I am a slightly older person, currently living in France. I have been making email enquiries into buying a new LHD BMW X3 (as you probably know, they have a specialist export/diplomatic/local authority etc sales department in London). The model of choice comes to £34,575, and they have offered a 2.5 per cent discount on this, for a private, cash, part-ex free sale. I have asked if more discount is available, because I feel that 2.5 per cent is remarkably little for a car at this price level. I have received comments from the sales-specialist that include, quote, "I'm not sure why you were expecting a discount on the X3... I thought that my 2.5 per cent discount was a kind gesture" and "I do value your enquiry, however it does not make commercial sense for us to discount the vehicle any further".

Nevertheless, I have managed to get this increased to 3 per cent, but this still feels too low a discount to do a deal on. Can you please tell me, has BMW become very stingy concerning cash sales to private individuals, or am I so completely out of touch that a 3 per cent discount as offered, is actually a very smart deal?