Unfortunately, there are limited options. From Motability’s point of view the error is the dealership’s, not theirs, and so they will not alter the pricing to the earlier, cheaper advance payment – but they would expect the dealership to do so (but cannot force them to).
What does that mean for Carl? Well, I’d certainly be raising a formal complaint to BMW UK directly, as this will start to get things moving on the BMW side when head office get on the phone and remind them that they are destroying the image and reputation that BMW has worked very hard for (remember that the dealership are franchised, so this approach will have an effect).
Beyond that, I’d calmly and firmly tell them that I expect the price to be honoured or I’ll take my business elsewhere. The dealership can then make a call. They might be able to move the car on quickly and not be fussed, on the other hand they’ve bought a car from BMW and in this market it might be more difficult to shift (but they are still owing a lot of money on it until sold)… this might help to focus minds and make a more customer-centric, yet still commercially focused, decision.
Stay strong. Persevere. But be prepared to walk away. We’re also very close to the next price list change (1 April), so who knows what will go up/down? Consider the Audi A3 saloon, Mercedes-Benz A-Class saloon as alternatives to the BMW 2 Series – both cracking cars.
It is the customer with the power, always has been.