Do I Need to Make an Appointment for a BMW Test Drive?
3 Answers
Yes. Here is the extended information: Appointment Method: Typically, a 4S store has only one test drive vehicle for each model, and there are people making test drive appointments every day. Therefore, if you want to test drive, it's best to call the salesperson in advance to make an appointment. During the off-season, the test drive can be arranged as quickly as the same day, but during the peak season, you might have to wait a few days. On the day of the scheduled test drive, consumers need to bring the aforementioned documents to the 4S store, fill out a test drive registration form and agreement, and then pay a test drive deposit. It's important to read the agreement carefully as it covers issues related to traffic violations and accidents during the test drive. Required documents to prepare in advance: ID card, driver's license, deposit.
Last time I accompanied my friend to buy a BMW, I specifically asked about this. The salesperson told me it's best to make an appointment three days in advance through the official website or by calling the 400 hotline. For popular models like the X5, going without an appointment might be a wasted trip, as the test drive schedules at dealerships are extremely packed. I noticed that when making an appointment, you can select specific models and time slots, and even leave notes about which features you'd like to experience, such as focusing on testing the automatic parking or highway performance. If you decide to visit the dealership on short notice, trying your luck between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM has a higher success rate, but at popular dealerships, you might still have to wait up to half an hour. Making an appointment in advance can really save a lot of time.
Last month, I had my first test drive at a BMW 4S store and it was a bit of a hassle. I went directly there on the weekend without an appointment, and the salesperson made me fill out a form and wait for an hour before arranging the test drive. The second time, I learned my lesson and booked an appointment via the mobile app on Friday night. When I arrived at the store, I just gave my name and went straight for the test drive. A special reminder: bring your original driver's license, as the electronic one sometimes doesn’t scan properly in their system. I recommend booking a weekday morning slot when it’s less crowded—the salesperson can then give you a detailed explanation of the smart driving features. Last time, the salesperson specifically took me on the expressway to demonstrate automatic lane changing. This kind of in-depth experience is impossible to get without an appointment.
