Is BMW Montblanc pen a true 146? Or lesser quality?

[23109VC]

I found a brand new MB 146 fountain pen on BMW website.  It has a tire looking Montblanc pattern embossed on the cap.  Looks like a true 146.. but price is several hundred dollars less than a regular 146 at MB store.

 

is this a real 146 or cheaper quality??

 

https://www.shopbmwusa.com/product/11193/MONTBLANC-FOR-BMW-FOUNTAIN-PEN

 

has anyone seen one in person?  The photos somewhat look like it’s smaller but it may just be photos…. Hoping someone has seen one in real life 

 

I did find one older post of someone who bought a similar one and said it was a real 146.  Seems too good to be true to get a brand new 146 for under 500. USD 

Edited February 4, 2023 by 23109VC

[Karmachanic]

Save even more and buy used.

[Paul-in-SF]

I don't see anywhere that they say that it is equivalent to a 146. And they don't discuss the size at all. I kind of like the tire-tread pattern on the barrel though. 

 

Since picking it up at a dealership is an option, maybe you could drop by your local BMW dealer and see if they have any in stock you could look at. 

 

Or what @Karmachanic said.

[Karmachanic]

Remembered this:

https://ukfountainpens.com/2019/01/07/whod-have-thought-bmw-would-be-the-cheapest-place-to-buy-a-montblanc-146/

[23109VC]

Thanks!  I think that version with the little number sevens along with the clip is discontinued and there is a new version of the same pen that has a pattern embossed into the cap that kind of looks like tire tread marks, but I’ve also seen those same interlocking diagonal rectangles on modern Mont Blanc bags in the store
 

So I can’t say it’s a “tire tread” pattern as much as it is a montblanc pattern that perhaps kind of “looks like” tire tread-ish that they’re using on the BMW pen.

 

I have seen a couple of these on eBay for sale for more money than Bmw is currently listed them for perhaps there a discontinued item and Bmw is trying to get rid of surplus. I’m gonna call my local dealer and see if they have one

 

If I end up buying one, I will definitely post up good photos and a detailed review.  I’ve been looking for a new one for six, and this may turn out to be the and cheapest way.

[bunnspecial]

I started to click through and buy one, but figured I'd sleep on it before hitting buy. I'll report back here if I decide to.

 

I have no doubt it's real and it's an interesting looking pen between the cap pattern and the platinum trim. There's also a Blue for BMW ink, which I absolutely love and have several bottles of.

 

Note too that if you complete the purchase, you can not proceed unless you agree to allow your contact info to be passed along to your local BMW dealer, and you can save on shipping also if you opt to pick it up there. For me, the threat of having to potentially deal with a car dealer to buy it is at least a moderate deterrent (although I think the local BMW dealer is fine-don't know and I've never personally set foot in any BMW dealer).

[23109VC]

So I searched around online and found a photograph of what it looks like it has the Mont Blanc crisscross pattern etched on the cap on one side of the clip and there is an engraving that says “Mont Blanc for BMW”.  I don’t mind that as I have two Bmw’s in my garage …. 😜

 

I found it on the website directly from BMW for $410 and a verified. It’s an authentic  146 piston filler pen.  I called my local dealership. They said that they used to stock them but they no longer sell them out of the store. It’s only online the guy said that they are very nice.

 

I think I would prefer it without the engraving but it’s extremely subtle and this seems like a pretty good price to get a verified guaranteed brand new authentic Mont Blanc for much  cheaper than the retail store he

[23109VC]

Www.bmwpartspro.com

 

$410

 

that is not a bad deal to get an authentic piston filling, 146.  Brand new.  No issues of wondering if it’s new or is it a counterfeit…

 

My dealer said Bmw bought such a massive number of them that they got a good deal and then sold them at a discount.  They no longer sell this model, but many of the online retailers that sell Bmw stuff still have some of them on hand.

 

if you’re a “car person” like me, it’s actually kind of cool.

 

 

Edited February 5, 2023 by 23109VC

[23109VC]

When mine shows up I’ll update this thread, with some photos of the one I received.  

Edited February 5, 2023 by 23109VC

[bunnspecial]

14 minutes ago, 23109VC said:

Www.bmwpartspro.com

 

$410

 

that is not a bad deal to get an authentic piston filling, 146.  Brand new.  No issues of wondering if it’s new or is it a counterfeit…

 

My dealer said Bmw bought such a massive number of them that they got a good deal and then sold them at a discount.  They no longer sell this model, but many of the online retailers that sell Bmw stuff still have some of them on hand.

 

if you’re a “car person” like me, it’s actually kind of cool.

 

 

Thanks for that link. I might have to do it since I don’t have to deal with a car dealer and it’s less expensive! 
 

This might be the deal of the decade on a new Montblanc 

[omarcenaro]

Unique box as well.

[PAKMAN]

Pretty cool! Being a car guy I really like the tire tread pattern on the cap. Wish it didn't have the inscription however. My rides tend more toward a Jeep Gladiator and Corvette Stingray.

[Talaerts]

Yes they are genuine. One of the best writers money can buy at a more palatable price.

[JCC123]

Anyone know if these will come with a dealer stamp so that I can get the nib exchanged for free? I'd be more inclined to get it if I knew that I could exchange it for an EF.

[marlinspike]

Anybody know if the starwalker bmw has an equally abrasive engraving? 

[Rowbo]

Also available in the UK. https://shop.bmw.co.uk/products/21675/genuine-montblanc-for-fountain-pen-black-writing-equipment

 

It looks like a platinum 146 with embellishments and is a considerable saving on the MB UK website price for a 'standard' LeGrand, without the 'free personalisation' and nib exchange (probably). The article number is the same as in the US - as in Omarcenaro's photo above. Interesting that it says "The images are for illustrative purposes only and the product may vary."

[CS388]

I like it - although I'd prefer it if the whole pan had the same tyre tread pattern, rather than just the cap.

I've always preferred matching caps and barrels - never been one for the doue styles.

 

I've got enough 146 pens for now, so not going for this.

Good luck to the potential buyers.

 

 

[JCC123]

On 2/4/2023 at 7:15 PM, 23109VC said:

When mine shows up I’ll update this thread, with some photos of the one I received.  

Hi, any news on the pen?

[alexwi]

Does it require a monthly fee for the ability to clip it to your pocket or post the cap?

[NoType]

On 2/11/2023 at 7:42 PM, JCC123 said:

Anyone know if these will come with a dealer stamp so that I can get the nib exchanged for free? I'd be more inclined to get it if I knew that I could exchange it for an EF.

Mine arrived with a dealer stamp of sorts, so  I will attempt a nib exchange with my local boutique and report back.

 

Edited to add:

Since my purchase date was 23 Feb, I skimmed the date stamp earlier and did not notice that the year stamped is three years prior, so needless to say I will not be attempting to partake of Montblanc’s free nib exchange program.  This can be considered to be my “report back.”