Sorry to hear about this situation - I know nothing of your detail but assume it is exactly how you told the story.
If so, then you have a binding contract - Clear terms (Order Sheet/ Spec Sheet with colors, etc), accepted by both parties (Order #) and have paid 'Consideration' (Your down payment). I don't know UK Law, but here in US and I think everywhere I've worked internationally, this is a Legal Contract - Fully Binding on the parties.
You have options: First, decide if you want the car as specified and agreed - If Yes,
- Then, Press the dealer (Or more likely the BMW Area/Country Rep) to fulfill this deal, EXACTLY as written. Use the above explanation of the contract and their obligation. (While this dealer may not have a slot, if production is not ended, then someone does have a slot or car in the process... Make them trade to get it for you)
- If they cannot or will not, Then, Second, If you want a Car of this model (pre-LCI), then Tell The Dealer (And likely the BMW Are/Country Rep) to propose which car, and which amended terms they believe to be equitable under the contract and then decide to accept or not. Don't let them constrain you to ONLY Cars already in UK unless there are physical differences that would prevent them importing one from Germany/EU Country... Cost is not a deterrent for you. (This is Sort of like doing your own arbitration - Decide what you feel would be acceptable in both Colors, options, timing, and financial compensation, but don't inform the dealer or BMW rep of your new terms - Make them present their terms to you.)
- If they cannot or will not come to the table with reasonable new terms, then retail legal counsel and expect them to both satisfy the contract and pay legal fee's - Have lawyer send letter to this effect to Dealership Owner and BMW Area/Country Rep. Making this a public matter (Court Filings, Proceedings) will be quite embarrassing and the added costs of taking this path act as incentives.
IF You decide you do not want the car under this deal - Estimate the damages and present that estimate, in writing, to the Dealership Owner and BMW Area/Country Rep, in itemized form: for example:
- Difference in costs between your contract and new contract for equivalent deal on Newer, Post LCI equivalent Model
- Estimation of value you assign to the differences between Pre-LCI and Post-LCI Car that drove you to buying a Pre-LCI Car (Including Financial/Repair Risks of buying new untried/tested changes in Post-LCI Car)
- Estimation of value of your time and costs getting to this new deal
- Estimation of time and difficulties in not having the car between original delivery date and delivery date of a new car under revised deal
- Any penalties for their stupidity and incompetence
This should at least get you a Great Deal on the new, Post LCI Car.
Be professional, Lawyer Like or at least General Manager Like in your thought processes and presentation of the above. Focus on how your preferred path is truly better for them as well. You don't really care whether they screed up or intentionally sold your car to someone else - all you want is them to fulfill their contract. Of Course, with BMW Ordering / Tracking Systems, THERE IS SOMEONE Who can take your paperwork and track Exactly what happened.... Just sayin'
PS - NONE of this is Legal Advice, just some poetic license and story telling about your situation.... Good Luck