[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by KevinM

Question 1: Correct. I can PM you who I used at Long Beach BMW, which is a very high volume dealer. Let me know.

Question 2: My thinking is to lease if you want to own for 3 years or less because the deals are good and you don't have the hassle of selling the car. For a planned 6 year ownership, personally I'd finance. As stated for a lease you are capitalizing on BMWs overly optimistic residual values, which will be a liability if you finance the residual. Of course, if you choose to finance the residual, you can negotiate the price of the car based on true market value.

Question 3: Just do it. You'd hate to have regrets after the car is delivered. (I learned on the hard way when I ordered by first BMW, a 1999 528 5-speed.)

Question 4: I don't know, but for $350 or whatever it is, if you use an iPhone I'd get it. See comments above.

Have fun!

/thread