[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Correct, but this is a 2021 (same as my X5) and yes, as I stated, they can still transfer it for a "fee" to the dealer. The question at hand was the existing factory maintenance which he is out of luck on because of where he is purchasing it.

Good to know on the ability to purchase maintenance at anytime. Makes sense. Also, all the W&T contracts the dealer sells are aftermarket, BMW does not sponsor them. You can get great pricing at the dealer if you are willing to dig in and negotiate. Mine is from Allstate purchased from the "Finance Manager" (aka extended warranty salesman) at dealer delivery.

Yeah, I saw your post. Was more informing that BMW has shifted their stance on transferability for those reading the thread who may be looking at ones with transfer built in.

I won’t offer myself up as authoritative, but I thought the “Refresh” fee could be applied to cars under the factory plan as you’d need that done to be able to extend it. If so, I imagine buying it from a non-BMW dealership wouldn’t matter all that much as you can likely get it refreshed by any BMW dealership. Like the few on the forum who offer good deals for members of the forum. Obviously, OP would need to ping Christine @ Steve Thomas BMW or another trusted dealer to confirm the actual limitations if it is important to them.

BMW does have a Wheel & Tire plan they sell directly. My selling dealer didn’t sell it though. Steve Thomas BMW sells it, but can’t do it after the sale. But my aftermarket plan is a lot better anyway and a lot cheaper.

https://www.bmwusa.com/content/dam/b...0143182607.pdf

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

Yeah, I saw your post. Was more informing that BMW has shifted their stance on transferability for those reading the thread who may be looking at ones with transfer built in.

I won’t offer myself up as authoritative, but I thought the “Refresh” fee could be applied to cars under the factory plan as you’d need that done to be able to extend it. If so, I imagine buying it from a non-BMW dealership wouldn’t matter all that much as you can likely get it refreshed by any BMW dealership. Like the few on the forum who offer good deals for members of the forum. Obviously, OP would need to ping Christine @ Steve Thomas BMW or another trusted dealer to confirm the actual limitations if it is important to them.

BMW does have a Wheel & Tire plan they sell directly. My selling dealer didn’t sell it though. Steve Thomas BMW sells it, but can’t do it after the sale. But my aftermarket plan is a lot better anyway and a lot cheaper.

https://www.bmwusa.com/content/dam/b...0143182607.pdf

There is a reason why dealers don't sell or push the BMW plan. It is expensive and they make more commision on the aftermarket plans. As often as I buy BMW's, no dealer has even offered up this BMW W&T plan, like it didn't even exist.

Anyway - enough, I don't want to muck up this thread with information trivial to what is at hand for the OP.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

There is a reason why dealers don't sell or push the BMW plan. It is expensive and they make more commision on the aftermarket plans. As often as I buy BMW's, no dealer has even offered up this BMW W&T plan, like it didn't even exist.

Anyway - enough, I don't want to muck up this thread with information trivial to what is at hand for the OP.

Hmmm OK.

I never said the BMW plan was a good one (each time I noted it was a weaker plan that was more expensive), but you claimed such as plan doesn’t exist. It does...

Some information is helpful for those who end up here in a few months from a Google search.

But as I said, a few times, if I were the OP and I wanted definitive clarification on what I can do buying the car from a non-BMW dealership I would ping one of the dealership reps on the forum and update the thread with their results. So they can pull data directly from BMW and let you know what is possible. If the car was a direct trade in and listed for sale at this dealership BMW wouldn’t see it at auction and they may be able to buy policies they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

[iamcc88]

Well the PPI didn’t even get completed because the car had multiple codes apparently?

The Indy shop said something about drivetrain malfunction and then something about gas reserve being low.

The dealer told me the car has zero gas and maybe the battery is the issue. They’re going to call me back in an hour or two but I am not optimistic.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by iamcc88

Well the PPI didn’t even get completed because the car had multiple codes apparently?

The Indy shop said something about drivetrain malfunction and then something about gas reserve being low.

The dealer told me the car has zero gas and maybe the battery is the issue. They’re going to call me back in an hour or two but I am not optimistic.

The codes may have just been stored and the PPI shop read them from history in ISTA. I am not saying it is no big deal by any means, but drivetrain malfunction errors aren't that uncommon and can be caused by many things, including a low battery. It most likely has nothing to do with the drivetrain. People that flash tune or use aftermarket downpipes always complain about this error.

[iamcc88]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

The codes may have just been stored and the PPI shop read them from history in ISTA. I am not saying it is no big deal by any means, but drivetrain malfunction errors aren't that uncommon and can be caused by many things, including a low battery. It most likely has nothing to do with the drivetrain. People that flash tune or use aftermarket downpipes always complain about this error.

Ok that gives me hope! Their solution is they are taking the car to BMW to have everything checked out and/or fixed under warranty. As of now I’m definitely still considering the car if they can get it resolved.

As a bonus, he assured me they will have BMW transfer the remainder of the maintenance coverage to me.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by iamcc88

Ok that gives me hope! Their solution is they are taking the car to BMW to have everything checked out and/or fixed under warranty. As of now I’m definitely still considering the car if they can get it resolved.

As a bonus, he assured me they will have BMW transfer the remainder of the maintenance coverage to me.

The BMW dealer can also do a thorough PPI for you and report on things that aren’t necessarily malfunctions to be fixed. Status of brake pads, rotors, tires, glass, etc.

[iamcc88]

Ok here’s the latest update:

The dealer told me they filled the car with gas, drove it to the BMW dealer where they did a “key read” (I think that’s what he said) and there were no codes.

Brought the car back to my PPI shop today and all they could tell me is they don’t see any codes but they didn’t have time to complete the full PPI.

The dealer is aggravated and basically telling me they can sell the car to someone else and they don’t want to bring it back a third day (tomorrow) for full PPI.

Based on what I’ve read from all of you here, I still feel good about this. Is it my emotions getting the best of me? The codes are apparently normal given the situation, the car still has 18mos ish on the factory warranty, and they’re going to transfer the maintenance to me so I’ll get the first one free in August.

Am I being crazy? This car is perfect for me and I know that is having positive and negative impacts on my decision making process… lol

[Mandingo9]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Carfax is unreliable. If it’s leased, you usually get more consistent reporting to carfax. If it’s owned, it’s a crapshoot. If it’s a BMW owned executive car, you get almost nothing on carfax (it appears very oddly, honestly).

I’m a little surprised that you aren’t getting any love from your local dealer. Sometimes they don’t want to print and handover records because the customer’s name is on them. You could go by there and just ask to talk to the service manager, with a service advisor being choice two.

I’d literally say this, “I’m looking seriously at buying an M550 in X town. I would love to buy local, but you guys haven’t had anything I’m looking for. I don’t need a printout, but can you look up this VIN on your computer and just tell me if there have been warranty claims or red flags on this car, and if it looks to have been maintained? If I purchase, I’ll be setting up a post purchase inspection with you guys.”

If you get blown off with that, it seems like a bad indication of their level of service. On the one car I had a SA lookup for me, he didn’t give me records. He reviewed them and told me what he found (nothing negative).

If the car was leased, it will say so on the carfax. If it was sold at auction, it should say that, too. Which I don’t necessarily see as an inherent negative.

Good tip there. Also add a dick pic to help things along.

[silverydragon72]

Originally Posted by iamcc88

Ok here’s the latest update:

The dealer told me they filled the car with gas, drove it to the BMW dealer where they did a “key read” (I think that’s what he said) and there were no codes.

Brought the car back to my PPI shop today and all they could tell me is they don’t see any codes but they didn’t have time to complete the full PPI.

The dealer is aggravated and basically telling me they can sell the car to someone else and they don’t want to bring it back a third day (tomorrow) for full PPI.

Based on what I’ve read from all of you here, I still feel good about this. Is it my emotions getting the best of me? The codes are apparently normal given the situation, the car still has 18mos ish on the factory warranty, and they’re going to transfer the maintenance to me so I’ll get the first one free in August.

Am I being crazy? This car is perfect for me and I know that is having positive and negative impacts on my decision making process… lol

My 2 cents are that they are trying to push you to buy it now. They may have someone else but to be honest if someone showed up and said they would take it it would already be gone. It does have factory warranty so I wouldn't be too concerned overall assuming the PPI checked everything you care about. If not id be 50/50 on it.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by iamcc88

Ok here’s the latest update:

The dealer told me they filled the car with gas, drove it to the BMW dealer where they did a “key read” (I think that’s what he said) and there were no codes.

Brought the car back to my PPI shop today and all they could tell me is they don’t see any codes but they didn’t have time to complete the full PPI.

The dealer is aggravated and basically telling me they can sell the car to someone else and they don’t want to bring it back a third day (tomorrow) for full PPI.

Based on what I’ve read from all of you here, I still feel good about this. Is it my emotions getting the best of me? The codes are apparently normal given the situation, the car still has 18mos ish on the factory warranty, and they’re going to transfer the maintenance to me so I’ll get the first one free in August.

Am I being crazy? This car is perfect for me and I know that is having positive and negative impacts on my decision making process… lol

I think you’re being a little too consumed with the codes that were likely stored in the historical log. Everything has checked out. You have a clean carfax and you have an experienced service advisor weighing in positively on the service history. You have the factory warranty. In terms of the dealer threatening to wave the flag on you, I kind of get that. You are out of state and they are probably getting a little annoyed. Yes, they are also trying to make you shit or get off the pot, that’s their job. Whether they actually have someone waiting or not, they would have no problem selling this car, they don’t need you. M550’s are hard to come by.

Do you have a deposit down on the car?

[iamcc88]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I think you’re being a little too consumed with the codes that were likely stored in the historical log. Everything has checked out. You have a clean carfax and you have an experienced service advisor weighing in positively on the service history. You have the factory warranty. In terms of the dealer threatening to wave the flag on you, I kind of get that. You are out of state and they are probably getting a little annoyed. Yes, they are also trying to make you shit or get off the pot, that’s their job. Whether they actually have someone waiting or not, they would have no problem selling this car, they don’t need you. M550’s are hard to come by.

Do you have a deposit down on the car?

They actually would not let me make a deposit until I was certain I want the car. As of last night I told them I want to move forward and they’re calling me today to do paperwork.

I really appreciate all of your help, and everyone else on here. I am excited again!!

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by iamcc88

They actually would not let me make a deposit until I was certain I want the car. As of last night I told them I want to move forward and they’re calling me today to do paperwork.

I really appreciate all of your help, and everyone else on here. I am excited again!!

Excellent, don't look back! If they actually had another buyer ready to close, without a deposit from you, they already would have told you that you were out of luck.

If you are having them ship the car to you, presumably at your cost - go closed container. No car carriers.

[iamcc88]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Excellent, don't look back! If they actually had another buyer ready to close, without a deposit from you, they already would have told you that you were out of luck.

If you are having them ship the car to you, presumably at your cost - go closed container. No car carriers.

I’m hoping to drive down tomorrow or Saturday and pick it up. I already took tomorrow off from the office because there’s zero chance I’ll be able to focus on anything!!

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by iamcc88

I’m hoping to drive down tomorrow or Saturday and pick it up. I already took tomorrow off from the office because there’s zero chance I’ll be able to focus on anything!!

I know the feeling. Tomorrow will be like Christmas morning.

[silverydragon72]

Originally Posted by iamcc88

I’m hoping to drive down tomorrow or Saturday and pick it up. I already took tomorrow off from the office because there’s zero chance I’ll be able to focus on anything!!

Congrats and enjoy its an amazing car. Also the color looks even better in person.

[AP]

A preemptive welcome to the m550 club

A truely great piece of kit

[Dbc149]

I’m reviving this thread because I’m in the same situation right now, looking to purchase a 2022 m40i from a non-BMW dealer. I test drove the vehicle and everything seemed fine aside from a few small things:

1) some scratches on the mirrors
2) rubber lining around the windows was warped/melted in a small section (about 2 inches wide)
3) there was water droplets inside of the horizontal strip of lighting on the outside of the mirror.

I am going to have the vehicle inspected by an independent body shop, though likely one recommended by the dealer I am buying from since I cannot take the vehicle in myself and don’t know any good shops in the area that I am buying from.

I also have asked for a carfax report, but have not seen it yet, nor do I have background on the vehicle (e.g. whether it was sold at auction or a trading, service history, etc.). The only thing I know is that it had one prior owner and was for personal use.

It only has 14k miles and about a year of the factory warranty left, so I’ve put a deposit down for now, with intent to purchase pending inspection. I am interested in whether anyone sees red flags with this that I’m not considering, or if any of the damage I mentioned is potentially more serious than I’m thinking.

Appreciate any and all advice!

[iamcc88]

Originally Posted by Dbc149

I’m reviving this thread because I’m in the same situation right now, looking to purchase a 2022 m40i from a non-BMW dealer. I test drove the vehicle and everything seemed fine aside from a few small things:

1) some scratches on the mirrors
2) rubber lining around the windows was warped/melted in a small section (about 2 inches wide)
3) there was water droplets inside of the horizontal strip of lighting on the outside of the mirror.

I am going to have the vehicle inspected by an independent body shop, though likely one recommended by the dealer I am buying from since I cannot take the vehicle in myself and don’t know any good shops in the area that I am buying from.

I also have asked for a carfax report, but have not seen it yet, nor do I have background on the vehicle (e.g. whether it was sold at auction or a trading, service history, etc.). The only thing I know is that it had one prior owner and was for personal use.

It only has 14k miles and about a year of the factory warranty left, so I’ve put a deposit down for now, with intent to purchase pending inspection. I am interested in whether anyone sees red flags with this that I’m not considering, or if any of the damage I mentioned is potentially more serious than I’m thinking.

Appreciate any and all advice!

I’m the one that started this thread and all I can tell you is I’m super happy with my car. Very glad I decided to buy it despite not being from a BMW dealer.

[br2wdc]

A PPI inspection is a must, and any dealer that does not want you to take the car with only 14k miles to ANY shop you designate would give me pause for concern. And the salesperson should be willing to drive the car themselves to the shop in order to make the sale.

Every dealer should also have access to Carfax and provide you the report. It's almost 2025 and this would be another red flag if they are unwilling to do that.

Do some research locally and I'm sure you'll find a good shop for the PPI, preferably someone with experience with BMW's and who can mechanically check for oil leaks, etc but also body panels and if any body work has been done.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Dbc149

I am going to have the vehicle inspected by an independent body shop, though likely one recommended by the dealer I am buying from since I cannot take the vehicle in myself and don’t know any good shops in the area that I am buying from.

I also have asked for a carfax report, but have not seen it yet, nor do I have background on the vehicle (e.g. whether it was sold at auction or a trading, service history, etc.). The only thing I know is that it had one prior owner and was for personal use.

Appreciate any and all advice!