2007 Imola Red Z4MC For Sale Northern CA

[Finnegan]

BIMMERPOST / Classifieds

Asking Price:

None

Item Interest

Stopped by the dealer yesterday to get some parts and I spotted a very nice Imola Red couple for sale. I have no commercial or other interest in this car--I just know some of you are looking for ones with fairly low miles and in good shape. So I thought I'd post it up. I got some details from the sales guy (Ken Briscoe, 800-280-6766--see details below) but didn't test drive it.

It's in great shape inside and out, and the interior leather is in great shape. The paint is overall in very good shape, but has some micro-marring (easily addressed through a good detailing--I'm picky about these things.).

If any of you are interested I'd be willing to go look at it with a fine tooth comb (I was a bit rushed yesterday) test drive it for you, etc.. These are rare cars and I just want to give something back to the rest of board if I can....

Particulars:

One prior owner
2007
1,200 and all other service done on schedule
23.5K miles
Black interior
Premium package
Carbon leather
Green stripe windshield
No extended leather
No nav
Pre-wired for alarm and CD
Conti tires (look new), 18" wheels (didn't notice any curb rash)
They're asking 35K, but I'm sure there's a lot of room for negotiation (apparently 6MTs just "don't sell")

[03BeastCharmer]

When I saw the title, I thought you had lost your mind and were selling the wife's car. And that you might be the next skeleton....

[Delta Goose]

I'd be interested if it was closer to $30k

[pollila]

ummm.. what year is it?

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by 03BeastCharmer

When I saw the title, I thought you had lost your mind and were selling the wife's car. And that you might be the next skeleton....

If I were trying to sell her car, you'd be 100% correct on that!

Originally Posted by Delta Goose

I'd be interested if it was closer to $30k

I'm sure they're willing to deal. Why not give them a call? You'll never know unless you ask. (I've been able to work some pretty good deals with them over the years....) I got the impression they think the Z4MCs are hard to move because they're MTs, which works in your favor since that's what you're looking for.

Originally Posted by pollila

ummm.. what year is it?

It's a 2007. Click the link in the first post for photos, etc. Note that the details say "Auto trans"; of course that's wrong (which you can see in the photos, and why I talked to the sales guy and had him look up the detail on the computer).

[Delta Goose]

The MC's don't even come in auto, do they?

[inTgr8r]

6MT only

[Rick Hunter]

You can never have enough RED Sports Cars, Finnegan.

[Finnegan]

You've got a point there Rick! Still haven't figured out what to do with the M3 though. I'd take quite a bath selling it in this market.

[Skelekitty]

Originally Posted by 03BeastCharmer

When I saw the title, I thought you had lost your mind and were selling the wife's car. And that you might be the next skeleton....

[cloud8r]

For comparison's sake, I got my 07 last May w/ 17k miles all options (incl nav, new tires and extended CPO warranty) for $31K (it was $47K sticker) from Irvine BMW (albeit not the best sales experience/service). So hopefully you should be able to negotiate a much better deal than sticker on this.

[Blind32]

Originally Posted by ramyar

For comparison's sake, I got my 07 last May w/ 17k miles all options (incl nav, new tires and extended CPO warranty) for $31K (it was $47K sticker) from Irvine BMW (albeit not the best sales experience/service). So hopefully you should be able to negotiate a much better deal than sticker on this.

You got a great deal there!

[uter]

Also for comparison's sake...
My recent purchase '07 Imola with black Z4MC with navigation, carbon leather, clear bra, huper optik tint, 22,000 miles. Private sale (so no CPO warranty, but no sales tax in AZ) for $30k.

[808six]

how do you guys get such good deals, negotiating was never my strength..so whats your play?

[CFoote]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Particulars:

One prior owner
2007
1,200 and all other service done on schedule
23.5K miles
Black interior
Premium package
Carbon leather
Green stripe windshield
No extended leather
No nav
Pre-wired for alarm and CD
Conti tires (look new), 18" wheels (didn't notice any curb rash)
They're asking 35K, but I'm sure there's a lot of room for negotiation (apparently 6MTs just "don't sell")

Hi, I was just curious, why did you mention the green stripe windshield? Were there different windshields offered?

Chris

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by CFoote

Hi, I was just curious, why did you mention the green stripe windshield? Were there different windshields offered?

Chris

Not sure if there were different ones offered. However, my E92 M3 doesn't have one, and I don't think any current BMWs do.

[RBull]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Not sure if there were different ones offered. However, my E92 M3 doesn't have one, and I don't think any current BMWs do.

Looking at the production spreadsheets I have indicates all but 4-5 of the E85's and E86's have them.

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by 808six

how do you guys get such good deals, negotiating was never my strength..so whats your play?

1. Willingness to walk away from the deal.
2. Patience (right car/price will come along, no need to buy "now")
3. Homework (Edmunds, Kelly, Forums--to see what the real market price is; knowing how well a vehicle sells--hot 'hot' or 'cold' they are). Know what else where is on the market and for how much.
4. Have a absolute will not spend more than X figure and stick to it. Do not go past this!

The Z4M is not a 'hot' car. Sure, it's hot for us enthusiasts, but it's the hottest ticket out there. The Cayman and Cayman S, or Boxter are in the same price range used, and, for many, more desirable. The 335i and M3 are more practical. It's a niche product. And, it only comes in manual (which I love, but many of the typical BMW drivers do not). But, we like it a lot, and if the dealer knows it then you're toast. I love this car, but let's face it, it's a "love it" or "hate it" thing and it was never a big seller for BMW.

This is a business transaction, nothing more, and if you treat it that way you'll do well. Facts about the Z4M--the one listed here has been on the lot for a long time. In fact, it's still there today. The one they had before that took forever to sell. The sales guy told me that (I'm chatty and disarming, and since I wasn't buying, I got some good intel). He also told me that "no one would look at it, or any other Z4 MT for that matter". They really have no idea what kind of market they're selling this car to as it's so rare (dealers and sales guys rarely know jack about the cars they sell, I always know more. Like how they kept calling my DCT an SMG...sheesh). Sales guy told me there's a brand new Z4 on their lot, and they can't get rid of it 'cause it's an MT. The have trouble finding buyers for the MTs. All of this is good intel.

So, you have leverage my friend! This car is what you want, but the car is a nightmare for this particular dealer. The longer the car sits there the more they lose. So make it seem like you're doing them a favor. You'll take it off their hands. Don't act excited, don't say you like a damn thing. Pretend there are things you don't like "uh, I really wanted extended leather, and wood trim (assuming the trim is Aluminum or Carbon Leather). Play up all the things you hate (make 'em up). Conti tires, yuck, wish they were Star Specs. Bitch about the micro marring on the paint (don't let them offer to fix it by any means--that's will kill the paint). Don't over do it, but you get the idea. The point you're making is that this is a compromise and not a "dream car" for you. They'll have to work hard to sell it.

Then offer under what you want to pay. They'll bitch and moan. Tell you they paid more on the trade, and they'll lose money, their kids will starve, the SM will kick their butt. They'll get the SM to come and and give you more reasons why they can't do it. They'll show you "facts" to prove it's worth more. You tell them it's a business transaction. Tell them you have a budget to stay within and are under orders from management (your wife) not to exceed it. (See, if the wife is not there you can deflect all blame on this fiction, and they can't "work" her as she doesn't really exist.) Sigh, tell them you want to work with them, and you'll take your offer to your manager (wife). Go outside, walk away from everyone (very important, and do not let them offer to talk to her), and pretend to call your wife.

Come back in looking deflated. Shake your head a bit. Sigh again and then tell them she says can only go to X (up your bid a bit) and no more. They'll bitch. Tell them you understand, but that you have to answer to someone to as well, and if they can't work the deal, then you'll just have to pass. Shake their hands, tell them you're sorry you couldn't come to an agreement, and then walk away. Either they'll come after you or they won't. Odds are in this case they will, because we know they are having trouble selling the car (it's not like when the E9x M3 were out and the economy wasn't in the crapper).

Sneaky? Whatever. In the end it's part of the game you're both playing and they will still make a profit off you. They'll get something reasonable. Whether that's 2%, 5%, or 15% is up to you.

Note: I'm not saying this a "formula"--you have to gauge each situation and play it the right way. I'm just offering a method that works for me. In my case, I actually do give a number I can't go above to my wife. And I actually call her. That way I'm locked in and can't do something stupid. It also means I don't have to "act" very much either.

Oh, if you want CPO, know what that costs. Then use it in the negotiation. If their figure (let's say it's 2K higher than yours) is what CPO for the car is worth, and it's not CPO, then tell them if they CPO it you'll take it for what they're asking.

If you get past this level, then the next thing to avoid are outrageous tack ons for warranty, this protection, that protection, etc. This is where they can really get you. You think you're done with the negotiation, let your guard down, and lose everything you gained on the sale in the "checkout" line.

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by RBull

Looking at the production spreadsheets I have indicates all but 4-5 of the E85's and E86's have them.

I have that darn thing downloaded in my Z4M folder. Thanks though!

[jdl1pt]

FYI,

The other thing to take into account is the number of cars currently available in a particular area. I'm in Northern CA, and just purchased an IL blue z4m with 31400 mi at 28.5k. No nav, which I didn't want anyway, but it was/is in fantastic condition. I looked for a number of months before buying. About 2 months ago there were only 4 or 5 in a 350mi radius. Lately, more have come on the market 5-6 or so in Northern CA alone, which in the Z4 m coupe market is quite a bit. Not sure how much the dealers take this into account, but on a car like this, I think they would.

Lastly, you can use this as, well so and so has a price of this much for the car, with these options, condition, etc....

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by jdl1pt

FYI,

The other thing to take into account is the number of cars currently available in a particular area. I'm in Northern CA, and just purchased an IL blue z4m with 31400 mi at 28.5k. No nav, which I didn't want anyway, but it was/is in fantastic condition. I looked for a number of months before buying. About 2 months ago there were only 4 or 5 in a 350mi radius. Lately, more have come on the market 5-6 or so in Northern CA alone, which in the Z4 m coupe market is quite a bit. Not sure how much the dealers take this into account, but on a car like this, I think they would.

Lastly, you can use this as, well so and so has a price of this much for the car, with these options, condition, etc....

Good market info for our potential buyer.



How do you like your new baby? Love the IL blue, rather stick the Garmin on the dash--the Nav isn't that bad, but it's no winner either. Some good roads in the hills behind Oakland (raised in Moraga), lots of curves going to Moraga or out towards Castro Valley. No idea of the cop situation though.

We need to do a Norcal Z4M meet sometime--yah? Maybe St. Helena, hit some back roads, get some food, etc. I'd be up for it.

[jdl1pt]

You know, I didn't think I was going to like the IL blue. But when I laid eyes on it, I knew I was buying the car. The guy had it shining like it came off the lot the first day, engine was super clean. The color just rocks. It changes with the time of day, and plays good contrast with the tail lights.

I work in Pinole and my buddy drives an old 912 that he has redone extensively. He's dropped a 2.2, put in an ecu, and has it fuel injected. Thursday we took the back roads home. Went by Briones park, up into tilden, then down grizzly peak, lots of fun. I know there are cops out there some time. He got busted in tilden earlier in the year, but got off without points.
Bringing her out tomorrow for a nice ride over in Marin!

Love to do a meet up sometime. Many others from Nor cal on here?

Here's a link to some pics I took last weekend.

http://picasaweb.google.com/10053093...53959838578002