Internet FTW! BMW buyer getting M3 thanks to pressure from web
We're betting M3post.com forum member, dooma350, had no idea that his call for help with a shady transaction on eBay Motors would become what it did. After winning a new BMW M3 Sedan on the online auction site from BMW of Lincoln, Nebraska, the dealership refused to sell the car despite there being no reserve price, claiming the auction was a "mistake". dooma350's single post for help on a forum led to an internet-based outcry on his behalf, with lawyers offering free advice, other websites (like ours) promoting his cause, local news organizations getting in touch, etc. BMW of Lincoln's contact information was posted in countless places, and it no doubt received an overwhelming number of opinions about its actions from those who connected with dooma350's plight, and who had probably gone through similar experiences with dealerships before.
Well, we can call off the hounds. dooma350, whose real name is Ken, has posted again on M3post.com informing his volunteer army of minions that he and BMW of Lincoln have come to a resolution, and that the dealership will sell him the M3 Sedan for $60,000, though with certain conditions. Ken will be traveling to the dealership tomorrow to go over the details and find out what those conditions are, but we bet this particular dealership will think twice about slighting him again. One thing Ken notes in his most recent post, however, is that for the sake of this purchase going through, everyone needs to back off the dealership now. He asks, "No phone calls, threats, emails or fake sales calls." OK, Ken. Just promise to send us a pic of you smiling in the driver's seat when this is all over with. Thanks for the tips, everyone!
[Source: M3post.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Maestro1 4:34PM (3/24/2008)
I'd love to know what these 'conditions' are...
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mark lee 5:28PM (3/24/2008)
I hope other auto sales professional(s) will accompany Ken to pick up his car, just to make sure the dealer won't try to add any hidden fees.
I remember 3 years ago my girlfriend and I went to Superior Nissan of Puente Hills (one of the largest in CA) to purchase a new Murano and nearly got conned; before visiting the dealer we called and got a quote that we wanted, but as soon as we arrived the sales rep refused to honor the quote and asked their general manager to talk to us. The general manager was extremely amicable and agreed to the price that was quoted previously, however when we were about the sign the contract I noticed that they insidiously added about $1500 to the final out-the-door price. Fortunately I worked as a car sales rep before and I had my calculator with me, otherwise my girlfriend would definitely pay that bloated price without knowing it. The worst part is, when we decided to leave (without purchasing the car because the general manager insisted that it's the "correct price") they wouldn't let us keep nor destroy the documents which has a lot of our confidential/financial information!.
Disgruntled Goat 6:33PM (3/24/2008)
I'm sure the conditions are that Ken discloses NOTHING about the transaction, says he LOVES BMW of Lincoln (and everything BMW), that he signs all sorts of legal disclaimers, and that he tells everyone to quit bugging those wonderful folks out at BMW of Lincoln.
BowserUSC 4:39PM (3/24/2008)
Wooo, I sent them a couple nasty e-mails. I wonder what those conditions are, too.
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BluePariah 4:40PM (3/24/2008)
Streisand Effect, FTW!
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kris 4:43PM (3/24/2008)
hahahaha..."doo ma" ...anyone else pick up on that?
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James 6:05PM (3/24/2008)
not everyone speaks vietnamese
kris 6:09PM (3/24/2008)
Ahh....I don't, I just happened to grow up near Little Saigon.
cellularcoffee 4:44PM (3/24/2008)
Autoblog rules!!
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Bevo 4:46PM (3/24/2008)
Just proves what can be done by posting a story in the right places. I would love to know if the dunces who originally retracted the sale as a "mistake" still have their jobs.
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KT 4:47PM (3/24/2008)
Anyone in Lincoln looking for a job?
I think I know of an opening for an Internet Salesperson...
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mammy 4:49PM (3/24/2008)
i would hate to be that dealership owner.
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PAT 4:49PM (3/24/2008)
That is awesome! Although, I hope we get updated on those conditions, doubtful, but maybe...
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Eric Liberatore 4:53PM (3/24/2008)
Those special "conditions" had better have been disclosed in the auction itself or the whole situation isn't over.
I bought a brand new motorcycle from a dealer on eBay and they failed to include their standard "docking" fee of $500. I had them remove it from the sales invoice and they honored it since it wasn't listed in the auction.
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Stuart Steele 5:12PM (3/24/2008)
Great news. But he still payed 6000+ over invoice.
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Andy 6:32PM (3/24/2008)
Incorrect. If you take some time to read through the forum, you will see that the car is optioned up and therefore he is not paying above invoice.
BluePariah 5:12PM (3/24/2008)
The best part: Gone are the days where a thing like this happens and then is simply forgotten. Dealers (or ANY entity really, including each of us) need to remember that we now have a collective consciousness of sorts.
Case in point:
Google "BMW Lincoln" - After only 2 days, the original post by Ken is ALREADY the THIRD unique result. By tomorrow it will be Goggle bombed to number 1.
Result:
Unless the dealer coughs up eleventy-billion dollars in SEO, this goes down on its permanent record...
Welcome to the 21st century, boys...
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John R 6:59AM (3/25/2008)
Well said. No one exists in a vacuum.
Chad 5:14PM (3/24/2008)
I wouldn't be traveling from California to Nebraska and not know what the conditions are. May not be worth the trip.
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Liquidretro.net 5:26PM (3/24/2008)
Right now the weather is great. Sunny and 57F, although it is windy.