube videos of it beating the TURBO..the only thing stopping me from turning in my 335i for this is the fact that its a NISSAN 90K for a nissan ehhhhh i dont know yet, i have to see it and feel it.. than i will make a decision

MelsM3 · 03-12-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rldzhao

The car has only been launched for a couple days, so give it some time! This is a $70,000 piece of toy - not a $300 iPhone.

People who really want an M3 (like us) already ordered. The ones on the dealer lots are only supposed to be demos (most of them have full options), but many dealers are ignoring bmw's advice and marking them up way high for sale. So most rational people (who don't want it ASAP) would rather order one @ MSRP.

Moreover, M3 customers are usually enthusiasts who are very picky about color, options, etc., so that's why a lot of people would rather order them to get the exact car they want.

Last, how do you know there are "so many"? Just because there are several threads on this forum? M3 is a mass production car, so of course there will be ones sitting around on the lot.

For using Common Sense before you made a post!

US dealers received ONE or TWO $70,000.00+ demos, only about "five minutes" ago!

kishg · 03-13-2008, 09:38 PM

well, after all the anticipation, i've pulled my order. going to keep my 540 for another year and see what my options are then. give it some time for the bugs to be worked out and prices to drop (in this economy, they will). getting myself a consolation price though.. alpineweiss, e30 m3!! will post pics shortly.

kamichael · 03-29-2008, 02:25 AM

I have to agree regarding a 90K Nissan? I have owned over 20 cars since the mid 90's and was the most disappointed with my recent 350Z and G35. The motor was decent, yet I could not get past the overall cheap feel and build quality of Nissan's cars.

LittleRocket · 03-29-2008, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yungmsix

For 70K you can get...

Carrera
Gransport (maserati)
Cayman S
650i
Used M5 (E60)

For 70K I still would rather get an m3 over the cars you listed.

M3Kevin · 03-29-2008, 01:06 PM

I too thought about the price drop issue. I know that the markup on MSRP will go away eventually. (tho if you negotiate, and look around enough, you will not have to pay a markup even now).

As for the price dropping - I wonder how the weak dollar is going to play into German car prices? I seriously wonder about if they will be able to drop the price, as effectively, they are price dropping it everyday as the dollar weakens against the euro...

M3Kevin · 03-29-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yungmsix

For 70K you can get...

Carrera
Gransport (maserati)
Cayman S
650i
Used M5 (E60)

Wow - not sure i'd want any of those. Certainly not the cayman S, and after the GT3 - the carrera would be a downgrade. Gransport - it was on my shortlist of cars to get - tho maintenance on them could be an issue.

scollins · 03-29-2008, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3Kevin

Wow - not sure i'd want any of those. Certainly not the cayman S, and after the GT3 - the carrera would be a downgrade. Gransport - it was on my shortlist of cars to get - tho maintenance on them could be an issue.

And the M3 wouldn't be a downgrade from a GT3 too?

fmquadri · 03-29-2008, 04:08 PM

a dealership near me had 4 on the lot - unaccounted for. Been there for over almost 2 weeks now.

I'm ordering mine for MSRP but i bet after 4/30 when hopefully lease #'s change - things will get moving again.

03-12-2008, 02:53 PM	#56
rai Captain 55 Rep 649 Posts Drives: M3 coupe with DCT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: maryland iTrader: (0)	I talked to my local nissan dealer they want +$20K and say they are just getting 2 GTRs this year so I don't think the GTR is as much in play for me. I'm having a hard enough time with the idea of a $70K M3 let alone a $94K Nissan. If I can locate a msrp GTR that would be my choice but I do not want to pay +$20K games.
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03-13-2008, 09:38 PM	#60
kishg Private First Class 1 Rep 188 Posts Drives: 2003 540i/6 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (0)	well, after all the anticipation, i've pulled my order. going to keep my 540 for another year and see what my options are then. give it some time for the bugs to be worked out and prices to drop (in this economy, they will). getting myself a consolation price though.. alpineweiss, e30 m3!! will post pics shortly. __________________ '05 X5/3.0 Sport (E53) '03 540i/6 M-Sport (E39) '91 325i/5 Sport Package (E30) BMWCCA #360858 SCCA# 374179 NASA # 128290
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03-29-2008, 02:25 AM	#61
kamichael BMW M on my mind 336 Rep 460 Posts Drives: 22 M3, 23 M2, 24 X5 50e Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SoCal (USA) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M2 (G87) [10.00] 2022 BMW M3 Competi ... [9.00] 2024 BMW X5 xDrive ... [10.00]	I have to agree regarding a 90K Nissan? I have owned over 20 cars since the mid 90's and was the most disappointed with my recent 350Z and G35. The motor was decent, yet I could not get past the overall cheap feel and build quality of Nissan's cars. __________________ 22 G80 M3 Comp xDrive 23 G80 M2 MT 24 G05 X5 50e
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03-29-2008, 01:06 PM	#63
M3Kevin Private First Class 17 Rep 128 Posts Drives: Alpine White 2008 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phoenix AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 Corvette Z06 [0.00] 2004 GT3 [0.00] 2008 M3 [0.00]	I too thought about the price drop issue. I know that the markup on MSRP will go away eventually. (tho if you negotiate, and look around enough, you will not have to pay a markup even now). As for the price dropping - I wonder how the weak dollar is going to play into German car prices? I seriously wonder about if they will be able to drop the price, as effectively, they are price dropping it everyday as the dollar weakens against the euro... __________________ A happy tire is a squeeling tire. Happiness isn't around the corner - it IS the corner!
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03-29-2008, 04:08 PM	#66
fmquadri Private First Class 11 Rep 150 Posts Drives: 08 E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	a dealership near me had 4 on the lot - unaccounted for. Been there for over almost 2 weeks now. I'm ordering mine for MSRP but i bet after 4/30 when hopefully lease #'s change - things will get moving again.
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