[Sir_Pigley]

I was having a look at car auction sites the other day and noticed that there is a shed load of BMWs being sold at Manheim Auctions on the 23rd March. Looks like an opportunity to cut out the middle man to me. Lots of very new ex-management cars as well as a lot of older, but quite interesting machinery (there's a 57 plate 635d with only 35k miles that looks rather nice).

I notice that the buyer's premium is different for trade buyers than for private buyers. Does anyone have an idea of that the difference is? The website only shows private buyer premiums for cars up to £10k and the premium is £500!! If it's double that on a £20k car it would significantly eat into the saving you'd be making by buying at auction - unless traders pay a similar premium.

[nicktyler]

Do you have a link for this info? Are all the cars this new?

[Sir_Pigley]

Thats a sample of the 3 series for sale in the ex-management auction. There are lots of other cars being sold by BMW group that are older. I think they have 4 auction lanes simltaneously running.

I can't send a link as you have to have a login to access the information.

However it is free to register for an online account and only takes about 5 minutes - then you can search the entire database looking for cars that might be of interest.

[doc_ab]

Created an account and logged in. There is a new 640d msport with 0miles on the clock a 6 series convertible 3 years old with only 5k miles on the clock, a few m3's, very interesting.

[sheps]

Thanks for this link dude.

I'm taking the day off and heading to Colchester for this - nearly 1000 BMW's coming through four auction lanes simultaneously.

A buddy and I are looking to use this event to source a replacement for his wife's X5.

There are a couple of X5's he like the look of, plus some 3 and 5 series tourings.

Should be a good day.

[chris_s1]

Sheps - If you wouldn't mind - could you note down any of the 335d prices if you see them go through and let me know what they went for?

Would be great to know, am thinking about moving into a nearly new 335d and am quite used to buying at auctions. Should be a fun day out, wish I could join you, I love watching car auctions!

[doc_ab]

Let us know how you get on Sheps. There are some seriously good cars in that lot. Would be interested in your opinion of the sort of prices they go for compared to retail.

[SeanCorky]

The prices of the 335i M Sport Coupes would be appreciated too if you're around for any of them?

[sheps]

To all the guys interested in values - I'll note down The values of everything I see go through - I have a sneaking suspicion I'll be dodging from building to building to see the cars we're interested in, I'm not lucky enough that they should all come through the same lane!

[TMP]

Originally Posted by sheps

To all the guys interested in values - I'll note down The values of everything I see go through - I have a sneaking suspicion I'll be dodging from building to building to see the cars we're interested in, I'm not lucky enough that they should all come through the same lane!

you could always go one step further, buy say 5-10 cars and stick them up in the classified section

[sheps]

Originally Posted by TMP

you could always go one step further, buy say 5-10 cars and stick them up in the classified section

I can see the conversation with the missus now...
"I've cashed in the capital in the house to take a punt on half a dozen beemers, but don't worry, we'll make a fortune".

I think my next post here would be asking my fellow posters if they had a spare room I could crash in, preferably one that came with 10 parking spaces...

[TMP]

Originally Posted by sheps

I can see the conversation with the missus now...
"I've cashed in the capital in the house to take a punt on half a dozen beemers, but don't worry, we'll make a fortune".

I think my next post here would be asking my fellow posters if they had a spare room I could crash in, preferably one that came with 10 parking spaces...

Lol, yeap you could make a fortune!!! Better idea, lets do a group buy and we can then take a car or two home. Still could be a tricky one to explain.

we could call ourselves: e90AUC.com

[SeanH]

Are there many 5 series on there? MY old man is seriously interested. I've spotted a current gen M5 on there.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by sheps

To all the guys interested in values - I'll note down The values of everything I see go through - I have a sneaking suspicion I'll be dodging from building to building to see the cars we're interested in, I'm not lucky enough that they should all come through the same lane!

Thanks mate. will be looking forward to see your summary. Dont forget 320i and 320D if you can get their price.

[SeanH]

Spotted Autocar's old 1M in that auction n all.

[M3-FAST]

A good chunk of them are likely to be press vehicles

[dobbo99]

without wishing to sound like a complete goon, wheres the catch with this?

surely the cars going through here are new enough to not warrant any significatn problems, those that have will have been taken care of via the warranty etc I would assume?
having registered on the site, there arent too many vehicles with significant mileage on. theres a white e93 330i which looks perfect.

yes you lose the middle man, and probably make a saving of sorts, but is there a trade off in terms of risk?

[doc_ab]

Any within manufacturers warranty will be covered by BMW. I suppose the catch is you are competing against professional buyers, in an auction atmosphere making instant decisions which wouldn't be for everyone. Oh and I presume you need to have the readies.

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by doc_ab

Any within manufacturers warranty will be covered by BMW. I suppose the catch is you are competing against professional buyers, in an auction atmosphere making instant decisions which wouldn't be for everyone. Oh and I presume you need to have the readies.

You will need a 20% depo when the hammer drops, collection after cleared funds. There is also a buyer fee added to the wining bid price.

[TMP]

Originally Posted by doc_ab

Any within manufacturers warranty will be covered by BMW. I suppose the catch is you are competing against professional buyers, in an auction atmosphere making instant decisions which wouldn't be for everyone. Oh and I presume you need to have the readies.

So the skill is knowing how much to pay, and when to stop (otherwise you could pay more than retail).

That could be tricky in an auction, but suppose if you are after a particular model you'll research the right price. Could be exciting!

[sheps]

That's the beauty of the modern world and mobile internet;
We can shortlist the cars we want to bid on, log onto Parkers, get the latest trade valuations and carry out an AUC search for an indication of retail prices.

Brilliant = sub trade price
Ok = between trade and retail, still saving
Bad = greater than retail

[Jay2301]

Originally Posted by TMP

So the skill is knowing how much to pay, and when to stop (otherwise you could pay more than retail).

That could be tricky in an auction, but suppose if you are after a particular model you'll research the right price. Could be exciting!

Buyers that have traders accounts have access to CAP(current auction price) guide prices on all lots before they go under the hammer so know exactly what they should be paying and exactly what each lot is worth at auction. The CAP "clean" figure is what most aim for, anything under this is a bonus.

I know as I have a friend who has traders accounts at Manheim and BCA so when ive been to auction with him he has a print out of the sales catalogues including the CAP prices for each individual vehicle....

Also traders pay a much smaller buyers fee compared to what Joe public pays... I've benefitted from this on a couple of occasions