steve_b Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Not to encourage you to swap for a BMW as very different cars to a Zed, BUT If you are thinking about it then might be a good tome to visit BMW dealers. I am getting daily calls from dealers I visited when looking for a car, now have 3-4 garages following up 3-4 times each to see if they could help me out. Either their customer service is excellent or they are desperate to move stock on, either way not a bad thing if you are in the market place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H5 Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Not to encourage you to swap for a BMW as very different cars to a Zed, BUT If you are thinking about it then might be a good tome to visit BMW dealers. I am getting daily calls from dealers I visited when looking for a car, now have 3-4 garages following up 3-4 times each to see if they could help me out. Either their customer service is excellent or they are desperate to move stock on, either way not a bad thing if you are in the market place. All car dealers are screwed at the moment. Finance is expensive and hard to come by, interest rate rises means people have less money to spend on cars, and there's enough second hand cars out there to choose from.... BMW must have had the arrogance knocked out of them if they are calling around. They refused me a test drive a couple of years back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarnie Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Not to encourage you to swap for a BMW as very different cars to a Zed, BUT If you are thinking about it then might be a good tome to visit BMW dealers. I am getting daily calls from dealers I visited when looking for a car, now have 3-4 garages following up 3-4 times each to see if they could help me out. Either their customer service is excellent or they are desperate to move stock on, either way not a bad thing if you are in the market place. All car dealers are screwed at the moment. Finance is expensive and hard to come by, interest rate rises means people have less money to spend on cars, and there's enough second hand cars out there to choose from.... BMW must have had the arrogance knocked out of them if they are calling around. They refused me a test drive a couple of years back. +1 I tried to get a test drive on a Z4M roadster. Phoned 3 dealerships and went into two. End result? No test drive and therefore no sale for them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b Posted January 17, 2008 Author Share Posted January 17, 2008 Go back now take a Z4M out and cane it, will give them a fright, then jump back into the lambo and thank them for their time. If you just want a smile but not buy, I would suggest taking out a 135i, not driven it but would think its performance would be better than a zed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickya Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 If you just want a smile but not buy, I would suggest taking out a 135i, not driven it but would think its performance would be better than a zed. Lovely car but no LSD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebized Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I tried to get a test drive on a Z4M roadster. Phoned 3 dealerships and went into two. End result? No test drive err.....was this before THAT test drive you had in a ZED or after and word had got around? Z4M is a crap car anyway for the money, why bother wanting to test it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H5 Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 If you just want a smile but not buy, I would suggest taking out a 135i, not driven it but would think its performance would be better than a zed. Lovely car but no LSD I take it you don't mean in the looks department!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarnie Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I tried to get a test drive on a Z4M roadster. Phoned 3 dealerships and went into two. End result? No test drive err.....was this before THAT test drive you had in a ZED or after and word had got around? Z4M is a crap car anyway for the money, why bother wanting to test it? Because I wanted the roadster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chesterfield Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Ive never been impressed with my local BMW dealer. They even once said to me a little while ago when looking for two company motors, "we dont need to sell you the car, the car sells itself" They were correct in some respects..... they didnt sell me one. I havent even bothered visiting them asking for a test of the M6, as I know what the likely answer would be. Which is surprising, as garages selling other marques have been more than willing to arrange test drives, some even offering them there and then, but we declined that particular one as Tracy hadn't got her license with her (and I want her to test them as well) On the basis of what you have said I may have to pop along and see what they say now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indyzed Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Not to encourage you to swap for a BMW as very different cars to a Zed, BUT If you are thinking about it then might be a good tome to visit BMW dealers. I am getting daily calls from dealers I visited when looking for a car, now have 3-4 garages following up 3-4 times each to see if they could help me out. Either their customer service is excellent or they are desperate to move stock on, either way not a bad thing if you are in the market place. All car dealers are screwed at the moment. Finance is expensive and hard to come by, interest rate rises means people have less money to spend on cars, and there's enough second hand cars out there to choose from.... BMW must have had the arrogance knocked out of them if they are calling around. They refused me a test drive a couple of years back. +1 I tried to get a test drive on a Z4M roadster. Phoned 3 dealerships and went into two. End result? No test drive and therefore no sale for them Have you been by that dealership since acquiring your Lamborghini? That would be fun to rub their noses in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indyzed Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I was declined a test drive in a WRX a couple years ago. The salesman told me they couldn't let every kid that came along test drive one. I was 33 at the time and had enough money to pay cash. Needless to say I went somewhere else. My cousin is a very wealthy individual. Travels the world constantly (he hits London quite a bit. He works very closely with the owner of Brooklyn Models) and has a huge home. His only downfall is he dresses like he's homeless. That's just him. I learned a long time ago you can't judge a person's financial situation by their appearance. Seems car salesmen could learn this lesson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozz Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I was declined a test drive in a WRX a couple years ago. The salesman told me they couldn't let every kid that came along test drive one. I was 33 at the time and had enough money to pay cash. Needless to say I went somewhere else. My cousin is a very wealthy individual. Travels the world constantly (he hits London quite a bit. He works very closely with the owner of Brooklyn Models) and has a huge home. His only downfall is he dresses like he's homeless. That's just him. I learned a long time ago you can't judge a person's financial situation by their appearance. Seems car salesmen could learn this lesson. I hear what you are saying, but I think most people factor in appearance when dealing with people - its natural. I think if I was a dealer and someone looking like a homeless person wandered in asking to test drive the new R8 I might think twice... When I view houses, cars or go for financial meetings I dress smart, not OTT in suits etc, just smart as it does create a better impression - would you go to a job interview in jeans? I suppose its depends on the job. Anyway, where did this thread go lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indyzed Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Anyway, where did this thread go lol! Sorry. My fault. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev946 Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 My BMW dealer was excellent, but it was down to one guy. Agree the majority are crap.....of any dealer for that matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmmackfc Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 My cousin is a very wealthy individual. Travels the world constantly (he hits London quite a bit. He works very closely with the owner of Brooklyn Models) and has a huge home. His only downfall is he dresses like he's homeless. That's just him. I learned a long time ago you can't judge a person's financial situation by their appearance. Seems car salesmen could learn this lesson. I had a mate in the motor trade and that was his problem, judged people on appearence. Bad mistake... one of my mates even refused to deal with him In Vegas they always treat everyone great no matter what shop. Last time I was there a guy and woman asked to see a Faberge Egg, they didn't look as if they had a fiver ... 5 minutes later he bought it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanta350 Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I am really tempted by the z4 at the moment... they''ve fallen in price so much - 13k for a 03 spec 3.0 @ around 40/45k miles Then I wouldn't have to wait for a modded 350z.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ir_fuel Posted January 18, 2008 Share Posted January 18, 2008 Friend of mine's dad saved money when he was young to buy his first car. He went to the bmw dealership and the guys said "but what are you doing here, you can never afford a car like this". So he never set foot in one again. 2 months ago he got a new car, Audi A5 3.0TDI full-option. Guess when you can buy that you still haven't got the money to buy a bimmer Must say that I never had that experience with Audi or Nissan (well had other experiences with some Nissan dealers here, but that's a different story ). I was 22 when I bought my TT, it was summer and I went to the dealers wearing shorts, skateboarding-shoes and some heavy metal t-shirt. So either they didn't care or they where thinking "hmm, looks like a nerd, prolly works in ICT, so he ll have the cash" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H5 Posted January 18, 2008 Share Posted January 18, 2008 Friend of mine's dad saved money when he was young to buy his first car. He went to the bmw dealership and the guys said "but what are you doing here, you can never afford a car like this". So he never set foot in one again. 2 months ago he got a new car, Audi A5 3.0TDI full-option. Guess when you can buy that you still haven't got the money to buy a bimmer Must say that I never had that experience with Audi or Nissan (well had other experiences with some Nissan dealers here, but that's a different story ). I was 22 when I bought my TT, it was summer and I went to the dealers wearing shorts, skateboarding-shoes and some heavy metal t-shirt. So either they didn't care or they where thinking "hmm, looks like a nerd, prolly works in ICT, so he ll have the cash" There's a saying in Germany along the lines of 'those that can't afford it and think they've made it drive BMW, those that can afford it and know they've made it drive a Merc' The only thing I'd put in the first part of that is 'and put an M badge on a diesel / 318 / 525 (delete option)' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacko Posted January 18, 2008 Share Posted January 18, 2008 That whole attitude is why no matter how interesting "some" of the upper cars they do may be, I'd NEVER buy one! Just not me. To be fair I'm sure some of them drive really well, but that whole "I've got a BMW therefore I've made it in life" attitude that you get off most of the drivers just grates me...... especially when its normally a crap 318/320..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H5 Posted January 18, 2008 Share Posted January 18, 2008 That whole attitude is why no matter how interesting "some" of the upper cars they do may be, I'd NEVER buy one! Just not me. To be fair I'm sure some of them drive really well, but that whole "I've got a BMW therefore I've made it in life" attitude that you get off most of the drivers just grates me...... especially when its normally a crap 318/320..... I couldn't agree more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b Posted January 18, 2008 Author Share Posted January 18, 2008 Chaps, nothing wrong with BMW drivers, before the Zed I had a Merc CLK and did not think much about that. There is normally a reason someone buys a car and this time it was because I needed to tow a proper car. Cannot do that with a Zed and best bet turned out to be a 5 series. Its not saying "I have" or "have not made it", its saying I can find a car that delivers what I want it too, nothing more. Possibly also saying I am older than most of you...... Just to clear up the m badge, over 50% of 5's i looked at wore a "M" sports badge. Just thing of it as the equivalent of the Nismo kit fitted on the Zed. Only its not just body kit, it gives the lowering of 15mm at the same timea dn better wheels. Not everyone is pretending to be in a M3 or M5, honest. Best way to tell if a BMW is going to bother a Zed is look for 4 exhausts, if it has one its a 2ltr, if its 2 then its anything below a M3 or M5. If its a going past you in a straight line with lots of smoke coming out the back then its likely to be a remapped diesel with 506lb/ft http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarr ... eries.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 Not too keen on BMW dealers to be honest. They wouldn't look at my dad a few years ago at the weekend when he was in his 10 quid Tesco jeans but when he went in during the week in a nice suit after a meeting they were tripping over him. He pointed out out that he had the same amount of money as at the wweekend and walked out. On that occasion straight into a jag dealer to order an XJ8. They didn't have much time for me either. It must be great to go home and tell your wife that you snubbed 19 people that earn twice as much you in a day..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarnie Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 Not too keen on BMW dealers to be honest. They wouldn't look at my dad a few years ago at the weekend when he was in his 10 quid Tesco jeans but when he went in during the week in a nice suit after a meeting they were tripping over him. He pointed out out that he had the same amount of money as at the wweekend and walked out. On that occasion straight into a jag dealer to order an XJ8. They didn't have much time for me either. It must be great to go home and tell your wife that you snubbed 19 people that earn twice as much you in a day..... To be fair Lambo bham have been exceptional. From the minute I walked in there in me shorts and T-shirt they were 100% professional and attentive. I must of been in there everyother day before actually buying and they always came over to me, offered me a cup of tea and biscuits, answered my pathetic newbie questions like 'How fast does it go?' At no point were they patronising or condescending they readily offered me a test drive before I even confirmed I was in the market. They phone when they say they are going to phone and even phone when there's nothing to actually update me yet etc. After having the car a week of so I discovered a scratch on my sat nav screen. They picked the car up the next day on a low loader and replaced the whole system FOC. They even let me store my car there when I go away. I can honestly say that they are a zillions times better than any other dealership I have encountered. Some will say that you should expect service like that when you buy a £90k car, but what difference does the cost of the car make? A lot of the things above, don't cost a penny. Phone calls, being polite and proffessional is free. I expected the Lambo dealer to be like BMW but a million times worse e.g middle aged men looking down on me in my flip flops and thinking I can't afford the car so I ain't bothering to get out of my seat to speak to him but they weren't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H5 Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 Chaps, nothing wrong with BMW drivers, before the Zed I had a Merc CLK and did not think much about that. There is normally a reason someone buys a car and this time it was because I needed to tow a proper car. Cannot do that with a Zed and best bet turned out to be a 5 series. Its not saying "I have" or "have not made it", its saying I can find a car that delivers what I want it too, nothing more. Possibly also saying I am older than most of you...... Just to clear up the m badge, over 50% of 5's i looked at wore a "M" sports badge. Just thing of it as the equivalent of the Nismo kit fitted on the Zed. Only its not just body kit, it gives the lowering of 15mm at the same timea dn better wheels. Not everyone is pretending to be in a M3 or M5, honest. Best way to tell if a BMW is going to bother a Zed is look for 4 exhausts, if it has one its a 2ltr, if its 2 then its anything below a M3 or M5. If its a going past you in a straight line with lots of smoke coming out the back then its likely to be a remapped diesel with 506lb/ft http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarr ... eries.html As usual Steve, it may be the minority spoiling it for the masses, but there is a trend with BMW drivers! Whereas you may have chosen the car for that reason, many will choose a 318 because of the badge. £ for £ there are miles better cars out there.... As for the M badge, a bodykit isn't the comparison. Removing the badge from the back of the car, and replacing it with an M is people pretending they have a car that they don't. The reason BMW now stick them on every car is so the egotistical ones can ALWAYS say they have 'Insert BMW model ' 'with M pack'. People wouldn't, for example' say I have a 350Z 'GT'. The 4 exhausts is a winner, for sure. And a dry mechanical sound wailing from the exhaust!! For real respect, the ones with Alpina on the back and 4 exhausts win!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanta350 Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 I've been in the ferrari showroom in nottingham, the greypaul one..... the first time i went in, I was really nervous.. worried they might come over and say "Sorry sir, but you look like you can't afford one, so you'll have to leave the showroom." but they never did!! After all, I only went to stare at the motors.....to this day, I still havnt opened the door and sat in one... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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