BMW lets you design a car online, see the real price, and order it directly to your dealer

BMW's Build and Price tool is available on BMW.com and lets you configure a vehicle model, add options, and see the final price before you commit. You choose the model, exterior color, interior trim, wheels, technology packages, and individual features. The tool shows you the price in real time as you add each option. When you finish, you can save your configuration, email it to yourself, or send it to a BMW dealer near you. The dealer then uses that configuration to place an actual order with BMW Manufacturing.

The process is free and takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how many choices you make. You do not need to visit a dealership or speak to a salesperson to use the tool. The price shown includes the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the base model plus the cost of every option you selected, but does not include destination charges, taxes, or dealer fees — those are added later when you finalize the purchase at a dealership.

Key Takeaways

  • The Build and Price tool on BMW.com shows you the exact MSRP for your configuration, updated as you add options and packages.
  • You can save your configuration and share it with a dealer, or use it to compare prices across multiple dealerships in your area.
  • The price shown does not include destination charges (currently $995 for most BMW models), taxes, registration, or dealer-specific fees.
  • Once you send your configuration to a dealer, that dealer places the factory order; you cannot order directly from BMW without going through a franchised dealer.
  • Build times from order to delivery typically range from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the model and the complexity of your options.

How to use the Build and Price tool step by step

Start at BMW.com and click "Build and Price" or "Configure Your BMW" (the exact link name varies by region). Select the model you want — for example, 3 Series, X5, or M440i. The tool then shows you the base MSRP for that model and generation year.

Next, choose your exterior color. BMW offers standard colors (included in the base price) and premium or metallic colors (which add $500 to $1,500 depending on the paint). The tool updates the price when ready. Then select your interior color and material — leather, Sensatec (synthetic), or Alcantara on higher trims — and choose your wheel design and size. Larger or lighter-weight wheels typically cost $300 to $1,200 extra.

After that, you add technology and convenience packages. These bundles — such as the Premium Package, Luxury Package, or M Sport Package — include multiple features grouped together and usually cost less than buying each feature separately. You can also add individual options like a panoramic sunroof ($1,200 to $1,500), upgraded audio system ($500 to $3,000), or driver information features ($400 to $2,500). The tool shows the running total at every step.

Once you are satisfied with your configuration, you can save it, print it, email it to yourself, or click "Find a Dealer" to send it directly to BMW dealerships in your zip code. Some dealers will contact you; others will wait for you to reach out. You can also shop the configuration to multiple dealers to compare their offers.

What the price includes and what it does not

The price shown in the Build and Price tool is the MSRP — the manufacturer's suggested retail price — for the exact vehicle you configured. It includes the base model price plus every option, package, and feature you selected. This is the price BMW charges the dealer, and it is the same across all dealerships.

The price does not include destination and handling charges, which BMW adds to every new vehicle. As of 2024, this charge is $995 for most BMW models, though it varies slightly by model and region. The price also does not include taxes, registration fees, title fees, or dealer-specific charges like documentation fees, dealer prep, or extended warranties. These vary by state, county, and dealership.

When you arrive at a dealership to finalize your purchase, the dealer will show you an itemized breakdown that includes the MSRP from your configuration, the destination charge, all applicable taxes and fees, and any dealer markups or discounts. Some dealers sell at MSRP; others mark up popular models or negotiate discounts depending on inventory and demand.

Sending your configuration to a dealer and placing an order

When you click "Find a Dealer" or "Send to Dealer" in the Build and Price tool, BMW shows you franchised BMW dealerships within your selected radius. You can send your configuration to one dealer or multiple dealers. The configuration is sent as a quote or inquiry, not as a binding order.

The dealer receives your configuration and can contact you by phone or email to discuss financing, trade-in value, and final pricing. At this point, you can negotiate. Some dealers will match MSRP; others may offer discounts if they have inventory or if you are a returning customer. If you want to move forward, you and the dealer sign a purchase agreement, and the dealer submits the factory order to BMW Manufacturing.

You do not place the order yourself through the Build and Price tool. BMW requires all new vehicle orders to go through a franchised dealer. The dealer is responsible for the order, the timeline, and any changes to the configuration after the order is placed. Once the factory order is confirmed, BMW assigns it a production slot, and you receive regular updates on build status and estimated delivery date.

Build time, delivery, and what happens if options are unavailable

After the dealer places your factory order, BMW typically takes 8 to 12 weeks to build and ship your vehicle, though this varies by model, current production capacity, and the complexity of your options. Some options have longer lead times than others. For example, certain paint colors or interior combinations may add 2 to 4 weeks to the build schedule.

Once your car is built, it is shipped to the dealer via truck or rail. The dealer notifies you when it arrives, and you schedule a time to pick it up or have it delivered. The dealer performs a final inspection and walk-through with you before you take possession.

If an option you selected becomes unavailable during the build window — for example, a specific leather color is discontinued or a semiconductor shortage delays a technology feature — the dealer will contact you with alternatives. You can accept a substitute, wait for the original option to become available, or remove the option and reduce the price. The dealer cannot proceed without your approval of any changes.

Comparing Build and Price to buying from dealer inventory

Using Build and Price to order a custom vehicle is different from buying a car already on a dealer's lot. A custom order takes 8 to 12 weeks but gives you exactly the configuration you want. A car in inventory is ready to drive home in days but may not have your preferred options, and you may pay a markup if the model is in high demand.

Some dealers use Build and Price to order vehicles they expect to sell quickly, then sell them from inventory before they arrive. Others use it only when a customer requests a specific configuration. If you see a BMW on a dealer's lot that matches your Build and Price configuration, you can ask the dealer if you can buy that car instead of waiting for your factory order. This sometimes saves time and occasionally saves money if the dealer discounts the in-stock vehicle.

The Build and Price tool also helps you understand the true cost of options. Many buyers are surprised to learn that a $2,000 package costs less than buying the same features individually, or that a color upgrade adds $1,200 to the price. Using the tool before you visit a dealership gives you clarity on what you actually want and what you are willing to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate the price shown in Build and Price?

The MSRP shown is fixed and the same at every BMW dealership. However, dealers can offer discounts, rebates, or incentives that reduce the final price you pay. Destination charges and taxes are also negotiable in some cases. The best approach is to get quotes from multiple dealers and compare their total offers, not just the MSRP.

What if I change my mind after sending my configuration to a dealer?

Before the dealer places the factory order, you can modify or cancel your configuration without penalty. Once the order is placed with BMW Manufacturing, cancellation or major changes may incur fees or delays. Always confirm the order status with the dealer before assuming it is locked in.

Do I have to buy from the dealer I sent my configuration to?

No. Sending a configuration to a dealer is not a commitment. You can shop the same configuration to multiple dealers, compare their offers, and buy from whoever gives you the best deal. You can also take your configuration to a different dealer entirely if you prefer.

Are all options available for all models and colors?

Most options are available across the lineup, but some are model-specific or incompatible with certain configurations. For example, some packages are only offered on higher trim levels, and certain interior colors may not be available with all exterior colors. The Build and Price tool only shows you options that are actually available for your selected configuration.

What happens if my configured car is delayed or the factory shuts down?

BMW occasionally experiences production delays due to supply chain issues, semiconductor shortages, or manufacturing shutdowns. The dealer will notify you of any delays and provide updated delivery estimates. You can choose to wait, cancel the order, or accept a substitute configuration if one is available sooner.