I'm wondering if it is realistic to put down a deposit and get on a dealership waitlist, that is willing to sell the car at MSRP (or there abouts)? I remember some people mentioning that they payed MSRP for their E46 M3's years ago (on bimmer.org/Roadfly) but I also know many that paid much more.... any thoughts?

Joe (Orange County, CA.)

I wrote my dealer a check for $1000 to be number two on their wait list. As part of such, they gave me a piece of paper acknowledging the deposit, stating that I was number two on their waiting list, and promising to sell me the car at MSRP plus tax and title. Surprisingly enough, this occurred on June 25th and they still haven’t cashed the check. You may not be that lucky, but you shouldn’t have any problems getting the written guarantee.

I'm wondering if it is realistic to put down a deposit and get on a dealership waitlist, that is willing to sell the car at MSRP (or there abouts)? I remember some people mentioning that they payed MSRP for their E46 M3's years ago (on bimmer.org/Roadfly) but I also know many that paid much more.... any thoughts?

Joe (Orange County, CA.)

I wrote my dealer a check for $1000 to be number two on their wait list. As part of such, they gave me a piece of paper acknowledging the deposit, stating that I was number two on their waiting list, and promising to sell me the car at MSRP plus tax and title. Surprisingly enough, this occurred on June 25th and they still haven’t cashed the check. You may not be that lucky, but you shouldn’t have any problems getting the written guarantee.


Thanks Jeff, That's exactly what I'm hoping to get, here in O.C.

Thanks Jeff, That's exactly what I'm hoping to get, here in O.C.
As of jan 2005, i am #31 at Cunningham BMW for MSRP no deposit yet needed but they said once they got more details, then of course I expect they will be calling.

chuck
87 911

i am stationed here in darmstadt, germany, and there is no such waiting list...you guys are crazy, try holding onto your money for a change, if there was an actual waiting list...... the germans would get first dibs on the new m3, then U.S. (stationed in germany) and british soldiers (i have got two bmw's so far tax free and at 7 thousand less than msrp than stateside customers), then other europeans , and then americans, and then south africa and so on, trust me, no real news on the m3 so far and i would be the first to know.....i'm right here in freakin germany bugging the sh!t out of my military sales guy every week and so far all he is trying to do is sell me an new m5 at 70k and unfortunately i don't have the money so i am hoping the new m3 will be 56k or below with my discount.

The waiting list we’re referring to is with our respective BMW dealers. Once the car becomes available in the United States, each dealer has a limited number of cars they are able to order each month (I’ve heard it will be two for the M3). Based on how quickly you want to receive your car, you can opt to give a fully refundable deposit to get your name on the list.

i am stationed here in darmstadt, germany, and there is no such waiting list...you guys are crazy, try holding onto your money for a change, if there was an actual waiting list...... the germans would get first dibs on the new m3, then U.S. (stationed in germany) and british soldiers (i have got two bmw's so far tax free and at 7 thousand less than msrp than stateside customers), then other europeans , and then americans, and then south africa and so on, trust me, no real news on the m3 so far and i would be the first to know.....i'm right here in freakin germany bugging the sh!t out of my military sales guy every week and so far all he is trying to do is sell me an new m5 at 70k and unfortunately i don't have the money so i am hoping the new m3 will be 56k or below with my discount.

I don't think it is a bad investment, being BMWs policy is for for dealers to 100% refund deposits. After all, it wasn't too long ago that some dealers were asking for, and getting huge mark-ups over MSRP on the E46.