[bavarianboar]

So, I stopped by BMW of Santa Barbara asking for 328i and 335i in M-sport for test drive. They had none. I said any Sports line, again none.

Can I have a look at any Coral Red or Everest Grey interior. Sorry we don't have at the moment and we can call you when something gets in. The guy (maybe in 50s) earlier pointed me to Dakota Grey from the E90/E92 era, on one of the E93 on the showroom floor confidently claiming that is very similar. Amazes me how little they know about the cars they sell. I mean that is their job.

By far the most ridiculous walk in experience I have had at any dealership.

The nearest other dealership is like 50-60 mies away. So much for an unplanned drive.

Where in Socal can I find decent collection of cars so I can test drive?


I have no hopes of testing out DHP on a car with a dealership before I order.

This is honestly quite ridiculous. I would hope BMWNA would atleast keep one car with DHP at a dealership for a customer to test drive. Right now its just read few lines about it on the configurator and add or remove like its a grocery shopping list.

EDIT: Subject of conversation F30
<End of rant>

[persian54]

Originally Posted by bavarianboar

So, I stopped by BMW of Santa Barbara asking for 328i and 335i in M-sport for test drive. They had none. I said any Sports line, again none.

Can I have a look at any Coral Red or Everest Grey interior. Sorry we don't have at the moment and we can call you when something gets in. The guy (maybe in 50s) earlier pointed me to Dakota Grey from the E90/E92 era, on one of the E93 on the showroom floor confidently claiming that is very similar. Amazes me how little they know about the cars they sell. I mean that is their job.

By far the most ridiculous walk in experience I have had at any dealership.

The nearest other dealership is like 50-60 mies away. So much for an unplanned drive.

Where in Socal can I find decent collection of cars so I can test drive?


I have no hopes of testing out DHP on a car with a dealership before I order.

This is honestly quite ridiculous. I would hope BMWNA would atleast keep one car with DHP at a dealership for a customer to test drive. Right now its just read few lines about it on the configurator and add or remove like its a grocery shopping list.

EDIT: Subject of conversation F30
<End of rant>

Why don't you search their online inventory?

For us who live in LA, we have multiple dealers nearby. I have 4 within a 30 min drive, about 9-10 within an hour's drive.

STBMW is great, and the closest to you. Contact them directly
PM Golffrr, who is vendor sponsor as well:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/member.php?u=62484
He can't get you a quote but can get you to their CA. The one I used to know there is no longer in the car business, otherwise I would've directed you to contact her directly.

The next dealer I can recommend (though they're further away..) is McKenna BMW. but don't walk in and speak to a random salesman.

PM Marco and he will direct you to whom you should speak to:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/member.php?u=171866


You can also contact Derek @ Shelly BMW. I don't recall his bimmerpost username though... but I'm sure if you call the dealer, you can easily find him. I got my M3 from his partner.

Whatever you do, do not buy a car from Bob Smith BMW or Beverly Hills BMW. Just don't do it.

[Presario]

Second McKenna BMW. One of the largest stock of BMWs in California. Got mine there!

[Jackson743]

Good luck if you want to test drive a manual, as well.

[remjeon]

I also recommend McKenna BMW. they have huge inventory. I think they have over 400 new bmws (over 100 F30s). They also own Audi and Porsche dealerships which are right next to each other. My friend and I both got our new cars from them this year (our internet sales person was Julie Bagdonas). BMW of Monrovia, and New Century BMW also have over 300 new cars each. I checked prices for a whole year before getting the car and all three dealerships have very good prices if u haggle well. Make sure to haggle before going in for test drive. I'd stay away from Beverly Hills BMW or Southbay BMW. Something about their awful attitude... Have fun!

[bavarianboar]

Thanks guys. I will set up an appointment before I go to one of these dealerships. Hopefully they will have a lot more variety of cars to see, and a few to test drive.

Greatly appreciate your feedback and info

[bavarianboar]

Went to McKenna. They would not let anyone drive on the freeway after they had an M5 totaled some months back. The freeway there is anyway too crowded. The max I hit was 40 mph on 328i and 335i. Not a proper test drive, and I am still bummed and confused.

They had a huge inventory with almost any trim combination and/or lines, but no DHP. Guess I will have to make another trip to LA area. :/

Just some info in case someone swings by that dealership.

[E92Carrera]

Originally Posted by bavarianboar

Went to McKenna. They would not let anyone drive on the freeway after they had an M5 totaled some months back. The freeway there is anyway too crowded. The max I hit was 40 mph on 328i and 335i. Not a proper test drive, and I am still bummed and confused.

They had a huge inventory with almost any trim combination and/or lines, but no DHP. Guess I will have to make another trip to LA area. :/

Just some info in case someone swings by that dealership.

I think Pacific BMW had some cars with DHP, all the other dealers I checked didn't have a single one! Plus Greg is really cool, email him so he can see what he has: gregpoland@pacificbmw.com

[PaPaGz]

Originally Posted by bavarianboar

Went to McKenna. They would not let anyone drive on the freeway after they had an M5 totaled some months back. The freeway there is anyway too crowded. The max I hit was 40 mph on 328i and 335i. Not a proper test drive, and I am still bummed and confused.

They had a huge inventory with almost any trim combination and/or lines, but no DHP. Guess I will have to make another trip to LA area. :/

Just some info in case someone swings by that dealership.

I purchased my car there and the salesman said I was going too slow!
I had a great experience from there which is weird. I can get his contact if you're still interested

[bavarianboar]

Originally Posted by PaPaGz

I purchased my car there and the salesman said I was going too slow!
I had a great experience from there which is weird. I can get his contact if you're still interested

PM me please.

My experience was overall very good, no pressure, drive anything you want, step into any car to check trims and colors. Very laid back And I would understand if the dealership has a policy, just that I could not get enough from the test drives. Maybe they need a race track there if we don't go the freeway. Top floor parking lot expansion into a circuit!

[ahweeuhl]

Ask For Noah or Dominic at McKenna BMW. Just bought the new Diesel! oh yeaaaaa.