donarizon

Just ordered a 2021 E 450 Coupe. Car will be built to my specs and delivered in 2-3 months. I shopped around at three different dealers and one of them agreed to sell me the car at $8,000 off MSRP (about $73K). From what I've read, the dealer margin on these cars is only about 5-6%. I'm trying to figure out how the dealer is going to make any money off me (no trade-in, not a lease, and a cash purchase). Yes, I know there are dealer holdbacks, and a $500 "doc fee." But that still doesn't add up to an $8K discount. I went to another dealer and asked them if they could beat the 8K discount. The salesman said not a chance, adding that the other dealership was basically "paying me to buy the car." What am I missing?

Chapel Hill

I think it's a good deal. You will find posters who have made and who will make better deals, but overall well done.

As just a single recent data point, I just got 7% off a new order 2021 E450 Cabriolet - without really negotiating much. I was happy with that deal, though I realized at the time I probably could have gotten a few percentage points if I had the patience to play off local dealers against each other and wait. Instead, I took the first offer that was at or below my target price and moved on happily with the order.

Mikey53

Sounds like a sweet deal! Would you mind detailing how you optioned it?

teksurv

It sounds like a good deal to me. As for why, could be trunk money (MB incentive) the other dealer didn't want to address, who knows.

donarizon

Main options are AMG Line, Driver Assist Pkg. and Air Suspension.

QL_Austin

can you tell which MB dealer in DFW is that?

ColeBlooded

The dealer could be making money back on volume. For example if they sell x amount of cars, the manufacturer gives them x amount of dollars.

QL_Austin

Dealer that I visited said that they don't have an allocation to build a cabriolet so I have to wait. It is interesting to know which dealer has allocation and willing to make concessions.

Mikey53

What kind of deals are other folks getting on a 21 E450 Coupe? Local dealer doesn’t even plan on getting one and doesn’t appear much interested in dealing significantly on price if I order one.

Thanks in advance!

MBS63AMG

Very good deal as I bought a 2020 yesterday and only got a $4K discount. Happy regardless.