X5 at the auction

[boogakb24]

I am looking for 2012 X5 3.5 premium pack and I see a lot of them coming off leases. I have a friend who has a dealer license and is encouraging me to go the Manheim auction with him.
Any owners bought your car from the auction? pros and cons? any advice will be you know the word .

[Poppyboy]

Pro: Since its a newer car, the service history should be all there through BMW, but Con: You won't know the service history until after you buy it. Pro/Con: You should save some $ off of retail, but you'll still need to pay regular sales tax when you register it (unless friend is a family member). Neutral: I'd think cars coming off 2-3 yr. leases would be eligible for the CPO program, and thus, taken by BMW dealers, no?

[PAX5]

About 50% of cars available through auction are also the cars that are on used car dealer lots. Dealers post them at auction because it is just another sales channel for them to sell the car.

So auctions have become just another venue for selling cars, albeit at prices that are on average 10% to 20% lower than what the general public will see.

If you restrict yourself to auctions that feature only BMW Financial Services cars (aka lease cars), you have the chance of striking a real deal. Just remember, that everyone else is bidding on them too, and that can drive up the price!

But it is still buyer beware: best bet is to ask your friend to let you see what's being offered at auction through the auction website ... then when you see something you want/like, bid on it from the comfort of your home. If you win, then you take the time to go and pick it up, or have it shipped. Be prepared to pay several hundreds of dollars in fees ...

[boogakb24]

Originally Posted by PAX5

About 50% of cars available through auction are also the cars that are on used car dealer lots. Dealers post them at auction because it is just another sales channel for them to sell the car.

So auctions have become just another venue for selling cars, albeit at prices that are on average 10% to 20% lower than what the general public will see.

If you restrict yourself to auctions that feature only BMW Financial Services cars (aka lease cars), you have the chance of striking a real deal. Just remember, that everyone else is bidding on them too, and that can drive up the price!

But it is still buyer beware: best bet is to ask your friend to let you see what's being offered at auction through the auction website ... then when you see something you want/like, but a bid on it from the comfort of your home. If you win, then you take the time to go and pick it up, or have it shipped. Be prepared to pay several hundreds of dollars in fees ...

Thanks mate, very informative. My game plan is to go along and check the cars out at the auction, bid for a car but stay within budget. My cousin picked up a 2011 X5 (cold weather pack) with 65,000 miles for $25000 not a bad deal if you ask me only defect is the tailgate not working.

[Chio]

Originally Posted by Poppyboy

Pro: Since its a newer car, the service history should be all there through BMW, but Con: You won't know the service history until after you buy it. Pro/Con: You should save some $ off of retail, but you'll still need to pay regular sales tax when you register it (unless friend is a family member). Neutral: I'd think cars coming off 2-3 yr. leases would be eligible for the CPO program, and thus, taken by BMW dealers, no?

Actually you can see the pre sale and do your research and go to a "friendly" dealer with the VIN.. and find out the service records

[Ghost02]

I pick up my 2012 3.5 sport pack loaded it with everything except DVD in the back seat for 38000 with 25000 miles on it.

This is back in March and I think it's very good buy.

Personally I would only get my cars from the auction (As far as all the car i own it's all from the auction). I don't like to deal with all the lies and bullshit that dealership throw at me.

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by Ghost02

... I don't like to deal with all the lies and bullshit that dealership throw at me.

+1

But not everybody has access to the auctions ...

[Poppyboy]

I kinda like the (marginal) comfort of buying from a brick and mortar dealership with a reputation to uphold. At least they have the resources to make things right (if I'm able to convince them to do so)...

[boogakb24]

Originally Posted by Poppyboy

I kinda like the (marginal) comfort of buying from a brick and mortar dealership with a reputation to uphold. At least they have the resources to make things right (if I'm able to convince them to do so)...

The stealership becomes irrelevant if the car is still under original bmw warranty (reason Im going for 12/ 13 models), because bmw will honor any warranty issue not the dealership unless we talking about a CPO.

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by boogakb24

The stealership becomes irrelevant if the car is still under original bmw warranty (reason Im going for 12/ 13 models), because bmw will honor any warranty issue not the dealership unless we talking about a CPO.

Actually, the "stealership" plays an even more important role during OE warranty period and/or CPO, because any warranty repairs can only be done through an authorized dealership ... and if you don't have a good relationship with the SA or the Service Manager, they can REALLY make life difficult ...

[Poppyboy]

Here's an example. When I got my car, it only had one key. I wanted two. The dealership went ahead and got me a second key-no charge. That's $250+ right there. The warranty certainly won't cover that.

[boogakb24]

Originally Posted by Poppyboy

Here's an example. When I got my car, it only had one key. I wanted two. The dealership went ahead and got me a second key-no charge. That's $250+ right there. The warranty certainly won't cover that.

Was it a used car? weren't they suppose to give you two keys anyway?

When a bought my 2006 325 it came with two keys, thought it was standard.

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by Poppyboy

Here's an example. When I got my car, it only had one key. I wanted two. The dealership went ahead and got me a second key-no charge. That's $250+ right there. The warranty certainly won't cover that.

You bought your car from a BMW dealership, right? And the car came with a CPO, right?

If you read the CPO paperwork, it obligates the dealership to deliver the car with two (yes 2) keys!

The dealer didn't do you any favors, they simply owed you this and you reminded them.

I have found that many sleezy sales departments try to get away with selling the car with only one (1) key fob. Then they sell the other key fob on eBay for $50 (check it out ...).

Anything for a buck.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by boogakb24

Was it a used car? weren't they suppose to give you two keys anyway?

When a bought my 2006 325 it came with two keys, thought it was standard.

Prior owners tend to keep the keys, at least from my experiences. I've had 3 BMWs, all bought used at dealerships - only 1 of the 3 had the 2nd key.

[Poppyboy]

Yes-it was a used car, and not from a BMW dealer-It was one of those high end used car dealers. I had no problem doing that b/c it was still under warranty and I saved quite a bit over CPO. The car came in with only one key, and it wasn't a given that they'd provide the second. All I'm saying is that there are benefits to being able to go back to someone to ask for something not covered under warranty.

[Poppyboy]

That's true about eBay, and purchasers of those newer keys on eBay will quickly learn they're useless when they try to get them programmed. Don't ask me how I know.

[P1]

I'm meticulous when it comes to my cars. Some people just want an X5, and don't care about the state of it. When I was looking at used X5s, I was presented with a 2011 X5 w/ less than 40K miles. It had the M Sport package, and most desirable options. It came from the auction, and I could have picked it up for mid 30s. Mind you, this was 1.5 hours ago. The thing was trashed. So even though it was under warranty, I paid several thousands more to have one in excellent condition.

[Poppyboy]

Copy that. I can't comfortably own a car unless its in the best possible condition at all times.

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by Poppyboy

Yes-it was a used car, and not from a BMW dealer-It was one of those high end used car dealers. I had no problem doing that b/c it was still under warranty and I saved quite a bit over CPO. The car came in with only one key, and it wasn't a given that they'd provide the second. All I'm saying is that there are benefits to being able to go back to someone to ask for something not covered under warranty.

A High End Used Car Dealer, uh? Now this makes it even more interesting ...!

Because there is NO WAY that a non BMW dealer (high end or not) can get their hands on a new, original BMW key fob. Absolutely no way.

New/extra keys must be ordered through the dealership, after the legitimate owner signs paperwork and proof of ownership has been verified. Only then will BMW USA send you a replacement. BTW, there are only a total of 10 keys available as replacement at BMWUSA headquarters during the "life" of the car.

So this H.E.U.C. Dealer of yours simply reached in their pocket and gave you the key that was already posted on eBay ... LOL!

.. Or, they used the "truck" that visits H.E.U.C. dealers with his laptop and re-programs eBay keys ... LOL

Don't believe me, check the s/n and contact BMWUSA. Ask them what key you have.

It's kinda scary ... one of these days your car may no longer be in your driveway ...

BTW, did you try the mechanical key to see if it works in your lock?

[Poppyboy]

OK. You got me. I made the whole thing up for whatever reason. In reality, they have a relationship with a local BMW dealership and that's how they got the key. They even provided me paperwork from the BMW dealership, and the new cut key works on the lock, but that must all be made up, too. I really have no horse in a race to make this stuff up.

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by Poppyboy

OK. You got me. I made the whole thing up for whatever reason. In reality, they have a relationship with a local BMW dealership and that's how they got the key. They even provided me paperwork from the BMW dealership, and the new cut key works on the lock, but that must all be made up, too. I really have no horse in a race to make this stuff up.

Ease up .. I believe you.

I'm just sharing the scams that go on in the tri-state (NY, NJ, PA) area we live in ... where I bought my first X5 from a HEUC dealer ... 30 days later I found my 2nd key on eBay after the salesman told me they couldn't find it.

I thought you lived in NJ ... what exit?

[Poppyboy]

I'm in Chicago. They don't do that kind of stuff here! That's amazing that you found your actual key on eBay.