5 Best Times to Buy a BMW – You’ll Thank Yourself Later
So you're thinking about buying a BMW. Maybe you've already been eyeing one for a while and scrolling through endless online listings just waiting for the right moment. You've been reading reviews watching YouTube videos and checking out forums trying to figure out when the best time actually is to pull the trigger. Well let me save you some time right now – there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But don't worry that doesn't mean you’re left wandering in the dark. With the right timing and some insider knowledge you could save thousands on your dream car whether it’s a sporty 3 Series a luxurious 7 Series or that versatile X5 you've been coveting.
Below we're going to dive into 5 key moments when buying a BMW could make a ton of sense for you. We’ll break it all down by seasons special events and even when you should check out your local dealership. Trust me the right time to buy is often closer than you think. Let’s dive into it and get you behind that wheel!
When Should You Buy a BMW?
When it comes to buying a BMW timing is everything. Whether you’re looking for a brand-new model fresh off the production line or a Certified Pre-Owned BMW there are certain times of the year that just make more sense than others. By making your purchase at the right moment you could end up saving big on your ultimate driving machine.
End of the Year – December Discounts
Why it’s a great time:
The end of the year is hands down one of the best times to buy any car but especially a BMW. Why? Because dealerships are trying to clear out their inventory to make room for new models. It’s not just a myth that December is the month of deals – it’s a fact! In fact according to Alex Collantes a BMW aficionado and sales consultant “December is like Black Friday for cars except it lasts the whole month.” You’ll often find generous cash-back offers rebates and discounts that make buying in December a no-brainer.
Dealerships also have sales quotas they’re pushing to hit by the end of the year. Combine that with customers spending more time focusing on holiday shopping than car buying and you’ve got a recipe for killer deals.
The drawback:
Well it’s December and depending on where you live you could be test-driving in snowstorms or shivering your way through the lot. That said if you live in warmer areas you don’t have to worry about freezing to death on the lot. But hey – saving thousands in discounts makes up for a little frostbite right?
Pro Tip: If you’re shopping for a CPO BMW many dealers will offer extended warranties or free maintenance during these end-of-year promotions which can add serious long-term value to your purchase.
Model Year End – Late Summer/Fall
Why it’s a great time:
Every car manufacturer BMW included loves to show off their new models. This usually happens late summer into the fall with most of the new cars hitting dealerships by September. As dealerships bring in these shiny new models they need to make room on their lots and that means the older models need to go. This is the perfect opportunity to snag a great deal on the previous model year’s cars.
Even if you’re not buying a brand-new model you can still benefit from this timing because Certified Pre-Owned BMWs or loaner vehicles from the dealership are often discounted as the dealership looks to freshen up their fleet.
The drawback:
The downside? You might miss out on the latest tech features or engine updates. Yeah it’s true – that 2024 BMW 5 Series may have the flashiest gadgets but do you really need a car that can cook dinner and make your bed while you drive? (Okay maybe it won’t do all that but you get the idea.)
Major Holiday Weekends – Memorial Day Labor Day President's Day
Why it’s a great time:
We all love a good holiday weekend sale and car dealerships are no exception. Holidays like Memorial Day Labor Day and President’s Day are famous for car sales that can give you a huge discount on your BMW. Dealers know people have time off and are out shopping so they often sweeten the pot with additional rebates low APR financing or lease specials.
Holiday sales often come with the added bonus of manufacturer incentives. Whether it’s cash-back or low-interest financing these incentives can really sweeten the deal especially if you’re looking to finance or lease your BMW.
The drawback:
The lot might be packed with other buyers looking to score a deal. Think of it like a Black Friday crowd but for cars. The competition might be fierce and if you’re not willing to wait your turn you could miss out on that perfect spec or color. Also dealerships may not be as flexible with negotiations because they know demand is high.
Early Spring – Before Tax Refunds Hit
Why it’s a great time:
Here’s an often overlooked strategy – buy before people start getting their tax refunds. Early spring February through March is a fantastic time to shop for a BMW because dealerships know that soon people will have refund money burning a hole in their pocket. They want to sell before the surge of buyers come through so they’re more likely to negotiate better deals.
As Alex Collantes puts it “Dealerships know once people get those refunds there’s a rush to spend. If you buy right before that rush you might just walk away with a much better deal.”
The drawback:
You’ll need to act fast and do your homework beforehand. Inventory might not be as large as it will be later in the year so if you’re picky about your color or trim options you may have to settle for what’s available. And no one wants to drive around in their second-choice color unless it’s pink and fabulous of course.
End of the Month – Dealers Need to Hit Quotas
Why it’s a great time:
Much like the end of the year the end of the month is prime time for snagging a deal. Sales quotas loom large for salespeople and dealerships alike. This is the point where you can see your negotiating power skyrocket. Salespeople are eager to hit their numbers and close those final deals and that’s where you come in.
You could find yourself with additional perks like free maintenance packages extended warranties or even more generous discounts on a CPO BMW.
The drawback:
The inventory can be slim pickings toward the end of the month especially if the dealership has already had a great sales month. You might find that the exact model or color you want is sold out leaving you to either wait for next month’s stock or settle for something else.
What About Leasing a BMW?
Leasing a BMW is another popular option especially for those who want to drive the latest models without the long-term commitment. But when’s the best time to lease?
Special Lease Events
BMW often has special lease events throughout the year usually coinciding with the launch of new models or around holidays like Black Friday and the end-of-year sales.
If you time it right you can find some pretty competitive lease deals often with lower monthly payments or reduced down payments.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check out BMW’s loyalty incentives. If you’re already a BMW driver upgrading to a new lease could come with additional perks like lower interest rates or waived fees.
Certified Pre-Owned BMWs – An Affordable Luxury
If you’re not quite ready for a brand-new BMW but still want the luxury experience consider going the Certified Pre-Owned route. CPO BMWs are rigorously inspected by the dealership and come with extended warranties giving you peace of mind that you're getting a high-quality vehicle.
Here’s when to buy a CPO BMW:
- At the end of the year – You’ll often find older models being traded in or offloaded at year-end to make room for new inventory.
- During special CPO sales events – Many dealerships have promotions specifically for CPO vehicles often around holidays or the end of the year.
- When new models drop – As newer models are released older ones become available for CPO certification making this a great time to grab a gently used vehicle at a discount.
The Perks of CPO BMWs
- Warranty coverage – CPO BMWs come with an extended warranty that covers repairs for a set period of time.
- Rigorous inspection – These cars go through a thorough inspection process to ensure they meet BMW's high standards.
- Roadside assistance – Many CPO BMWs come with 24/7 roadside assistance just in case you run into any issues.
The Drawbacks
Okay so what’s the catch? Well first of all you won’t get that new car smell. You might also find some quirky previous-owner mods – fuzzy dice anyone? – or discover they had a love for aggressive parallel parking which left a couple of questionable dents. But hey nothing a little touch-up paint can’t fix right?
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning to buy brand new or go the Certified Pre-Owned route timing your BMW purchase is key to getting the best deal possible. From end-of-year sales to holiday weekends or just being strategic at the end of the month there’s almost always a way to save if you know when to shop. Each of these 5 best times can help you save money drive the BMW of your dreams and keep a smile on your face as you zoom down the road in German luxury.
As Alex Collantes would say “Patience is key when buying a car especially a BMW. The right time will come – you just need to be ready to seize it when it does.” So happy car hunting and remember the journey is just as important as the destination – especially when you’re doing it in a BMW!