Allocation Recommendations

05-02-2026

Could use some wisdom and recommendations to avoid a headache before I order an M350...

I had a rough experience ordering my G42 in 2021. COVID likely played a role, but I ended up waiting 18 months for my build, eventually taking delivery of a 23 MY. During that time, I watched several people on the BP forums order and take delivery in 6-9 months, while my dealer kept giving me vague updates.

That same dealership is now ready to take a deposit so I can get in line for an allocation, but I’m hesitant to go through the same thing again. I’m not sure whether the issue last time was the salesperson, the dealer, BMW, or just bad timing.

Any recommendations for improving my chances of getting an allocation and a reasonably acceptable build time?

05-03-2026

Yep. Look up Day laborer. Hes on here. Got me my allocation and never looked back. Highly recommend.

05-03-2026

silvaquas wrote
Could use some wisdom and recommendations to avoid a headache before I order an M350...

I had a rough experience ordering my G42 in 2021. COVID likely played a role, but I ended up waiting 18 months for my build, eventually taking delivery of a 23 MY. During that time, I watched several people on the BP forums order and take delivery in 6-9 months, while my dealer kept giving me vague updates.

That same dealership is now ready to take a deposit so I can get in line for an allocation, but I’m hesitant to go through the same thing again. I’m not sure whether the issue last time was the salesperson, the dealer, BMW, or just bad timing.

Any recommendations for improving my chances of getting an allocation and a reasonably acceptable build time?

Normally, for my last 5 cars I have ordered in September, for the next model year and delivery has been 8 to 10 weeks.

But I ordered "Plane Jane" cars, 5 series and E Class with the 6 cylinder engines. Dearlers also had plenty of 4 cylinders in stock but not 6's with the safety equipment I wanted.

At this time production of MY 2026 is ending and MY 2027 will be starting soon. If there are no more MY 2026 left you are looking at MY 2027 with delivery in October/November.

I live in the Metro NYC area on the north shore of LI. Within 30 miles there are over 25 BMW dealers. With this many dealers I have never, I repeat never, been told about an allocation line. Here you go into the dealer, make the deal, and the car is here in 8 to 10 weeks.

If I were you, I would wait a few months for MY 2027 or buy from dealer inventory.

Hope this helps and good luck!

05-03-2026

silvaquas wrote
Any recommendations for improving my chances of getting an allocation and a reasonably acceptable build time?

There is a saying, "when in doubt, throw out".

Go to other dealers!

05-03-2026

Use a broker - you’ll have an allocation and a discount

05-03-2026

I don’t know how far out they project allocations, but my dealer was able to tell me exactly the week when he would have an allocation for my 2021 M340i. I sat down with him at his computer to select all the options, and he put my name against the allocation. Within a few days I got confirmation of the order, and got paperwork (not sure what it was called) with my name on it.

I don’t know exactly how the BMW “back end” system works for an order. However, when my Dad worked for a Ford dealer, any order with a specific customer name on it was supposed to get priority for delivery. It also stopped any attempts to redirect it to a different dealer.

05-04-2026

Thanks, all. That's really helpful.

I got nothing but smoke and mirrors for 18 months upon ordering my G42. Seems like a wild disparity vs. what others have had.

I'm in Cleveland, so I don't have the same number of dealerships that New York does, but I'll be reaching out to some others and potentially going the broker route.

Appreciated!

05-04-2026

with allocation just know, if you in deed have a allocation you will get a production number right away. If you do not get one then you do not have an allocation. so you are waiting and are at the discretion of the dealer you are working with.

you can buy from any dealership in the US. BMWDavid's user avatar

BMWDavid would be a great start to start. He sells all over the US everyday, it's super simple and he has it down. No broker fees etc..

but def also shop around thats the bueaty of BMW

Happy hunting!

PS: allocations are released each month usually and can vary dealer to dealer and are not a set amount every month. :cool:

05-05-2026

GOLFFRR wrote
with allocation just know, if you in deed have a allocation you will get a production number right away. If you do not get one then you do not have an allocation. so you are waiting and are at the discretion of the dealer you are working with.

you can buy from any dealership in the US. BMWDavid would be a great start to start. He sells all over the US everyday, it's super simple and he has it down. No broker fees etc..

but def also shop around thats the bueaty of BMW

Happy hunting!

PS: allocations are released each month usually and can vary dealer to dealer and are not a set amount every month.

Just asking….is a very detailed list of options mean it will automatically take longer to get an allocation? Is getting a Plain Jane allocation typically faster? Thanks much.

05-05-2026

Janjohn wrote
Just asking….is a very detailed list of options mean it will automatically take longer to get an allocation? Is getting a Plain Jane allocation typically faster? Thanks much.

I really do not know. What I have read is that M orders with special equipment, and special paint on other cars can take longer.

My 2026 540i had the following equipment. From order placement to delivery was less than 9 weeks:

Mineral White Metallic
Driving Assist Professional
Premium Package
Space Saver Spare
Bowers and Wilkins Surround Sound

MSRP $74,425

Hope this helps.

05-05-2026

Janjohn wrote
Just asking….is a very detailed list of options mean it will automatically take longer to get an allocation? Is getting a Plain Jane allocation typically faster? Thanks much.

When you order an "Individual" paint color that definitely adds to the delivery time but that shouldn't affect the allocation. Also, normal packages and options that you see on the BMW website when you build your car should not affect anything.

05-05-2026

Sounds like the dealership gave you the runaround and poor customer service, not sure why you would repay them with your continued loyalty. Shop around.

05-11-2026

Janjohn wrote
Just asking….is a very detailed list of options mean it will automatically take longer to get an allocation? Is getting a Plain Jane allocation typically faster? Thanks much.

so sorry I missed this, didn't see a notification for it, my bad.

unless its a indiv program order its a normal allocation no matter what your build is.

indiv program orders will add time to delivery and that time can vary drastically there is no set time on those, you are at the mercy of indiv and your request.

just remember if you do not get a production number right away you do not have a allocation and you are waiting/at mercy of the dealer you are with till you get one. There is also no guarantee on allocations or set amount of allocations for dealers it can vary month to month :thumbsup:

05-11-2026

GOLFFRR wrote
unless its a indiv program order its a normal allocation no matter what your build is. indiv program orders will add time to delivery and that time can vary drastically there is no set time on those, you are at the mercy of indiv and your request.

just remember if you do not get a production number right away you do not have a allocation and you are waiting/at mercy of the dealer you are with till you get one. There is also no guarantee on allocations or set amount of allocations for dealers it can vary month to month

+1 👍

Garage

1 Series

2 Series

3/4 Series

5 Series

6/M6 Series

7 Series

8/M8 Series

M2

M3/M4

M5

X1/X2

X3/X4

X5/X6

X7/XM

Z4

BMWi

Allocation Recommendations