[alilama55]

Im a little confused on the step by step process of buying through PenFed.

I custom ordered an X5 about a month ago, which got delivered to the dealership today.

I opened my penfed account on 8/23. 60 day mark is 10/23, so I know I can't get the $3,250 rebate code until 10/23.

My question is this- should I apply for the loan now and have the check sent to me, and then on the 23rd print the $3,250 rebate code and bring it to the dealer? Or do I have to wait until the 23rd to start the loan application process, and then have to wait for the check to be delivered to my house days later?

[taek]

For the $3250 PenFed discount, you don't need to buy the car through PenFed (get a loan through them). You just need to not use BMWFS (since it drops to $500). The PenFed discount and using PenFed to finance your car are not related and you don't need to do one for the other.

Since the two are not related, you can apply for a PenFed auto loan preapproval now and the blank check will be sent to you. It's good for 60 or 90 days. Or apply for any auto loan preapproval and use that, and the discount will still work.

[adscft]

Got a related question: when do I need to have the PenFed discount code during the process? When I sign the purchase contract? And if I build one online and have it delivered to a local dealership, when would I sign the contract?

Thanks!

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by adscft

Got a related question: when do I need to have the PenFed discount code during the process? When I sign the purchase contract? And if I build one online and have it delivered to a local dealership, when would I sign the contract?

Thanks!

Not quite sure about the "build one online" part: AFAIK all US buyers have to buy via a dealer; the dealer submits orders, both their spec for their lot cars and customer spec if the customer doesn't like or want what's on the lot (or in the dealer's pipeline).

Either way, the dealer is selling you a car - either from their lot or from their allocation - and either way you have to pay for it before you can drive away (or have it shipped away) ... and either way the dealer will tell you when it's time to sign the docs. AFAIK there's no "online ordering" like, say, with Tesla.

In any event, before you go in to sign the docs to buy the car (and/or agree to do it virtually), print out your PenFed docs and present them to the dealer when you show up (physically or virtually).

Even if you buy from a dealer 5 states away and agree to virtually sign all the docs, you're still buying from a dealer. The shipping part is no different than if you paid a shipper to ship it to Hawaii. Occasionally the dealers will agree to do "courtesy delivery" for free, i.e., dealer-to-dealer shipping as part of routine batches of vehicles shipping between those dealers anyway, but that seems to be less and less available.

Unless it's Courtesy Delivery, if a dealer is shipping your car to another dealer, AFAIK it's pretty much no different than you doing it and, in that case, I'd rather select the shipper and all of the options (covered vs not, etc etc) Having done that a few times, it can get damn tricky, it can be a bit shady, and it's not the smoothest.

In 2014 I had my M4 show up so dirty it looked like it was made out of clay.

[mar_carol]

Originally Posted by alilama55

Im a little confused on the step by step process of buying through PenFed.

I custom ordered an X5 about a month ago, which got delivered to the dealership today.

I opened my penfed account on 8/23. 60 day mark is 10/23, so I know I can't get the $3,250 rebate code until 10/23.

My question is this- should I apply for the loan now and have the check sent to me, and then on the 23rd print the $3,250 rebate code and bring it to the dealer? Or do I have to wait until the 23rd to start the loan application process, and then have to wait for the check to be delivered to my house days later?

I'd say the real question is whether the dealer will agree to hold the vehicle for you for that long before making the purchase. I was in a similar situation recently, my vehicle arrived last week, much earlier than the dealer predicted, and I'm not eligible for the PenFed discount until 11/4...so I lost out because my dealer wasn't willing to hold the vehicle for me for that long...I picked it up last Saturday. Anyway, good luck, I hope it all works out for you.

[omasou]

Forget PenFed. Go to the Military Discount page fill it out and specify your dealer. They will get an lead generation email with your info and discount code. Then go to your CU and set up financing.

Military incentive, https://www.bmwusa.com/special-offer...incentive.html

[adscft]

Thanks for the explanation. I read some other posts and it seems like I would select the options and packages online, and I would then need to send the "build code" to a dealer who has allocation. I'll pay a deposit when the dealer orders the car for me, and I'll sign the contract when the car gets built and delivered to the dealer's lot.

Originally Posted by GrussGott

Not quite sure about the "build one online" part: AFAIK all US buyers have to buy via a dealer; the dealer submits orders, both their spec for their lot cars and customer spec if the customer doesn't like or want what's on the lot (or in the dealer's pipeline).

Either way, the dealer is selling you a car - either from their lot or from their allocation - and either way you have to pay for it before you can drive away (or have it shipped away) ... and either way the dealer will tell you when it's time to sign the docs. AFAIK there's no "online ordering" like, say, with Tesla.

In any event, before you go in to sign the docs to buy the car (and/or agree to do it virtually), print out your PenFed docs and present them to the dealer when you show up (physically or virtually).

Even if you buy from a dealer 5 states away and agree to virtually sign all the docs, you're still buying from a dealer. The shipping part is no different than if you paid a shipper to ship it to Hawaii. Occasionally the dealers will agree to do "courtesy delivery" for free, i.e., dealer-to-dealer shipping as part of routine batches of vehicles shipping between those dealers anyway, but that seems to be less and less available.

Unless it's Courtesy Delivery, if a dealer is shipping your car to another dealer, AFAIK it's pretty much no different than you doing it and, in that case, I'd rather select the shipper and all of the options (covered vs not, etc etc) Having done that a few times, it can get damn tricky, it can be a bit shady, and it's not the smoothest.

In 2014 I had my M4 show up so dirty it looked like it was made out of clay.

[omasou]

Originally Posted by adscft

Got a related question: when do I need to have the PenFed discount code during the process? When I sign the purchase contract? And if I build one online and have it delivered to a local dealership, when would I sign the contract?

Thanks!

When you use the BMW Build Your Own tool on the summary page is a code that specifies the car, packages and options. You can either email the code to your SA or specify the dealer on the summary page and it generates a lead to the dealer.

The SA uses the code to order the car configured the way you want with less chance of communication or data entry mistakes.

I would still ask for the order guide to make sure your not missing something that the online tool didn't offer.

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by adscft

I would then need to send the "build code" to a dealer who has allocation.

100% agree with omasou!

(1.) Get the order guide from this site, and learn all the codes for the config you want. Hopefully you won't need to use them, but it's good to know them if a problem comes up + it's good to validate every option you have and learn what can't be ordered with what.

(2.) Use the online builder but realize, to omasou's point, it's just a notes tool really -- a simple way to package up all the config codes & send to your dealer -- and it may be wrong and/or not have the latest data ... which is especially important these days as things are disappearing. Be prepared to double check everything!

(3.) Once you validate your dealer has an allocation, and you two agree on pricing, he/she should be able to input the config AND IMMEDIATELY GIVE YOU THE PRODUCTION NUMBER! (technically they can give it to you as soon as they agree to give you an allocation, the config will just be wrong at that point, i.e., not your config yet)

(4.) If the dealer doesn't immediately give you the production number, walk ... but if you do get it, then also ask to be emailed a screen shot or print out of the vehicle inquiry screen(s) that shows your car with YOUR config. Validate everything, especially all the configs.

(5.) Go to mygarage.bmwusa.com and input your production number - you should see your vehicle with all of the options / the config you ordered and from there you can use the site to track production and/or call the 1877 genius number.

Good luck!!

[adscft]

Noted. Thanks!

Originally Posted by GrussGott

100% agree with omasou!

(1.) Get the order guide from this site, and learn all the codes for the config you want. Hopefully you won't need to use them, but it's good to know them if a problem comes up + it's good to validate every option you have and learn what can't be ordered with what.

(2.) Use the online builder but realize, to omasou's point, it's just a notes tool really -- a simple way to package up all the config codes & send to your dealer -- and it may be wrong and/or not have the latest data ... which is especially important these days as things are disappearing. Be prepared to double check everything!

(3.) Once you validate your dealer has an allocation, and you two agree on pricing, he/she should be able to input the config AND IMMEDIATELY GIVE YOU THE PRODUCTION NUMBER! (technically they can give it to you as soon as they agree to give you an allocation, the config will just be wrong at that point, i.e., not your config yet)

(4.) If the dealer doesn't immediately give you the production number, walk ... but if you do get it, then also ask to be emailed a screen shot or print out of the vehicle inquiry screen(s) that shows your car with YOUR config. Validate everything, especially all the configs.

(5.) Go to mygarage.bmwusa.com and input your production number - you should see your vehicle with all of the options / the config you ordered and from there you can use the site to track production and/or call the 1877 genius number.

Good luck!!

[adscft]

I think any PenFed account holder (not necessarily a military member) can get the PenFed discount, but military discount only applies to military member?

Originally Posted by omasou

Forget PenFed. Go to the Military Discount page fill it out and specify your dealer. They will get an lead generation email with your info and discount code. Then go to your CU and set up financing.

Military incentive, https://www.bmwusa.com/special-offer...incentive.html

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by adscft

I think any PenFed account holder (not necessarily a military member) can get the PenFed discount, but military discount only applies to military member?

No, that is not the case. One of the criteria to be eligible for the Domestic Military discount (there is no such thing as the PenFed discount) is to be a PenFed member for at least 60 days. You do not need to be affiliated with the military in order to receive the military discount if you meet that criteria.

As mentioned numerous times in various threads, there are three ways to get the BMW Domestic Military discount - the BMW web site, the TrueCar website and the PenFed website.

[sk701]

The PenFed certificate expires on Jan 3rd and it says I have to take delivery and wondering what if I get my car After Jan 3rd. With the custom builds for 45e taking time and not having an allocation yet, I am thinking I won't get the car till next year.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by sk701

The PenFed certificate expires on Jan 3rd and it says I have to take delivery and wondering what if I get my car After Jan 3rd. With the custom builds for 45e taking time and not having an allocation yet, I am thinking I won't get the car till next year.

The Domestic Military incentive is a year-long incentive that is renewed each January. It is unlikely it won't get renewed next year although now that BMW started processing it on their own website there is a chance, probably small, that it would get pulled from PenFed.

[sk701]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

The Domestic Military incentive is a year-long incentive that is renewed each January. It is unlikely it won't get renewed next year although now that BMW started processing it on their own website there is a chance, probably small, that it would get pulled from PenFed.

Thanks, TurtleBoy. Good to know it gets renewed yearly.

[adscft]

Thanks for the clarification!

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

No, that is not the case. One of the criteria to be eligible for the Domestic Military discount (there is no such thing as the PenFed discount) is to be a PenFed member for at least 60 days. You do not need to be affiliated with the military in order to receive the military discount if you meet that criteria.

As mentioned numerous times in various threads, there are three ways to get the BMW Domestic Military discount - the BMW web site, the TrueCar website and the PenFed website.

[5pacey]

Ok, so... I placed the order, negotiated the price of MSRP - $6k w/the dealer. No mention of PenFed discount was made either be me or the dealer. Now I am waiting for the car to be produced. I've been a PenFed member for years so I am way over the 60 days min. Are you guys saying, that I can go to the site, print said "PenFed discount" certificate (I am aware of the $3250,- so called PenFed discount, but they - PenFed told me that its a negotiation between me and the dealer) and still get the $3250,- off the already negotiated number at closing? Or does that mean I have to "renegotiate".

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by 5pacey

Ok, so... I placed the order, negotiated the price of MSRP - $6k w/the dealer. No mention of PenFed discount was made either be me or the dealer. Now I am waiting for the car to be produced. I've been a PenFed member for years so I am way over the 60 days min. Are you guys saying, that I can go to the site, print said "PenFed discount" certificate (I am aware of the $3250,- so called PenFed discount, but they - PenFed told me that its a negotiation between me and the dealer) and still get the $3250,- off the already negotiated number at closing? Or does that mean I have to "renegotiate".

In theory, you should be able to present the certificate and the dealer should subtract the rebate amount no problem since it doesn't really hurt their side of the deal. Whether they do that or not is a different story. You have to have a dealer that knows what to do with it and won't reject it because they've "never seen it before."

[5pacey]

Originally Posted by allinon72

In theory, you should be able to present the certificate and the dealer should subtract the rebate amount no problem since it doesn't really hurt their side of the deal. Whether they do that or not is a different story. You have to have a dealer that knows what to do with it and won't reject it because they've "never seen it before."

Ok... I hear you. So you're saying because its a manufacturer's discount (BMW*) ... it doesn't hurt the dealer's # because its from BMW. BUT, to play devil's advocate... can they still claim that discount w/out me giving them the certificate? IOW, could they have basically already built that in to the discount they already gave me, and count on my ignorance of its existence, thus assuming they'll pocket it? If so... they'll resist anything I try to do because it will essentially be a re-negotiation for another $3250,- off... which I probably won't win at that late stage. UNLESS... they couldn't have buuilt it in because they can't claim it w/out me giving them the certificate?

[omasou]

Originally Posted by 5pacey

Ok... I hear you. So you're saying because its a manufacturer's discount (BMW*) ... it doesn't hurt the dealer's # because its from BMW. BUT, to play devil's advocate... can they still claim that discount w/out me giving them the certificate? IOW, could they have basically already built that in to the discount they already gave me, and count on my ignorance of its existence, thus assuming they'll pocket it? If so... they'll resist anything I try to do because it will essentially be a re-negotiation for another $3250,- off... which I probably won't win at that late stage. UNLESS... they couldn't have buuilt it in because they can't claim it w/out me giving them the certificate?

I believe the Military Discount / PenFed is a corporate program and doesn't negatively impact the dealer. It is as if you came w/a separate check for $3,250. The worse they will do is say no.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by 5pacey

Ok... I hear you. So you're saying because its a manufacturer's discount (BMW*) ... it doesn't hurt the dealer's # because its from BMW. BUT, to play devil's advocate... can they still claim that discount w/out me giving them the certificate? IOW, could they have basically already built that in to the discount they already gave me, and count on my ignorance of its existence, thus assuming they'll pocket it? If so... they'll resist anything I try to do because it will essentially be a re-negotiation for another $3250,- off... which I probably won't win at that late stage. UNLESS... they couldn't have buuilt it in because they can't claim it w/out me giving them the certificate?

The rebate is not negotiated dollars off the purchase price, it's bonus cash. In essence, it has no affect on the deal other then makes the bottom line smaller. If you receive pushback, your efforts are better served educating the dealer on the rebate or insisting that they learn themselves.

That's why it's best to negotiate the price first, then verify that the dealer has experience and will accept the rebate BEFORE submitting the order, rather than trying to apply it at the 11th hour just in case they won't honor it.

I had to walk from my local dealer because they flat out refused to accept it, they kept calling it a "TrueCar" discount even though it is not and refused my request to talk to their upper management about it.

[5pacey]

Originally Posted by omasou

I believe the Military Discount / PenFed is a corporate program and doesn't negatively impact the dealer. It is as if you came w/a separate check for $3,250. The worse they will do is say no.

Originally Posted by allinon72

The rebate is not negotiated dollars off the purchase price, it's bonus cash. In essence, it has no affect on the deal other then makes the bottom line smaller. If you receive pushback, your efforts are better served educating the dealer on the rebate or insisting that they learn themselves.

That's why it's best to negotiate the price first, then verify that the dealer has experience and will accept the rebate BEFORE submitting the order, rather than trying to apply it at the 11th hour just in case they won't honor it.

I had to walk from my local dealer because they flat out refused to accept it, they kept calling it a "TrueCar" discount even though it is not and refused my request to talk to their upper management about it.

Ok... gotcha... makes sense. A little weird that any dealer would not be educated enough about the manufacturer's discount/"mail-in" coupon... Thats their business isn't it. BUT, they key I think, or a KEY element here is whether or not they can still claim the PenFed/military discount even if I appear to be oblivious to it and don't present them with the "certificate"? Because if they can, then they could very well be perfectly aware of it, just refuse to honor it when I show it to them because they already banked on cashing it in since I didn't tell them that I want to use it to begin with. Had I told them, at the beginning, they may have just not given in any more than $2750 off MSRP, and then allowed me to use the $3250,- "PenFed/military" discount to add up to $6k. My reasoning for not mentioning it to begin with was a little different... my understanding was that if they refused to budge at all, I can always wave the PenFed / certificate and try this as a negotiation tactic. But since they went down to $6k below MSRP w/out it, I just took it and assumed that they are already building it in, along w/the $750,- loyalty discount, so they are really just giving me $2k off, from their perspective... so both sides are good.

BUT... as I said, key here is whether they can still claim this from BMW even if I don't give them the certificate? Or maybe they just check boxes somewhere that I am a PenFed member and thats enough for them to claim it? Just looking for flies in the ointment here... If they do refuse to honor it I am sure I'll be given a very "good" story why etc, but if I am prepared or understand it enough , I may be able to call them even now / w/out waiting for the delivery, and check if they are cool w/it or have issues, if it truly is not skinny off their back, and there is no way they could have pocketed it if I didn't bring it up.