BMW’s All New X4 Concept Shatters Crossover Barriers
But are we ready for another X6?
By Christopher Ofcky
Good afternoon! Today I’d like to talk a bit about the brand new X4 which we poor dealers haven’t even had much insight into as of yet. The X4 is a cross-over concept, which combines the X6 SAV with the latitude and presence of the X1 and 1-Series models that have been solid leaders in prices for their segments since their inception (both in the United States and Europe, respectively).
A few days ago, BMW USA released an interesting YouTube video showing the first glimpse of the vehicle, as well as an interview with Domagoj Dukec, head of BMW’s Interior Design. In case you haven’t had the chance to see it, you can examine it here:
Sleek, right? No doubt about it, the X4 is absolutely gorgeous. This SUV/Coupe hybrid model is supposed to come out of the gate as early as 2014, with demand for the X6 ever-increasing as of previous years; it’s clear the Automaker wants to serve a segment of its population at a lower pricepoint, while still delivering the bread-and-butter which made the X6 such a beast to be reckoned with.
But will it work?
I really don’t know. If we can keep true to the design elements of driving which make the X6 so popular, and keep the price tag down — it may. However, one has to wonder if this vehicle is going to be paired with (off the bat, like the 320i) the 165 horsepower which makes it more of a MINI and less of a throaty, powerful Bavarian brother. While this isn’t a dealbraker to most people, fans of the X6 that may consider downsizing aren’t exactly prone to go to a smaller engine — they enjoy a tight feel, fine maneuverability, and plenty of horses to make that the truth (this is, after all, why we’ve offered a V8 in that segment for so long).
However, initial rumors state the X4 to fall somewhere within the $45,000-$55,000 range, so we’ll see just how much is sacrificed (if anything) for that smaller price tag.
In any case, we should be stocking them as soon as we can, so I’ll keep you all appraised.
Can BMW emerge as a player in an electric auto field dominated by Toyota?
By Christopher Ofcky
03/04/2013
Good morning readers! There’s a lot of exciting things happening with the brand this week, primarily BMW’s appearance at the Geneva Auto Show in Europe, where it is finally unveiling it’s i-Series; the i3 and i8 Spyder concept have previously been seen in America, but in Europe, where demand is higher but customers tend to be estranged from electric vehicles, BMW is hoping to create a high demand for its “integrated-drive” and “efficent dynamic” systems, creating a whole new driving experience in cities and across rural countrysides.
The i3 unveiling is something which BMW has approached with great caution — after a successful trial run across the United States a year ago, the manufacturer has worked hard to prove that charging stations would be easier than people first assumed to transplant across the country, and that an all-electric vehicle could be both performance-oriented and efficent. 12.5 million miles of testing have gone into the fieldwork of the i-series, and have met with generally positive results, particularly in urban areas where BMW had been powering a “rent-by-the-hour” program with them.
The i3 boasts a range of 80-100 miles, and has an optional range extender to 186 miles, before needing to be recharged (every 2-3 days). The vehicle also boasts interesting technological accessories such as a solar recharge spoiler as well as fully-integrated navigation and climate controls which can be operated constantly (the results included in the overall range).
To watch BMW’s live streaming press conference from the Geneva Motor Show, live on Tuesday, March 5th at 8:15 CET, click here.
BMW Welcomes the new 320i model to its lineup in North America, with its premiere at the Detroit Auto Show this week. The 320i is BMW’s newest compact sports model sedan, and is making a ton of press since its debut merely two days ago. The best thing about the 320i to most people, is that is opens the BMW segment up to a whole new line of long-time admirers, first-time buyers, with a sticker starting at only $32,550 – this is much closer to the average consumer price-point, and about seven thousand off of BMW’s previous 328i vehicles.
Fortunately, for long-time BMW enthusiasts, nothing is lost at the reduced price point; the 320i makes 180 horsepower with the same 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that BMW introduced a few years ago in their new 3-Series sedan; this engine has already been critically acclaimed for its 34 MPG fuel economy in sedan segments across the luxury line. The vehicle makes excellent torque, and is paired with an eco-pro driving mode in order to ensure maximum fuel efficency.
The BMW Auto Stop/Start feature is also instituted in the new 3-Series vehicles, and has adjustments from previous models where the technology was field tested; stopping and starting is now consistently less noticable, and provides less of a jerking sensation (a problem that even many non-BMW vehicles had).
This engine keeps the vehicle considerably quiet, particularly at cruising speeds and its Sport/Comfort driving modes make the 320i driving experience one that can be configured to just about anyone’s driving preferences. An optional xDrive is also included, allowing complete 4WD control for an additional $2,000 to the base price of the model. For someone that’s always wanted a piece of the BMW Heritage, it’s a good bet that we’ll see excellent payments due to increased demand on this vehicle, with resilient residuals for leasing.
For BMW of Schererville’s selection of 320i vehicles, or to pre-order a 2013, please visit www.bmwinschererville.com
As the holiday season quickly approaches, BMW of Schererville wants to pay it forward.
As our employees all live within the Indiana and Chicago areas, we have chosen one place from each community that we can work closely with, to give back what we can.
We urge you to join us, and would love any type of donation from our customers to take with us to the shelters!
We would like to pay it forward to two organizations: the South Suburban Family Shelter in Chicago, IL (a service center for victims of domestic violence),
and the Carmelite Home/Holy Innocents Center (an orphanage in East Chicago, IN). We believe these organizations best serve those in need.
Throughout the holiday season, we will be collecting winter clothing and boots (women and children’s sizes, especially infant & newborn clothes), blankets, twin and crib bedding and toiletry items.
Any donation is greatly appreciated as we move towards the holiday season.
Donations may be dropped off at any time from now until December 17th, 2012.
The list is as follows (some are personalized items since we have been given lists from the families we are sponsoring):
Dress Barn Clothing (Women’s: Dress 22, Skirt 22, Top 22) in Blue, Green, Teal or Bright Colors.
Black or Brown Winter Boots (Size 10).
Citgo Gas Card (Any denominations).
Waterproof Winter Boots (Women’s size 12).
Computer/Laptop (Used or Refurbished is welcome).
Bookstore Gift Cards (Barnes & Noble, any denominations).
Mary Kay Facial Cleaner (Pink Label) and Facial Moisturizer.
Bath & Body Works aromatherapy Stress Relief Eucalyptus/spearmint body lotion.
Artomatherapy scented candles.
Gift Card to School Stuff Store (in S. Holland or Lakeshore in Orland Park, any denomination).
Card-Making Supplies (Scissors, glitter, construction paper, posterboard, etc).
Buying a new vehicle is usually harder than it has to be.
By Christopher Ofcky
Internet Sales Manager
BMW of Schererville
October 27th, 2012.
So, I just got back from Las Vegas, where the automotive industry hosts its annual Digital Dealer Conference, and it’s always refreshing to see so many dealerships just looking forward to make an honest sale. People of all walks of life, race, color and creed — all types of religions — there for one common purpose: to learn how to better serve the customer, and to hopefully make a bit more money.
One of the biggest things I took back from the conference was the matter of consumer transparency. I’m nearly 30 years old, and unlike many of my peers, have only been in the auto business for about six years (going on seven); I was fortunate enough to grow up in the age of information, saw the telephone turn into the cell phone; the notepad into the iPad, and the typewriter into the computer. I am very much like my customers: I have questions, but don’t want to be bothered. I love the anonymity of the internet for that reason. I’m far from an expert on things, and “Googling it” has replaced window-shopping.
But is it really that accurate, and can I have the same customer experience from eBay as I would from Best Buy? I love facts, logic and statistics, but how much is too much? After coming back from Vegas, I decided to write a blog post about purchasing a vehicle, and the things I’d look for as a consumer (even after my time in the business). Even if you don’t decide to buy from BMW of Schererville (shameless plug), I hope the information will be of use to you.
1) Pick the two most important criteria. Stick with them!
I often field customer questions about fuel economy, driveability/maneuverability, speed, and room, all in the same car. Some people are more concerned with some criteria than others, but generally, people fall prey to marketing tactics designed to make them think a vehicle has everything they could possibly want. It doesn’t, and it never will. Cars are a lot like people: every one is built for a specific driving style, or a specific type of buyer. I’d suggest that people in the earliest stages of purchasing a vehicle find two key things they must have in their next vehicle. For example, if affordability and fuel economy are the two most important things to you, you’re going to want a smaller sedan with a 4-cylinder engine. If room and speed are important, perhaps a turbo 5-Series would be your best bet. One of the biggest mistakes people make is to not remember why they’re shopping in the first place, and this is usually how they end up with a vehicle they regret purchasing.
2) But Consumer Reports Says. .
There are hundreds of third-party sites to get information from, and I am in no way telling you not to use them. Many of them, like Edmunds, JD Power, & Consumer Reports are excellent ways to compare a new choice of vehicle to what you’re currently driving, and to find basic pricing information — the key word being basic. Third party sites draw their data from reported selling prices in agreed dealer’s financial systems — don’t worry, they’re not taking your info! Just the price of the vehicle at the time of registration. The problem with this is that it can be hard to paint a clear picture of vehicles with different types of equipment, or what the selling price is before taxable warranties, add-ons, and other types of equipment. The system is good, but not bulletproof. Remember that invoice prices on these sites are essentially word of mouth prices, and not much more. If you really want the invoice, ask the dealer for a copy. We’ve got no problems showing it to you.
3) I have compared my vehicle to one that I’m pretty sure I want. I have a good idea of an estimated price in mind. What now?
Now comes the fun part, for those of you who like meeting new people, or the torturous part, for those of you who don’t want to deal with a ton of circle-talk. Now, it’s time to decide who you’re going to purchase from — or who you want to visit for this vehicle. If I were in my customers’ shoes, I’d find the radius I feel comfortable driving within, and pick the top three rated dealers across google,dealerrater.com, etc — these would be the three businesses I’d care to deal with, particularly if I have to bring it back for service. I will disclose a newsflash to all my potential customers: Sales is always going to be smiles and handshakes. Please remember that you’re purchasing a vehicle once every five years, and that you’re going to need service once every few months. Always remember to read service reviews! Look at customer perks and aneminities. It’s a salesperson’s job to be as nice as possible to you– you’re putting food on our plate. Look for reviews from repeat customers on the same Salesperson, and see how they fair. The devil is in the details.
What next?
Next week, we’ll go a bit more in-depth into the purchasing and shopping process from both perspectives, and we’ll see what matches up and what doesn’t. I hope this has been a bit helpful for some perspective buyers out there, but remember — a guide is just a guide, and only my opinion!
Can BMW’s new M5 hold up against the competition? Car & Driver seems to think so.
October 8th, 2012
By Christopher Ofcky
Good morning, BMW enthusiasts! Today I’d like to talk about a vehicle which is very near and dear to many of us — something we’ve been waiting for — I’m not talking about the removal of the Auto Stop/Start feature from our 2013 line-up (though it would be nice for many of us), I’m talking about the 2013 BMW M5 Sedan.
The New BMW M5 is powered by an aluminum block-and-head Twin Turbo V8 engine, which nets 560 Horsepower and just over 500 foot-lb torque, giving it plenty of go under that pedal. This is paired with a unique 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (or DCT) which allows this sedan a zero-to-sixty time of 3.7 seconds on a rolling start. New monoblock calipers ensure perfect balance and breaking, all while allowing the user to enjoy the sporty thrill of the M5’s driving style. .which is. .well. .fast.
Despite being 200 pounds heavier than its predecessor, the F60 — the new F10 M5 has a greater zero-to-sixty time, a much faster quarter mile and nearly two and a half seconds quicker to hit 150 mph (a speed which is both frightening and joyous to drive at). The Dynamic Dampening control routes the majority of vehicle information through a lightning-fast microprocessor which assists the driver in an excellent blend of machine and man-dominated driving. Sport Mode, Sport Plus and Electric-assisted steering also make this vehicle one of those “Not-only-can-I-take-this-corner-at-70-mph-but-do-it-with-a-finger” type drives.
So, not only is the new M5 faster, better-equipped and a more solid vehicle overall, it also sees a 30%+ MPG gain over the previous F60 edition, which will make many drivers have a pleasant smile on their faces at the pump (though, lets face it; we don’t buy this for the gas mileage).
In any case, there’s always going to be people that complain that the M5 is well-past its glory days (giving up the V10 engine which BMW once used as a rotary engine in the days of WWII, and revisited in the mid to late 90s and into the new millennia), these people are just going to have to get used to the wave of the future. It’s likely that we’re going to continue to see different turbo plant engines become the newest drive to get manufacturers to the Government mandated fuel outline when 2020 approaches.
If you haven’t driven the M5 yet, do yourself a favor — take it for a spin.
Our Drive for Team USA was a massive success! The July 17th event raised over $1,300 dollars from our store for the Olympic and ParaOlympic athletes across the United States. Now that the Olympic games are underway, we can sit back and enjoy the results of a well-earned partnership: as of right now, the United States holds 90 of the medals given out, with 39 Golds — a nice lead over the second-place Chinese.
Our test-drivers were able to garner the sheer power of BMW’s new F30 3-Series both in its new 2.0 twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, and its sturdy 3.0 turbo 315 horsepower variant. In addition to all this awesome driving, they got to compare our cars against competitor’s vehicles (as if) and got an additional $1,000 credit towards the purchase of a new BMW which can be combined with current loyalty offers.
All and all, it was a complete success. As we move forward into the fall season, we’ve got a ton to look forward to: the launch of the new M6 (which is already here!), the 6-Series Gran Coupe (ditto), the all new BMW X1 which predicts ground-breaking new vehicle sales into a class which we’ve never before reached and our pattened Octoberfest ‘12.
BMW of Schererville would like to thank all the participants of the 12 Days of Giveaways and remind all of our contestants that were not chosen in a drawing that they are still winners! To all of those contestants that did not win a prize, they may stop by our dealership at 1400 S. Indianapolis Blvd (US Highway 41) in Schererville, Indiana for a free Nitrogen Fill for their vehicles.
Nitrogen increases traction and preserves pressure in performance and all-season tires, which we know with the winter we’ve been having can be something sorely needed by owners of all vehicles. While our 12 Days winners are in the dealership, be sure to ask about the Nitro Fill plan which offers a host of extra services; your Service Advisor can point you in the direction of a Business Manager that will assist in explaining the finer points of the plan to you.
BMW of Schererville would like to wish everyone the happiest and safest of holidays possible. As we close out the year, we would like to thank our customers and the communities of Northwest Indiana & Chicago for championing us as their number one consumer-rated BMW Dealership by independent reviewers.
A merry Christmas and happy holidays to our troops overseas, their families at home – our customers, and those celebrating the joy of giving for the holiday season; you’re the reason we continue to provide the best customer service possible. Thank you all for making this a year to remember and we’ll see you in the New Year!
BMW Schererville Is Proud to Offer the Outstanding Services of Paul Harding
BMW Schererville is proud to offer the outstanding services of Paul Harding; a seasoned service advisor who has worked in the automotive industry for well over a decade.
January 1, 2011– BMW Schererville (www.bmwinschererville.com) is proud to offer the outstanding services of Paul Harding; a seasoned service advisor who has worked in the automotive industry for well over a decade.
Throughout his automotive tenure, Harding has had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of people and brands. However, Harding is especially useful to BMW Schererville customers because for the majority of his automotive career has been affiliate with the BMW brand.
While Harding has enjoyed the opportunity to work with different car brands, he especially enjoys working at BMW Schererville because of its fantastic staff.
“The amazing thing about BMW Schererville’s staff is that it continually strives for excellence. It’s dedicated to supplying an exciting and rewarding atmosphere for all employees, which in turn reflects on a superior and premium service experience for its customers.”
Harding’s enthusiasm for the BMW brand understandable given its reputation as the “Ultimate Driving Machine”, but his dedication to customer service is nothing short of extraordinary.
As recently as December 26, 2010, Harding received a perfect rating on DealerRater.com (a third party website that rates different car dealers and their employees according to real customer submissions).
BMW Schererville is a car dealership located at 1400 US Highway 41, Schererville, Indiana, 46375. It offers a wide variety of new and Certified Pre-Owned BMWs for purchase or lease. BMW Schererville boasts a fully equipped service department, financing department and more. BMW Schererville is located just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. For more information regarding BMW Schererville, refer to www.bmwinschererville.com.
On March 29th, BMW of Schererville, Northwest Indiana’s Number #1 Dealer for Customer Service is proud to showcase the all new 2011 BMW X3 against its competitors. The all-new X3 launch in Chicago allows BMW to proudly display its new line-up of vehicles and show how European performance compares all across the board.
BMW of Schererville’s event will have gourmet food and plenty of activities for individuals looking to try the all new X3 against Cadillac, Mercedes Benz and Audi; included in the demonstration for the X3 28i is a product presentation as well as hands-on performance driving instruction. The vehicle will be displayed with a wide range of options so that perspective buyers can see just what they’re getting for their money, and product advisors will be on hand to walk customers through the new vehicle.
Manufacturer incentives may also be included to give the customers that much better of a deal from BMW of Schererville, who has already gained a strong reputation in the midwest for promoting customer satisfaction through top-notched pricing. To register for the 2011 X3 Event, please click the image or the click below and fill out the form. You may also contact BMW of Schererville at 800-860-3545 to RSVP or Click HERE!
BMW Schererville is offering a pre-order opportunity for the new 2012 BMW 650i Convertible
BMW Schererville is thrilled to offer pre-order opportunities for the all-new2012 BMW 650i Convertible; the new generation 6 series convertible incorporates all the luxury that one expects from the BMW brand but includes more standard options at extremely competitive pricing.
February 16, 2011– BMW Schererville (www.bmwinschererville.com) is thrilled to offer pre-order opportunities for the all-new 2012 BMW 650i Convertible; the new generation 6 series convertible includes all the luxury that one expects from the BMW brand but includes more standard options at extremely competitive pricing.
Standard options incorporated in the new 650i model include:
Mutli-contoured seats
Nappa leather
Comfort access
Rear-view camera
LED fog lights
Driving Dynamics Control
19 inch wheels
Additional options available with the 650i model include (but are not limited to):
BMW applications
Heated front seats
Ceramic controls
Leather dash (with stitching)
Integral Active Steering
As always, BMW Schererville strives to offer the best pricing possible to its clientele; in fact BMW Schererville is taking pre-orders at some of the lo
west prices in the Chicagoland area. To learn more about the all-new 650i model and pre-order pricing opportunities, contact a BMW Schererville sales representative today.
About BMW Schererville
BMW Schererville is a car dealership located at 1400 US Highway 41, Schererville, Indiana, 46375. It offers a wide variety of new and Certified Pre-
Owned BMWs for purchase or lease. BMW Schererville boasts a fully equipped service department, financing department and more. BMW Schererville is located just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. For more information regarding BMW Schererville, refer to www.bmwinschererville.com.
BMW Schererville is proud to offer the 2011 BMW 1 Series M as early as March 2011
BMW Schererville is proud to offer the 2011 BMW 1 Series M as early as March 2011; it is a high-performance edition of the 1 Series coupe. While the engine upgrades are admittedly conservative, the chassis advances in the 1 Series M are quite substantial. (Watch the 1-Series Unveiled)
February 15, 2011– BMW Schererville (www.bmwinschererville.com) is proud to offer the 2011 BMW 1 Series M as early as March 2011; it is a high-performance edition of the 1 Series coupe. While the engine upgrades are admittedly conservative, the chassis advances in the 1 Series M are quite substantial.
While BMW enthusiasts were teased with the promise of better specifications back in the fall of 2010, specific details regarding the 1 Series M were only made recently available. The 1 Series M includes more horsepower than the standard 135i. Additionally, it boasts an overhauled suspension, bigger brakes and a wider track as evident by its bulging fenders.
The 1 Series M offers speed, agility and smart design – all the accoutrements that BMW enthusiasts have grown to expect over the years. To learn more about the 2011 BMW 1 Series M model and purchasing opportunities, contact a BMW Schererville sales representative today. BMW Schererville is ready and willing to work with its clientele in an effort to find the best pricing packages that meet their individual needs.
About BMW Schererville
BMW Schererville is a car dealership located at 1400 US Highway 41, Schererville, Indiana, 46375. It offers a wide variety of new and Certified Pre-Owned BMWs for purchase or lease. BMW Schererville boasts a fully equipped service department, financing department and more. BMW Schererville is located just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. For more information regarding BMW Schererville, refer to www.bmwinschererville.com.
BMW Efficient Dynamics makes the X3 The “Off Road” and “Four Wheel Drive” Car of the Year already in 2011!
Since its inception date in mid 2010 and its launch in 2011, the BMW X3’s revised suspension, chassis and driving dynamics have made significant headway in the off-road marketplace. The vehicle’s new innovations have led to its massive success in the automotive marketplace, stomping the competition cold by popular opinion and review. It’s a quieter, smoother drive that maintains sporty feeling without comprimising luxury.
With a captivating design, a unique combination of sportiness and efficiency as well as the largest and most variable luggage compartment in the competitive environment, the BMW X3, which has been on sale in Germany since November 2010, yet again sets standards in driving pleasure, versatility and premium quality. Compared to the predecessor model, with which BMW established the concept of the Sports Activity Vehicle in this segment, it offers a noticeable increase in space, even more efficient engines, optimum motoring comfort and a widened choice of innovative equipment features. Both at the front and at the rear the new BMW X3 convinces through outstanding travel comfort and a high-class ambience. With a 550-litre loading capacity, which can be increased to 1,600 litres, and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, the vehicle’s carrying capacities also set new benchmarks for the segment.
The X3 brought home back-to-back successes by being named “Four Wheel Drive Vehicle of 2011″ by Auto Bild Allrad, Germany’s most popular automotive magazine. Immediately before that, the X3 was just recently named Off Road Magazine’s “Off Road Vehicle of the Year” for 2011, the awards being given so early indicate the sureity of the X3’s success. The X3 was selected out of 130 vehicles by ABA’s readers, and the poll tallied popular vote.
The 2011 X3 28i vehicles well equipped (Premium, Cold Weather & Satellite Radio) Retail just over $42,000 MSRP, making it one of the most cost-effective Sport Activity Vehicles in the marketplace, in either Germany or the United States.
We encourage the general public with questions about the 2011 BMW X3 to contact BMW of Schererville at 800-860-3545.
iPads Speed up Lease Returns and Make Customers Happier
Modern Technology assists BMW in Excellent Customer Services.
A Lease return isn’t supposed to be a long, drawn out experience. Many customers believe this to be true. Modern vehicle dealerships see lease returns as a chance to give local customers a good deal, and maintain a loyalty rate. However, even if a customer is just returning the keys and dropping off the car, the lease usually has to be inspected; papers need to be filed, and a busy day at the dealership can make a 15 minute process tremendously time-consuming if the customer stops in at the wrong time.
With the iPad pilot program at participating BMW Dealerships, customers get to perform the walkaround with the Client Advisor or Sales Manager and see exactly what information is entered into the inspection sheet. There’s no looking around for extra papers, no filing involved; it makes for a significantly smoother process. And the customers have the benefit of being able to learn exactly how lease turn-ins work, so they can be better prepared for future purchases with BMW. The program was initially launched under a year ago, though many dealerships — such as BMW of Schererville — began using iPads right at launch in customer waiting areas and for practical application as well as entertainment.
Satisfaction ratings have never been higher, particularly for BMW of Schererville; a business which shows over 400 Google Reviews on excellent customer service and offers a webpage devoted to lease turn-in strategies to keep customers better informed. As leases account for a massive portion of BMW’s used vehicle volume, customer satisfaction is especially important. Client Advisors and customers alike love the new tool.
We’ve all seen them on the road; every once and a while, a small silhouette with large beaming eyes and a small frame; a smile on the grille. While we’re behind the wheel of our larger, typically more powerful and throaty sedans, we chuckle. Yet we forget that the MINI Cooper has a long and established history; a respected history of competitive motorsport performance. The bottom line? You never know if the person next to you at the light has more under the hood than you assume, and as you put your “four to the floor” –you may end up eating the dust of that lightweight, turbocharged European engineered vehicle – all while it wears the likeness of a large smiley face.
At nearly 170 horsepower, the MINI S is already a powerhouse which is unlike most vehicles of its weight class, and shows a surprising advantage to beating out larger sedans, such as the Volvo S40 (The non T5 Version), which is Volvo’s competitor to the BMW 3-Series. Turbocharged engines coupled with aftermarket accessories – as the racing or motorsport community knows – makes a massive difference in the output of horsepower and torque. With the MINI Racing situation heating up for May in Oxford, the popularity of modifying the MINI during this time of year amps up greatly; dealership accessories and aftermarket demand for BVH, racing cams, superchargers, Headers and particularly Bosch accessories amps up with it.
Amidst the cat-back exhausts, dyna-tuning and even engine-swapping with the MINI’s kin – the BMW Brand, MINI enthusiasts are enjoying a whole new world which coupled with aftermarket gurus such as AC Schnitzer can allow the MINI to achieve tremendous dyno charting of nearly 210 horsepower – given its already blistering zero to sixty time, and low amount of start-off weight, this is absolutely crushing to many sedan drivers with sport packages all over the United States – Civic Coupes and SRT-4 MOPAR brand vehicles, long enjoyed by consumers because of their agile turning and off-the-line pick-up are usually amazed when they end up against one of these vehicles; the enhanced technology in pullies and FMIC allows nearly up to 230 horses to the smiling MINI, and is entirely street legal.
But all street racing aside, many MINI owners find the aftermarket add-ons to be aesthetically pleasing and have a decreased price tag in comparison to what they’d cost on larger vehicles more geared towards direct street sports. The MINI brand allows its owner to fully customize each vehicle, and this doesn’t stop once the car has been purchased.
So for all of you MINI fanatics out there looking for a summer project, time to do a little shopping. Your car will be happy.
Although the new generation of M3 is approximately three years from being reconfigured, the rumor mill has it that BMW Group has been conducting experiments and testing on new engine configuration types which would make the M3 more fuel efficent, faster and even give it a stronger zero to sixty time. The S65-series engine has long been the standard for the M3, and has been known for its throaty noise as well as tremendous horsepower and foot pound torque. However, as emissions regulations change, and World prices raise on oil futures, BMW is clearly considering more fuel efficent and compact means of replacement.
One option is to rework engine internals in order to better regulate speed and efficency of the engine; BMW apparently has begun work on turning their single-turbo into a dual, and by adding the bi-turbo, it is believed that it would only result in nominal horsepower gains, but would add more torque as well as miles per gallon — something the current generation of M3 seriously lacks when compared to other lower displacement sport vehicles.
Should BMW go another route and choose to place a modified N54 or N55 engine in the vehicle, it is highly likely that a price drop would be seen in the vehicle, as fuel efficency goes up but production costs go down, perhaps even allowing the M3 to be frequently mass produced and reviving the M-Series brand as a serious, sold contender for sportscar enthusiasts in 2014-2015.
Of course, some rumors go entirely the other way. AMG would likely prefer a faster, much more powerful engine such as those used in the M5 and M6 series vehicles, the standard F10, or 10 Cylinder engine. Initial costs could be controlled by using overstock from the M brands, while a redesign would be necessary given the F10’s large motor; it is likely that this would be an efficent route to go provided BMW decides to do a complete front-end revamp on the vehicle.
A V6 engine would also be a possibility, as it would lead to better weight distributi0n and front-rear end balance. This would shoot performance fuel efficency through the roof and allow every M3 driver to get something they desperately want: more time on the track without refueling. A benefit of this, is that a specially-designed 6 engine would also fit the engine bay of the X3 and the Z4, perhaps resulting in M-series distributions of these models at increased horsepower gains.
Whatever the future may be, BMW obviously wants another Engine of the Year Award, as their initial 4.4L engine delivered spectacular performance as well as great horsepower and reliability. It is undoubtedly so that the next engine will be a contender, whatever route they go with.
Buying a Car in Chicago? You have a lot of choices.
The Internet and You: Keys to Successful Negotiation in Car Buying, Part 1.
June 23, 2011
By Christopher Ofcky
Good afternoon shoppers, loyal IAMBMW followers, my previous and future customers, and just those who are like me on their days off and love to surf the web but have little else to do over a morning cup of coffee, trying to forget the massive, hectic work schedule most of us lead and occasionally love! Today on IAMBMW, we’re going to discuss the basics of the Internet Department and consumer shopping as it pertains to purchasing a vehicle online.
When I first started in the automotive business five years ago, Internet shopping had been going on for some time, and was doing nothing but picking up pace. Yet, I still knew many dealerships that refused to embrace the Internet Sales Consultant position, and many more than never bothered to put real focus on their websites. However, as you can see from the image on my right (courtesy of Google, the all-knowing search engine), this clearly is no longer the case.
While it’s true that many of you do still shop dealers the “old fashioned way” — walking onto their lot and making a deal for something — many of you enjoy the services that Internet Departments in dealerships bring you: photos of vehicles, solid pricing structures, the ability to answer your questions in a timely manner, and values for your cars, explanations of taxes, et cetera. Yet, for as much as consumers value an Internet Sales Consultant, there’s still many that find themselves frustrated by the way dealerships handle Internet customers.
So, in an attempt to help you — the consumer — and perhaps even some other dealerships out there get along better, I’ve decided to write this bridge to the gap in communication break-downs. I’ve noticed a ton of third-party sites out there that instruct consumers on the pitfalls of what not to do when purchasing a vehicle, but a lot of these sites merely point towards basic essentials which I know the majority of my customers already know. Fewer of them place special focus on online departments, and how to get more for your money out of them. So, I’ve compiled a short list of things which might help consumers and explain a bit more of the process on the dealer’s end. It’s important to remember that I’m not in this to sell a car (lucky you, phew!), but I genuinely want to bring this to light because I feel it’s under-dressed in my industry. So, without further adieu, I give you the most common mistakes Internet Sales Consultants and Consumers make when interfacing with one other.
1: Consumer Myth: Remaining as Anonymous as possible will get me the best deal.
False. Actually, this is likely worse than giving an Internet Department too much of your information, even if you’re a relatively private person, and allow me to explain why. As an Internet Sales Manager, and a former Sales Consultant (both on the floor and on the phone), I’ve seen this end in nothing but pitfalls, for both the consumer and the department. Your average internet department in the Chicagoland area typically has two to four people in it, depending on volume, and handles roughly 200 phone calls a day just in follow-up alone as well as all incoming request for information and sales calls.
Just like our customers, we yearn for a strong connection and interfacing with who we’re selling a product to. Our primary goal is to get customers the information they ask for, and set up an appointment for them to drive the vehicle. If I’m working 10 requests for information, and all of them have contact information such as phone numbers and real names, I’m obligated to get to these customers first because they have given me an honest request.
Remaining anonymous to the point of giving us a fax number as a phone number, two initials for your name, and a skeptical e-mail address often puts you right on the back burner. Now, I’m not saying to give every bit of your background to the Internet Department, but you want to know who you’re speaking with, right? So do we.
2: Consumer Myth: Internet Departments don’t care about profit, as they get paid on volume.
Again, False. It’s been my experience that while Internet Departments do have the lowest prices on vehicles compared to the “lot price”, it would be hard to keep the doors open by giving them away. It’s been an industry myth for a long time that Internet Departments get paid on volume, so they don’t necessarily care about price. What consumers don’t take into consideration in this equation, is that dealers own a particular vehicle for a particular price; going through the internet department won’t change that number.
It’s also important to remember that while Internet Departments may not be paid on profit, Salespeople are. It would be a very difficult task indeed to set up a deal with absolutely no profit in it, and expect a Client Advisor to give all of their time and attention to the customer when they come through the door to pick-up the car. Ultimately, we want your business. .but we want to keep our doors open. And we want to be able to afford things that our customers want: free wi-fi, complimentary beverages, loaner cars, etc.
Even that Internet Consultant you enjoy talking to can run up a dealer’s bill, particularly if they’re overworked. We’re not trying to crush you, we’re just trying to keep our doors open in many cases.
3: Consumer Myth: They just want to lure me to the dealership so they can switch me to a different car!
True and False. As a dealer, if I understand my consumer has been within my brand for quite some time, or is shopping very specific model with specific options, I will do my best to give them the unique information necessary to their purchase, mainly because it’s actually easier for me, than to have the customer drive 50 of my cars when the customer and I both know they’re only wanting one type of vehicle. However, this consumer — in my experience — is a rarity to run into.
Many of us shop as part of our research, and for a lot of us (including myself), it has less to do with a particular object, and more to do with getting an overall sense of exactly what I need. Dealers have multitudes of vehicles on their lots, and there are simply some things which a consumer will never know until they find that right fit. If you’re a larger person as I am (across the shoulders, for example), you might not be able to fit into that vehicle you want at the price point you’re comfortable with. If you know 100% what you want — this doesn’t really apply to you, as you’re likely to shoot me a fair offer because you’ve extensively researched and shopped the car.
However, those of you who are new to the brand? Just ask when you can come in; it really does save us both a lot of time, and frustration. Nothing is worse than negotiating a deal with a consumer for a week and a half, only to find out they can’t fit in the car! The fact is, however, very few people leave a dealership with what they intended to buy. This includes my customers that I’ve worked extensively with.
Well, I’ll quit writing now! I’m sure there will be comments and questions on this, so feel free to leave them and I’ll get to them as quickly as possible, even if you’re not shopping at my dealership. I will be posting part 2 to this blog in the near future, so for those of you who enjoyed reading a different perspective, please follow me on Facebook and check in regularly, or subscribe via RSS. Those of you who didn’t, please leave me comments — I’m always looking to improve my process.
The Internet and You: Keys to Successful Negotiation in Car Buying, Part 2
July 18th, 2011
By Christopher Ofcky
Good morning Everyone! Last month we discussed some of the myths behind buying automobiles on the Internet and some of the blunders on behalf of the consumer — today we’ll talk about some of the biggest mistakes dealerships make when it comes to communicating with their audiences, and how these mistakes are reviewed by consumers or prospective buyers in general. It’s a known fact as we discussed in the previous post that buying online has garnered a strong reputation for being easy and hassle-free, yet automobile dealers are still one of the few online sellers left where it’s often mandated that you’ll have to set foot in the door at one point in time. It can be frustrating for both the dealer and the consumer to become involved in internet transactions, and here are some of the reasons why.
Dealers: “Be as Ambigious As Possible, We’ll Worry About it When They’re Here”.
In theory, this is the classic strategy of closing the internet customer: ambigious language, not going in-depth with taxes, break-downs of selling prices, cap costs, dealer fees, and just letting the customer know, “yes, we can do xxx/month on that car”. More often than not, this sort of technique works — more often than not, the dealer is telling the truth: they can do that payment, but perhaps not with the same options. Fast forward to when the customer shows up: “We don’t have that option, it’s going to be more for that” and so on and so forth. This places the customer in a defensive position, and even though they may buy, everything would be fine. .up until they see your reviews on a public forum, and feel they’ve been wronged. Manufacturer surveys also reflect this practice, and Dealers are often miffed when they believe a customer is happy, but get blasted on a customer service survey or over Google. Avoid this, and be up front. If you “worry about it when they’re here”, you’ll be worrying about it when they leave.
Dealers: Nothing but an e-mail gets nothing but a generic response.
This is something we’ve all been guilty of, and it’s an extreme annoyance to many of us — my last article pointed to this as a bad practice for customers — but let’s face it. .we call people. .a lot. And sometimes people just aren’t as social as we are; we must learn to accept this. I have a pretty high e-mail conversion rate, and I like to write, but seeing a lead come in with just an e-mail address still gets me a little red in the face. Still, we have to get better at answering these in timely fashions. Many users (myself included), prefer e-mail to a phone call because of its flexibility and because it’s more private than taking a call, less disruptive than having to get up and talk to someone for an unknown time. Work it like it’s a digital phone call, and remember that just because there’s no phone number, it doesn’t mean the customer isn’t serious.
Dealers: “Your customer is here, don’t worry — I’ll take it”.
I think it’s generally widely known by now that most Internet Sales people don’t actually sell the vehicles. When I worked in the domestic industry, I did both (customer service as well as demonstration/payments/selling, etc); with as many customers as we handle on a daily basis, we simply couldn’t provide good customer service and handle inquiries all day long, it would force us into only wanting to take the best deals. I’ve had some customers even come into the dealership and say, “Wow, I’m surprised you exist”. If you have a system in your dealership that allows a gentle hand-off from the Internet Sales Manager to the Client Advisor, make the customer aware of what to expect when they come in, and make sure your Salespeople always let the Internet Agents know they have a customer in the dealership. You have to remember that we have spent a good deal of time in many cases building well-deserved trust, and this ultimately hurts your customers’ opinions of you, as well as your Internet Department and even perhaps, your sale.
Dealers: Follow-Up, Follow-Through.
How many times has this happened to you, as a consumer — or to you as a dealer: the deal is all worked out, everyone is happy with the results and then something goes amiss; the car isn’t as promised, has been sold, has more miles than expected, etc. Though it’s often hard to keep track of every vehicle in and out of the dealership, put your hands on it! Don’t assume that the last posted mileage on your website is correct. When you tell the customer that everything is one way, and they show up to buy and it clearly isn’t, it spells doomsday for you. Most often, I think customers would agree that if the minor things were simply disclosed to them beforehand, they’d still have shown up to purchase the vehicle, or at least see it. If a customer still can’t make a decision — call or e-mail them. Don’t just forget about them when they leave. The difference between a one-time customer and a repeat customer is follow-up.
Well, I hope this has been somewhat insightful for some people; I am sure many dealers practice this way, but I thought it may be nice for the consumer to see our ires on many of the issues to know that the experience can be frustrating on both sides. I hope this shines some light on what we work diligently to try and avoid for the average buyer. I welcome any and all questions/comments.
BMW Embraces Technology In the Car, at Work and in the Showroom.
Luxury Manufacturers Lead the Way for a Fully-Connected Driving Experience Through Technology.
August 24th, 2011
by Christopher Ofcky
Good morning followers of IAMBMW.com, and a hello to all of our new viewers that may be stumbling upon this blog for the first time. A while back we discussed how various BMW Dealerships in the United States, including my own BMW of Schererville are making use of Apple’s iPad and other related Technology to assist customers in the turning-in of leases, and genuinely making life easier, leading to a better shopping experience for consumers, and a lower cost for dealers.
Fast forward a bit into the earlier summer — the 2012 BMW 650 launched with great success, BMW’s ConnectedDrive for 2011 was finally at its pinnacle of success. Through it, a customer could stream media and album artwork, read text messages and flip through portable documents, right from their vehicle’s iDrive screen. With the addition of the 2011 X3 and the new 2012 X5s to the lineup, monitors in vehicles are becoming larger and larger (8.8 inches standard, in the case of the X3, with 10.1″ being offered for Navigation-equipped models).
Now, manufacturers such as BMW, General Motors, Ford, Mercedes Benz — everyone — is in on the technology craze. Customers can unlock doors, return leases, and in BMW’s case, map and share awesome driving routes with one another from the BMW FS App, right on their iPhone or Android mobile device. These social navigation tools allow us to share things with one another in ways we would have thought impossible years ago.
So what does that mean for consumers?
Simple. More fun, and more expectations.
Imagine a vehicle fully connected to you; a vehicle capable of performing every task your mobile device can, and sharing information with it. We spend just as much time in our vehicles as we do in our houses; being comfortable and keeping informed remains our number 1 priority, and BMW understands that. BMW’s led this charge for years, with BMW Assist and now Enhanced Bluetooth streaming and USB functionality, becoming almost standard on its vehicles. Already, with the Connected Drive, consumers can link their cellular phones to their vehicle’s navigation system, sharing points of interests, great spots for driving, and positive experiences with dealers.
I can only imagine what another five years will hold.
BMW’s Released an all-new Redesign of the 3-Series, but how does it perform?
By Christopher Ofcky
May 1st, 2012
Hello IamBMW Fans! Today we’ll be talking about the new revisions to BMW’s vaunted 3-Series sedan. Motor Trend recently did an article for their April-May issue on luxury automobiles in the smaller sedan segment, and rated the 3-Series the best of them all; this isn’t surprising as BMW has spent a good deal of research and development dollars as well as technology innovations on their new model, hoping that it corrects some of the smaller inefficencies of their previous E90 generation.
The F30 is now powered by a 2.0 inline 4-Cylinder engine, turbocharged. This engine pushes out more power than the previous non-turbo six-cylinder and smashes fuel economy numbers, though not as high as predicted by the manufacturer. The F30 is capable of 28-32 MPG Highway (not exactly the 34+ BMW initially claimed, but respectable and top of the line for its segment, nonetheless). The twin-scroll turbo technology is also retained in the 3.0 inline six-cylinder on the 335.
BMW’s Automatic “go” system — a start-stop, no key slot in dash ignition and engine control system provides a fun drive, but it takes some getting used to. Undoubtedly, as the technology improves, we can expect to see even better fuel efficency from it. The transmission has been upgraded to an eight-speed automatic — this is done for greater cruising power, and an overall smoother shift performance.
Hundreds of smaller features make this vehicle truly fun to drive (I especially appreciated the steering column telescoping out an additional 1/2 inch as I have shorter arms and longer legs), as well as comfortable. More legroom for driver and passengers, wider door openings and folding rear seats in an optional 40/20/40 configuration appear for the first time in the 3-Series models.
All and all, it’s a great drive, and a very reasonable cost. BMW of Schererville has a fresh fleet of these 3-Series vehicles ready to go — be sure you drive one as soon as you can, as theyu seem to be selling fairly quickly!
BMW's Olympic Athletes at their Booth at the 2012 Auto Show.
Is 2012 the year to buy a new car?
It’s no surprise to most consumers that car manufacturers are seeking to constantly change the game, but I think many (including myself) were shocked at how far the industry has come since 2008 when our markets bottomed out. Consumers were burdened under massive interest rates, lackluster products which were purchased out of necessity, and the sheer ineffectiveness of leasing is something we’re still all suffering from when vehicles come back, and consumers try to trade them in.
The product lines launched across 2009-2010 weren’t very helpful to dealers or consumers, either. They were hardly fuel-efficent, burdened with higher manufacturing costs, and we all felt the bottom line. 2011 was better; BMW was one of the most successful last year when it came to vehicle sales, and domestic products began to see higher quality placed in their model line-ups, but consumers still felt somewhat cheated: it seemed as if the next grade of technology was always out of our grasp. We had about 500 tickets leftover from the 2011 Auto show; these saw the bottom of the dumpster pretty quick. We couldn’t give them away.
2012 promises to be a completely different year, which will benefit both the consumer and the dealers across the United States. This year, I sent out an e-mail inviting customers of BMW of Schererville to enjoy some complimentary tickets to the 2012 Auto Show. .I ran out within thirty minutes of sending it. I couldn’t get rid of 500 tickets in 2011, but my 200 tickets lasted 30 minutes in 2012.
I saw some of the most innovative and startling ideas used in the design of these 2012 models: Start/Stop engines to improve fuel efficency, larger vehicles without more weight added to them, more conveniences as standard options rather than up-charges (new cupholders, thank you, BMW!), and “kick to open” trunks. Even domestic brands are beginning to see the light: Chrysler has one of the most impressive line-ups I’ve seen in sometime, with real leather instead of plastic covering their dashes, and upholstery which comes frighteningly close to my beloved European imports.
Lease residuals are excellent, finance rates haven’t been better in some time, and manufacturers are giving away incentives which would make not buying and replacing that “10.6 year-old average age vehicle” a sin. I think you’re all going to be very impressed at the new BMW 3-Series as well as its new engine configuration, a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder which squeezes more horsepower a torque than previous years, all while reducing fuel consumption.
In my next post, we’ll cover the new 2012 3-Series, and what BMW is doing to promote its new product.
Dear Valued Customers/Vendors:
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Rumors Abound About the New M3 Engine.
