Dealers
We placed refundable, first-right-of-refusal deposits with two dealers early on. I was in contact with a 3rd dealer by internet. All in Maryland.
As it happened, the first dealer with a delivery was the place we bought our '99 300M ( an excellent dealership). The salesman called me before the car was even off the delivery truck! The car had auto trans, which we wanted and the only color we really wanted - Sapphire. They sold the car at list. They STILL (five days ago) have one - just like mine - except I think the interior is two-tone.
The Sales Mgr @ (internet) dealership said by phone they were "selling the car for $40,000." When I immediately said, "No thanks!", he countered with $37,900. I was glad I had "shopped around"! The other dealer we gave a deposit didn't get a X-F until two weeks after we took delivery.
Our salesman at the dealer where we bought the Crossfire told me that he knew of a dealer who had auctioned one for $49,000 and another dealer was offering one at similar price.
X-FIRE