M Certified Dealerships

shortseller · 11-09-2014, 09:37 PM

Why are not all BMW dealerships M certified? How are they different than others that don't carry this certification?

bronch · 11-09-2014, 11:25 PM

Frankly, I think it likely has to do with sales volume. It's not like M cars are some exotic car built from the ground up. They take BMW's every day models and the M team make them performance cars. Every BMW dealer can sell and service an M car, some sell and service more than others. Here's a promo from an "M certified dealer" "X BMW is proud to announce our distinction as an M-Certified BMW dealership. As one of the few M-Certified dealers in the United States, X BMW has access to exclusive M models and materials, including previews of M products before they go to market. Our expert sales and service technicians have undergone training to gain special insights into the M models, thereby providing clients with complete competence and confidence in all matters related to the high performance series. Along with all BMW M-Certified dealers, X BMW aims to live up to the luxury BMW brand and its reputation." Not sure what exclusive access to M models or special insights mean, lol.

nickdrivesm3 · 11-10-2014, 01:47 PM

It was originally supposed to be an exclusive certification the dealership could get that would allow them priority for M cars. Both for sales, service and parts I think. Special Motorsport Technicians and Client Advisers with in-depth knowledge of M cars. It was something former M Brand Manager Larry Koch was putting together. When he retired the program was resurrected by his successor and put onto the market. Its clearly under developed and does nothing truly special to set the dealership apart from one another. Its basically just a marketing thing to make customers think this dealership is the place to go for M Cars.

shortseller · 11-10-2014, 02:01 PM

^Thanks for clarification guys.

CJinGJ · 12-14-2014, 01:46 PM

I'm new to the site. I've been lurking for a while now and have found a ton of great info on here. I'm currently driving a 2008 ISF and have enjoyed if from day one. The new F82 is just to much for me to say no to and I'm ready for pull the trigger on ordering one up. Really the only item left to decide on car is AW or YMB. I live in western Colorado and will be ordering it from a dealership in the Denver Metro area and this leads me into my question. Are there any advantages to a M Certified Dealerships when it comes to purchasing or maintenance on the car? I have read some positive comments on here regarding Schomp BMW in south Denver.

Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Vigilant · 12-14-2014, 02:06 PM

Other folks may have a different opinion, but being an "M certified" dealer is a marketing ploy. Most master techs at your local BMW dealership should be able to perform routine maintenance on the F8x. There are differences on the s55 engine, so make sure your SA and even service manager have all the items in stock for your break in service at or around 1200 miles. Having a good relationship with a competent local dealer is much more important than the aforementioned "M" designation.

BuLoOoSki · 12-14-2014, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vigilant

Other folks may have a different opinion, but being an "M certified" dealer is a marketing ploy. Most master techs at your local BMW dealership should be able to perform routine maintenance on the F8x. There are differences on the s55 engine, so make sure your SA and even service manager have all the items in stock for your break in service at or around 1200 miles. Having a good relationship with a competent local dealer is much more important than the aforementioned "M" designation.

+1

GrussGott · 12-14-2014, 07:37 PM

@nickdrivesm3 answered that before

but I'll save you the click

Quote:

It was originally supposed to be an exclusive certification the dealership could get that would allow them priority for M cars. Both for sales, service and parts I think. Special Motorsport Technicians and Client Advisers with in-depth knowledge of M cars. It was something former M Brand Manager Larry Koch was putting together. When he retired the program was resurrected by his successor and put onto the market. Its clearly under developed and does nothing truly special to set the dealership apart from one another. Its basically just a marketing thing to make customers think this dealership is the place to go for M Cars.

nickdrivesm3 · 12-15-2014, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrussGott

@nickdrivesm3 answered that before

but I'll save you the click

Thanks for that

Xtabi · 12-15-2014, 02:38 PM

Not in anyway questioning your knowledge on this. What I find odd is if it really does not mean anything, and I owned a dealership and did not have that 'certification', then I would be crazy pissy until I got it. Marketing in this business is HUGE. For one dealer to have a leg up on anther within the same city by the designation 'M Certified' is a big deal.

Even if it does not mean anything, other than a title, there must be some hoops to jump through in order to obtain it.

Of course I could just be nutty and the owner could go out today and slap a sign on their building that states 'M Certified'. Of course they would use the special 2 sided tape in order to do so. Not the cheap stuff

Vigilant · 12-15-2014, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xtabi

Not in anyway questioning your knowledge on this. What I find odd is if it really does not mean anything, and I owned a dealership and did not have that 'certification', then I would be crazy pissy until I got it. Marketing in this business is HUGE. For one dealer to have a leg up on anther within the same city by the designation 'M Certified' is a big deal.

Even if it does not mean anything, other than a title, there must be some hoops to jump through in order to obtain it.

Of course I could just be nutty and the owner could go out today and slap a sign on their building that states 'M Certified'. Of course they would use the special 2 sided tape in order to do so. Not the cheap stuff

Reality versus perception: the eternal struggle to make them match...I agree, if you have the means to separate yourself by skill or otherwise to augment your business, go for it. I just think this detail is less important than having a reliable and fair dealer/service department. Unfortunately, my local dealer has an average reputation despite having qualified "master techs".

GrussGott · 12-15-2014, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xtabi

Not in anyway questioning your knowledge on this. What I find odd is if it really does not mean anything, and I owned a dealership and did not have that 'certification', then I would be crazy pissy until I got it.

I think you need to consider that the people on this forum are probably the top 1% of engaged, knowledgeable M buyers and we're all confused, "does it mean anything??"

Further, I bet if you took a poll here and said, "how many people here asked their dealer if they were M certified?" you'd get an answer of zero.

Therefore the dealers mostly don't give a crap.

OneRib · 12-15-2014, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrussGott

I think you need to consider that the people on this forum are probably the top 1% of engaged, knowledgeable M buyers and we're all confused, "does it mean anything??"

Further, I bet if you took a poll here and said, "how many people here asked their dealer if they were M certified?" you'd get an answer of zero.

Therefore the dealers mostly don't give a crap.

I agree with GrussGott. Everything you learn on this board and the attention to detail that forum members have here is at an absurd level. Most of us spend way too much time here. My brother is friends with a guy who bought an M6GC. He did ED, but my brother said he didn't even know if he got the competition pack. He assumed he did because he called the dealer and said he wanted "all the options" and just gave the dealer the color he wanted.

Some forum members heads would explode hearing that.

onatuesday · 12-16-2014, 01:51 AM

On bmwusa.com one of the filters is for M certified dealers. Other than that...doesn't really mean squat

nickdrivesm3 · 12-16-2014, 03:02 PM

Try to understand that most people out there are not "car people". Including ones that are employed at a dealership. That does not mean the entire dealership doesn't care about you or your car but a majority of the people who come through a dealership want a car to get them from point A to B. For whatever reason, they chose a BMW.

Ty Vil · 12-18-2014, 01:50 PM

M Certification is a not just a ploy. There's some bad info here.

M stores will get significantly more allocation of M vehicles than other stores. It requires a certain level of staffing of M Certified Client Advisors and technicians.

Oh and the certification class is AWESOME (I've done it) and it involves a lot of classroom and track time.

Xtabi · 12-18-2014, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ty Vil

M Certification is a not just a ploy. There's some bad info here.

M stores will get significantly more allocation of M vehicles than other stores. It requires a certain level of staffing of M Certified Client Advisors and technicians.

Oh and the certification class is AWESOME (I've done it) and it involves a lot of classroom and track time.

These forums are part of the Internets. That automatically qualifies everyone to be experts on every topic. I know I am!

What I posted was just simple logic. The bottom line is if it does not mean anything at all than every dealer would have a sign out front indicating they are M certified. Each dealer wants a way to set themselves apart from another. Especially a local competitor.

Does it mean anything to me? Not at all. I could not care less if a dealer is certified or not.

Does it mean something to the dealership owner/GM? I'd be willing to bet it does hold value in their eyes.

nickdrivesm3 · 12-18-2014, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ty Vil

M Certification is a not just a ploy. There's some bad info here.

M stores will get significantly more allocation of M vehicles than other stores. It requires a certain level of staffing of M Certified Client Advisors and technicians.

Oh and the certification class is AWESOME (I've done it) and it involves a lot of classroom and track time.

Allocation is determined based on dealership size and Sales volume.

My dealership is "M Certified" but we did not go to any special training that included track time.

So, please, inform us of whatever you know because we simply and obviously do not...

GrussGott · 12-18-2014, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ty Vil

M Certification is a not just a ploy. There's some bad info here.

M stores will get significantly more allocation of M vehicles than other stores. It requires a certain level of staffing of M Certified Client Advisors and technicians.

Oh and the certification class is AWESOME (I've done it) and it involves a lot of classroom and track time.

I don't think anyone is saying it's a ploy, we're saying it's a meaningless program to the consumer.

i.e., nobody here cares if their dealer is "m certified" or whether their CA is. Chances are people on this forum know WAY more than the CA.

afadeev · 12-18-2014, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickdrivesm3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vil

M Certification is a not just a ploy. There's some bad info here.

M stores will get significantly more allocation of M vehicles than other stores. It requires a certain level of staffing of M Certified Client Advisors and technicians.

Oh and the certification class is AWESOME (I've done it) and it involves a lot of classroom and track time.

Allocation is determined based on dealership size and Sales volume.

My dealership is "M Certified" but we did not go to any special training that included track time.

So, please, inform us of whatever you know because we simply and obviously do not...

2 out of 4 local dealers (20 mile radius) are "M certified".
They were the two shops that gave me the highest mark-up quotes on my F80. One of them proudly proclaimed "we are M certified, we do not negotiate".
Needless to say, neither one got my business.

The above customer turn-off line may, or may not be, part of "M certification" training ...

a

GOLFFRR · 12-18-2014, 07:49 PM

I am not going to get to deep into this bc there is a lot of fiction in this thread and also some fact. Not going to get into it sorry guys. When this M certified classification started there was only 30 of us in the beginning and there was only suppose to be 30-50 dealers in the whole US. It was a lot that went into the process and selection. At that time Ryan (who most of you all knew) was our internet sales rep and also the top M sales rep in the counrty 2 years in a row. We both went to PC in South Carolina for a full training on M product etc and yes tons of track time.. and it was AWESOME!!! I also posted a thread about it a while back you can search for it if you like. It was an amazing experience and also learned a ton!

The classification was going to be a lot more exclusive with various advantages but then BMW opened it up and it kinda of lost its luster IMO. I think if it stayed more exclusive to us original 30 dealers it would have been really cool. There was plans for launching special painted M cars etc.. to only those M certified dealers and also those dealers would have every M model in stock to view at anytime which would have been cool. Not sure what happened to the program but maybe one day it will get back on track and become a more exclusive thing again and I hope we qualify bc I think it would be a cool thing that we can have at our store and also share with the forum.

nicknaz · 12-18-2014, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afadeev

2 out of 4 local dealers (20 mile radius) are "M certified".
They were the two shops that gave me the highest mark-up quotes on my F80. One of them proudly proclaimed "we are M certified, we do not negotiate".
Needless to say, neither one got my business.

The above customer turn-off line may, or may not be, part of "M certification" training ...

a

I went to an M certified local dealership a well, and also did not get a great price. That sales person even told me that the deals I had negotiated elsewhere were completely fabricated (of course they were not, since I just placed a deposit to lock in that same deal I showed)

That same M certified local dealership also has a SA that is refusing to install +10mm wider non RFT on my Z4 (even thought it is a replacement of a set of tires already on my car, which that same dealership installed (different SA though))

I personally haven't seen much benefit to this certification either, which too bad because what GOLFFRR posted sounds very cool

11-09-2014, 09:37 PM	#1
shortseller Brigadier General 1003 Rep 3,396 Posts Drives: ‘18 ABM F80ZCP/dct Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0)	M certified BMW dealerships Why are not all BMW dealerships M certified? How are they different than others that don't carry this certification? __________________
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11-09-2014, 11:25 PM	#2
bronch Waiting for the sun 66 Rep 704 Posts Drives: 2018 M240ix Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Tacoma, WA iTrader: (0)	Frankly, I think it likely has to do with sales volume. It's not like M cars are some exotic car built from the ground up. They take BMW's every day models and the M team make them performance cars. Every BMW dealer can sell and service an M car, some sell and service more than others. Here's a promo from an "M certified dealer" "X BMW is proud to announce our distinction as an M-Certified BMW dealership. As one of the few M-Certified dealers in the United States, X BMW has access to exclusive M models and materials, including previews of M products before they go to market. Our expert sales and service technicians have undergone training to gain special insights into the M models, thereby providing clients with complete competence and confidence in all matters related to the high performance series. Along with all BMW M-Certified dealers, X BMW aims to live up to the luxury BMW brand and its reputation." Not sure what exclusive access to M models or special insights mean, lol. __________________ 2012 E92 M3- Miss her. 2015 F10 M5- Land yacht, but miss her too! 2016 991.1 GT3- Woohoo! 2018 M240ix- Daily driver. Still Woohoo!
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11-10-2014, 01:47 PM	#3
nickdrivesm3 Motorsport Product Genius 11 Rep 87 Posts Drives: BMWs...duh Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	It was originally supposed to be an exclusive certification the dealership could get that would allow them priority for M cars. Both for sales, service and parts I think. Special Motorsport Technicians and Client Advisers with in-depth knowledge of M cars. It was something former M Brand Manager Larry Koch was putting together. When he retired the program was resurrected by his successor and put onto the market. Its clearly under developed and does nothing truly special to set the dealership apart from one another. Its basically just a marketing thing to make customers think this dealership is the place to go for M Cars.
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11-10-2014, 02:01 PM	#4
shortseller Brigadier General 1003 Rep 3,396 Posts Drives: ‘18 ABM F80ZCP/dct Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0)	^Thanks for clarification guys. __________________
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12-14-2014, 01:46 PM	#5
CJinGJ New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2016 AW M4 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	M Certified Dealerships I'm new to the site. I've been lurking for a while now and have found a ton of great info on here. I'm currently driving a 2008 ISF and have enjoyed if from day one. The new F82 is just to much for me to say no to and I'm ready for pull the trigger on ordering one up. Really the only item left to decide on car is AW or YMB. I live in western Colorado and will be ordering it from a dealership in the Denver Metro area and this leads me into my question. Are there any advantages to a M Certified Dealerships when it comes to purchasing or maintenance on the car? I have read some positive comments on here regarding Schomp BMW in south Denver. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.
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12-14-2014, 02:06 PM	#6
Vigilant Captain 305 Rep 868 Posts Drives: Cautiously fast Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Other folks may have a different opinion, but being an "M certified" dealer is a marketing ploy. Most master techs at your local BMW dealership should be able to perform routine maintenance on the F8x. There are differences on the s55 engine, so make sure your SA and even service manager have all the items in stock for your break in service at or around 1200 miles. Having a good relationship with a competent local dealer is much more important than the aforementioned "M" designation. __________________ 2022 BSM G80 Comp X-drive
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12-15-2014, 02:38 PM	#10
Xtabi Colonel 1702 Rep 2,127 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	Not in anyway questioning your knowledge on this. What I find odd is if it really does not mean anything, and I owned a dealership and did not have that 'certification', then I would be crazy pissy until I got it. Marketing in this business is HUGE. For one dealer to have a leg up on anther within the same city by the designation 'M Certified' is a big deal. Even if it does not mean anything, other than a title, there must be some hoops to jump through in order to obtain it. Of course I could just be nutty and the owner could go out today and slap a sign on their building that states 'M Certified'. Of course they would use the special 2 sided tape in order to do so. Not the cheap stuff
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12-16-2014, 01:51 AM	#14
onatuesday Captain 157 Rep 965 Posts Drives: Hyundai Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	On bmwusa.com one of the filters is for M certified dealers. Other than that...doesn't really mean squat
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12-16-2014, 03:02 PM	#15
nickdrivesm3 Motorsport Product Genius 11 Rep 87 Posts Drives: BMWs...duh Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	Try to understand that most people out there are not "car people". Including ones that are employed at a dealership. That does not mean the entire dealership doesn't care about you or your car but a majority of the people who come through a dealership want a car to get them from point A to B. For whatever reason, they chose a BMW.
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12-18-2014, 01:50 PM	#16
Ty Vil Captain 31 Rep 913 Posts Drives: ///M4 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Scottsdale, AZ (by way of Portland, OR) iTrader: (0)	M Certification is a not just a ploy. There's some bad info here. M stores will get significantly more allocation of M vehicles than other stores. It requires a certain level of staffing of M Certified Client Advisors and technicians. Oh and the certification class is AWESOME (I've done it) and it involves a lot of classroom and track time.
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12-18-2014, 07:49 PM	#21
GOLFFRR 10817 Rep 27,600 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	I am not going to get to deep into this bc there is a lot of fiction in this thread and also some fact. Not going to get into it sorry guys. When this M certified classification started there was only 30 of us in the beginning and there was only suppose to be 30-50 dealers in the whole US. It was a lot that went into the process and selection. At that time Ryan (who most of you all knew) was our internet sales rep and also the top M sales rep in the counrty 2 years in a row. We both went to PC in South Carolina for a full training on M product etc and yes tons of track time.. and it was AWESOME!!! I also posted a thread about it a while back you can search for it if you like. It was an amazing experience and also learned a ton! The classification was going to be a lot more exclusive with various advantages but then BMW opened it up and it kinda of lost its luster IMO. I think if it stayed more exclusive to us original 30 dealers it would have been really cool. There was plans for launching special painted M cars etc.. to only those M certified dealers and also those dealers would have every M model in stock to view at anytime which would have been cool. Not sure what happened to the program but maybe one day it will get back on track and become a more exclusive thing again and I hope we qualify bc I think it would be a cool thing that we can have at our store and also share with the forum. __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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