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

jpl · October 2004

Hi: Looking for some guidance on lease of 04 330CI A/T, Prem. pkge, Xenon, anyone have a fresh quote, 36 mos., 12k miles per year!!

jpl

P.S. Thank-You all for the great help & guidance on this site!!!

superphil · October 2004

Why do people get the 330i with performance package and not with the 330ci??? Is it bad to get a 330ci with the performance package??

And another question....If i wanted to purchase a 05 330ci about a year from now, will they still have it?? or will they only have 06's??
Thanks in advance!

superphil · October 2004

Sorry but i have another question....in kelley blue books site, it says that you can't get a 330ci with orient blue metallic paint with perf. package (ZHP) after 3-1-05, why is that????

fineman2 · October 2004

Anybody has experience of buying a certified pre owned bmw from a dealer. I am thinking of buying a 2002/2003 330i and any tips would be greatly appreciated. I guess part of certification involves 100+ point inspections of the car and that means that previous accidents/problems won't be hidden.

Thanks,

kyfdx · October 2004

and that means that previous accidents/problems won't be hidden.

I wouldn't make that assumption.. The CPO cars have a warranty, and the dealer certifies that they meet BMW requirements for that program.. It doesn't mean the car has been accident free or that there haven't been any previous problems.. Just that the car as it is now, meets the program requirements..

regards,
kyfdx

jamesspot · October 2004

People DO get the coupe with the ZHP performance package, but I think the ZHP sedan is popular for "bragging rights" because you CAN'T buy a four door M3, so it's the highest performance 3 series sedan you can buy today. For a few dollars more than the ci, you can go the next step in a coupe. The performance package coupe exterior looks like an M3 except for the dual vs. quad tailpipes and the M3 sidegills. The difference is under the hood. It's a GREAT car, still overkill for the street, just not the "ultimate" coupe.

Supposedly, the sedan will be introduced first in March '05, followed by the coupe. As to when individual option packges will be available, it's anyone's guess. I think the performance package option on the coupe will be available until the end of the E46 coupe run. It's good marketing and profit margin on an excellent car by BMW.

pharmd2b · October 2004

Does this exist in the 2004 or 2005 model? I know, I know. An automatic with the performance pkg is a waste, but my friend and I are debating about this. thanks!

rayn · October 2004

I'm an older guy,planning to buy my first BMW. Planning to order a 2005 325IT sports wagon
with automatic,premium package,metallic paint,&
leather.MSRP is shown as $37,395.

Questions are: When should I order,for delivery in April or May 2005? What might be the end date
to get the 2005 model? Would $1200 to $1500 under MSRP be a reasonable deal?

Thanks in advance, Rayn

kyfdx · October 2004

1) Order about 8-10 weeks before desired delivery date.

2) $1200-$1500 would be good right now... February is usually a great time for car deals.. You might be able to do better at that time.

3) I think '05 wagons will be made through July, at least... So, you could order as late as June and get one delivered as late as August, if that fits your needs.

4) Your option package is pretty standard.. If you are willing to live with an extra option or two, you could probably find one that you want on a dealer lot.. might be able to get a better deal on an immediate delivery than an order.

regards,
kyfdx

infifx · October 2004

I have been looking at the infiniti FX35 for some time and lately begin to think that the depreciation would be lot steeper than BMWs. So, decided to move on to BMW 3 serie in the same price range. I came across a certified 2003 330i deal. It's a titanium silver with leather and has around 22000 miles with premium and sport packages, auto, rear side impact airbags, HK sound system, heated seats, park distance control and xenon lights. I don't know the original in service date yet but the worst case would be around 10/02 and the best case would be 11/03 (approx.). So it will have atleast 4 more years of orinal+extended wanneties combined. It's listed for $33200. Is it a good deal. What all do I need to check before buying since it's used. I am thinking of carfax.

rayn · October 2004

Many thanks for the prompt response.

Rayn

infifx · October 2004

I have been looking at the infiniti FX35 for some time and lately begin to think that the depreciation would be lot steeper than BMWs. So, decided to move on to BMW 3 serie in the same price range. I came across a certified 2003 330i deal. It's a titanium silver with leather and has around 22000 miles with premium and sport packages, auto, rear side impact airbags, HK sound system, heated seats, park distance control and xenon lights. I don't know the original in service date yet but the worst case would be around 10/02 and the best case would be 11/03 (approx.). So it will have atleast 4 more years of orinal+extended wanneties combined. It's listed for $33200. Is it a good deal. What all do I need to check before buying since it's used. I am thinking of carfax.

kyfdx · October 2004

Ask for a BMW vehicle history report.. That will tell you the warranty dates, etc, and any service that the car has had.. You might have to be sitting with a service advisor to get a translation of the codes..

Maintenance on '03s is included for 4yr/50K.. They can bump that out to match the CPO warranty period for about $1000. I would try to negotiate that into my deal at the very least.

Also, have the car inspected for previous body damage.. Just because it is CPO, doesn't mean it hasn't had extensive work.. Paint work on a BMW just kills resale value.

I haven't priced used 330i's in awhile.. The new '04s recently had $3000 dealer cash, so that should be holding down the value of late model used ones.. CPO asking prices are usually a little on the high side.. Shop around and see what is around.. Don't be afraid to ask for a couple grand off plus the extended maintenance.. That one has a lot of options...sounds nice. What color combination?

regards,
kyfdx

infifx · October 2004

I have been looking at the infiniti FX35 for some time and lately begin to think that the depreciation would be lot steeper than BMWs. So, decided to move on to BMW 3 serie in the same price range. I came across a certified 2003 330i deal. It's a titanium silver with leather and has around 22000 miles with premium and sport packages, auto, rear side impact airbags, HK sound system, heated seats, park distance control and xenon lights. I don't know the original in service date yet but the worst case would be around 10/02 and the best case would be 11/03 (approx.). So it will have atleast 4 more years of orinal+extended wanneties combined. It's listed for $33200. Is it a good deal. What all do I need to check before buying since it's used. I am thinking of carfax.

kyfdx · October 2004

don't use refresh to check for more messages.. it just causes yours to repost.

rroyce10 · October 2004

..... It's an 03 with all the stuff, including the high miles .... depending on where you live, the dealer probably paid the ultra high $25's low/mid $26's for it ..

So figure a little service, a little detail action, drop the CPO in there and it's probably hitting the table at in and around the $28ish figure ..... $33,200.? - thats lots of money for a 22k 330i, even with the auto and all the options .... $29,9ish would be fair for both, and $30,900 would be the "End of the World" .......

Happy hunting ............

Terry.

infifx · October 2004

Thanks for the reply kydfx and Terry (and sorry for the reposting of the earlier message) I went to the dealer yesterday and took a test drive. The car seems to be in good condition overall. The steering wheel looked slightly worn and one of the front speaker had some whiteness at the edges, which the salesperson said will be replaced. All four tires were new (perhaps continental). There seemed to be a noise coming out from the engine. The salesperson checked it and said that probebly the leasee did not go for the 15000 mile service and he will now get it done (the certification inspection, detail and cleaning had nott benn done on this car yet and they will get it ready it 2-3 days and I will go back there to a second look. I asked for a discounted price and he quoted $30800. This is in NYC metropolitan area.

Here are the details of the car again (I think I mixed the details of 2 different cars in my original posting) -

2003 certified 330i, auto, steel blue/sand leather, 20700 miles, original in service date - mid november 2002, premium, sports, rear side impact air bags, PDC, heated seats, xenon, HK sound system.

The original price quote was $32000, yesterday's price quote is $30800. Recently there has been a $3000 incentive on new 2004 330i.

I plan to get the carfax report on my second visit (the salesperson offered to get it at no cost if I like the car :-). I also plan to get it inspected by another auto body shop for previous accidents/body work.

There were couple of certified 2004 325i in there with 8k to 12k miles. The one which looked good had 14230k miles, siler/gray leather, auto, premium, sports, fold down rear seats heated seats, xenon, KH sound system - listed for $32000. The in service date is march 2004. I think the dealer will come down to $30500 (although the tires won't be replaced since these are demo/manager's cars). New 2004 325i have $1500 incentive. Let me know what you feel.

I have some questions regarding the free maintenance plan -

1. Does the 4yr/50k miles maintenance plan covers only the brake pads/roters. Also, is the certification end extended plan transferable if I sell the car later.
2. As kydfx suggested, getting the extended maintenance plan is a good idea for additional $1000 approx. Will it provide the same coverage as original plan.

Thanks for your help and I appreciate your comments

jpl · October 2004

Hi: Am being offered the following lease quote on 04-330ci, 36 mos. 12k miles:
car has A/T, Prem Pkge, Xenon, Cold-Weather Pkge., Met. paint. $24,865 Residual
MSRP, $46,665

$1987 up front, $475+taxes
Thanks

kyfdx · November 2004

I'll defer to Terry's expertise on pricing.. He is a dealer and buys cars like this at the auction on a regular basis...

You have an interesting dilemma.. You've found two pretty nice cars..

I'm pretty familiar with that 325i, since it is outfitted exactly like my '03, except for color... That '04 likely MSRP'd for around $38,800-$39K...

Of the two cars, assuming you can buy them for the same price and assuming both are CPO (check again on the '04), I'd say the 325i is a little better buy, and you'll have almost 1.5 years more warranty. Of course, the 330i has a noticeable difference in power, and if after driving them, that is important to you, that might be the way to go..

If you are down to the final negotiations, those prices you have seem reasonable... If you can get them to pay for the extended maintenance, that would seal the deal for me..

1) The maintenance plan covers all scheduled maintenance (approx every 15K miles) and other items such as brakes, wipers, etc.. It is pretty comprehensive...basically, during the first 50K, you'll pay for nothing but gas and tires..

2) The extended maintenance plan is identical... and will cover the notoriously expensive Inspection II at 60K miles.. (usually at least $600). The time/mileage limits on the extension match the CPO warranty exactly.. I recommend it, because you are going to the dealer anyway for warranty work.

Hope this helps,
kyfdx

kyfdx · November 2004

Without knowing the exact specifics on your lease deal, I can only give you a partial answer...

1) I like to put the minimum down upfront.. 1st payment and security deposit only.. In your case, about $1000.

So, rolling another $1000 into your lease payment will raise it to about $505 + tax.. That is pretty cheap for a $46K car.. Even without having all the specific cap cost and money factor numbers, I can tell its a good deal..

regards,
kyfdx

vinnyny · November 2004

Has anyone got info on the new 330 sedan incentives? If so, please post.

Thanks!

infifx · November 2004

There is a $3000 factory to dealer incentive on 2004 330 upto 11/1. I don't know if it is extended beyond today or if there is an incentive on 2005 330s.

aksdpm · November 2004

I need some help. I am in central Jersey, and am looking to lease a '05 325xi within the next 10 days. I received the following quote from a local dealer:

'05 325xi with auto, navigation, leather, sports package, xenon, heated seats, metallic paint, on board computer

$540/month payment including taxes, for a 36 month lease, with no down payment, and 525 bank fee, 550 security deposit, 250.50 tags fee

Cap cost: 36,030 (the invoice for this car with the options on the edmunds site is 36,075)

Residual Value: 60%, which comes to 21,618

Money Factor: 0.00215x2400=5.16%

Most other quotes have been about $20-40 higher per month.

What do you think? Fair deal? Does the low cap cost seems a little shady? The dealer might be playing games. Thanks.

AKSDPM

kyfdx · November 2004

Using your figures and an MSRP of $39,345, I come up with a payment of $473/mo + tax... 6% in Jersey, right? About $502/mo. including tax.. His numbers indicate a cap cost of about $37,200, assuming all of the other numbers are correct.

That said, $37,200 would be a decent deal... I can't imagine them selling an '05 for invoice.

regards,
kyfdx

aksdpm · November 2004

Thanks for the quick repy. I can't seem to come up with the same monthly payment with your numbers using the lease calculator on the Edmund's site. Did you use the $39,345 as the cost of the car? With that number, I come up with a much higher monthly payment. And I also forgot to mention that the lease includes 15K miles per year. Thanks again!

kyfdx · November 2004

Yes..

MSRP $39,345
Cap cost $36,030
MF .00215
Residual 60%

36 months..

I took all those numbers from your post, except the MSRP, which I looked up..

It came to $473 + tax.. I've found that in most lease calculators, it works better to leave the tax percentage out.. Different calculators figure it differently....

regards,
kyfdx

cartalk · November 2004

Not sure if you were looking at an '04, but it appears that all incentives have dried up for the time being, perhaps due to continued strong sales in October. BMW's October sales were up 13.8% over the same month last year (25,807 units versus 22,685).

justin2 · November 2004

I just had the I-Pod mod done to my 04 325i. I'm wondering what other people are paying for this. I have the feeling the dealer just gouged me.

Thanks.

cartalk · November 2004

I had the iPod adapter done on my 330i about six weeks ago. There are two types of adapters. One is the iPod adpater ($149 plus installation) and the other is a simple accessory adpater than can be configured to use an iPod (about $39 plus installation). The iPod adapter is significantly better since it recharges the iPod, acts as a six CD changer and utilizes the audio ontrols on the steering wheel. It does have some quirks but so far I am pleased to have it.

justin2 · November 2004

Thanks for the reply. Yes I understand the difference between the two. I had the I-Pod mod done to my car. I'm just curious what other are paying for the install.

I ordered the I-Pod feature when I bought my car. The dealer originally charged me $249 at the time of purchase. I assumed it was $149 for the part plus $100 for the installation. I had to wait over a month since the part was backordered.

When I went to pick up my car, the dealer said I owed an additional $250 for the installation. This seemed really high to me--$350 in labor just to connect a wire from the radio to the glove box. After I complained, the dealer knocked the price down a hundred bucks.

I still can't help but feel a little deceived and overcharged. $400 total, to mod my car. Is this what others are paying?

blueangel · November 2004

I just placed an order for a 2005 330 xi and received a copy of the purchase order. Everything seemed find except there was an additional fee to the dealer near the registration and title which was called "dealer conveyance fee". THe fee is $175. Before I call the salesman tomorrow I thought I would ask whether anyone has heard of this fee and whether it is legitimate. Am I being snuckered here. I hate to think so because I am otherwise getting an attractive deal for the car.

Many thanks.

cartalk · November 2004

$400 does seem high. I ordered mine a week after delivery when I brought it in for a service/delivery issue. Like yours, it was also backordered (took only two weeks). When I ordered it, I was told $149 for the part plus one hour of labor (dealer's labor rate is $115 per). When I brought my car in for the install, they wanted 1.5 hours of labor, per the BMW service manual (total of about $325 plus tax). I contested for a short while since I had the one hour of labor noted on my prior service receipt, they relented and my all in cost (including tax) was about $275.

Kirstie_H · November 2004

Conveyance Fee sounds suspiciously to me like a fancy phrase for "fee for handing over the car." If you read our article called Invoice Scams and Sudden Extras, you'll get some good advice. Specifically:
After checking with industry sources, it is Edmunds' position that fees on the manufacturer's invoice are not negotiable. However, if duplicate fees (such as the "D&H" fee in this VW contract) are written into the contract by the dealer, these additional charges can be challenged.

If it's not on the manufacturer invoice, I'd be wary of paying it. It seems like you've already been charged a destination fee (delivery fee) on the manufacturer's invoice, so I wouldn't pay the same sort of fee twice.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

kyfdx · November 2004

Pure profit padding.. just like a "document fee".

blueangel · November 2004

Thanks guys for your input on the dealer conveyance fee. Unfortunately I wasnt paying attention to it and it slipped by me. It is a $200 item and I am not inclined to allow it to blow up the deal as even with the additional fee I am still paying $1000 less for a 2005 330 xi than the local dealers I spoke with.

kyfdx · November 2004

That is the way to look at it... the bottom line..

Don't want to blow a good deal over "principle".

Kirstie_H · November 2004

That's why we tend to recommend shooting for an "out-the-door" price rather than haggling over each line item. If you come up with a price that you're willing to pay to drive away with the vehicle, then as long as you don't exceed that, it doesn't really matter where the $$ are listed - vehicle price, trade-in, fees, floormats - the drive-away price is where you need it to be.

It sounds like you're getting a great deal that's going to make you happy with the process and with your car, so congratulations! We hope that everyone can have the same attitude.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

blueangel · November 2004

Thanks Kirstie and Kydfx. Just a few final questions as I have not signed the purchase order just yet although I do feel set on the purchase price. First, the po says nothing about the warranty. Can I just assume that I will get the standard 4/50,000 mile warranty or do I need to write in something extra? Second, the salesman told me that the car comes with the floormats from the factory at no extra charge and that therefore I dont need to say anything on the po. Is that true?

Thanks again guys for all of your help. This site has been very important to my buying process.

And Kydfx -- I could have bought the silver gray but I went for the steel blue. I thought it would be more cheerful on those cloudy winter days and ofcourse, I know its faster.

kyfdx · November 2004

Yup.. the warranty is always 4yr/50K and so is the "free" scheduled maintenance.. I'd ask them to put "floormats included" on the P.O... the floormats may come from the factory, but a LOT of BMW dealers say they aren't included and charge extra for them.. That said, they are only about $125.. If you feel confident that your salesman is being straight with you, you can let that go.. but, on the flip side, it shouldn't be a problem to list them if they are included.

My steel blue car will "dust" any silver-gray.. you made a good choice!! ;-)

regards,
kyfdx

ineverstop · November 2004

How much wiggle room do I have for a 2004 executive demo? First car is a 300xi with 5k miles. Original MSRP was $43,120. Current asking price is $39,990. The invoice price is $39,460.00 There is also a 325xi with 3K miles. The asking price is $34,990. Both cars are manuals. I live the Washington DC area. Any help/suggestions would be helpful. I know that finding an XI manual is hard to find - particularly 2004.

rroyce10 · November 2004

..... Executive demo ..?

Is it a demo, or a factory driver and bought at the auction .?

Terry.

infifx · November 2004

I went to the dealer to test drive the '04 325i. There was another '04 certified 325i auto, black sapphire/black leather, premium,sports, xenon, HK sound with 7600 miles listed for $32000. The salesman said it's a BMW executive car (he claims the executives get to drive the new cars for free). The car is nice inside out except a little scratch on the front passenger door and a minor windshield stone chip. He agreed to do a touchup paint and take a look at windshield and offered $31500. The tires won't be replaced. He also got the carfax report which reported one owner (no lemon, no major accidents), 2 miles in Feb. '04 and then approx. 7500 in October '04 when the vehicle was offered for sale. The in service date is mid of June '04. I did not negotoate any further and told him I will get back to him on Monday. I am in NYC metropolitan area. Any thoughts. Is there any way to make sure that it is infact a executive driven car for sure.

ineverstop · November 2004

I was told executive demo and that it had never been titled.

It's probably worth mentioning that I would get 2.9% financing.

Yolanda

kyfdx · November 2004

The '04s had $3000 manufacturer incentives up through October... IOW, you probably could have bought that 330xi for around $37K if it was brand new. So, even if it is an "executive demo" and never been titled, it can't be worth over $35K.

'04 xi manuals may be hard to find.. but, that doesn't mean they should bring a premium price.. I would think the 325xi should be around $33K or less..

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx · November 2004

1) It really isn't that important if it is an "executive demo" or just a plain employee lease... and it will be virtually impossible to find out, either way..

2) If it is CPO, that is a good thing.. You have a car that has only been in-service for a few months, so you have almost six full years of warranty.

3) That car probably stickered for over $38K brand new.. You are definitely in the ballpark as far as price..

4) The only thing that would concern me is previous body damage.. I'd want someone to look it over and ascertain if it has had any paintwork... If its free of body and paintwork it sounds like a really nice car.. that metallic black is nice..definitely preferable to jet black.

regards,
kyfdx

ineverstop · November 2004

kyfdx,

Does the $35k include options? The cars (both the 325 and 330) I'm looking at has the cold weather package, premium package, xenon lights and metallic paint.

Does this change what you think the cars are worth?

Because I'm not good at negotiating and I wanted to get a response I offered $36k out the door. The salesperson immediately said the no - the manager wouldn't go for it. I'm waiting to hear the manager's offer. I love the car, but am willing to walk away if I feel I'm paying too much.

Yolanda

kkuk · November 2004

Hello,

Wonderful forum! I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with dealers in SF bay area. I am looking to lease a 2005 325xiT in November. After a bit of research online and on Edmunds the invoice for the follwing car (including destination chrage) comes to $38,170. Can anyone advise me on what I should expect to pay monthly with minimum down payment and 15K/yr lease?

Metallic paint
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Sports Package
Navigation System
Xenon lights
HK Soundsystem
Full size spare

Thanks much for your help.

KK

kyfdx · November 2004

I was going by the MSRP.. I think $38K would be a decent price for that 330xi, if the car was brand new (which it isn't).. You'll have to decide for yourself what is a reasonable discount for 5K miles. Dealer demo/executive cars usually don't make for great deals.. they never seem to discount them enough to make up for the miles..

kyfdx · November 2004

What is the MSRP?

rosow · November 2004

Hi all:

A family member in New England is ready to lease a new 2005 325ci convertible. The particulars:

Alpine white exterior, black softtop
982 Body colored hardtop
N6 Leather upholstery
205 Steptronic transmission
494 Heated front seats

That car lists for $45,215.00. The dealer has initially reduced that to $44,000.00

Is $1215.00 off list as low as dealers are going to go on this car? Or in anyone's recent experience would a dealer go lower?

Thanks,
Lenny

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