I paid $45 too in Long Beach.

 

>>Most VIN numbers are visible on most cars. Usually it is displayed near the dash. The MINI VIN number is, as well, isn't it? I think so.

True, and it is really rare, but why make it easier by advertising it on the side, where you can easily write it down when you are parked next to it... Not to mention, someone at my work has this on their windows (and it's not even the type of car that someone woudl probally want to steal.., it looks like it might break down a block away...) and it's not too attractive...

Rocketboy_X

 

When I ordered my car, I spent some time looking around for one of the last silk green models. Talked to dealers all over the country. Many wanted to charge these fees you all mention. When I called Patrick, near Chicago, not only did they not add silly fees, the MA went to bat for me and came up with a silk green. I ended up unable to buy for awhile (finally chose black!) and got the car for MSRP, floor mats and a hat included.Told them I live in the sticks so they didn't even try to sell me an alarm. Car dealers don't have to have the reputations they create for themselves.

 

I got my Mini at New Country Motors in Hartford. The only 'extra' fee I paid was for transportation, which is normal for all new cars, so no complaints here. Plus they gave me floor mats for free and the black grill inserts I didn't pay for either! Not sure why they didn't charge me but I wasn't about to argue. Perhaps they felt bad for screwing up my order in the first place, my original order included the Multi Function Steering Wheel but the car laneded without it, I was pissed!

 

When I ordered my car, I spent some time looking around for one of the last silk green models. Talked to dealers all over the country. Many wanted to charge these fees you all mention. When I called Patrick, near Chicago, not only did they not add silly fees, the MA went to bat for me and came up with a silk green. I ended up unable to buy for awhile (finally chose black!) and got the car for MSRP, floor mats and a hat included.Told them I live in the sticks so they didn't even try to sell me an alarm. Car dealers don't have to have the reputations they create for themselves.

 

 

>>Consumer guard involves etching your vin number into the windows and the aforementioned door ding thing. It also saves you 10% off your insurance premium if you use USAA. Destination charges you cannot get out of. That's a charge to the dealer by BMW. Dealer prep involves a detail, putting oil, gas, coolant, wiper fluid, a battery, etc. in the car. Basically makes the car drivable. I suppose you could probably get them to absorb this cost into MSRP on an MC, but not on an MCS.
>>
>>Doc fee = addition dealer markup, but good luck getting out of it.
>>
>>The Global people are more or less incompetent, but they've got a captive market and they know it.

The discount is only in affect if you dont get theft. its not 10% more like 6%(I called USAA and checked this out), I have been with USAA for 23+ years, since I have theft on my MCS the etching saves me nothing so I had them Drop it with no problem. Doc fee is about what Hank Aron charges, Dealer Prep is detailing, checking and inspecting to see if what arrived on the truck is actualy what was ordered, plus some extra's like mats etc... this is another place dealers make money, since their are only 2 BMW in ATL you will need to go out of state to find a better deal I guess. I am saving alot of problems because I am doing my Financing thru USAA, I have a draft/check in hand so no hidden charges will come up while doing paperwork, plus USAA beat all the rates by .51 points and I get "GAP" automaticaly, no charge. I have been dealing with Patty and she has been real good to me so far. Good Luck.