Is this what I should expect when shopping for a CPO M3?

[kthxbye]

I am finally taking some initiative in searching for a CPO E90/E92 M3 to replace the Z06. I visited my first dealer today and the three sales associates who showed me the car did not know what an E90 was, they could not explain M mode or the power button, when I asked about body panels not lining up they were quick to change the subject.

I have had experience with BMW dealers when purchasing new and it was pretty good, but I am shocked that the experience for a CPO purchase was on par with what I would expect at a Chevy dealer.

Can anyone recommend a good dealer for CPO M cars in the NJ/NY/PA area? (preferably NJ)

[MDyDinanM]

I can't recommend you any dealers since I don't live up that way, but I would say that if you have the means, you should broaden your search and not limit it to the tri-state area, etc.

I bought my M5 from AZ, and I live in VA and found it through autotrader.

Good call in staying away from that CPO M3. Too many red flags from both the car and the salesmen from what you described.

Take your time, do your research on the car, and have it thoroughly inspected. Trust your gut instinct in that if something is too good to be true, or feels fishy, then probably best to stay clear

[tjsabec]

I wouldn't get too worked up if your SA can't answer questions you can get answered by browsing this forum. 99% of car salesmen are idiots... don't let that deter you from buying the car you want. Price & condition of vehicle would be a lot higher on my list than whether my SA could tell you the exact weight on an E93.

[kthxbye]

Originally Posted by tjsabec

I wouldn't get too worked up if your SA can't answer questions you can get answered by browsing this forum. 99% of car salesmen are idiots... don't let that deter you from buying the car you want. Price & condition of vehicle would be a lot higher on my list than whether my SA could tell you the exact weight on an E93.

This is true, I've done my research and know most of the ins and outs. I just feel that the SA should still earn my business. I'd be more flexible on a new car, but on a used car I'd like to get a good judge of character for the dealership.

Anyone have any experience with Prestige BMW in NNJ? I may try them next weekend. But, if there is someone in the area that you guys recommend I will just go straight there.

[Slapshot9]

CPO is the way to go. I got mine in July from Braman Miami which was a great experience. I used to live in NY and had good success with Wide World of Cars in Spring Valley and Prestige in Ramsey. I'd give the edge to Wide World of Cars. Its your money make them work for it! Good Luck!

[kthxbye]

I will definitely check out Prestige and Wide World Cars, Prestige seems to have a few options that fit what I am looking for.

The reason I want to stay in the area is that I am likely going to be trading the Z06

[M3V8Driver]

Why not drive the z06 one last time to a far away dealer? This would also give you a nice long trip back to get acquainted with your new CPO M3

[SergioPark]

I used Ricki at BMW of Tenafly, but this was for a new car. Not sure they have any used up that way; it's not a big market.

[kthxbye]

Originally Posted by M3V8Driver

Why not drive the z06 one last time to a far away dealer? This would also give you a nice long trip back to get acquainted with your new CPO M3

That thought has actually crossed my mind a few times. The only thing is would I be able to get an accurate quote on he trade in over the phone?

I don't want get screwed by making a long trip and be left with no leverage to easily walk away if all the numbers aren't where I want them to be

[kthxbye]

I checked out two more dealers today. First one completely redeemed my respect.

The second one just made me laugh, apparently the M3 is a twin turbo V8 w/ an SMG transmission. Also, according to the CA - there are 2012 E90 M3's in the US

[Arben72]

Originally Posted by kthxbye

I checked out two more dealers today. First one completely redeemed my respect.

The second one just made me laugh, apparently the M3 is a twin turbo V8 w/ an SMG transmission. Also, according to the CA - there are 2012 E90 M3's in the US

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[Jblack4083]

We are special people for knowing all these chassis codes.

When I go to the parts department I usually just say "2002 M3 Coupe" instead of E46 just because I can't expect even the parts department guys to have committed every chassis code to memory let alone SALES people?!?!

As far as the body panels question... they are sales people... Thats what we do. Divert negatives into positives.

[tibra1]

CPO - Cash Paid Out ...nothing in return

Scam..

[Dgarcia41982]

Bmw of tenafly!

[pbonsalb]

There are multiple dealers in your area. Keep shopping until you find one that you appreciate dealing with. Do not hesitate to broaden your search. How far you want to go is up to you. Some people will travel across the country or buy a car sight unseen and have it shipped back. I live in NH, but drove 250 miles to BMW of Tenafly to buy one of our 2008 CPOs. I got lucky on the other 2008 CPO, which happened to be at the dealer closest to my house. You have to decide the colors and options you want and then search patiently, perhaps over a number of months.

I recommend buying CPOs only from dealers that originally sold the car. Some dealers are buying cars at auctions and CPOing them. Such cars may or may not be good deals. Getting a subscription to Carfax and running the VINs can help. I found some really questionable CPOs while I was searching. Always ask to see the service history once you get serious about a particular car.

[mmm def]

Paul Miller has a fully loaded CPO E90 M3 6sp Jerez Black/Black, 19k miles around $45,900..looks like a real nice car.

http://www.paulmillerbmw.com/preowne...28E041526.html

[TVMA Doc]

Originally Posted by kthxbye

I am finally taking some initiative in searching for a CPO E90/E92 M3 to replace the Z06. I visited my first dealer today and the three sales associates who showed me the car did not know what an E90 was, they could not explain M mode or the power button, when I asked about body panels not lining up they were quick to change the subject.

I have had experience with BMW dealers when purchasing new and it was pretty good, but I am shocked that the experience for a CPO purchase was on par with what I would expect at a Chevy dealer.

Can anyone recommend a good dealer for CPO M cars in the NJ/NY/PA area? (preferably NJ)

The sales associate who sold me my M3 actually owned one himself, and understood the car intimately. We've even exchanged a few tips since, mostly about Valentine 1 hardwiring, Homelink retrofit, etc.

It is always better if your sales associate is more familiar with their product.

[TVMA Doc]

Originally Posted by kthxbye

I checked out two more dealers today. First one completely redeemed my respect.

The second one just made me laugh, apparently the M3 is a twin turbo V8 w/ an SMG transmission. Also, according to the CA - there are 2012 E90 M3's in the US

I saw those listed when I was looking for my E90, and the response was either "that's a mistake" or it was a glitch with how the car search sites characterize the vehicle. I didn't run into a single BMW associate in my time searching that actually thought that there were 2012 E90 M3s.

As far as I know, production of the E90 ended before the 2012 model year designation. Unless there have been a few M3 sedans assembled under "double secret probation" types of programs?

It's too bad that the BMW dealerships in your area are less than aware of the facts with respect to their product.