2013 and earlier BMW 3-Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience

sjmurray3 · November 2003

My local dealer is down to (4) 2003 325s, all silver! I rebid at $1,500 under invoice at another dealer about 100 miles away and awaiting a response. Not looking good! The person who got $2,000 off invoice did extremely well IMO! It's been difficult to go over $1,000 below invoice in my area. Bummer!

eve123 · November 2003

sjmurray3
My advice: go inperson ready to make a deal. If there is a silver car with the options you want, ask to see the invoice, deduct the $2,000 incentive (before it's over), tell the dealer you are willing to give him a $500 profit and ask him to include the floor mats, which are $120 ($100 net) and you end up payin $1600 below invoice. That's what I did, and I also got the exhaust covers included, which were another $50 or so. Mind you, my dealer only had 4 2003's left as well, but it was the end of the month and I told him that another large dealer in the area was ready to deal at $500 over cost. I don't know how many dealers you have in your area, but I believe that if you come in ready to make a deal, they might be more receptive than making offers online.

sjmurray3 · November 2003

Good advise, but my local options have dried up because the options I wanted are not there any longer. I may need to go about 100 miles and I'll have to wait 'till Saturday now. I may take an afternoon off from work, but I'm in charge this week, so it's difficult. I agree, money on the table is better than Internet electrons! Hopefully my car will still be there Saturday! BTW, what are exhaust covers? Scott

sjmurray3 · November 2003

I read in the Newspaper yesterday and found my local BMW dealer pushing $359 36mos deals on all remaining 2003 325is. I think that's why the sudden sales, because he had (9) of these cars sitting in October (all with state inspection stickers as far back as April) and suddenly he's down to 4 since Halloween? Not into leasing cars, so not an option for me.

eve123 · November 2003

they're tail pipe chrome covers; make the car's
rear end look richer, I think. I asked those to be included as well.
By the way leasing is a popular alternative and I was told that about 50% of BMW cars sold are leases. That's a better option for people who want a new car every 2-3 years since the car depreciates the most during this period. Since I normally keep cars for more than 6-7 years and don't want to be worrying about miles driven, leasing would have been a disadvantage. Also, since BMW's keep their value on the longterm, I can sell the car and still get a fairly good dollar for it. I also think that the the new models coming out in 2005 might not be as well regarded as the classic 3 series of 2003 and these will also hold their value in the resale market.
Good luck in your search!

pbrett · November 2003

looking at 2000 Ci convertible 23k mi, Sports + Premium pack, HK sound, AT--dealer asking $32500. What do you think of price? Any experience negotiating "sale" prices on certified cars?

sanman2 · November 2003

I am about to embark on my first ever bmw purchase. Does anyone have any information on which dealers in new york to try, and which to stay away from?
Any and all info is greatly appreciated.

rgnmstr · November 2003

<<<<looking at 2000 Ci convertible 23k mi, Sports + Premium pack, HK sound, AT--dealer asking $32500. What do you think of price? Any experience negotiating "sale" prices on certified cars? >>>>>..

Seems like a lot of dough for a 2 year old car with 23k mi. I assume that's pre 3 yr 50k mi warranty too. Oh it's a conv.

dbs8 · November 2003

Is this a 330 or 325? I looked at a 2001 325ci PP last week. The car had 36k on it and the dealer was asking $36,900. Their "bottom line" price was $32k and change. I decided to go for a new 325ci coupe. A few grand more but it's a brand- new car with covered scheduled maintenance and a full 4/50 warranty. If you read the fine print, the CPO warranty is not the same as the original warranty. I also live in Florida where convertibles are popular all year long, maybe in other areas the prices are more reasonable.

karenc88 · November 2003

Thanks for those good advises posted here so I could be prepared before I went to the dealer. Just purchase my first white 325i at a not bad deal - $27500 + tax -- Auto, Moonroof, wood & matts (Sticker = $31,320 & Invoice = $28,775).

This was the whole experience I'd like to share.

I told the sales that I knew the $2000 incentive and I would pay $1500 below invoice.

Af the first beginning, the sales came out with a figure ($29200) + ($790 ad/admin fee) - $1500 and said that it's their invoice price. I of course didn't agree on the price.

The he deducted $790 and said that $29200. I insisted that the invoice price I got from carpoint was $28,775. He said I forgot to add destination, which was not right.

Fianlly I told him that if I couldn't get my price, I would go to other deal for new 2004 which was only above $500 invoice (I did get a quote at the price), then he finally came out $27500 with floor matts.

I think the deal OK though I understood from other members' post that the dealer and sales still earned a lot, yet, they needed to make living by earning $. Most important of all is that I purchased the car at the price that I could never had got if I haven't had read posts here. I already saved $!!

Thanks!!

delsonhung · November 2003

Has the $2000 incentive been ended?
I didn't see it mentioned.

karenc88: where are you at? Did you get 2003 or 2004?

karenc88 · November 2003

I bought 2003 235i. I am in Ornage County, CA.

I saw some of the posts saying that $2000 incentive ended at the end of Nov.

mitris · November 2003

I'll offer my experience and then maybe the host can chime in. I had been shopping all year and until October never could get anyone to go more than a couple hundred below MSRP. Bluegray, I believe that you and I got pretty much the same deal. If I did a tiny bit better I think it was just timing. The dealer had like 8 2003's and at that point the dealer incentive was 3000 off invoice on the 330's. They told me that someone had just turned the 2002 I bought in and paid over msrp for a 2004 5 series so they were pretty good on it?? Still you never know but it sounded good to me. Checking around though it seems in line as does your deal. Karen, I think you got the whole deal. it sounds like they tried to keep some back and may have still gotten a hundred or so that you could have talked them out of but it sounds to me that you got a great deal. I had heard that the incentive ended in November as well, but the only 2003's left that I can find are weird colors that I wouldn't want to own. BTW, so far I love driving this car. I had to spend another $1100 on snow tires which I hope will make it as enjoyable in the winter...Happy thanksgiving to all

marks1970 · November 2003

Hello all,

I am just in the very beginning stages of considering buying a new car, and one of the vehicles I'm considering is the 2004 325Ci coupe. The invoice for this car is (without options) $27,550 and MSRP of $30,100. For comparison, I got the blue book on a 2003 325Ci and it is $32,530. Why on earth is the used price $5,000 more than invoice and $2,000 more than MSRP of a new one? Is it not realistic to get a base 325Ci below $30K?

Thanks!

sjmurray3 · November 2003

Offered Invoice minus incentive this morning for a 2003 325i - Dealer would not bite? I was hoping he would counter at $1500 under invoice, but not. I ended up walking out with the usual sales banter. Many 2004 3 series are on the lots!

rd330i · November 2003

I own a '02 330i and am thinking about trading up to a '03 ZHP.
The sales manger, where I bought my 330 from, is currently leasing a ZHP (one year lease) it will expire next May.
The car stickered for $45k, has the following options: navigation, roof, fold down rear seats,
met. paint, and leather.
The car should have around 14-15k miles on it when lease is up.
He's offering the car to me for 80% of original
sticker price, so $36k is the price.
Would be about $1200 more to certify it and
get 100k warranty.
Is this a good deal? Or should I stick with my '02 330i?
thanks, ron

dgp2 · November 2003

Thanks to this message board, I learned about the $2000 incentive still being in effect. Armed with this information and the invoice pricing, I was able to deal with confidence. I called about 10 dealers within a 150 mile radius to check inventory and feel them out. Some tried to play dumb on the $2000 incentive. Anyway, I found the color I wanted, and offered $1500 below invoice (giving them a $500 profit). I said take it or leave it, I found other dealers that would sell for this price. The dealer called me back in 5 minutes and accepted the offer. I said you will throw in the floor mats, right. They hesitated and then said OK. Feel very good about my deal.

delsonhung · November 2003

Went to 2 dealers.
First dealer didn't want to deal, firm at MSRP.
2nd dealer went alright. Got $2,000 off MSRP.

amolvb · November 2003

I have a quote from a dealer for a new 2004 325xi Steel Blue Metallic, Tan Leatherette, AT, PP, Xenon, Heated Seats, Universal Tranceiver + Destn. for $34,474. This is 1K over the invoice price of the car and above options. When I negotiated this, I hadn't read the posts about the $2,000 incentive. Where can I get more details? Has anybody struck a better deal than this in MN?

chaseboy · December 2003

Does anyone know if the $3000 incentive for the 2003 330i will be carried over to December?

kyfdx · December 2003

There is no incentive on 2004 models

kyfdx · December 2003

I visited two BMW dealers on Saturday. One had no '03s left.. The other had three '03 325i.. He said the incentives ended on 11/30, but that they would "punch them" as service loaners, and be able to offer the same price on the cars after December 1st. Invoice minus incentive plus $700 is what he said. I wasn't thrilled with any of the three he had, so no idea how accurate that is.

regards,
kyfdx

amolvb · December 2003

Thanks kyfdx!! I tried dealers in MN, WI, PA and IL but nobody could match this deal of mine. Just returned from ordering the above config. Am excited!!!! Looking forward to the mid-Jan. delivery....Car is for my wife ;-( so I won't get to drive it so often....she is going to be in PA and me in MN!

uvamarkg1 · December 2003

I can get a 2002 330xi with the following for 34,500 CPO from a dealer:

Sports Pkg
Premium Pkg
Xenons
Heated Seats
16,500 mi
Titanium Silver Metallic paint

This came off of a 1 yr lease that they made for a good customer of theirs. So, this would come with the remaining 100,000 mi warranty.

I think the original sticker on the car was around 44,000

What do you guys think of this deal with all those other incentives going around on new 03's ?

chaseboy · December 2003

Hey everyone:

Do you think a driveout price of $38,800 on a 2003 330i with the following options is a good deal?:

Metallic paint
Premium package
Xenons
Automatic Transmission

MSRP = $40645
Price that the dealer is selling the car for w/o TT&L - $36,285

Do you think that I can get a better deal? The dealer is "passing the November incentive" on to me.

330iii · December 2003

I almost picked up an 03 330i with the same options plus the ZCW package for 35,870 before ttl on 9/30/03. I believe the dealer can do better!

sjmurray3 · December 2003

Are there incentives on the 3 series still?

jacklarue2002 · December 2003

Edmunds had posted that incentives were through 12/1. I'm counting on them offering incentives again. I called around on Monday 12/1 looking for a 3 series. Most dealerships in the Boston area had automatics left in 325i and 330i. It seems surprising that BMW wouldn't be trying to clear them as we get deeper into the season.

mitris · December 2003

Based upon what I've seen that is a pretty good price, although if it's manual it could be a little high +/-500. in the ballpark anyway. Most importantly is that it's a nice package with sport and Premium. Look at the original sticker msrp. I would think that you are about 25% Less. The way I look at it, you get a great car and the previous owner too the depreciation.
I love mine...

opti · December 2003

My 2001 330i lease is up,deciding whether to purchase at $31735cnd.+2000 for x-warr.or lease 2004 325i. 330i has been just great and has lots of options but 2004 325i includes warr and lower monthly pymts. 2004 is 42800.+freight 1295. Which would you choose?

kyfdx · December 2003

If you already owned the 2001, and could warranty it for $2K, I would do that.. but, you don't own it, or even have any equity in it. You can buy any car you like on the planet.

That said, for what I think is about $7K USD difference, getting the new one seems to be a no-brainer vs. a 3 year old car. Assuming you can live with the 2.5 liter engine.

regards,
kyfdx

Kirstie_H · December 2003

A tv reporter is looking to interview a recent carbuyer who had to sign an arbitration contract at the dealership. Please respond to jackie.sobie@newpronet.com or jfallon@edmunds.com by 12/12/03 with your daytime contact info and a few words about your experience.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

sckling · December 2003

My car just got stolen and I really need a car soon!

I came across with two 3'ers:

99 328i Sports/Premium, Blk/Tan, 28k miles, $20k
01 330i Sports/Premium, Silver/Grey, 35k miles, $25k

What's you guys opinions? Is the extra 30hp on 330i really make a different? Thanks for the advice.

nyccarguy · December 2003

Did you come across these cars at a BMW dealership? Are they CPO BMWs? You should have them checked out by a BMW specialist. Get the VIN numbers and find out the original in-service dates for these cars. The '01 330i might still be under free maintenance and B to B warranty.

Are the cars stick or automatic?

sjmurray3 · December 2003

Made my third offer on a 2003 325i, different dealership for invoice minus the incentive and they countered with 32,700? I was doing better three weeks ago?

330iii · December 2003

I have noticed that the ZHP performance package is available with steptronic (Why?) but not SMG. The SMG(SMG is only available with ZSP sport package but not on the 330xi) is supposed to offer performance comparable to a manual tranny.Has anyone met a brick wall in vehicles equipped with the SMG or Performance package pricing?

marinabmw · December 2003

I have finally decided to purchase a 2004 325i;struggled with the new 5 series, just can't get comfortable with the new body style. Any ideas on what i'd expect to pay? I thought of trying for a 2003, but supply seems to be dwindling. The resale market for these cars always seems strong and i will put extremely low miles on this car, so that if I change my mind about the 5 series in a year or two , I feel can still get a reasonable deal. Also, any thoughts on using an auto broker. I have heard all kinds of success stories about buying below or near invoice and less hassle factor. Enjoy the great feedback of this forum. Thanks.

71vette · December 2003

Just took delivery of a new 2004 330xi, silver gray with black leather. MSRP: $43995. PAID: $41995. plus $50 doc fee and tax. Price included floor mats!
Very nice car and just what my wife wanted. Yes, it's hers.

tanwww · December 2003

I am being offered a 2003 325XiT(left over and brand new) with premium, leather and cold weather package for under 35k? Is this a good deal? thanks for your input.

crashtestdingo · December 2003

Hi, all. My sister wanted a 325xi sedan with a manual transmission, but only automatics seemed to be available in our area (New York City / Long Island) so she had to order it. She ordered one with metallic paint, premium package and cold weather package. These are the numbers she got for the lease: 36 months, 10K miles annually, MSRP $34,820, "selling" price $33,575, residual value $21,240.20 (61% of MSRP), money factor .00215.

She thinks she got a great deal because Edmunds.com's TMV is $34,497 for our area, and carsdirect.com couldn't beat those numbers. She went to the dealership she did because of recommendations from friends and didn't shop any others, reasoning that carsdirect.com surveyed a number of dealers itself.

One thing gives me pause, though. On our first visit to this dealership, the salesman originally said the residual value would be higher (62% of MSRP, if I remember correctly). When we went back to make the deal, he gave her the lower number. He kind of brushed off the difference, saying that was what the residual value was "now," i.e., the day of our second visit, Dec. 12. I'm not certain that he tricked her; I'm open to the possibility that he made an honest mistake. Maybe the resdiual value of a car, as a percentage of MSRP, with a manual transmission is less than that of one with an automatic, and he originally quoted her the latter because he's so used to dealing with buyers who want an automatic?

nyccarguy · December 2003

very well may be.

Kudos to your sis to ordering a manual tranny car here in the NYC area:)

stevenh7 · December 2003

Trying to get a Offer together for European Delivery on a 2004 325CI. Am I doing this correctly?

Found the European Delivery Confidential Wholesale Price for the 2004 325CI is $25,475. Here are the numbers I came up with:

2004 325CI Alpine White ED Invoice - $25,475
   205 Automatic - Invoice - $1,210
   403 Power Glass Moonroof - Invoice - $955
   459 Power Front Seats - Invoice - $905
   N6TT Leather - Gray Montana - Invoice - $1,320
   ZCW Cold Weather Package - Invoice - $685
   Destination and Handling - $695
   Dealer Profit - $1,500
Total Offer - $32,745

Do these numbers look accurate? Also, has anyone
had good luck with a particular Dealer in NJ?

benjamin753 · December 2003

Does anyone have firm information on incentives for 2003's or 2004's? Has the November promotion been extended through the year's end?

Thanks,

Benjamin

alexwhite · December 2003

Just got an estimate on leasing a 3-series. It contained a number of fees: acquisition fee, disposal fee, and deposit.

Several consumer Web sites tell that these fees are negotiable and can be waived by dealers. Has anyone been able to negotiate their way out of these fees? Any advice?

benjamin753 · December 2003

Alex,

I'm in the process of negotiating a lease on a 2003 325xi and the dealer has waived all such fees. I don't know if this is standard practice but you should do your best not to pay them.

Benjamin

alexwhite · December 2003

Benjamin -

Appreciate your response. Do you by chance know if they raised any other components to compensate? What they told me is that they can
"waive" the fees but raise the money factor by .00015 or the cap. cost. This is, in my mind, not really a waiver. Would you know what money factor they are charging you (on what lease term)?

Thanks in advance.

benjamin753 · December 2003

I'm still negotiating the lease, so I don't have any firm numbers to offer you. They initially offered me a money factor of 0.00245, equivalent to a 5.8% APR.

Your logic is correct, lowering the price of one element of a lease only to raise another is silly and not getting you closer to closing a deal.

It's the end of the year and there are plenty of cars on the lots. I would think they're as ready to deal now as any other time. Hang tough.

Here is the offer I have out with the dealer:

new 2003 325xi w/Premium, Leather, Auto, Metallic Paint, Heated Seats: MSRP $36645

Base Cap Cost: $33615 (invoice)
Costs Added to Lease: $0
Origination Fee: $0
Cap Cost Reduction: $0
Adjusted Cap Cost: $33615
Residual Value: $20166
Money Factor: 0.00158
Terms: 36 months, 12,000 miles/year
Sales Tax: 8.8%

Monthly Payment: $458.56 + $40.35 tax = $498.91

Refundable Security Deposit: $498.91 + $50 = $548.91

Due at Signing: 1st month's payment + secutity deposit + license

I'll let you know in the next couple days if I get the car.

Best of luck!

Benjamin

alexwhite · December 2003

Benjamin -

I just realized that your model year is 2003 and thus the residual calculates at 55%. You may want to try 2004. The current residual is 64% (that is for 325i, not sure about xi), and your payments may work out better. Granted, they will charge you some over invoice, but it may still make sense.

Alex

pat · December 2003

Sorry folks, asking for out of bounds information via an email isn't an okay thing to do. We invite you to share the name of the dealership you have worked with, but information more specific than that can't be allowed, publicly or privately. Thanks for your understanding.

want2003325i · December 2003

just finished talking with saleman in eastern S.C. 325i with auto,premium package,zenon h/l,leather interior. msrp is $34620.says he will drop $3000 add sales tax/tags of $429 so total is $32049.invoice is 31775.How is this possible.Am I missing something.No incentives out there.

2013 and earlier BMW 3-Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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