Won ebay auction at 60K for E90 M3, BMW of Lincoln refusing to honor

[VWTHEOTHERWHITEMEAT]

Jerez black on Fox red was not my first choice (I have a deposit for AW/Silver interior with DCT at a local dealer) but I was willing to live with it at a 60K price point, so I bid on it with the intention to pay if I won.


>>> Dooma,
What happened to the deposit you put down on the other car?
I was curious if that dealer kept the money or out of fear of what has happened to this dealership in NB has given it back?

I know autoblog has reported something crazy like 20-30,000 dollar markups on M3s. Has anyone told you what they were asking for that car if you had come in and purchased instead of bidding on ebay?


Good luck

[RX7owner]

Originally Posted by BMW M5 Power

I don't think these are threats. Just that if you pay for it, its still yours. I think it is ironic that everyone was telling Ken it was his car due to the Ebay auction rules and now, even after doubling the timeframe to make payment, the dealership is being vilified for wanting the same rules enforced. Live by the sword.

[snip]

Sorry if you misunderstood my post.
Jeff Gomon

Mr. Gomon,
I'm a 10+ year member of the BMW CCA (gotta remember the *******,
and while I've never owned a BMW (joined for the track events), I've been very
impressed with the friendliness and welcoming attitude of the members I've
met. I also read each issue of the Rondel, with particular attention to the
letters section, as well as Mike Miller's Tech column.

What surprises me is the loyalty shown by the members to a car manufacturer
that frequently seems to not care about what it's customers think, or stand
behind the cars it designs and builds. I think of the early E46 M3 engine
failures when using the SMG transmission, the worn Nikasil V8 and I6 engines,
failing plastic radiator and water pump parts, etc., and I wonder what the
firestorm of anger would be like if these were more "common" cars.

I also read the many letters about substandard dealership support and repairs,
and have noticed that there do seem to be more "Dear John" notes, where
people are talking about their new Audi's or Mercedes, etc. Perhaps there is
a limit to how much owners of expensive cars will take before walking away.

So here we have (what seems to be) a sincere effort by a customer to buy
a new M3, and a dealership that has stooped to record lows in trying to
thwart a sale that's not at the price-premium they hoped for. I think the
early comments from Ken and Fil/Husker's reps are the most credible (before
all the real anger), and they make clear that Husker DID NOT WANT TO
SELL!

Now after the firestorm, they're sending multiple lawyers after Ken, and seem
to be looking for credible supporters. That's where I find your posts to be
difficult to accept.

You clearly want to maintain good relations with Husker, seemingly at the
expense of disgruntled owners. There've been plenty of other posters who've
made clear their own difficult/disappointing experiences with BMW dealers,
Husker or others, and yet you're telling us that the two local dealers are all
[paraphrased] "fine, upstanding citizens".

No, I don't think so. I think you're more interested in maintaining the "perks"
you might get from your position as a Chapter President, and don't like seeing
the boat being rocked so violently. If I were a local Chapter member, I would
be paying attention to your position, and looking around for another member
to support in the next election.

Perhaps that's wishful thinking, but hey, if more Chapter heads were willing
to fight for their members, maybe enough little pushes would finally be able
to steer the big BMW boat in a better direction, one where customer
appreciation really meant something.

[BMW M5 Power]

Originally Posted by UsedCarSalesmanwCombOver

Jeff,

So what happened to the person/internet manager who posted the car on EBAY? Obviously the notion that they mistook the BUY IT NOW price as the reserve is complete horse manure with undigested pieces of corn in it.

Can you explain why the dealeship would pull such a stunt of an auction in the first place? It was no accident.

He was a very new employee and frankly I don't know him personally. I saw him milling around but really didn't have any dealings with him. I guess that knowledge is out there, but I really didn't ask. Given the sales bump this past week, he might get promoted!! Just kidding. In retrospect, I am sure he feel pretty bad after all this. I would crawl under a rock for a while if it were me.
Jeff

[philippek]

Originally Posted by Husker Auto Group lawyer

It is my understanding that the clearly disclosed conditions of the e-Bay auction required that the bidder purschase the vehicle within 72 hours

Am I the only one to notice that at the bottom of the auction it says:

Originally Posted by Ebay

Full payment
Required within 7 days of auction close.

[bmw-m6]

Originally Posted by enlightenment

How other dealers are viewing this situation

http://www.dealerrefresh.com/my_webl...of-the-ne.html

i just finished browsing that site as well. just goes to show ya that there are alot of standup guys out there, and there a select few that ruins it all for the rest of them,,,,that have to pick up the pieces.

[VWTHEOTHERWHITEMEAT]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

I'm upset that people were calling Fil's father on Easter Sunday.

That's terribly wrong... it makes me want to not participate in this effort anymore.

Call me soft, but I was raised better than that.

I agree with Laszlo I have been reading this post since it was originally posted on autoblog. The support has been amazing, but what is also amazing is how some "adults" reacted.

This post is just about to "jump the shark" but I have to admit it is also like a train wreck I can't stop looking

[g00fba11]

Originally Posted by BMW M5 Power

Hello followers of the mayhem

...Further, the car is Kens, it HAS been since Monday,

Jeff, you may believe this as told to you by the dealer. I for one, given the subsequent indications (such as their attempts to put terms on how long Ken must hold on to the car, Fil yelling and refusing to take Ken's credit card, etc. etc) seems to indicate that ego has taken overpowered common sense and logic on behalf of the dealer, Fil in particular (assuming he has logic and common sense to begin with).

Originally Posted by BMW M5 Power

As President of BMW CCA, Missouri Valley Chapter in this region, we have a great relationship , as do our members, with both area dealerships... Do I know the facts, seen the documents, heard the terroristic phone messages, text messages and other various pranks, and seen the disgust in the eyes of the operators that field these calls, yes. Still I kept quiet...

Jeff, may I respectfully suggest that you are probably not as objective as you think you are. You had previous personal relationships with them, and you've never in your life met Ken in person. You've seen all the supporting documents first hand from Fil's side. Did you per chance listen in to any of the calls between the dealership and Ken/Scott? Finally, I am sure you realize tour relationships with Fil can make/break your events success.

Originally Posted by BMW M5 Power

This is, in my opinion, nothing more that mob mentality and has gotten way out of hand.... can share this with you. That place was packed all week with people going in to check out the "infamous" ebay M3. In fact, BMW of Lincoln has sold, and pre-sold, more cars to locals this week thru the foot traffic generated by this so. I would bet they have lost nothing from the stack of new sales order I saw.

Let me post this to you...had it not for what you call "mob mentality" (and Scott's represenation), do you really think Ken stood a snow ball chance in fiery inferno of getting even a bit of respectful response from the dealer? Why do you make it sound as if "mob mentality" is so bad when by your own observation, and Husker's bragging in the local newspaper, that they sold a ton more fine BMWs because of this publicity?

Originally Posted by BMW M5 Power

To be quite honest, both of our area dealerships have great reputations and the CCA members go to whichever dealership is closer. The comments I am getting are, actually, not well received as to the comments and portrayals of the dealership by the bloggers. Most are saying it is just not their experience. Many supportive calls and e-mail were sent as well.

If this were true by just one iota, it wouldn't have progressed to this stage. They would have recognized the faux pas in the at least by the 3rd mistakes out of the hundreds by this time. Will they testify that they never shrill-bid their eBay auctions? How about the unresolved BBB complaints? Plenty of wasted opportunities...plenty.

[-RAC]

taken from LeaseCompare.com

"Does my dealer care if I lease through you?

In most cases no. Leasing through an independent leasing company is the same as if you financed through your local bank or credit union. If they do give you a hard time, then they usually have something to hide. You can elect to get your vehicle at another dealership or threaten to give them a bad survey. This usually changes their attitude. As a consumer, you must stick up for your rights!"

interesting ..............

[BMW M5 Power]

Originally Posted by ideliver

Jeff,

If you use the "quote" button on the lower right part of the screen, it will insert the post that you are commenting on into your post.

It makes the thread easier to follow.

Sorry, not a big Blogger. We have our yahoo group and that is about the extent of it. This forum is awesome and has lots of cool options. Thanks for the heads up on the "quote" button and sorry for the hard to follow posts.

Jeff

[5Ninesluver]

Originally Posted by Chief911

While I think alot of what you had to say before the paragraph quoted above, most of this paragraph above discredit most of what you have said. Here are some facts:

I live in Lincoln
I drive a BMW 335i leased from Husker just over a year ago
A close friend of mine has one as well from Husker

I have never met someone who had a good opinion of Husker. And I have had first hand experience as to why they are not a good dealer.

As to your comments regarding husker tickets and bmwcca membership, that's all news to me. Neither me nor my friend received such treatment.

Regardless, the reality is, Husker is a really bad BMW dealership, and everyone that lives around here knows it.

First off, my computer is broke, will you fix it Chief911?

Husker has had its issues over the years. Now that they are "locally owned" as they have been claiming, I don't have first hand experience of how things are. They lost a great mechanic and great service manager last year so I dont know how good their service is either.

I was in Omaha today and dropped by Markel BMW and they were well aware of the M3 Ebay debacle at Husker. In fact, they were so aware of it that they have been in contact with "dooma350" and are/were trying to figure out a way to get him an M3 at the same price....

[jchan2]

When I read the forums this morning, I thought everything had been settled and the car had been shipped.

Now that I've returned, I see 2 letters from lawyers both saying Dooma has not sent payment and that we're ALL going to be sued for libel.

1st off, good luck to the lawyers to find all of us that have posted to sue us for libel.

2nd of all, Didn't Dooma arrange financing BEFORE bidding? I think the dealer just doesn't want to give up the car.

I agree w/ those that say Dooma should personally fly out to hand the dealership a check, with a bunch of TV outlets present. I'd also immediately turn the car around to an authorized shipper and then have it shipped back to South Bay BMW to get it inspected before I'd be willing to drive the car at all.

Doesn't BMW of Lincoln owe Dooma and his lawyer legal fees? If they hadn't tried to back out of the transaction from the get go, Dooma wouldn't have those legal fees he has incurred. I just think that BMW of Lincoln should pay for Scott Tepper's fee as well, in addition to shipping and a plane ticket to NE to buy the car.

If they had just honored the original bid and let the transaction go, they wouldn't have lost as much money as they have now.

[SilentEdge]

Originally Posted by philippek

Am I the only one to notice that at the bottom of the auction it says:

Ebay
Full payment
Required within 7 days of auction close.

I signed up JUST to quote this. This is extremely important to Ken's case! Just goes to show even more of the lies and smoke the Husker's attorneys are trying to set up.

I have been following this from the beginning and I hope you and your lawyer can win it all.

You've got the support of honda-tech too!

[VWTHEOTHERWHITEMEAT]

Just looked at my dealer's site, and obviously I don't own a BMW, but how much in legal fees and time and effort have you spent on this DOOMA?

This one is posted for like 66k.
http://allproimports.com/New-Invento...oryId=23502551

Why would go through all this for a few grand? Your legal fees and time spent on this have to be over 6 grand by now…was it all worth it?

I mean didn't you say this wasn't even your first choice in options and color?

If I were fortunate enough to get a dream car like an M3 go through all this stress, and I have been in law disputes before. I would be for damn sure this was the car I wanted.

I do still wish you luck and hope you get your car before the BMW get together.

[rainsux]

> So why the threats from Husker's attorney to sue for libel?

Because Husker is out of ideas; and they are trying to get everyones attention.

I *ass*ume that the two attorneys' postings; are an orchestrated carrot & stick drill. My interpretation:

- Carrot: Ken gets the car
- Stick: Get the financing closed, pronto. Time has nearly expired, yet again(?)
- Carrot: Free covered transport to CA (~$1,500 by private carrier?)
- Stick: We've got $6B and we're willing to use it to burn your house down unless the abuse stops *now*

> So why the threats from Husker's attorney to sue for libel?

Because polite reminders and blunt reminders to act civilly are apparently, being ignored by some.

Calling the store? Calling parents? Calling siblings? Calling uninvolved staff? At home? At all hours? Answering machines? Hacking? THREATS?!?! All WRONG.

Remember Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? www.businessballs.com/maslow.htm

Jeff describes actions that are depriving some mighty basic needs (sleep and security). Deprive anyone of those basics, and they are certain to get very aggressive.

As to the report that the fury is resulting in a sales bonanza and they are looking forward to "2,000,000 hits!!!" ... if I've told you once, I've told you 2,000,000 times, don't exagerate. <g>

[SilentEdge]

Originally Posted by SilentEdge

I signed up JUST to quote this. This is extremely important to Ken's case! Just goes to show even more of the lies and smoke the Husker's attorneys are trying to set up.

I have been following this from the beginning and I hope you and your lawyer can win it all.

You've got the support of honda-tech too!

I checked again. On the eBay page it says both 72 hours and 7 days. Ugh, who knows where the actual truth lies...

[MadDog]

Originally Posted by BrynRhys

FILTERD
Shouldn't violate any deceny rules, and those who know will know what it means.

Just checked with CA DMV. This plate is AVAILABLE !!!

[DCLeopard91]

Originally Posted by RX7owner

Mr. Gomon,
I'm a 10+ year member of the BMW CCA (gotta remember the *******,
and while I've never owned a BMW (joined for the track events), I've been very
impressed with the friendliness and welcoming attitude of the members I've
met. I also read each issue of the Rondel, with particular attention to the
letters section, as well as Mike Miller's Tech column.

What surprises me is the loyalty shown by the members to a car manufacturer
that frequently seems to not care about what it's customers think, or stand
behind the cars it designs and builds. I think of the early E46 M3 engine
failures when using the SMG transmission, the worn Nikasil V8 and I6 engines,
failing plastic radiator and water pump parts, etc., and I wonder what the
firestorm of anger would be like if these were more "common" cars.

I also read the many letters about substandard dealership support and repairs,
and have noticed that there do seem to be more "Dear John" notes, where
people are talking about their new Audi's or Mercedes, etc. Perhaps there is
a limit to how much owners of expensive cars will take before walking away.

So here we have (what seems to be) a sincere effort by a customer to buy
a new M3, and a dealership that has stooped to record lows in trying to
thwart a sale that's not at the price-premium they hoped for. I think the
early comments from Ken and Fil/Husker's reps are the most credible (before
all the real anger), and they make clear that Husker DID NOT WANT TO
SELL!

Now after the firestorm, they're sending multiple lawyers after Ken, and seem
to be looking for credible supporters. That's where I find your posts to be
difficult to accept.

You clearly want to maintain good relations with Husker, seemingly at the
expense of disgruntled owners. There've been plenty of other posters who've
made clear their own difficult/disappointing experiences with BMW dealers,
Husker or others, and yet you're telling us that the two local dealers are all
[paraphrased] "fine, upstanding citizens".

No, I don't think so. I think you're more interested in maintaining the "perks"
you might get from your position as a Chapter President, and don't like seeing
the boat being rocked so violently. If I were a local Chapter member, I would
be paying attention to your position, and looking around for another member
to support in the next election.

Perhaps that's wishful thinking, but hey, if more Chapter heads were willing
to fight for their members, maybe enough little pushes would finally be able
to steer the big BMW boat in a better direction, one where customer
appreciation really meant something.

Originally Posted by g00fba11

Jeff, you may believe this as told to you by the dealer. I for one, given the subsequent indications (such as their attempts to put terms on how long Ken must hold on to the car, Fil yelling and refusing to take Ken's credit card, etc. etc) seems to indicate that ego has taken overpowered common sense and logic on behalf of the dealer, Fil in particular (assuming he has logic and common sense to begin with).


Jeff, may I respectfully suggest that you are probably not as objective as you think you are. You had previous personal relationships with them, and you've never in your life met Ken in person. You've seen all the supporting documents first hand from Fil's side. Did you per chance listen in to any of the calls between the dealership and Ken/Scott? Finally, I am sure you realize tour relationships with Fil can make/break your events success.


Let me post this to you...had it not for what you call "mob mentality" (and Scott's represenation), do you really think Ken stood a snow ball chance in fiery inferno of getting even a bit of respectful response from the dealer? Why do you make it sound as if "mob mentality" is so bad when by your own observation, and Husker's bragging in the local newspaper, that they sold a ton more fine BMWs because of this publicity?



If this were true by just one iota, it wouldn't have progressed to this stage. They would have recognized the faux pas in the at least by the 3rd mistakes out of the hundreds by this time. Will they testify that they never shrill-bid their eBay auctions? How about the unresolved BBB complaints? Plenty of wasted opportunities...plenty.

EXACTLY!!!!

And thank you to both of you for posting. It's funny how the BMW CCA local president likes the dealership that has signed up the MOST members to BMW CCA. That, my friends, is called CONFLICT OF INTEREST. By his own admission, he has Fil's number in his cell.

Yet, every other person that has posted in this thread(and there have been many) who is from the Lincoln Nebraska area has noted how they do NOT like Husker. Funny, isn't it?

And, of course, as has been said, I doubt the car would have ever sold without the firestorm. But the reality is this: there are MANY BMW dealerships around this country who treat customers like absolute CRAP and are condescending, have bad service, and try to rip them off. Yet BMW NA continues to do NOTHING over and over and over and over and over again. I have never even once heard such things said about a Lexus dealer. Not once. Maybe it's no surprise they're #1 in customer satisfaction in Motor Trend and JD Power & Associates. Does anyone really think if this happened with a Lexus dealership and we contacted Lexus of North America they would respond with such carelessness as BMW NA is doing? Our BMW CCA Chapter President apparently thinks BMW NA might move its mighty hand to "comment" after this is all done. OH, hold the presses, they might "comment". I'm on the edge of my seat!!!!

Unless they actually DO something about dealers like this and their image across the country, it doesn't really matter. That my friends is part of the big reason said firestorm has happened. People repetitively getting screwed by BMW dealerships with no justice and no one to turn to and 0 interest or help from BMW NA. Why should they? BMW sales are higher than ever!! Every sucker wants to look good and drive a car with the blue and white Roundel. Since my E46 M3(which I miss dearly), I have not bought a BMW and am more hesitant because of issues like this.

[BobbieBrighto]

Some clarification from my understanding and I am off to dinner at Sam Woo in the Eastside. Shocking, I know, true believers.

The 2 letters are for different reasons. The attorneys represent 2 different clients, not the same.

The VTG statement by Maledon representing the dealer is informing the public that the deal had officially closed but it is now extending the date to close. Whether this extension is on the part of goodwill or a tactic because it also believes that the buyer could not & still cannot pay is arguable, imo. What we do know is the chances of financing get lower, not higher, over time. What the extension does want to restate by showing you is that it was & is still not preventing the finance. This letter is for the public.

The HAG letter by Zimmeran representing the HAG, and more importantly, Fil, I believe, written to and is aimed primarily at Dooma is basically telling him to stfu and admit what it believes to be the truth. It is saying that it is aware of the extension by the dealer, which is a separate matter for a separate client, altogether. Now, the letter is seeking retractions of any statements or it will hold Dooma personally responsible (and and whoever else it can later identify) and sue.

There is a reason Dooma is no longer speaking.

This 2d issue is now more on your part, guys, not on Dooma. Think about Dooma before you speak.

[BMW M5 Power]

Originally Posted by RX7owner

Mr. Gomon,
I'm a 10+ year member of the BMW CCA (gotta remember the *******,
and while I've never owned a BMW (joined for the track events), I've been very
impressed with the friendliness and welcoming attitude of the members I've
met. I also read each issue of the Rondel, with particular attention to the
letters section, as well as Mike Miller's Tech column.

You clearly want to maintain good relations with Husker, seemingly at the
expense of disgruntled owners. There've been plenty of other posters who've
made clear their own difficult/disappointing experiences with BMW dealers,
Husker or others, and yet you're telling us that the two local dealers are all
[paraphrased] "fine, upstanding citizens".

No, I don't think so. I think you're more interested in maintaining the "perks"
you might get from your position as a Chapter President, and don't like seeing
the boat being rocked so violently. If I were a local Chapter member, I would
be paying attention to your position, and looking around for another member
to support in the next election.

Perhaps that's wishful thinking, but hey, if more Chapter heads were willing
to fight for their members, maybe enough little pushes would finally be able
to steer the big BMW boat in a better direction, one where customer
appreciation really meant something.

Thank you for being a longstanding BMW CCA member for 10 years. For 10 of my 16 years of membership I have been the President of this Chapter and have run unopposed every time. I have been told I might have to move away or die to get replaced. I do appreciate your position on Chapter relationships as it relates to dealerships. Remember, BMW NA is hugely involved with the club as well and obviously sees that relationship as mutually beneficial or they wouldn't be offering the loyalty discounts of $500-$1500 for members that buy New or CPO's. This chapter would not fold if the dealerships failed to support the events. To suggest that I would use this forum to further my relationship with dealershp for "perks" is rediculous. I can see how you could weave that angle into it, but that is certainly not the case. I have NEVER bought a car from any of the dealerships, get no more discounts than any other member would (which is 20-25% at either dealership) and other than getting called when cool cars come in on trade (that I cannot afford) or to stop in for some Free Starbucks Coffee that everyone else gets, I got nada. I do not want to get into a debate with a fellow member and that is not my intent.
Hope to see you at the track some time!!!

Jeff

[MattH25]

Originally Posted by BMW M5 Power

Hello followers of the mayhem

Just left the dealership. The M3 is in just as pristine a condition as the day I saw it and the White coupe delivered and the miles are as announced. (got pics of it, sat in it weeks before this crap started, I started it up, sounds great, looks great). I repeat, there is NOTHING WRONG with the damn car...period so we can stop that line of drivel. I have seen it several times this week and it is being well taken care of. Further, the car is Kens, it HAS been since Monday, all he has to do is have someone, anyone, send the money and pay for it...that's it. Nothing fishy about that. I don't know about the other legal issues as stated in the Lincoln based Lawyer, other than I know the terms of payment have changed since the initial agreement on Monday as lease was brought in which BMW of Lincoln had agreed to extend another 72 hours. One thing remains, he can have the car!! No one is denying him the car, unless payment is not tendered. The dealership, from Kens admission, has been helpful and even gave him the number of someone at E-bay when he could get not response. He asked everyone to please stop the $hitstorm and several posters on this blog reminded of this. This clearly did not happen and has done nothing but fan the flames. Some of the advice, and admissions of actions, posted here were a bit frightening.

In my opinion, some of what is happening now legally is a direct result of this onslaught. It doesn't affect me either way as I must remain neutral in matters like this. As President of BMW CCA, Missouri Valley Chapter in this region, we have a great relationship , as do our members, with both area dealerships. So, I am not posting to support or bash, just to relay what I know as several staff members of BMW of Lincoln are members, some board members of our chapter. Do I have Fil's (which is short for a very Italian name) phone number on my iphone, yes. Did I get an e-mail response from Larry VanTuyl on this matter when I e-mailed him, yes. Do I know the facts, seen the documents, heard the terroristic phone messages, text messages and other various pranks, and seen the disgust in the eyes of the operators that field these calls, yes. Still I kept quiet...

I have not posted as I really wanted to remain neutral, figuring that the bloggers that are digging up all the data would just flame me as a troll of BMW of Lincoln. Feel free to search all you want, I am simply a BMW CCA member with some insight. If this were happening to Markel BMW, I would be doing the same thing. It isn't an issue of Dealership loyalty. I would ask that you go back and check out the dates of the BBB reports. Fil has only been there for 6-9 months. The Z-06 deal was before he was there. A little more insight. The BMW and Mercedes Benz franchise is a separate sales and service building with its own GSM, its own budget, its own sales staff and mechanics. Those BBB reports were for the GM side, a block, and a world, away. Fil cannot control something when he was not even in the state.
Further, Fil did NOT even know about this situation until after the Internet sales guy tried to squash his screw-up, which is what it was, by some quick footwork that didn't obviously work. Fil found out about it, late on Friday and Ken was called and told by that it would all be straightened out on Monday as it was late, and Easter weekend was coming up. Starting Friday and continuing Sat and Easter Sunday this escalated into, well, I think we know. Know this, as promised, the car was Kens Monday. Were there some interesting requests, and did Fil get huffy on the phone, knowing him, he might have. Remember, bloggers hacked computers and were e-mail blasting him, his staff, his family and were calling him all weekend. TV reporters had called, local newspaper etc. Bloggers had called Fil's Father (who does NOT own the dealership by the way) during Easter Dinner. Also called and harassed were his sisters, brother and other family members. So, if you tell someone that it will be handled on Monday, and you get harassed ALL WEEKEND, I think I would have a few words for the ONLY person he could put a face on that had a role in all this. Given the actions of some bloggers, his actions were pretty tame.

Not even going to comment on the youtube video and the pictures, which I hear are very nice centerpiece of their case at this point. This is, in my opinion, nothing more that mob mentality and has gotten way out of hand. I can share this with you. That place was packed all week with people going in to check out the "infamous" ebay M3. In fact, BMW of Lincoln has sold, and pre-sold, more cars to locals this week thru the foot traffic generated by this so. I would bet they have lost nothing from the stack of new sales order I saw. Publicity, good or bad, is still publicity, get people out to check it out, and this is great FREE publicity. I hope it hits 2,000,000 posts!!!

To be quite honest, both of our area dealerships have great reputations and the CCA members go to whichever dealership is closer. The comments I am getting are, actually, not well received as to the comments and portrayals of the dealership by the bloggers. Most are saying it is just not their experience. Many supportive calls and e-mail were sent as well. For Ken I have this. Yes you will be getting your license place frames, your Husker football Tickets and, as all clients that purchase a new or CPO BMW at BMW of Lincoln, you will receive a 1 year membership to the BMW CCA (or a renewal if you already are a member). It is really too bad that you never heard that this dealership won an award from BMW CCA for the dealership signing up the most members of all dealerships in the nation...thats #1 of 368. Again, just stating facts and not throwing out random conspiracy theories.

From what I saw, BMW NA is not getting involved at this time, but I am told that E-bay and BMW NA will make comments once this is over.....I think you will be interested in that information. One last thing. Fil is Not just the GM, but a part owner of the Dealership, I don't think he will be firing himself anytime soon, certainly over something like this.

I am not a troll, just some lowly 1991 BMW M5 driver who happens to be closer to the situation than I expected. You can google me all you want. You will find pics of my car and articles I have written on our chapter newsletter as well as a link to our Chapter website. Feel free to flame me just the same, call me what you want, I have no angle here, nothing invested. I don't buy my cars from dealerships, only fellow CCA members. I do my own maintenance as I am an aircraft mechanic, and I don't work for BMW of Lincoln. All I can go on is my own experiences with them, which is quite positive, and I hear the same from fellow members.

From here on out, I will only make comments on what I KNOW is fact in efforts to quell this firestorm and set records straight. Hurry up Ken and get this thing paid for at this great price. In the end you are getting a great car.

Jeff Gomon, President
Missouri Valley Chapter, BMW CCA
Lincoln, NE

Yet another post that finally drew a lurker out of the shadows. No offense Jeff but taking your opinion about a company and individuals that you admitted both are members of your club and on the board of directors is akin to believing Dick Cheney rant and rave about the wonderful group of fellows over at Haliburton.

Not only is it clear that Husker BMW is poorly managed, it is clear that Fil and his comrades had NO intention of fulfilling their obligation till this internet firestorm hit. Believe what you want but myself, as well as the countless other business owners in this thread, would have given up our Easter Sunday to ensure that something like this didn't happen.

You say the heartlanders are a simple people. I would have to agree with this after watching this entire saga unfold. Only a simple person would not see the tremendous potential for great publicity that was discarded. Only a simple individual would have let this progress to where both sides needed to secure legal representation and lastly only a simple individual would value a relatively insignificant amount of money over their reputation. Call me a complex person, I'm a person that would like to remembered as a man of his word; where a handshake is all that is needed to seal a deal. I'm positive i'm not the only one here that feels that way and I'm also positive that I'm not the only one here that has lost a significant amount of money with that mentality. My reputation and my dignity will always take precedent over my finances. I only wish your buds down at Husker felt the same way.

At the end of the day I'm sure many at that dealership were disgusted. I would be if I worked there. I can guarantee you this however. As disgusted as they were at the comments directed towards them; it pales in comparision to the disgust of everyone following this saga unfold at the unfettered greed, lies, and complete disregard for ethical business practices that this dealership has been preaching.

Ken, congratulations on your car from the Utah Evo owners! We couldn't be happier for you especially considering we've had to deal with our own slew of shady dealers. Please post as soon as you get the Ebay auction rolling. I'll make sure my nigerian business manager gets the winning check sent-out ASAP :

p.s. check may not clear...and may actually be a bill

[88M3SanDiego]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

I miss my e46 M3 dearly as well. I actually have dreams about that car. I dreamt that I stole it back from the dealership and picked up a really hot Latina girl... it was amazing until I looked in the back seat and saw my wife sitting there. I miss that car so much.

OK That made me laugh.

[Old Cdn E36]

Way too many people with way too much inside knowledge posting on this.

Specific details of the customer-dealer negotiations should be confidential, I sure expect mine would be, and only increases the bad image of the dealer.

The poster who first brought up the "Can't afford it, is leasing now" comment posted the lease deal before the purchaser informed us. Bad, Bad, Bad.

Too many of the "dealer supporters" have posted neutral comments on the dealer and highly negative slants on unimportant details of the buyer. Even on the Ebay page the seller lists the leasing company as acceptable to them. So why slander the lease details or its timing.

The buyer has been questioned for being unwilling to accept the dealers (now) offer to get him there at their expense, to complete the deal. Ask yourself whether YOU would risk going into their territory after all the anger they've expressed? Not me.

Requests for personal financial details? Well, duh, the dealer wants to make a few bucks off the financing too. Been through it, no thanks. Ask yourself whether YOU would give those details to a dealer who has displayed such anger so far, and who seems to share these details with "loyal customers".

Why would there be now 4 attempts at intimidation (we're a multi billion dollar company, condition of purchase by manager requires negative publicity be negated, condition of 1st lawyer requesting buyer negate negative publicity, 2nd lawyer's threat to file suit over negative publicity), and through it all the buyer has requested a halt to the prank calls. But apparently the "loyal customer" claims they are selling a lot of BMW's because of this publicity. If that were true, then why would the dealership be trying so angrily to stop the flood they started?

The buyer has the right to decide the method of financing, and certainly has the option to change his mind on the means of payment. Ask yourself if YOU would pay full to such a seller based on the current state of affairs? No, you'd look for an outside lease to at least keep your dealings 3rd party, and place more of the risk on the lease company. All wise choices in the game so far.

Remember, when we buy from a dealer, we are the novice, they are the expert. They handle finances hourly that we see rarely. Not only that, they know ALL the stall tactics, and certainly have it in their arsenal to find a way to cancel the whole deal. Look at the current example"you took to long to close (because we stalled you!) so the deals off."

Don't forget, they will probably know at least someone at every leasing corp/financing corp, and may well have the inside connections to "stall" the buyers financing just long enough to "Ooops, too late, deal's off" !!

This is by no means over yet.

Take another look at comments of "satisfied customer", regarding ownership. Obviously Fil (if he is part-owner) will have full power to interfere where-ever he chooses, and does not need to listen (yet) to anyone, as he seeks to avenge his damaged pride. So he digs the hole deeper.
This will continue until someone above him takes away his shovel.
So far, not yet.

To date every posting by the buyer (or his counsel) has been basic descriptions and reporting of details.

To date most postings by the sellers friends/trolls/counsel have been lengthy error-filled attempts at defamation, distortion and intimidation.

Good thing it's all here in perma-text on the internet for all to see in perpetuity!

The stuff of legends, here in the making!