Working in the automotive industry, especially as a car salesman, might seem like a career path reserved for full-time professionals. However, the reality is more flexible, and for car enthusiasts, it could open doors to unexpected perks. One question that often arises is: can you work part-time as a car salesman? The answer is yes, and it might come with some surprising benefits, especially if you’re eyeing a brand like BMW.
One insider perspective from someone who previously worked at BMW sheds light on a little-known advantage: the Center Employee Lease (CEL) program. This program, offered by BMW Corporate, provides dealership employees with substantial discounts on vehicle leases. And the best part? It’s often available to both full-time and part-time staff.
The CEL program works by allowing dealerships to sell cars to their employees at invoice price. On top of that, BMW contributes a significant amount of money, further reducing the cost based on the vehicle model and trim. This effectively means employees can acquire BMWs for below the invoice price. While the discount might be modest on standard models like a 3 Series, it becomes incredibly attractive on higher-end models.
For instance, during June 2016, the discount on an M3 was around $6,300 below invoice. This substantial reduction is why you might see many BMW salesmen driving M3s rather than standard 3 Series models. The price difference becomes surprisingly small. As the insider noted, an M3 lease could end up being only about $40 more per month than a 340i, making the upgrade to a high-performance vehicle incredibly tempting. This program extended to other luxury models as well, with discounts like $11,000 below invoice on a 750 and a remarkable $15,500 below invoice on an i8 during the same period.
While BMW’s CEL program is known for its generosity, it’s important to note that not all automotive brands offer such lucrative employee deals. Many brands, including mainstream manufacturers like Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Ford, and CJDR, may not provide significant employee discounts, if any at all. Jaguar Land Rover is mentioned as another brand known for good employee deals. Brands like Infiniti might offer discounts similar to their Vehicle Purchase Program (VPP), but these might not be as advantageous as BMW’s CEL. Mercedes and Volvo might have some employee programs, but the details can vary. Generally, brands within the Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG), including Audi, are not known for exceptional employee deals.
For those considering part-time work, the 90-day qualification period for the CEL program at BMW dealerships (though sometimes flexible) is a crucial factor. This means even part-time car salesmen can become eligible for these impressive lease deals after a relatively short period of employment.
In conclusion, if you’re passionate about cars, particularly BMW, and are looking for a flexible work arrangement, a part-time car salesman position could be worth considering. Beyond the potential income, the opportunity to access programs like BMW’s CEL can make driving a dream car a surprisingly attainable reality. While the specific deals and program details may have evolved since 2016, the core concept of significant employee lease discounts at BMW dealerships remains a compelling perk for those in the automotive sales industry.
