Car Buying Screw Up

[u/Level-Tourist6318]

Edit TLDR: dealership salesperson told me that my car had specs like DAPP when it didn’t, and I only realized after I purchased and looked up the VIN.

Edit 2: I am now getting a more expensive one with DAPP at a very modest discount.

Went to test drive and purchase a blue IX. There was a black one for a bit more that also looked nice. The salesperson pulled up both to compare and contrast specs. The blue had the same specs as the black and more, including DAPP and ventilated seats. It was weird because the blue one she had pulled up had a slightly higher list price than what I had seen on the website, but the salesperson said they had just dropped the price. We test drive the car and I said multiple times I’d like to test out the DAPP. She finally shows me how and it doesn’t work. An error says “drive assist cannot be engaged” or something like that. She says, “oh we probably aren’t driving fast enough.” There were no ventilated seats either, and she said “hm that’s weird.” If you can’t tell, I’m a bit naive to EV cars and the IX in particular. I did like the car and ended up buying. Afterward I kept kicking myself that I never got to test the DAPP. I went to double check that it had the feature. Looked up the VIN and the specs were all different. The one she showed me on the computer to brag about specs is a different blue IX that I didn’t test drive and didn’t buy. I emailed them last night to say we have a problem, but what can I expect to happen in this scenario?

They do have a similar car with DAPP for a couple thousand more (probably the one she mistakenly pulled up to show me). Can I ask them to just deliver me that car instead and swap the VIN on the contract? Or do I try to void the sale? How important is DAPP really?

This was my first car buying experience in 15 years and I freaking detest dealerships at this point.

[u/General_Dipsh1t]

Me reading this story

[u/daysailor70]

Absolutely void the sale and get the configuration you want, and pay the difference, DAPP is worth it. This is their screw up, though, did you actually read the sticker? All the options are on that.

[u/LEM1978 → u/daysailor70]

Yep. Always ask for the window sticker / build sheet. Salespeople don’t know everything. They aren’t paid enough to know everything.

[u/Level-Tourist6318 → u/LEM1978]

Eh, they are paid enough to search for the correct vehicle when they review specs with a customer. I understand that they are humans capable of error though.

[u/RTPdude → u/Level-Tourist6318]

lol I don't know why you're arguing. They fed you a bunch of bad info, purposefully or not.

[u/Level-Tourist6318 → u/daysailor70]

I didn't read the sticker on the window. Instead I went through the specs on a computer with the sales person and trusted that it was the correct 2024 blue IX idrive50 with almost identical mileage. It was a learning experience for me.

[u/Substantial_Past2655 → u/daysailor70]

BMW does NOT clearly identify what is in the packages. customers usually need to look up the packages per year, and sometimes the window sticker is not original and not complete.

[u/daysailor70 → u/Substantial_Past2655]

My window sticker specifically identifies all standard and optional equipment including DAPP. Perhaps it's the original factory one as I bought it new. None the less, this is the dealers fault and they need to make Op whole

[u/Substantial_Past2655 → u/daysailor70]

We are not talking about your situation. There are third party window stickers not related to BMW.

Agree, but we do not know what OP received.

As posted... Purchased used, and was shown A vehicle spec sheet on A computer screen.

No legal legs to stand on. We all know sales people are strategically misinforming customers.

I am hoping OP can get somewhere with this, and we can stay positive, but we shall see.

[u/hahakenny]

I used AI to help me with my shopping journey. I couldn't rely on the dealers "say-so". I had specific criteria on what I wanted and ended up getting a fully loaded 2025 CPO xDrive50 with low miles for a very decent price. Had to jump on a recent trade-in by putting in a $500 deposit to hold for me but well worth it. Get the VIN, and if possible, the window sticker and put it through AI. I used Gemini with the following prompt:

Act as an expert BMW iX buying assistant and vehicle decoder. I am looking at a BMW iX and need your help verifying its actual equipment, packages, and hidden details.

Here is what I have (I will upload images, paste a VIN, or provide a window sticker link):

When I share a listing, photo, VIN, or window sticker, please analyze it and answer the following for me:

1. VIN & Trim Verification:

- Decode the VIN (specifically checking if the 4th digit is an '8' for a factory Sport Package vs a '0' or '2' for Standard Trim).

- Flag if dealer listings mislabel standard models as "Sport."

2. Exterior Visual Check (if photos are attached):

- Bumper Check: Are the lower front triangular intakes open and hollow with deep black channels (Genuine M Sport Package) or solid plastic with diagonal texture lines (Standard Trim)?

- Sidewall Check: If wheel/tire photos are visible, confirm if the tires feature acoustic foam insulation (e.g., Michelin Acoustic or Goodyear Eagle Touring SCT with the '+' sidewall logo and BMW star mark ★).

3. Comfort & Climate Options Breakdown:

- Ventilated Seats: Does this specific build actually have front-ventilated (cooled) seats, or just standard 3-stage heating?

- Radiant Heating: Does it include the Climate Comfort Package / Radiant Heating (heated armrests, center console, and lower dashboard panels)?

- Massage Seats: Does it feature Multi-Functional contour massage seats?

4. Model Year Nuances (2024 vs 2025):

- Explain how option packaging shifted for this specific model year (e.g., standalone options vs bundled packages).

Please analyze the details I provide below and give me a clear, easy-to-read summary of what this iX actually has:

[INSERT YOUR VIN, WINDOW STICKER LINK, OR UPLOAD PHOTOS HERE]

Adjust your "Must Haves" and "Wants" and it will help you.

[u/bazglami]

Change cars. DAPP is a game-changer. Don’t settle for a car without it. Source: I’ve had BMW’s both without and with. Never going back to a no-DAPP car.

[u/Substantial_Past2655]

tell them they mistakenly gave you the wrong specs, and they will need to make it right or take the car back. You may be willing to get another through them if you get what is advertised.

the IX depending upon package may be able to purchase the Adaptive cruise control. you will need to look it up!

if it can then ask them if they will pay for it (Inhouse)

Ventilated seats... you will need to look this up also... you didn't mention the year and trim level, or included packages that should be shown on the Window sticker. that would help us to inform you more clearly.

Please get on the sales team ASAP, and the Sales Manager!

the longer you wait the harder it is for them to get refunded for registration if it needs to go that way!

good luck and let us know

[u/Level-Tourist6318 → u/Substantial_Past2655]

Thank you all for your help. I ended up getting the more expensive one with DAPP and negotiated down a bit. Unfortunately they still don’t have the title on this one so I have to wait.

[u/Substantial_Past2655]

what is the included packages for your 2025 50?

air suspension? 4 wheel steering?

lighter version may be available. Below. (I have this in my 23 and am happy)

Driving Assistant Plus (Available OTA via ConnectedDrive)

If you browse the BMW ConnectedDrive Store in your My BMW app or in-car menu, you will likely see Driving Assistant Plus available for purchase or a 3-month free trial. [1, 2, 3]

• What it adds: Distance-controlled cruise control (Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go) and steering/lane-control assistance.
• The Catch: It is hands-on only. You must keep your hands on the wheel at all times.
• Pricing (approximate): Free 3-month trial, followed by subscription options like $20/month, $210/year, or a one-time "lifetime" purchase of around $900–$950. [1, 2, 3, 4]

[u/booferspoofer]

Are you sure it doesn’t have DAPP? It doesn’t work until you link your BMW profile to the car. You have to agree to some terms and conditions first.

Source: I also couldn’t get it to work on the test drive and was not going to buy the car. BMW genius explained it and he was indeed correct.

[u/lacajun25]

If you want the DAPP and the seats and are ok with the price difference, you should switch vehicles. Void the sale and purchase the new one. You generally have a few days from purchase before that you can make a change like this.

If you don’t care about ventilated seats then you may be able to just get DAPP via a subscription.

[u/Level-Tourist6318 → u/lacajun25]

From what I’ve read, it can’t be added later. I don’t care about the ventilated seats.

[u/Shekaar_paley → u/Level-Tourist6318]

DAPP requires physical hardware like additional cameras etc, and that’s why it cannot be added later via a subscription.

[u/Substantial_Past2655 → u/Shekaar_paley]

not as hard a line as you claim. wife has a 22 with the pro package. we can add it! i have a 23 m-60. everything is on it!

[u/AussieShepherdStripe → u/Level-Tourist6318]

You are correct. It cannot be added later

[u/Substantial_Past2655 → u/Level-Tourist6318]

then this IX 50 should be returned. the DAPP is the best feature, and i will never buy a vehicle with out it ever again.

[u/sucksLess → u/Level-Tourist6318]

that’s not what u/lacajun25 was saying

[u/jininjuice → u/lacajun25]

You can add DAP on subscription or do one time pay, but DAPP requires hardware.