Worth It? 2008 BMW M3 Coupes Start Arriving At US Dealers, Priced At $100k+!

Gotta love the free market!

I luv the free market also, especially since customers are free to boycott when dealers start gouging.

The 100k claim is highly exaggerated. You can find the new M3 on ebay motors, buy it now for 75k, only 6 over sticker. It looks great and every bit the benchmark of the industry.

Our dealership sells the M3's at MSRP ... We dont believe in marking them up to that ridiculous amount

Same here.

and here.

and here.

Excuse me while I stop by the porsche dealership and pick up a "cheaper" sports car.

And a better one.

FU greedy dealer markups.

FU.

Elementary of course.

But the practice istelf can tarnish the consumer's image of a model.

The Acura NSX and BMW Z8 both were hurt by dealer inflated pricetags when launched. In the case of the NSX, the selling point of its comparitively low price was nullified.

Yes both cars were in demand. Yes some chose to/were able to buy the cars at the dealer's marked up price.

But in situations like this the dealer (and possibly manufacturer) ends up paying in a loss of long term sales and lost reputation.

And that "supply and demand" calculation was done already by the manufacturer, hence the m.s.r.p.

But the other fluctuations you speak of are accurately reflected in their respective marketing.

For a hot car such as the M3, the local dealer network likely does no advertising themselves, instead relying on national campaigns and news articles which reflect only the msrp.

Then there is the incosistency between everything a consumer has seen about the price prior, and the handwritten markup they see in the dealer showroom.

You seem to be focusing on the legality of the situation. However, its the crappy image the dealer is portraying that is of concern.

Apparently the sharks in California can come up out of the water and sell BMWs!

I'm a huge fan, but at $100k just sign me up for the new ZR1.

No kidding.

And you should not have been deboosted twice for that.

Just wait a couple months when it is old news and pick it up then at market value. That way it wont depreciate as bad.

BMW has lost it's mind. We all know that BMW are overprice, but this is just insane...

It isn't BMW, it is the dealer

it's a DEALER, not bmw.

and if someone pays the price, then it's econ 101: supply and demand meet at the market clearing price.

You sound like a Jealous BMW hater.

Yes M3 are a lost cause, that's why the dealers are marking them up. Do you think before you type.

Supply and demand. If you build it and build it well, as BMW always does, people will come and buy it.

Always wait a year or two after the first ones hit the market and you can get one for MSRP and most of the bugs if any will be worked out by then as a plus.

Who said that would pay a mark-up on any car? Mark-ups are for fools who want to be parted with their money.

I wonder how much that GT-R is going to be selling for once it hits shores?

What do you mean who would buy it?
I am buying it!
After all It's "the ultimate driving machine"... =D

econ 101.

supply and demand meet at the market clearing price.

How is this possible, when you can just go to the BMW web site, custom build your car, and pay for it? Am I missing something?

But you CAN custom-order one from the dealer, in which they wouldn't be able to mark it up. Not to mention, you'd have it with your own options.

Attention S4cabrio-whatever...
Again, You cannot order a car from BMW. You have to order it from the dealer. The dealer, and only the dealer, determines the price of the car. I always keep my comments to informatory and educational, but I must now say it amazes me the confidence some people hold in their unresearched, ignorant comments.

As the others who have tried to explain, This is the law of supply and demand. It is a basic proven law that has been around longer than you and I, and longer than BMW.

As for the depreciation comment, there is a reason that the Mini Cooper has one of the highest resale values in the world. They have been consistantly priced over MSRP since their introduction. Rebates and special financing are things that make cars depreciate, which is why heavily incentivized products have terrible resale value. What people ACTUALLY PAY determines the market value of ANYTHING, from chewing gum, to sneakers, to cars. The best thing about this whole article is- IF YOU DON'T THINK THE PRICE IS RIGHT, YOU CERTAINLY DON'T HAVE TO BUY IT!!!!!!

"You have to order it from the dealer."

Yes... that's what I said.

"The dealer, and only the dealer, determines the price of the car."

True, but the dealer wouldn't be stupid enough to charge six figures for a car at this price that YOU ordered, for fear of a lost buyer. I would be surprised if they asked for more than $10K over sticker.

I can guarantee you that if you went to that SoCal dealer and ordered it through there, before they took your $5,000 deposit for the car they would inform you what you'd be paying, which would amount to your built price plus the $30,000 "fair market adjustment" or whatever they feel like calling it.

@ S4cabriofoxone
If a dealer is getting $100K for these cars, what would they have to fear in not selling it to the person who ordered it?

This is one of my favorite arguements! I work for a dealership. If market value on a car is $5000 below invoice no one bitches about it and the dealers sell it. If the market value is MSRP then we sell them for MSRP, if more than we sell it for more. If we are allowed to discount the cars to meet market value than why not mark them up to meet market value?

Good point.

bingo.

market clearing prices move down AND up.

Because,(Dealer Mark-ups) are a short-term approach to selling autos and manufacturers DO NOT LIKE dealers doing it because it creates resentment for the brand as well as destroys any hope of building customer relations.

Your reasoning or justification for mark-ups is classic sales manager instructions for their salespeople - right out of the manual.

When I have encountered this 'usery' attitude with dealers I tell them I will not consider buying anything from them now or ever until the 'dealer tax' is taken off the table...believe me, if you walk out the door-they will end up chasing you. Too many purchasing options out there for dealers to play these BS games.

Anyone who pays these charges are idiots who deserve to get screwed.

"Your reasoning or justification for mark-ups is classic sales manager instructions for their salespeople - right out of the manual."

it's called capitalism. are you more inclined to the soviet model?

No, I like the free market approach...free to take my business and customer loyalty elsewhere.(Other dealers,Internet sales,et) When you develop a relationship with a dealership,buy several cars, they will never charge a repeat customer a mark-up.

And lets face it..most of the dealers revenue comes from the service department and if they have lost customer loyalty by being predatory at the front of the house they will likely lose it at the back of the house as well.

@ ICON

If you stood in the middle of my showroom and told me that you weren't going to pay, I would shake your hand and tell you to have a good day. That is how dealers create this kind of frenzy pricing on these models.

If a dealer chases you down afterwards it tells you one thing- the car isn't as hot as they would like you to believe. If a car is truly going to carry a premium the dealer will hold firm until the cars stop moving faster than the national turn average. Then you will get chased down. I doubt there is one BMW dealer who is backing off of there price whether it be MSRP or well over MSRP on an M3- Why? Because the next guy walking in the door will pay if you don't.

A great sports cliche comes to mind- who wants it more?

However in this case it comes down to who wants to get pounded in the rear more.

Am I the only one who sees that the point of advertising is to get you in the door?

When a chinese restaurant advertises Kung Pao Chicken do they show the highest price you could pay?

Am I also the only one who sees the disclosure on every manufacturers ads that say "actual price set by dealer"

For what feels like the 200th time on this forum, when will you realize that BMW does not truly care about additional dealer markup?

As long as you are in the showroom buying a BMW they don't care what you pay for it.

Well, they say there's a sucker born every minute. And I'm sure those include wealthy ones that'll pay $30 grand over sticker.

I totally Agree with S4fanatic !!! And we here at my Lexus store are still getting over list on even a titled pre-owned LS600H !!! And NOT ONE Person buying it is bitching either !! I'm glad there are dealers trying to sell the M3's for over list.... Gives the IS-F and even better reason to be bought over the slower, less powerful BMW !! :)

BMW's M3 will kick an IS-F's A__ ! Just because it has more HP than the M3 does not make it superior!

It's not slower. Car and Driver M3 4.1 IS-F 4.2

If the M3 cost $200,000 then so be it.

But the problem here is all of BMW's marketing says one thing, and the dealer says something else.

This isn't unique to BMW.

Never said it was.

This should clear it up for you:

What dealer would appear more honorable and consumer friendly, the one selling a car a the price the customer believes it cost based everything they've been told and shown. Or the the one who adds whatever extra cost they can onto the price?

It's not a question of could, but should.

When a luxury car dealer acts like a Ebay reseller of Hot Wheels cars, it leaves a bad taste in the customer's mouth.

If you don't get that, I feel bad for you.

Who the hell is in business to 'appear honorable and conumer friendly?' They're trying to make a buck.

Well, the business that is run intelligently wouldn't let a short term gain interfere with long term sustainablility.

If your dealership is "famous" for markups, customers will shop elsewhere.

that depends. If i were a choosy and deep-pocketed customer, i would actually prefer a dealer known for markups. The steeper price would be worth it to me if the dealer provided an exclusive environment. Rich people don't like to mingle with common swine.

If a dealer is known for markups, that would prohibit poor people and bargain hunters from patronizing said dealership.

Wouldn't you prefer to shop for your M3 or 760Li without having to rub shoulders with some slovenly chump trying to finance a used 328i?

That's why i never shop at Wal-Mart. I'm not rich, but i do well enough to make that choice. I just don't like the people i see at Wal-Mart. Target has a slightly better looking crowd. Macy's is even better. Why? Because more expensive prices keep undesirables from even showing up.

Pushrod,

My jaw dropped when I read your posts, and that takes a lot. You've made it obvious that you have little tact and absolutely no sense of business. Becoming known for outlandish markups is the quickest way to run yourself out of business. An "exclusive environment" devoid of "common swine" and "slovenly chumps" is not developed by pricing your products so high that they becme unaffordable. You make the comparison between Wal-Mart, Target, and Macy's. These stores sell similar products, but the quality is different. It's not like Macy's sells the exact same Polo sweater for 40% more than Wal-Mart. By the same token nobody is going to pay a premium for a car if the same car can be purchased for 10% less elsewhere. You pay a premium to buy a BMW instead of a Toyota. It's in the price of the car, but there is an increased expectation of service and value along with it. If you think the wealthy are looking for an "exclusive" place to buy a car that is only exclusive because they demand a premium just to walk in the door, you're incredibly out of touch with reality. There are places like that. They are called champagne rooms in strip clubs in Vegas. Your perception of buyer motivation is incredibly shallow.

Pushrod Whats wrong with a guy shopping for a used 328i? I mean I am not rich either, but as a roughneck on a drilling rig I make pretty good money. Why bash someone who is less fortunate than you. I grew up very poor. I made something out of myself. And I am not an uneducated roughneck either. I have a degree in meteorology, served 7 years in the Air Force before becoming 30% disabled. I worked as a mechanic and a heavy equipment mechanic. I just chose the oil field to learn something new and to open up new doors. Not everyone cna afford a new BMW and even though I can afford one I will always buy certefied pre-owned from BMW. Not because I can't afford it, but because it makes better financial sense. Less depreciation loss, better warranty and it's still a farily new BMW especially if its a low mileage one. Don't laugh or look down on someone who is trying to get a better bargain. Some of the richest bastards in the world are so uptight that they bitch about .04 cents. At least they have the taste for a nice car.

there are all kind of different consumers with different kinds of tastes. If i were i the market for ultra exclusive snob appeal, i certainly would patronize a store that charges exhorbitant prices for the purpose of keeping poor people away.

Have you ever been to Neiman Marcus? Or Saks Fifth Avenue? Those retailers use prestige pricing in full effect. You can't buy a piece of chewing gum in Neiman Marcus for less than a hundred bucks. You can't tell me that keeping common shoppers out of the environment isn't part of the strategy.

there's nothing wrong with buying a used BMW. I drive a Chevy Impala SS and i live in North Philly. I'm not rich.

I do run a catering business though. And sometimes i host parties where i charge $200 just to come in the door. Why? I have a small group of clients (drug dealers, mostly) who spend a LOT of money with me. They prefer an exclusive environment sometimes, and they like it when i throw an event that any and every body can't afford to attend.

My point is that the rich have their way, and there are many retailers who go to extremes to satisfy this clientele, so it is conceivable to me that a BMW dealer could charge markups and stay in business.

I meant no disrespect to any working man, I'm a working man. I just wanted to get my point across.

think about brands like Gucci and Versace. When they start making cheap trinkets like keychains to go downmarket, they lose appeal among affluent customers who simply don't want to be seen in the same thing that any commoner can purchase. it's called prestige pricing. Of course it's just a markup for nothing, but you tell your rich customers that they are 'buying exclusivity.'

Point well put pushrod. I do see your point. And your right, if Versache and Neiman Marcus made cheap keychains and such yes the appeal would go down but then you do have all kinds of fakes and knock offs, which only the trained eye and one who knows real from fake will know the difference. The night club I work at has a stricter age limit and dress code. I live in Shreveport, La, hood rat city, and the club I work at is a 90% black club but we limit the age to 25 for men and no tennis shoes plain t-shirts Jerseys ETC. because we don't want the thug troublemaker crowd from the other clubs, which have fights and injuries on a nightly basis. We on the other had have had no fist fights or injuries, so I see your point in keeping it out of range for certain crowds. Thugs are much less likely to dress nice and carry themselves well because they pride themselves on the ignorance and negative stereotypes that hold them down wondering why they are looked down upon, not trusted nor respected. well I'm getting too far off subject here. I think the markup is too high but this car has been so anticipated that there were many willing to pay that price regardless of the MSRP.

Again, I strongly suggest your correct your ignorance of business ethics by taking a class or two.

Nobody is saying a company can't charge what they want for something. They are free to do what they want.

However, there is a problem when a consumer is promised one price via TV/magazine ad or website and then is shown a different price when they go to purchase said product.

And your Hannah Montana comment was irrelevant. The high ticket prices for her shows were the result of secondary market transactions. Those buying directly through ticketmaster or whatever paid the face value.

Sorry. My above comment was inserted in the wrong place thanks to my computer.

Please ignore it here and continue explaining to pushrod why he is wrong.

LMAO at Answer. That was clever

In truth the M3 has the straightline performance of a 911 Carrera and handles nearly as well but in a larger package. It's made in Germany and has typical quality befitting a high end German car. So one could argue that $100 grand is not totally out of line for this type of vehicle. The other point is that the Euro is increasing against the dollar day by day.So in order for BMW to make a profit and the dealer to make a profit 100 grand may be where the market needs to be. Unless BMW makes a concerted effort like Nissan is doing selling the GTR to control the mark up 100 grand will end up being the real cost of M3 ownership in the US.

Not with M3 Sedans, coupes, and convertibles in the product line, there will be more than enough cars out there to satisfy the market to keep prices ultimately around MSRP. With US economy slowing down, gas prices going up, I would not be surprised to see cars moving for under MSRP by this Fall.

Worth every penny :-)

By what? There is only one car currently in production that could match it for $54K: the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

HAHAHA, for 100k, no thanks. Better off just waiting for the flood and the price to drop again. Not to mention I would not give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe a big spitwad in the salesmans face as I walk off the lot, but that's about it.

I can see it now, someone on Ebay is gonne buy one and auction it for a lotta money.

Why would hit a salesman in the face with a spitwad ? I sell cars..and its not my fault you don't want to pay the price that the management/ownership set. Salesman/woman are there to earn a living just like you Mr.Whelan
With these days when customers know invoice and holdback and how much everything is, dealerships aren't making a killing on new cars..so when something comes in that here is huge demand..why not capitlized..dealerships are in to make money..not charity

Whelan,
I just wanted to take a moment to say, "Thank You". Thank you sir, for reminding us that the only people who are whining and complaining about this are people like you. People who number one, can't afford the car regardless of mark-up. Number two, love to hide behind their computer and shoot out rediculous statements that make no sense, with terrible grammar by the way. Finally, have the high level of class to threaten to '...spit in the salesman's face...' You sir, must be awefully proud of yourself and your ignorance.

mkvegas,

I woould just like to thank you for registering at autospies with the express intent of defending your dealership practices.

In the spirit of "not hiding behind the computer", what is the name of the dealership you work for?

That goes for you to kthor.

I'm guessing you two are co-workers or at least friends.

Answer,
My dealership doesn't mark up cars like that, so I don't have to defend myself at all. What I am defending is a free market. Actually more just explaining how it works, as no one seems to understand it. Consumers determine the prices of goods. Not the manufacturers. Again, an age-old proven economical theory.
I don't know kthor, just because you attacked both of us and we both responded doesn't mean we know each other.
ps- to correct spelling of your comment- 'would', and 'too'.

Thanks for correcting my typos.

Last I checked, you and your friend had only posted in two stories, both identical. If you are not aquaintances somehow, then you must be one in the same person.

Anyway, I'm not questioning the why or how of capitalism as I know that already.

I'm just curious as to why anyone would defend a business practice which is so anti-consumer, no matter how legal it may be.

You seem to profess a knowledge of the economical aspects of business. I would suggest you take a course in the ethics of business. You are clearly uninformed in that regard.

there are no ethics in business.

"let's get paid and go home"

anything else is superfluous.

Answer,

There are ethical problems in the sale of automobiles when someone clears a salvage title and sells it to a family with children. There are ethical problems when someone steals someone else's identity to buy a car. There are no ethical problems with someone charging what the market will bear on a luxury product that is strictly a WANT. With this mentality, you had better launch a full-on strike against companies like Louis Vuitton, Rolex, high-end steakhouses, theatrical shows, Gucci, Coach, Prada, Ferrari...

...and good Lord I would hate to hear what you have to say about Hannah Montana...

gain, I strongly suggest your correct your ignorance of business ethics by taking a class or two.

Nobody is saying a company can't charge what they want for something. They are free to do what they want.

However, there is a problem when a consumer is promised one price via TV/magazine ad or website and then is shown a different price when they go to purchase said product.

And your Hannah Montana comment was irrelevant. The high ticket prices for her shows were the result of secondary market transactions. Those buying directly through ticketmaster or whatever paid the face value.

Answer,

You win. You are really smart. Listen Mr. Economics, if the dealer didn't sell them for market value, people would buy them and do just that! Ethics have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with ANY part of this conversation. So funny that you use ethics as a crutch for your base-less arguement. Respond all you want, you won't get another from me. Good luck with your lawsuit against the mythical supply and demand ethics fairies, I hear they have a really good attorney...

Answer,



"However, there is a problem when a consumer is promised one price via TV/magazine ad or website and then is shown a different price when they go to purchase said product."

Would you please take a look at the ads that you are seeing for ANY car and look at the disclaimer from the manufacturer that says "Actual price set by dealer."

Who promised you a price? They told you right up front that there is no telling what you might have to pay to get one.

I just saw an M3 in Santa Monica with a "market adjustment of $15,000. MSRP 70K + 15K= 85K. I wish I could afford it, but I wouldn't pay any BS mark up even if I had the money.

I like watches so, I would wait a month buy a nice watch and then pick up my car for MSRP.

Not saying I wouldn't Kthor, but given the circumstance, I would seriously ask my question if the new M3 a contender to the 911. I think not.

really? Because Edmunds, Road and Track, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend all got 911 performance figures out of it. Edmunds even called the M3 a legitimate 911 and more of a sports car than the R8.

0-60 4.1-4.3 seconds
1/4 mile 12.5-12.7 seconds
0.95-0.98g skidpad
73.3mph slalom
60-0 braking 110 feet

That's a compilation of test data on the M3 from various sources, for both the sedan and the coupe. If you didn't know that was an M3 whose stats you were reading, I'd be willing to bet most people would have read that and asked "which 911 model was that?"

And for $74k fully loaded with M-DCT ($72k sedan) it's a lot less expensive than a 911.

Edmunds didn't call it "more of a sports car" than the R8, which would imply that it was more capable. They called it "more hardcore," which means it has a harsher ride. Contrary to popular belief, a softer ride isn't necessarily a bad thing. The R8 manages to balance that with fantastic handling and feedback.

Just clearing that up--I think you know that I want the M3 as much as you do.

The dealerships around me are not going to charge "market adjustment". They told me that they will get plenty enough to go around.

Just another reason not to buy an over priced M3. May as well own an M5 or and M6 for almost the same price, if not cheaper. These kind of dealers give the brand a bad name. I do imagine there will be some idiot who wants to be the first to have one on his block so he'll pay the extra $30k. He'll feel like an idiot when a month later everyone has one for $30k less.

NO, I rather get an M5 or a E63.

To be honest, I wouldn't. There's little to no reason for buying an M5 over an M3. They have very similar acceleration, but the M3 has better handling, better steering, a better suspension and better looks. Its only disadvantage is interior space.

For $100k I would just get an M6. Love the M3 but its suppose to be the pound for pound, or in this case $ for $ winner. At $100k you have other options.

This is just one dealer out of hundreds and hundreds. Not all dealers operate like this, but there's nothing wrong with an over-MSRP market adjustment. If someone pays it, then so be it. It's not likely anyone will, though, but maybe they'll negotiate down to $5000 over list. Who knows, and frankly, who cares. If it's worth it for someone to be the first person on the block with an M3, then $30k over list is a bargain. It's all perception. The danger is if the dealer pisses off a few legit buyers by perceived gouging, they may cost themselves more than $30k in profit down the road. It's a delicate balance.

It's unlikely that they expect to sell the car at $30k over. It's more probable that they expect to not sell it at all until they receive numerous offers and see which is highest.

HAHA! Awesome machine! but no to 100G's!Isn't USA in Recession! lOOOOL!

An M3 is luxury but not worth more luxury than an M6 or an M5. I just don't get what this dealership is thinking. This may not be a typical dealership practice, but we're talking about it and it's within the top 5 stories, so it does hurt the brand regardless. Nissan recently sued/penalized dealerships doing the same thing with the new GT-R, so why not BMW?????

Its a matter of when you want the car. I can walk in to my local BMW today and buy any M3 for MSRP (the refuse to charge over sticker) I'll have to wait a year to a year and a half to get it though.

Fastonekiller,
That's forgiveable. Since Porsche's all stem from the same design, not saying its a bad thing, but they're all relatively the same size.

You can get the Porsche 911 S for less than $100,000 with good performance options like Sport Chrono, and the 911 S will blow the M3 out the water on any given day.

Car and Driver test results
Porsche 911
0-60 4.3 Sec.
14 miles 12.8 Sec. @ 111 MPH
Skid pad .94G

BMW M3
0-60 4.1 Sec.
14 miles 12.6 Sec. @ 113 MPH
Skid pad .95 G

"the 911 S will blow the M3 out the water on any given day." You may want to rethink that statement.

Yes, a 997 Carrera S will blow the M3 out of the waters. it does 0-60 in 3.9s, but not that the 0-60 is the only bench mark.

But you would expect that from a Sports car vs. a sports sedan.

haha damn your dollars are loosing power eh?

Wow, do we really need to elaborate whether the new M3 is worth 100k, uh, no. Seriously, if you were paying 100k for the new M3, wouldn't you consider buying the M6, instead? Or how about a Porsche 911 Carrera?

Even if a guy buys the M3 @ 100k, park it next to an M6 or even an M5, I'd take the M6 or M5 anyday over the M3. Not to mention these 2 would eat the M3 for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It doesnt matter! Whoever likes the M3 and has the $100k to pay for it, then by all means buy the car! Why not?? We all have different preferences. If someone can't afford the M3 and is upset at it then tough luck. Work a little harder and start saving if you want it so bad. Dont bash BMW or the dealer for it. After all, were all just trying to get a little wealthier...

Hell noooooo. I will much rather get the key to my new GTR for let's say 80 grands. And i'll whoop that poor soul in the track who paid 100 grand for his sheepish M3.

I wouldn't call the M3 Sheepish. Performance numbers are a very good match. For example I can't stand it when someone thinks that .1 or .2 seconds faster on the quarter mile means the other car got it's doors blown off. The Porsche and BMW are a totally different class of car and it is quite commendable that the M3 can hold it's own so well against the Porsche.

0-60 in 3.9s, Where your source for that number?

ICON- If a dealer is going to chase you into the parking lot to buy a car it wasnt worth the market value they were asking. There is a huge difference between the bs games you are referring to and actualy selling cars for market value.

If we have a car priced at market value we sell it for market value. If you want to wait until the market value is MSRP that is your right as a consumer. But then why wait for that, you should wait until you can buy it for invoice.

Consumers drive the market value of autos not the dealers! We started market value when we were selling vehicles for MSRP to see them resold for well over MSRP.

Don't give me the bs that it ruins the reputation of the dealers. If it is handled appropriatly and the cars are truly worth a mark up then who loses?

My point is that there may be fools that will pay the 'Dealer Tax' and call it a great deal. You can call it 'market value' or whatever you want, but in reality you have adusted the MSRP listed price by adding a label, offered no added value and therefore have left your self open to dealerships that take a longer view of customer relations and will not sell for MSRP plus markup.

(So if BMW dealerships in Manhattan and Newport Beach Ca are selling the M3 at MSRP with no markup what do you call that? Below "Market Value"? LOL

I can assure you, I along with many associates and friends have purchased enough newly launched models (including BMW's) to know the game and have never paid a markup. And no one had to wait for the fire sale either.

Your arguments are specious and do not take into account that the customer still is king and ultimately holds the power if they choose to use it.

Those that don't are the saps you can take advantage of. Dealerships like yours will always lose in the long run.

Think on that Bud.

This article HAS been enlightening in that it has shown how many dealer sales people/employees are part of Autospies. Interesting.

BTW I think the code words "Market Value" should be referred to by it's proper term -"Sucker Pricing"

I have never seen Edmunds,Dealerships,Brokers( or any resource for resale) list or ask if you paid 'Market Value' for an auto. LMAO

I couldn't agree with you more about the customer being king. That is my sentiment as well. When we have a car that is selling for above MSRP and can't keep the car in stock why would we sell it for less? This is a rare occurance and only happens when a product first comes out. As the market cools on the car so does the price. Again, why would we sell a product for MSRP to have it sold immediatly for a profit?

it's just an add on sticker, I have seen 5,000 add ons to 25,000 dollar vehicles. Doesn't mean that the dealer even expects any one to pay. But someone "might" pay 30,000 extra for the M3. The dealer just earned a lot of money for ataching a sticker.

I would rather buy an Aston Martin.

How can you compare?? There two different classes of vehicles. Ones an almost "super sportscar" and the other is an every day high performance coupe.

Actually, the M3 is much better to drive than the cheapest Aston, the $120,000 V8 Vantage.

^^ S4... What was so different about the drive? Did you ACTUALLY drive both or ...?

Obviously not, but it's clear from EVERY review ever written about the two cars that the Aston is disappointing considering its sticker price, and that the M3 is incredible in every respect.

at 100k...it's a piece of shiz. no way it's worth that much. 45k max.

65k is the ideal value for this car.

funny how people keep saying M3 is faster, better handling than M5, M6. you guys better remember the average buyers' age for a 3 series is about 50 years old. M3 only gonna target at the older audience.

most teenagers love M3 over anything else, but can only afford civic, majority of buyer who can affort M3, would choose a M5 or 7 series. That's the TRUTH.

I guess I could mention that I used to work at an Acura dealership, so I have been on both sides of the fence. No I cannot afford this car, but if I could, knowing such a huge markup existed would really upset me. It's not a Bugatti Veyron or some super exotic. It's a BMW M3. Which I know is a fantastic car that is worth every penny. But to make such a ridiculous markup is just insane.

As for the spitting comment. It was simply that, a comment. Not that I would ever actually do such a thing. It was to simply show my emotion towards dealers that get away with such exorbitant price hikes on automobiles.

Hiding behind my computer is not something I do. I simply express my opinions, which are personal. Isn't that the point of blogs and forums, to share opinions. Criticize if you want, that is your right. But if I came on here and defended places like Consumer Reports, or that dealership, I would not be expressing my opinion, but just going along with what others have already insisted upon.

A few readers responded by saying their BMW dealerships will sell the M3 at MSRP. It will be helpful if you can respond with the dealership name.
That will be a win-win situation for both buyers and sellers. Thanks much.

That's why I got the M5.

Why settle for 414 when you can have 500 for less.

Love the V10!

NO.

Oops. I'm sorry I thought this was the $40k for a Hyundai blog. OK, OK. Hmmm. $100k for an M3?

NO.

$100k for an M3 aint happening! I was in the Wall Street BMW of Manhattan showroom and they had a nice blue one in the showroom. No ridiculous mark up.

If E92 M3's are going for $100k I could probably sell my E46 for $50k (just kidding)! I am accepting offers though!

This is exactly what I predicted would happen. Great car but anyone who pays $100k for an M3 is a fool, and should be smacked. Might as well get a Carrera S instead. I've even seen used Gallardos within $10k of this price. Ridicuolous.

But you wouldn't be able to pick up an R8 for under $150K.

100K for an M3? Another the Audi R8 is only $9K more.

Looking at the BMW ad at the front of the article, If I cover up the distinctive front BMW grille, it sure looks like a Honda S2000. Just look at the bulging wheel arch and slanting front lights ..

...It also looks like the last-generation BMW M3.

Never. M3's don't lose at much value as most cars, but i wouldn't do it. Not for a souped up 3 series. M5 or 7 most definitely.

Keep it for that much! Many other cars I would rather have for this money...

I just built a new M3 Coupe with EVERY option including the new M Double clutch Trans, which is not even available yet, and it totaled $72k. My guess is that Century BMW is lying about the MSRP at $70k. Its probably $60k MSRP. So it is a $40k markup. These So Cal dealers are all the same, gaffing its customers on cars. You would think the real estate market is still raining cash on everyone.

The BMW M3 will do 0 to 60 in 2.6 seconds.

That is a fast car!!!

It's worth whatever buyers are prepared to pay for it. That's why a newly released product, like an iPhone, carries a hefty "Early Adopter Premium": Because there are some folks who will pay a hefty premium to get what they want. When that market dries up, the product's "worth" declines to meet the price that the next bunch of prospective buyers will pay.

Free market = supply and demand economy. There is no law against the dealers charging whatever they want for any car but whether customers will buy them is another matter entirely. If someone has the excess cash and wants to pay $30k over MRSP for something that will be available at MRSP within a year or two then who are we to complain? Value is in the eyes of the beholder. I'm not huge BMW fan myself athough they admittedly are very nice cars. I much prefer the Audi RS series, but that's just personal preference. I wonder how the new M3 compares to Nissan's GT-R?