[PigWig]

Ok a couple of things...

First, have you blue booked your 128i? The reason I ask is that my gf just bought a 2012 128i CPO with 12k miles and lots of options for ~$25k. With the CPO markup, being 3 years newer, and having fewer miles, I imagine they are giving you a decent value for your trade. Obviously though without knowing the details, I can't look it up. See what KBB has your trade listed for. This is a good tool when buying a vehicle.

Second, it almost sounds to me like you asked them what they would give you the car for. If you didn't my apologies, but as someone who swaps cars very often, I've always found it is better to tell them what you will pay, rather than asking them what they will sell it for. Put it on them hard and make sure you meet and talk to the sales manager.

Third, remind them that you are a candidate for repeat business. I'm only in my late 20s and am already on a first name basis with two salesmen, the sales manager, and a service manager at my dealership. If they know you are a "BMW guy" who will be buying lots of BMWs from their dealership in the future, they are likely more inclined to try to earn your business.

Lastly, don't settle if you feel you aren't getting a good deal. I've walked on deals over differences of $1000 or less. If they aren't willing to work with you to reach a compromise, you may be better off driving a couple of hours to another dealership. You won't be getting any BMW dealership in the US to come down $5K off MSRP on the M235, but it isn't unreasonable to get fair trade value on your car and have them sweeten the pot by another grand or two minimum (could be by coming off the MSRP, could be by giving you more on your trade).

FWIW, I traded in a 2012 328i (F30) that KBB'ed for around $23K on my loaded up M235i (MSRP ~$52k). I ended up getting $26k for my trade, got them to drop $1k off the MSRP, and got them to wave their dealer fee of $200. The car hadn't been sitting there either, I pulled the plastic off the seats myself, and I am the only person to have ever driven it (save the 4 miles it had when shipped to the dealer).