BMW trials hourly renters

Archilino · 28-10-2010, 09:34 PM

http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2010...-renters-22356

German luxury car-maker makes any model in its range available at hourly rental rates. Catch is, it's so far only possible in Munich.

If you wish to dress to impress next time you visit the German city of Munich, then US$89.20 will get you a BMW 7 Series to do with as you will for a couple of hours.

The German company has just initiated a 12-month trial run of a programme called "BMW on Demand" that encompasses its complete range of cars -- from 1 Series to M and 7 Series -- and makes it possible to book a BMW at an hourly day rate for a maximum of four hours. After 6PM and before 9AM, bookings are limited to a maximum of two hours.

BMW sees the concept as having "major ramifications for the global automotive industry." It says research shows the average car is parked about 90 per cent of its life; "an underutilised capital investment."

Customers of the scheme "may choose a 7 Series BMW Saloon for an important meeting one day, a BMW 1 Series for some around town shopping the next, and a Z4 for a weekend trip, all in the same week."

BMW allows personal choice of model, colour and equipment, and bookings can be made online, by telephone, or in person.

The rates include insurance, cleaning and servicing and vary from daytime charges of US$44.60 an hour for top-shelf models to around half that for a base 1 Series. Night rates are higher.

The company is presently conducting the pilot run from its showcase dealership in Munich and, presuming a degree of success, expects to follow up with a second phase extending to "other locations" in the future.

What a great idea! Who here wouldnt want to rent an M3 or M5 for an hour or too. Imagine the takers if Ford had a similar system with the new V8's we have out now.

Ben73 · 28-10-2010, 10:00 PM

Sounds fantastic. Would love to borrow an 8 series for a few hours. Althought they probably only rent out new models. Bring it on in aus!

SteveJH · 28-10-2010, 10:02 PM

Imagine if they tried that scheme in Nurberg.....

flappist · 28-10-2010, 10:55 PM

Of an M5 for a test and tune or circuit day....oops did I say that out loud.

dylancox · 28-10-2010, 11:27 PM

Bring back the renter-racers like they did in the 60s in USA. HSV and FPV should do something similar...

mik · 28-10-2010, 11:30 PM

even if it does`nt make a lot of dollars , it seems a good way to get people behind the wheel of your vehicle.

Bobman · 28-10-2010, 11:46 PM

Anyone remember that place opposite Richmond train station here in Melbourne where you could rent a Ferrari or Lamborghini? Not sure if they're still there though.

Ben73 · 29-10-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobman

Anyone remember that place opposite Richmond train station here in Melbourne where you could rent a Ferrari or Lamborghini? Not sure if they're still there though.

I know in sydney you can rent all types of supercars Including Ferrari's and Lambos.
But the price is something like over $1000 a day.

But if they rent these cars out to people, people will be impressed with some of them, and may buy one.

Brent · 29-10-2010, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobman

Anyone remember that place opposite Richmond train station here in Melbourne where you could rent a Ferrari or Lamborghini? Not sure if they're still there though.

Very much defunct now.

FPVF6X201 · 29-10-2010, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobman

Anyone remember that place opposite Richmond train station here in Melbourne where you could rent a Ferrari or Lamborghini? Not sure if they're still there though.

Supercarclub? Had/have one in Sydney too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben73

I know in sydney you can rent all types of supercars Including Ferrari's and Lambos.
But the price is something like over $1000 a day.

I think its way more than that. I looked a few years ago at the Ferrari, was close to $2k for 24hrs. Had to be on a full licence (class C in NSW) and be over 25yrs old (i think).

The BMW thing wont happen here. The Germans know how to drive ('coz they are taught properly), we are hopeless in comparison. That $88.00 odd dollars per hour for the 7 series would be more like $888.00 per hour.

Boosh Brus · 29-10-2010, 03:55 PM

To satisfy my curiosity, I just had a look at exotic rentals in the US. You can get a Porsche for $300, a Lambo for $500 a day or a Veyron

for $12500 per day.

tranquilized · 29-10-2010, 04:17 PM

The Z4 for a weekend trip is a funny example, 4 hours isn't much of a weekend trip.

Coincidently, the Nurburgring is about 4 hours drive from Munich...

Ben73 · 29-10-2010, 07:02 PM

In Sydney hiring the good supercars you must be 30+. For sports cars it's about 25+.
I'd hire a BMW for a few hours if it was as cheap as in Germany

Archilino · 29-10-2010, 07:20 PM

Hopefully it goes worldwide, my top 3 in no particular order would be:
M3
M6 convertible
135i coupe

Ben73 · 29-10-2010, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archilino

Hopefully it goes worldwide, my top 3 in no particular order would be:
M3
M6 convertible
135i coupe

I'd hire the same.
Maybe a 750 when taking a few people around for the day.
Or An x5 when going mountain biking
An

Yellow_Festiva · 29-10-2010, 07:51 PM

This is a smart move, Peugeot have a long term hire scheme through a lot of Europe.

I would use this service as a long term test drive for a car I may want to buy.

How many people here would be willing to pay for a 2-3 hr 'test drive'? That way you can try the car over most conditions and not have the salesperson next to you.

Then again, I haven't bought a new car in ages, now that I'm older I probably would request a free long term test drive to clinch the deal.

Archilino · 29-10-2010, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben73

I'd hire the same.
Maybe a 750 when taking a few people around for the day.
Or An x5 when going mountain biking
An

Great thinking with the 7 series, then you get the full book. A twin turbo 6 a V8 V10 and V12

Boosh Brus · 30-10-2010, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archilino

Great thinking with the 7 series, then you get the full book. A twin turbo 6 a V8 V10 and V12

Pretty sure the 750 is a v8 these days

Archilino · 30-10-2010, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boosh Brus

Pretty sure the 750 is a v8 these days

But the 760Li is a V12

Ben73 · 30-10-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archilino

Great thinking with the 7 series, then you get the full book. A twin turbo 6 a V8 V10 and V12

Almost... There is no V10 in the 7 range.

All the current engines are twin turbo though.

Archilino · 30-10-2010, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben73

Almost... There is no V10 in the 7 range.

All the current engines are twin turbo though.

Apologies i mean throughout the BMW range, not just the 7 series. It would be great to compare all those engines from the company.