Main Dealer or Independent

[AGL04]

On the verge of buying my first M3 (E46) I've been tracking a few cars on BMW's website and it seems to make more sense to go with an approved used (peace of mind and warranty), but wondered if anyone had any horror stories to share of main dealers or any pointers if I go to an independent...?

[Donut]

AGL04 said:

On the verge of buying my first M3 (E46) I've been tracking a few cars on BMW's website and it seems to make more sense to go with an approved used (peace of mind and warranty), but wondered if anyone had any horror stories to share of main dealers or any pointers if I go to an independent...?

There are bound to be some horror stories out there, but I would always say Main dealer as they have a much higher standard and duty of care and also BMW UK to complain to if you feel really really let down by the dealer.

[Andrew D]

I'd always go main stealer, especially with an M3. You get a year's warranty with an AUC so that's £1k value right there.

[AGL04]

Thanks, you've confirmed what I was thinking, just have to find the right car now!

[Andrew D]

Well, there's a lot of nice Estoril Blue examples on the AUC website at the moment. Nice classic M colour. (Speaking of which, where's the Imola Red option on the E92 M3? Eh? Eh??). Shame you're buying now, I expect that once the E92's hit the street/forecourt the E46's will take a bit of a dip in price.

Speaking of which^2; Spotted an E61 M5 Touring on Friday in Technoviolet! Must have been a real M buff, if I recall correctly the last time that was a non-Individual option was the E36 M3 Cabriolet.