Bruceincary

Been lurking around this board now for a few months.
Looking to replace my ’02 BMW 525i wagon and narrowed it down as follows, car must be available for Euro delivery:

Pros
Cons
BMW 328i (F30) wagon
relatively cheap, very sensible, good steer
too small
BMW 535i sedan
maddeningly complex to spec
not exciting
BMW M5
looks great, fast, special
not a wagon, expensive, not terribly exciting at lower everyday speeds
MB E350 wagon
seats 7 - I have 4 girls.
boring
MB E63 wagon
sound, great "low" speed excitement
new body style around the corner



So I think I’ve decided on a E63 wagon, silver/black, forged alloys, upgraded AMG leather, illuminated sills and lane departure package. Pretty straightforward spec.
Decided against the PP as I couldn’t see the value, carbon engine cover (it’s just a cover) red brakes (had those on a Porsche & it’s not very stealth on a MB), alcantara on the wheel, (that won’t hold up well) and the extra hp – well I’ve got an ’06 Carrera for ultimate driving pleasure.

So how do I convert this into a good deal?

I’ve got a San Diego “Euro” specialist working with me (about 4.5% off is the first offer) as well as my local MB dealer.

I’ll lease through my business, 3 years, 7500 miles – I work from home.
Euro delivery for second week of May 2013.
Residual looks to be 59%

Any leads on where to shop the above would be appreciated.

Vic55

I seriously doubt you can lock in a residual today for next year.... MBFS adjusts their residuals bi-monthly and their rates too.

I wouldnt even try to lock in a price on a 2013 today when it will be that much more long in the tooth next May. 4.5% is too light even in todays market for a wagon... they are rare but as I have said many times the demand for them is equally as rare if not more.

Bruceincary

Thanks for the reply Vic.

Best I can do is to ensure I get the MB published lease rate & residual at time of deal close in April. Will have to secure a depost quite far out as I have a planned Euro vacation in May '13. Just not sure if I can wait until Jan '13 to place a deposit, is 4 months too late in advance for an E63 wagon?

Vic55

If you want the car, get a 2012 now and get it with a huge discount... dealers are motivated to move wagons.

Take your vacation and with the money you save, stay a little longer.

Traffic53

vic-
what is making you think this? i've been shopping wagons for just a bit now and there are very few new ones available, maybe a handful in the whole country, tops. am i just looking in the wrong places? i've seen a couple of new ones on cars.com or autotrader, but my dealer can't locate a single car that is available for trade.

thanks.

Vic55

Supply and demand- basic economics... there is low supply and even lower demand to buy a 110k plus station wagon. I did it, I owned it, I sold it.
(bought in Feb 2012 sold in July 2012)

Many of these wagons on the ground have been on the ground for some time and with the 2013's coming, dealers will be motivated to move them.

I cant speak for your dealer and his/her inability to locate a unit for you. But you should be able to get 10% if not more off one that is sitting. Do an Autotrader.com search or Cars.com search within your zip code with a reasonable mileage radius.

sloanbj

59% is a pretty good residual on the car. I would have expected something more like 45%. Jump on it!