Car shopping, a rant

[LuvMyE92]

• I was shopping for my new 550 this past summer, and nearly every car listed for sale was a customer order and unavailable for me to buy. Very annoying.
• I'm now shopping (well, technically the search is suspended) for an F8x and still many cars are listed with the wrong transmission, requiring a shopper to look through all of the pictures to find a gearshift or paddles or extra pedals...
• Prices are still too high
• Shopping via the BMW web site does not accurately show inventory
• Many dealers (and private sellers) do not delete their ad after the car is sold. That includes some of you guys here on the forum.
• Did I mention the high prices?

Partly out of frustration but mostly because of the still inflated prices, I've decided to wait a few more months on the F8x. I want something with a manual transmission that I can drive occasionally on the track for HPDE, or just for when I feel like a bit more involvement than I get from my automatic 5.

I'm sure I'm not the only one frustrated by the shopping experience. Anyone else have some nuggets?

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

• I was shopping for my new 550 this past summer, and nearly every car listed for sale was a customer order and unavailable for me to buy. Very annoying.
• I'm now shopping (well, technically the search is suspended) for an F8x and still many cars are listed with the wrong transmission, requiring a shopper to look through all of the pictures to find a gearshift or paddles or extra pedals...
• Prices are still too high
• Shopping via the BMW web site does not accurately show inventory
• Many dealers (and private sellers) do not delete their ad after the car is sold. That includes some of you guys here on the forum.
• Did I mention the high prices?

Partly out of frustration but mostly because of the still inflated prices, I've decided to wait a few more months on the F8x. I want something with a manual transmission that I can drive occasionally on the track for HPDE, or just for when I feel like a bit more involvement than I get from my automatic 5.

I'm sure I'm not the only one frustrated by the shopping experience. Anyone else have some nuggets?

Buy a G82 in Manual?

[TractionControlDelete]

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

• I was shopping for my new 550 this past summer, and nearly every car listed for sale was a customer order and unavailable for me to buy. Very annoying.
• I'm now shopping (well, technically the search is suspended) for an F8x and still many cars are listed with the wrong transmission, requiring a shopper to look through all of the pictures to find a gearshift or paddles or extra pedals...
• Prices are still too high
• Shopping via the BMW web site does not accurately show inventory
• Many dealers (and private sellers) do not delete their ad after the car is sold. That includes some of you guys here on the forum.
• Did I mention the high prices?

Partly out of frustration but mostly because of the still inflated prices, I've decided to wait a few more months on the F8x. I want something with a manual transmission that I can drive occasionally on the track for HPDE, or just for when I feel like a bit more involvement than I get from my automatic 5.

I'm sure I'm not the only one frustrated by the shopping experience. Anyone else have some nuggets?

Ironically, the cars are just languishing on the dealer lots. The can't even break even at wholesale/auctions anymore. So they're just holding on like Smeagol to the markup dreams and irresponsible lending of pandemics past. You'll come out on top especially after the upcoming Christmas season doesn't move as many cars as they're hoping it will. Just hang in there

[peelerec]

I am in the same boat. I've been in the market for an F80 for a full month now and seem to consistently run into the same problems. I may also decide to wait, depending if this last dealer is willing to play ball or not.

[Humdizzle]

yeah the transmission listing is a common annoyance. the default i think is manual, and then dealers will list dct as an 'option package' in the text below. some may be doing to bait and switch though, trying to get someone whose on the fence about manual to go with a dct.

prices are high. but they only suck if you sold your last car low. or are financing a ton of it at the crazy interest rates. i bought my 2015 f80 for 48 (72k msrp) and sold it 3 years later for 52. just bought a 2021 m2c (79k msrp) for 63. seems reasonable to me.

[cotmfk]

The struggle is real, for sure.

I would say at least 1/3 of the "manuals" listed are actually DCT. The other thing I see a lot of is base or comp pack M3s being listed as "CS." Very frustrating. I never got to the point of emailing dealers to tell them their listings were wrong, but I was close. They wasted so much of my time, why not waste some of theirs? LOL

Anyways, stick with it... market is coming down and you'll find that unicorn you're looking for eventually.

[agentrnge]

In addition to the manual vs DCT issues that have always been an issue, Im also seeing listings that copy paste some description text and it includes all available options, rather than the options on the call. So a search with a filter for m-sport and nappa leather, will include some base model with dakota ( looking at F10s and G30s )

[bagekko]

Are you limiting your search to distance, whenever I am searching on BMWUSA I search all of the US, if you want a 6spd best to assume getting it shipped. CA always has at least 1 manual and typically under the national avg in terms of price from the smart dealers that don't want to hold on to it for 6 months.

[dallastide]

I'm encountering the same issues trying to replace my M4. Kid #2 is on the way so my days in a coupe are numbered. Still all over the board at this stage though. New M3, M5/M550i, M6, S7, Quadrifoglio, RRS, LC200???

Anyways, be patient. You'll find the one. If you can delay to the spring I think it would be much to your benefit. Good luck with the search!

[NSX2M4]

Confused here. A 550 will ride like you're floating on air.
A F8X will shake the fillings from your teeth.
What's your end goal because, an F8X is aggressive in nature and harsh compared to a 550 sedan.
If you want the F8X, you'll need to find a totally stock car. No Alibaba diffusers, no drops, no spacers, no tunes, no bullshit... Even then, it'll ride nowhere close to a 550...

[MJBO]

Originally Posted by NSX2M4

Confused here. A 550 will ride like you're floating on air.
A F8X will shake the fillings from your teeth.
What's your end goal because, an F8X is aggressive in nature and harsh compared to a 550 sedan.
If you want the F8X, you'll need to find a totally stock car. No Alibaba diffusers, no drops, no spacers, no tunes, no bullshit... Even then, it'll ride nowhere close to a 550...

Yeah seems like a significant shift in what you're after.

[agentrnge]

Originally Posted by NSX2M4

Confused here. A 550 will ride like you're floating on air.
A F8X will shake the fillings from your teeth.
What's your end goal because, an F8X is aggressive in nature and harsh compared to a 550 sedan.
If you want the F8X, you'll need to find a totally stock car. No Alibaba diffusers, no drops, no spacers, no tunes, no bullshit... Even then, it'll ride nowhere close to a 550...

Its nice having 2+ different kind of rides. F80 6MT + a 5 series lux cruiser is a good combo. I'm in the reverse position of OP. I have an aged e38 as my luxo cruiser and want to replace it with something current, g30s are the top of my list. Searching on and off for a long while, and seeing the same issues with listings. Hoping to pull the trigger in 3-6 months. And also hoping prices are less bonkers then.

I'm assuming from what OP said he's looking for 2 rides, not replacing the 5 with a f8x.

[LuvMyE92]

Originally Posted by N1rve

Buy a G82 in Manual?

BTDT. Great car, too expensive for me to risk on the track (BTDT).

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

prices are high. but they only suck if you sold your last car low.

True that. I lost a bundle selling (trading) my B7, but since I made a profit when I sold my G82, I rationalized that it all worked out in the end (i.e. "normal" depreciation on average)

Originally Posted by bagekko

Are you limiting your search to distance,

Absolutely not! I do have to consider the cost of shipping, so a CA or WA car needs to be a bit better priced for me to justify it. If it's within 800 miles or so, I'm OK with flying up and driving home.

Originally Posted by NSX2M4

Confused here. A 550 will ride like you're floating on air.
A F8X will shake the fillings from your teeth.

Yes. See next...

Originally Posted by agentrnge

Its nice having 2+ different kind of rides. F80 6MT + a 5 series lux cruiser is a good combo.

I'm assuming from what OP said he's looking for 2 rides, not replacing the 5 with a f8x.

Correct assumption. Sorry if I was not more clear. I will have two rides, the cloud and the tooth loosener.

Thanks all for the comments and advice!

[cotmfk]

Originally Posted by dallastide

I'm encountering the same issues trying to replace my M4. Kid #2 is on the way so my days in a coupe are numbered. Still all over the board at this stage though. New M3, M5/M550i, M6, S7, Quadrifoglio, RRS, LC200???

Anyways, be patient. You'll find the one. If you can delay to the spring I think it would be much to your benefit. Good luck with the search!

Not confusing at all to me. Isn't this the life of a car enthusiast?

Hey that car's cool... wouldn't mind owning one.

Oooh... look at that one!

Wait, this other one over here is neat, too!

LOLLLL Maybe not all of us, but I've definitely been there.

[agentrnge]

Originally Posted by cotmfk

... Isn't this the life of a car enthusiast?

Hey that car's cool... wouldn't mind owning one.

Oooh... look at that one!

Wait, this other one over here is neat, too!
...

Car ADD is real. I was "shopping" for an F80 for like 3 years before I bought one. And thought "Well now that I have one I can stop looking at cars all the time." I think I was still looking at even F80s the week after I got mine. And then started looking at 5s to supplement. And then looking at e92 M3s because I want that, and e39s because I miss them, and GT3s because thats a dream. And then I remember I dont have a 6 bay garage and a spare $200k and all the time in the world. But then I forget the next day/week, and browse listings for another hour. Good times. lol

[TractionControlDelete]

Originally Posted by cotmfk

Not confusing at all to me. Isn't this the life of a car enthusiast?

Hey that car's cool... wouldn't mind owning one.

Oooh... look at that one!

Wait, this other one over here is neat, too!

LOLLLL Maybe not all of us, but I've definitely been there.

My god, this is too accurate.

[TractionControlDelete]

Originally Posted by agentrnge

Car ADD is real. I was "shopping" for an F80 for like 3 years before I bought one. And thought "Well now that I have one I can stop looking at cars all the time." I think I was still looking at even F80s the week after I got mine. And then started looking at 5s to supplement. And then looking at e92 M3s because I want that, and e39s because I miss them, and GT3s because thats a dream. And then I remember I dont have a 6 bay garage and a spare $200k and all the time in the world. But then I forget the next day/week, and browse listings for another hour. Good times. lol

Oh, hi me 👋

[JLS_397K]

Originally Posted by cotmfk

Not confusing at all to me. Isn't this the life of a car enthusiast?

Hey that car's cool... wouldn't mind owning one.

Oooh... look at that one!

Wait, this other one over here is neat, too!

LOLLLL Maybe not all of us, but I've definitely been there.

The other problem is that you dont always want to settle for the basics… Black on black, Basic entertainment options, maybe safety features… like all the options combined. Some combinations were built by some dealer trying to push products, other were custom order and we drool over it on the forums. I am finding that issue as i look for a new truck. Chevy, Ram, Ford, Diesel 6, N/A V8, Turbo V6, maybe I6 with Ram… 1500/maybe 2500. Amenities and capabilities. With more knowledge and personal want creates more frustration over satisfaction.

[NSX2M4]

I'd keep searching for a non tuned, non lowered, non molested example. It's kind of a shame this generation M seems to follow suit of say, an STI or, an EVO in the form of modification. They are such beautiful cars in stock form and the motor is pretty damn well high strung right out the gate. Good luck in your search.

[Zulu Saffa]

Originally Posted by agentrnge

Car ADD is real. I was "shopping" for an F80 for like 3 years before I bought one. And thought "Well now that I have one I can stop looking at cars all the time." I think I was still looking at even F80s the week after I got mine. And then started looking at 5s to supplement. And then looking at e92 M3s because I want that, and e39s because I miss them, and GT3s because thats a dream. And then I remember I dont have a 6 bay garage and a spare $200k and all the time in the world. But then I forget the next day/week, and browse listings for another hour. Good times. lol

Originally Posted by TractionControlDelete

My god, this is too accurate.

Originally Posted by cotmfk

Not confusing at all to me. Isn't this the life of a car enthusiast?

Hey that car's cool... wouldn't mind owning one.

Oooh... look at that one!

Wait, this other one over here is neat, too!

LOLLLL Maybe not all of us, but I've definitely been there.

Yep, lets not even start talking about dreaming on Bring a Trailer.

[Alvin Mpower]

You should try looking at dealer lot on east coast, there are so many of these cars just sitting, try New Hampshire, CT, RI, MA. I think the price have dropped significantly and they always do during this time of the year, nobody wants to buy a rwd sports car with summer tires in the winter. I find couple of them with really good prices at low mileage, they have been sitting for a while. Also if you get one of the cars that is originally owned in these areas its mostly driven by old people, they are most likely stock and highly optioned.