markp@valid.UUCP (Mark P.) (01/27/86)
I am seriously considering a 1986 BMW by way of European delivery. By
now, the dealers have had plenty of opportunities to make their pitches
and I am pretty familiar with the process. What I lack, though, is some
feedback from people who have gone through the European delivery experience,
preferably BMW, but others (like Porsche) would be similarly interesting.
Are there particular caveats, especially regarding:
1) the shipping process (damage)
2) breakdowns/accidents/servicing in Europe
3) effects of operation sans catalytic converter
4) financing
If you respond by mail, I will post a summary to the net. Thanks.
Mark (not really a yuppie, I actually hate Perrier) Papamarcos
..hplabs!pesnta!valid!markpmazlack@ernie.berkeley.edu.BERKELEY.EDU (Lawrence J. &) (01/30/86)
>I am seriously considering a 1986 BMW by way of European delivery. By >now, the dealers have had plenty of opportunities to make their pitches >and I am pretty familiar with the process. What I lack, though, is some >feedback from people who have gone through the European delivery experience, >preferably BMW, but others (like Porsche) would be similarly interesting. I have bought four BMWs at BM's Munich center. If you buy there, I would make sure to closely examine what you get and INSIST that it be done right before you take delivery. BMW is notorious for not giving you all the options you requested. (They will give you a credit, eventually, through BMW NA). Also, check to see if it is a current year productiton model - they have been known to give you last years (they tried to with me, and succeeded with about 3 other people that I know of). This last thing happens because BMW-Germany is acting as a dispenser of vehicles that BMW-NA bought some time in the past. If you are VERY firm, and VERY insistent, you can get them to set things right. However, be cautioned that they are used to hustling tourists and can come up with lots and lots of reasons why they cannot do it right. They CAN do it right - but you have to take on a dogmatic German mind set to accomplish it. (no ethnic slur intended)