[jcottonfieldx5]

Do I stick with the build order for the X5 with the hifi downgrade or get the exact build I wanted with the HK Surround from a competing dealer? I ordered a build with the expectation of the HK so the build from my dealer is not what I expected... and of course discounted the $750. Go with the perfect order with established relationship? Or get the car I want that is on the ground now? No meaningful difference in out of pocket...

[parkstr8]

On the ground now...

[AlinDenver]

Could your preferred dealer get the car from the other dealer?

[jcottonfieldx5]

Originally Posted by AlinDenver

Could your preferred dealer get the car from the other dealer?

Tried and not motivated to do so. I asked and they felt they would not transfer. It's in another state.

[Tenac]

Originally Posted by jcottonfieldx5

Do I stick with the build order for the X5 with the hifi downgrade or get the exact build I wanted with the HK Surround from a competing dealer? I ordered a build with the expectation of the HK so the build from my dealer is not what I expected... and of course discounted the $750. Go with the perfect order with established relationship? Or get the car I want that is on the ground now? No meaningful difference in out of pocket...

No dealer is going to be truly loyal to you. I understand your point, I have a great dealer experience and would hate for that to go away but bottom line, by the time there is enough turnover I might loose that anyway. Go get the one you want period.

[gqgambler]

I would go for the desired one on the ground now. No need to wait. Your build isn't perfect because it has the downgraded audio. If you don't care about audio at all then that's one thing. You are also hoping that there are no further supply chain issues that may affect any other part of your build.

Your dealer doesn't sound motivated to make a sale. They should at least be willing to try and swap. Tell them you will cancel your order since the build is not as desired due to supply shortage and are reconsidering purchase; that might push them to try a swap. I would much rather get a desired car than settle on something I have to build it.

I found one on the ground in a config more than desired in my 3rd choice color and scooped it up because the build details were awesome; my dealer was slow searching for me and finding a car. I bought it out of state. Now with all the supply chain issues, I'm glad I didn't wait on a build and have all the features I desired. The dealership is still likely to get your business from service and you would probably go to them for your next car purchase.

[Dwillbimmer]

For me, loyalty doesn’t extend to accepting a downgrade. If you want to wait until the HK option is back and then order from your favorite dealer, that’s one thing, but if you want it now and the price is the same, I’d go and get it.

[HouseMD]

If your preferred dealer isn't motivated to get the one you want from the other dealer they aren't being very loyal to you. I would ask your preferred dealer to make sure you will get the same perks when you bring the car in for service assuming you will still use them for service.

I had a similar situation last summer. My build was stuck in limbo but my dealer got one I wanted from another dealer out of state.

[m3_08]

dealers do go out of state and deliver cars to customer.....if they appreciate the customer.
You are too nice to your dealer.

[AlinDenver]

Loyalty should be a two way street in a long standing relationship. Dealers swap cars all the time. Perhaps this being in another state makes this more difficult. About three weeks ago I was considering an Audi Q7 or a BMW X5. The Audi dealer found exactly what I wanted wanted at a dealer in state but 200 miles away, and said they could get it in a day or two. In the end I decided on an X5, so that is moot.

Sound quality is a big deal too some of us and not so much for others. If it matters at all to you, and you plan to keep this X5 for a while, that’s important.

[mobilejo]

Originally Posted by Dwillbimmer

For me, loyalty doesn’t extend to accepting a downgrade. If you want to wait until the HK option is back and then order from your favorite dealer, that’s one thing, but if you want it now and the price is the same, I’d go and get it.

Absolutely this. Buying a car that's missing a feature that you want is more than just loyalty, its self sacrifice for the sake of a salesman's commission. I would call that madness.

[MystroX5]

There is no way should you get a X5 with a base audio system under any situation. Do what ever you need to do to at least get the HK system.

[Drothgeb]

I would go with the build already on the ground. My dealer didn’t tell me until after I ordered that the HK was not available. The HK is a $875 upgrade where available, but they are only offering a $750 credit. Worry about loyalty. lol

[Marty in NY]

Originally Posted by jcottonfieldx5

Do I stick with the build order for the X5 with the hifi downgrade or get the exact build I wanted with the HK Surround from a competing dealer? I ordered a build with the expectation of the HK so the build from my dealer is not what I expected... and of course discounted the $750. Go with the perfect order with established relationship? Or get the car I want that is on the ground now? No meaningful difference in out of pocket...

Why would you want to be stuck living with a car that didn't have the features/options you wanted and paid for??? You'll curse yourself every time you listen to the audio and end up holding a grudge against the car. If audio wasn't important to you, you would not have paid for the HK, for me, its a deal breaker. Furthermore, to echo the comments of others, this dealer, who is not willing to earn your business and make you satisfied, should be avoided.

[volodp]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

There is no way should you get a X5 with a base audio system under any situation. Do what ever you need to do to at least get the HK system.

True. I did it last time and will avoid doing it ever again.

[jcottonfieldx5]

Thinking they will just end up charging more for the downgrades and limited equipment and call it the x5 'Rona Edition. Special stock!

[mitch57]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

There is no way should you get a X5 with a base audio system under any situation. Do what ever you need to do to at least get the HK system.

Agreed. BMW shouldn't even be optioning anything less then the HK system. How embarrassing for BMW to offer their top of the line vehicles with basic crap stereos.

I can hear everyone's passenger friends commenting now:

"WOW...!!! What a beautiful car with great build quality and luxury! But what's up with this piece of shit stereo that sounds like crap?"

[Marty in NY]

Originally Posted by mitch57

Agreed. BMW shouldn't even be optioning anything less then the HK system. How embarrassing for BMW to offer their top of the line vehicles with basic crap stereos.

I can hear everyone's passenger friends commenting now:

"WOW...!!! What a beautiful car with great build quality and luxury! But what's up with this piece of shit stereo that sounds like crap?"

I've been driving BMW's for 40+ years and their base audio system has always been less than desirable. You HAVE to upgrade and maybe that is what their strategy is but when you get away from their entry level cars, they should also get away from entry level audio systems. . . but they don't.

[codex57]

Doesn't seem like all that much of a relationship if they won't transfer the car. You're clearly just a transaction. Treat them the same.

Get the perfect build from the other dealer.

[PeterPuitG]

I am with the majority of ppl here, just go and get the car you want, it is too expensive to not get it right. Just let them maintain it and come the next they will go the extra mile to retain your business.