Luxury Lounge

Well folks, I couldn't take it any more. The BMW withdrawal pangs were just too intense. I thought I was strong enough to endure and conquer, since I already quit smoking cold turkey in my thirties. But, this was just too much for me.
 
So I succumbed and bought a white 328i today right off the dealers' lot, with Premium Package, Sport Package, Steptronic transmission, Cold Weather Package, Rear Parking Sensors, Xenon lights, and premium hi fi. The VW will still be located at my house for my wife to drive. She takes her first driving lesson tomorrow. I know she will love it when that first Nieman Marcus mall day comes!
 
I cannot say enough about the dealer-they will deliver the vehicle to my house on Monday in a 2 car procession, so I don't have to drive the delivery guy back some 51 miles to the dealership. They couldn't have been nicer. When the car needs servicing, they will bring me a loaner to my door, pick up the 328i, service it and drive it back to my home. Contrast this with my last BMW dealer who charged me for a loaner even though I leased the car through them!
 
Not looking for any congrats. Just wanting to share my good fortune and say, believe it or not, there is one heck of a terrific BMW dealership out there and they are Fields of Lakeland in Florida.
 
Oh yes, the car drives like a dream! I had the option of driving it home today and having them bring me the VW, but I wanted them to spend time polishing it up to perfection.
 
PS: The 1 Series Coupes look much better in person! Nice!
 
PS': Part of my recovery program in Caraholics' Anonomous requires me to make the above confession. I'm starting to feel better already!

Replies to this message:
• tagman (Oct 30, 2008 3:21 pm)
  • hpowders (Oct 30, 2008 3:47 pm)
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• 2001gs430 (Oct 30, 2008 3:31 pm)
  • hpowders (Oct 30, 2008 3:49 pm)
• lexusguy (Oct 30, 2008 4:15 pm)
  • hpowders (Oct 30, 2008 5:22 pm)
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• dewey (Oct 30, 2008 6:21 pm)
  • hpowders (Oct 30, 2008 7:02 pm)
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• cdnpinhead (Oct 31, 2008 4:42 am)
  • hpowders (Oct 31, 2008 5:18 am)
• anthonyp (Oct 31, 2008 11:53 am)
  • hpowders (Oct 31, 2008 12:26 pm)

Replying to: hpowders (Oct 30, 2008 3:02 pm)

Not looking for any congrats. Just wanting to share my good fortune and say, believe it or not, there is one heck of a terrific BMW dealership out there and they are Fields of Lakeland in Florida.
 
Sorry to disappoint you, but... congratulations!
 
I've reduced the fanfare for your sake.
 
That's terrific!
 
Your post doesn't say sedan or coupe, unless I missed it, but I'm guessing a 4-door.
 
I'm also glad you found a dealer that will treat you as you should be treated. Alpine White is a very good color choice for tons of reasons, especially in your hot climate. What's the interior? Beige or black?
 
I noticed you have smartly avoided the iDrive... I'm sure you will have less frustration. Also, your "recovery" should be a quick one, as you start to log some miles on your new BMW.
  
TM

Replies to this message:
• hpowders (Oct 30, 2008 3:47 pm)
  • jlbl (Oct 31, 2008 12:17 am)
    • hpowders (Oct 31, 2008 3:04 am)

Replying to: louiswei (Oct 30, 2008 10:05 am)

This thing is not supposed to be sporty, this thing is all about providing a comfortable ride for the housewives
You nailed that one on the head. I had an es350 loaner a couple of weeks back, and drove my wife and kid in it. I asked her how she likes the ES, and the response was "it's nice, but does not seem to be as comfy as our RX" .
That showed me there ARE people that like soft riding cars/SUVs.

Replying to: hpowders (Oct 30, 2008 3:02 pm)

Replies to this message:
• hpowders (Oct 30, 2008 3:49 pm)

Replying to: tagman (Oct 30, 2008 3:21 pm)

Thanks a lot TM!
 
It's a sedan. I really dig the rear fold down seats. The interior is black. I prefer beige for Florida, but what are you going to do?
 
The only thing I added from the finance person was the 5 year run flat warranty. Well worth it; unfortunately, a necessary evil.
 
I'm very happy! Thanks again!

Replies to this message:
• jlbl (Oct 31, 2008 12:17 am)
  • hpowders (Oct 31, 2008 3:04 am)

Replying to: 2001gs430 (Oct 30, 2008 3:31 pm)

I know! I know! But, one sad day, the car may be left to the wife-she is just learning how to drive. So, no stick. Had to think of her. Please don't hate me.
 
Thank you for your good wishes.

Replying to: hpowders (Oct 30, 2008 3:02 pm)

Replies to this message:
• hpowders (Oct 30, 2008 5:22 pm)
  • jimbres (Oct 31, 2008 7:55 am)
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Replying to: lexusguy (Oct 30, 2008 4:15 pm)

Thank you so much for the good wishes, LG.
 
The BMW 3 Series is a totally different vehicle from my 2002 325i-more power, more front seat travel and so many more technological gizzmos that can truly overwhelm you! Wow!
 
I was so used to lousy treatment from BMW dealers ranging from Queens, NY to Sarasota, Fl., that I committed the mistake of assuming they must all be bad. My experience today was probably what most folks who buy a Lexus take for granted.
 
For the first time since 1993, I will be able to take a BMW phone survey and enthusiastically recommend a dealership. Never thought I'd live to see the day!
 
Thanks again for your kind words!

Replies to this message:
• jimbres (Oct 31, 2008 7:55 am)
  • hpowders (Oct 31, 2008 8:25 am)
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Replying to: lexusguy (Oct 29, 2008 11:24 pm)

Those photos are really disapointing . If your in the market for an SUV anyway, I would go with the Q7. I test drove the Q7, liked it a lot, but decided to buy an A6 instead. The Q7 3.6 had great pick up for a heavy car, a nice interior, decent gas mileage, and a load of safety features.

Replies to this message:
• lexusguy (Oct 30, 2008 9:21 pm)
  • dm1212 (Oct 31, 2008 12:02 pm)
    • lexusguy (Nov 01, 2008 3:08 pm)

Replying to: bmlexus (Oct 30, 2008 9:52 am)