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

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Comments

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,429
    The price looks okay...

    Residual is 64% and the money factor is .0025

    With the acquisition fee rolled in, and only 1st payment and security deposit upfront, the payment would be about $445/mo. + tax...

    regards,
    kyfdx
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  • reverbreverb Member Posts: 3
    sr4b1,

    South Bay BMW offered me an 06 330i for $900 over invoice but that doesnt include an additional $330 for "advertising fees".

    '06 330i ($36,600 / $33,485)
    Metallic paint ($475 / $430)
    (205) Automatic ($1,275 / $1,210)
    (ZPP) Premium Package ($2,200 / $2,000)
    (ZSP) Sport Package ($1,600 / $1,455)
    (322) Comfort Access ($500 / $455)
    (417) Rear Sunshade ($575 / $525)
    Destination ($695 / $695)

    (MSRP / Invoice) = $43,920 / $40,255.

    Internet Price = $40,255 + $330 advertising + $900 = $41,485
    which is $1,230 over invoice, or $2,435 off MSRP.
    And they would order the car for me too since my color wasn't in stock.
    I've seen comments on previoius posts that advertising fees are "negotiable" too.

    My dilemma is 330i versus GS300 (or next year's GS350?). Too many choices ...
  • feistylegalfeistylegal Member Posts: 18
    Any thoughts or comments regarding the offer below are very much appreciated.

    Specifications: 330i
    Metallic Paint
    Black Leather/Aluminum Trim
    Manual Transmission
    Comfort Access
    Premium Package
    Satellite Prep
    Heated Front Seats
    Sport Package

    MSRP: $42,575
    Internet Price = 40,889.20
    Dealer Doc Fee = 399.00
    Subtotal = 41,288.20
    7% tax (Atlanta) = 2,890.17
    Tag and Title = 38.00
    GA Lemon Law Fee = 3.00
    OTD: $44,219.37

    What should the monthly payments be with a 36m/10k lease and 2k down? (Please include whatever interest rate you used to calculate the payments). In addition, the dealer told me I would have to put down a non-refundable deposit of $1000.00 to order the car. So, if I take possession of the car after it is ordered, what does the 1k go towards, if anything?

    Thanks in advanced for all of the advice and information!
  • urnutsurnuts Member Posts: 15
    Got mine for $2K off msrp- w/ less options. No haggle, I asked, they said "fine".
    I put down $500 refundable to order my
    car- you're not ordering a wierd combo, why should it not be refundable? I understand they are ordering a car "just for you", so I can understand why they might want something down and non-refundable, but if "your" car is easily sellable (it is), I would think $250 would be reasonable. Their fear is probably that people are going into several dealers and ordering cars- I don't that's likely, but nothing would surprise me.
    The doc fee is absurd- mine was $99
    The 1K would go to reduce your payment (cap reduction?)- it would essentially be half of the $2K you were planning to put down, though any down payment on a lease is not recommended for numerous reasons.
    Good luck- overall, the deal does not seem that great. I did not think my deal was fantastic, but somewhat fair, quick & easy.
    I'm in New England, though, so things may be different in GA! I know it's warmer, that's for sure.
  • sr4b1sr4b1 Member Posts: 20
    Please tell us where you got such a great deal.

    "Ordered my 330i...$855 over invoice and I take delivery end of January 06.
    Jet Black
    Beige Leather
    Premium
    Sport
    Cold Weather
    Rear Shade
    Satellite
    Comfort Access

    Now it's all I think about!! "
  • ommdbmwommdbmw Member Posts: 6
    Well, I just want to say that I think these boards are the most valuable thing anywhere online and I wanted to thank all of you for sharing your experiences and advice - and saving me a LOT of money!!

    Question: While I feel I got a great deal on my new 325xi, I now think I might've gotten suckered into a "Tires for Life" plan. While the math added up for me and I thought I was making a good decision, I am having my doubts. Basically, for $1900, I get replacement run-flats every 25k for as long as I own my car (non-transferable) - including balancing, rotation, front-end alignment and mounting. Also includes replacement run-flats for unrepairable road hazards. Free glass replacement when road hazard damage is incurred. Also, after manuf warranty expires: free battery replacement, free bulb and headlight, free windshield wiper blades. Would you have taken this? Did I give up all of my savings on my car deal and get suckered? Still time to cancel. I figured if run-flats are at least $250 to replace and if I keep the car to 50+K miles, I'll at least break even.

    Ok, now would love your opinion on my main deal - I think I did real well:
    2006 325xi, Sparkling Graphite Metallic with Beige Leather Interior
    Premium Package
    Automatic
    Xenon
    Heated Front Seats
    Sirius Prep

    MSRP $39,620 (incl mats)
    Invoice (Edmunds) $36,405 (incl mats)
    Paid $37,500 before 5% tax + tags ($196 sound right for that in MD) = $39,571
    Plus the $1900 for the "Tire For Life" Plan

    Thanks again! Looking forward to your responses!
    Eric
  • feistylegalfeistylegal Member Posts: 18
    Thank you for your comment. Can you provide some insight as to why it is not a good idea to put a down payment on a lease? Further, if you don't me asking, what was your OTD price and what options did you select?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,429
    I don't know...

    What if you don't like their brand of tires? What if your car gets totaled next month? What if you trade it in three years with only 35K miles on it?

    Since tires are about the only extra maintenance expense you will have on the car for the first 50K miles, I'd pass on this deal... Keep that money in your pocket... I'm guessing this is a high-margin extra for the dealer..

    regards,
    kyfdx
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  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    P.T. Barnum is rolling in his grave laughing (RIHGL?)! If I were you, I'd drive the heck out of that car and follow every gravel truck I see and spend lots of time in new home construction sites so I could pick up lots of nails! You're never going to recoup that money. See if you can get a refund.
  • podrespodres Member Posts: 58
    I am seriously considering an Acura TL, but the allure of the BMW remains. I want a manual transmission car that is fun to drive, has some get-up-and-go, great handling, and at least a few creature comforts. Is that a plausible hope for $35k in BMW-land? If so, what model and options should I try to get stuffed into that budget?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    35.5 will get you a 330i with leather, 6mt and sport package via European Delivery.

    If you'd prefer a more loaded car, consider the 325i via ED. You could get away under 30k if you're judicious with your options.
  • sr4b1sr4b1 Member Posts: 20
    reverb,

    That's a reasonable price. Basically $1,200 over invoice. There is one thing I'm considering doing. If you wait until the time between Christmas and New Year's, you can get great car deals. (Everyone has spent their money.) While I want a bmw, I also enjoy knowing that I got a super deal.

    The other problem I have with Bmw is that you pay a premium, but the quality is largely viewed as badly lacking. I have lots of friends with bmw's and even though lots of things go wrong, they are still loyal. The only reason I'm going to buy is because a good friend of mine works at bmw (relatively senior position) and has told me that quality control has improved dramatically this year. Plus, no matter what, the 3 series always seems recognized as the best driving sports sedan.
  • feistylegalfeistylegal Member Posts: 18
    Please elaborate regarding what "via European delivery" means.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Euro Delivery - here's BMW's site (Ignore the prices they list...those are bogus and used to deceive people):

    http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/europeandelivery/default?navid=overviewed

    Basically, you get the ED invoice prices, write down how you want your car. Then contact several dealers and offer them the opportunity to sell you that specific car via Euro Delivery with $800 built in profit for the dealer. Some will balk. Some will counter with a 2k profit. Most people I know try to settle for 1000-1200 dealer profit. Considering the dealer does nothing for the sale, it's extremely generous.
  • podrespodres Member Posts: 58
    Thanks for the explanation. I was trying to figure out how to explain to my wife that I was going to Germany to pick up the car. This makes much more sense, if it works.

    But how do you find out what the ED invoice prices are? And how does the dealer take ED when he is not hte ultimate purchaser? Doesn't BMW object?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    There's an entire forum here devoted to ED. I'd suggest you check it out:

    drspence, "BMW Owners: European Delivery" #947, 6 Jun 2005 9:25 am!make=BMW&model=All&ed_makeindex=.ef0f82e

    The prices can be found here. That pdf - second page - shows the base munich pick up invoice price. That's your starting point. BMW encourages ED...it's good marketing and it gets you closer to the brand : http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=54549
  • ckm1515ckm1515 Member Posts: 52
    Car Man

    What do you think of this deal?

    2006 330xi
    SG
    Terra Int
    Alum Trim
    Automatic Tran
    Prem Pack
    Cold Weather
    Comfort Access
    MSRP $45,395
    Initial Cap Cost $43,295
    3 years/45K
    LRF .0024 (buy rate was .0022, dealer wanted .00265, split diff)
    $0 down monthly payment $647.36
  • mwhittmwhitt Member Posts: 69
    looking for a 2005 330xi

    went to BMWUSA and scrolled through - some very nice low mileage alternatives in my area (around 5k in miles)

    are the prices they list there firm, or is that a dealer price with some room to move.

    the car has premium, cold weather, xenon and auto for about $39K on the site. how much movement, if any, can i expect.

    thx
  • urnutsurnuts Member Posts: 15
    Not a good idea to put money down a lease for a few reasons-

    1) If the car is totaled/stolen, your money is gone forever.

    2) It does nothing to save you money- it simply decreases your payment each month- does not save you interest expense like a traditional loan might.

    My options were 6-Speed, leather, Metallic Paint & Sport- that's all. I believe it was MSRP of $40,900, less my $2K discount, plus $125 in fees (dealer & state), so just over $39K OTD not including taxes as there are none in my state (NH). Don't worry, though; it'll cost me $1200 to register it, but there is no "sales" tax- ummm, ok.
  • rodlrodl Member Posts: 2
    2005 330ci Imola Red
    Prem Pkg
    Performance Pkg
    Cold Pkg
    Manual
    MSRP 44845
    Paid 38000 (had $4000 marketing assist)
    Thought about leasing but MF and Residual were horrible.
  • jtlajtla Member Posts: 388
    blueguydotcom,
    Thank you so much for posting the ED price list. I have been reading this board for quite some time, and this is the first time I actually see the ED invoice prices. It looks so good that I have to get a clarification. Are you saying that a 330i, which has a MSRP of $36,600 in U.S., can be had for $30,975 plus $1,000 to $1,200 dealer profit? That's a fantastic saving. I see there is a $695 destination charge which I assume covers the shipping cost to U.S. But how about import duty? Also, do I have to pick up in person? Or can I give someone else power of attorney to do the pick up and drop off for me in Munich?
    Thank you in advance.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    You pay the $695 shipping charge whether you buy the bmw off a lot or do ED.

    There are no import fees. no duties. No extra charges. If someone mentions these things, that person is trying to scare you.

    You or your spouse must pick up the car and drop it off at a distribution center.

    If I end up getting a 3 series, I'll make a vacation of my trip over (as many people on the ED board do). What could be better than driving your new bimmer on the autobahn?
  • potemkinpotemkin Member Posts: 195
    "What could be better than driving your new bimmer on the autobahn?"

    Perhaps driving your new bimmer on the Nürburgring?
  • urnutsurnuts Member Posts: 15
    ...... driving someones elses!
  • analogkid1analogkid1 Member Posts: 10
    Hi,

    That looks like a great deal. I'm in Morris County and I haven't been able to get any prices below $617/mth. Almost same package as yours (no sport) and auto vs. manual. My package MSRP is $39,020, sell price $37,695. What are the terms of your lease: mos and mileag? I need 18K and I think that killing my monthly payment. Anyway, what dealer did you use (and salesman for that matter). I'll call and see what they can do for me. Thanks.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,429
    Those extra 3K miles/year are probably adding $35-$37/mo. to your payment...

    Sorry... exchange of individual salespeople info is not permitted... Dealership names are fine, though..

    regards,
    kyfdx
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  • ckm1515ckm1515 Member Posts: 52
    KYFDX - What do you think of this deal?

    2006 330xi
    SG
    Terra Int
    Alum Trim
    Automatic Tran
    Prem Pack
    Cold Weather
    Comfort Access
    MSRP $45,395
    Initial Cap Cost $43,295
    3 years/45K
    LRF .0024 (buy rate was .0022, dealer wanted .00265, split diff)
    $0 down monthly payment $647.36
  • nyhockeynutsnyhockeynuts Member Posts: 6
    What can i expect to pay for the following:
    330xi for 36 months and 10k per year
    6 spd
    Metallic Paint
    Premium Package
    Cold Weather Package
    Navigation
    NY Residence
    Just got quoted $560 with an initial payment upfront of $2000 (which includes 1st payment). Any idea if this is a good deal? Appreciate the feedback
  • bedford2bedford2 Member Posts: 1
    I just went to the dealership tonight and got the following deal 325i automatic, premium and cold weather package(kills me but the wife can't drive stick) sticker 37,370 for for 35870 (split the sticker and invoice). I also got about $500 more than my trade is worth. I have yet to accept, so let me know if this seems good or if I should go back to the drawing board. I'm also in upstate New York where it seems pricing isn't always best in country.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,429
    Does that include tax? If so, not too bad.. The 330xi has only been out about a month or so... I don't think anyone is getting killer deals on them yet...

    regards,
    kyfdx
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  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,429
    Does this car have an MSRP? ;)

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  • ckm1515ckm1515 Member Posts: 52
    Yes, taxes are included in the payment. Initial out lay is acquistion fee, first month payment, doc fees and DMV fees. Felt like I got the best deal possible...
  • gottschalkgottschalk Member Posts: 10
    I recently got a lease estimate from my dealer for a 330i that is on its way. They list the Bank Fee as $825.00 and the Document Fee as $297.00. These numbers seem quite high and I know I have seen others on this site having much lower fees. What do you all think of this inflated numbers?
    Am I getting gouged?
    Thanks. :confuse:
  • ckm1515ckm1515 Member Posts: 52
    bank fee too high. standard BMW acquistion fee is $695
  • nyhockeynutsnyhockeynuts Member Posts: 6
    Looking to lease '06 330xi for 36 months and 10k per year with the following options:

    6spd
    Metallic paint
    Premium Package
    Cold weather Package
    Navigation

    MSRP: $44,720
    Final Sales Price ~42,100
    Invoice ~40,935
    MF: .00225
    Residual .64
    NYC Taxes

    I have been quoted $560 per month with initial payment of $2200 which includes 1st payment, bank fee, dmv and small cap cost of roughly $700. This sound reasonable to you folks? Appreciate the feedback...
  • gottschalkgottschalk Member Posts: 10
    I personally think that deal sounds good. I am getting a 330i msrp $44,320 my price $42,500 but with my bank fee of $825 and Document Fee of $297 my Total Capitalized Cost is $43,622. My monthly payment is $556.49.

    What is your bank fee and document fee if you dont mind me asking?

    Doug
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  • nyhockeynutsnyhockeynuts Member Posts: 6
    Bank Fee: $625 Documents: $329
  • rob92963rob92963 Member Posts: 2
    Just picked up my new 325xi. metallic paint, leather and cold-weather and floor mats for $34,600.
    no one was able to match that...Very happy so far!

    Manual tranny is great! you really don't need all the extras to appreciate how great this car really is!
  • nyhockeynutsnyhockeynuts Member Posts: 6
    Looking to lease '06 330xi for 36 months and 10k per year with the following options:

    6spd
    Metallic paint
    Premium Package
    Cold weather Package
    Navigation

    MSRP: $44,720
    Final Sales Price ~42,100
    Invoice ~40,935
    MF: .00225
    Residual .64
    NYC Taxes

    I have been quoted $560 per month with initial payment of $2200 which includes 1st payment, bank fee, dmv and small cap cost of roughly $700. This sound reasonable to you folks? Appreciate the feedback...
  • erndlcerndlc Member Posts: 3
    18 K I am sure is hurting---I got a call from my salesman 5 days ago my monthly payment went down to 557 because of higher NOV residuals!!!---My deal is 36k/ 3 years
    My dealer is Princeton BMW---good Luck!!!!
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,429
    If I take the $700 cap cost reduction off the selling price to get a cap cost of $41,400, I come up with a payment of $513/mo.+ tax..

    What about a security deposit?

    If your $560 doesn't include tax, then something isn't right.. If it does, then this looks pretty darn close..

    regards,
    kyfdx
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  • nyhockeynutsnyhockeynuts Member Posts: 6
    It does in fact include tax. Do you think its a good deal? I will try to negotiate down a bit more. Any other advice you might have?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,429
    Sure.. it looks good.. a healthy discount, the base rates.. Residuals are nice and high...

    If you think you'll need 12K/yr, instead of 10K/yr, you'd best sign up for it now....it only lowers the residual to 63%. That would only add $12-$13 per month to your payment..

    regards,
    kyfdx
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  • nyhockeynutsnyhockeynuts Member Posts: 6
    Great Thanks KYFDX!
  • cjbmwcjbmw Member Posts: 1
    What dealership in Northern Jersey? I live in Princeton and have not negotiated a deal yet... most likely end of this year or next January.
    Thanks!
  • chile96chile96 Member Posts: 330
    Just bought a Porsche turbo from the Princeton auto group and they were cake to deal with - very accomodating and fairly easy to negotiate. Took my car in on trade sight unseen. Highly recommend them as they appear to be pretty stand-up
  • aphallaphall Member Posts: 21
    This is the following offer I got from Long Beach BMW in CA:

    2006 BMW 330i Sedan
    Monaco Blue/Sparkling Graphite Metallic exterior/Black Dakota Leather interior/Burl Walnut Wood trim
    Steptronic Automatic transmission
    Premium Package
    Sport Package
    Comfort Access
    MSRP: $43,345 + tax and lic.
    OFFER: $41,560 + tax and lic.

    This looks to be about $600 more than the offer given to another fellow in this forum at South Bay BMW:

    '06 330i ($36,600 / $33,485)
    Metallic paint ($475 / $430)
    (205) Automatic ($1,275 / $1,210)
    (ZPP) Premium Package ($2,200 / $2,000)
    (ZSP) Sport Package ($1,600 / $1,455)
    (322) Comfort Access ($500 / $455)
    (417) Rear Sunshade ($575 / $525)
    Destination ($695 / $695)

    (MSRP / Invoice) = $43,920 / $40,255.

    Internet Price = $40,255 + $330 advertising + $900 = $41,485 which is $1,230 over invoice, or $2,435 off MSRP.

    Has anyone found better in Southern California? Is this about as good as it gets? Thanks!
  • sr4b1sr4b1 Member Posts: 20
    I don't know. $1230 seems like a lot over invoice, esp. for Southern California. There are a bunch of posts on enthusiast sites for bmw that have people saying that they are able to swing a deal at $500-750 over invoice.

    I think you should also be able to at a minimum get floor mats thrown in for free. Email all the dealers with your options and see what they email back as their best price.

    Given that it's mid-November, you've also got to think about the end of the year. BMW dealers get a certain amount of allocation. That's their incentive not to drop the price too much. If they haven't used up their allocation, the last week in December (anytime after Christmas) is when you'll really have leverage. B/c everyone has spent their Christmas money and/or want to spend time with family. Few want to buy cars. And at that time, I'd say you should pay no more than $500 over invoice. Some profit is better than no profit...
  • bdr127bdr127 Member Posts: 950
    Given that it's mid-November, you've also got to think about the end of the year. BMW dealers get a certain amount of allocation. That's their incentive not to drop the price too much. If they haven't used up their allocation, the last week in December (anytime after Christmas) is when you'll really have leverage. B/c everyone has spent their Christmas money and/or want to spend time with family. Few want to buy cars. And at that time, I'd say you should pay no more than $500 over invoice. Some profit is better than no profit...

    Not necessarily with BMW... There are a lot of people buying BMWs as gifts. Most brands are pretty slow until the week between Xmas and New Years. BMW and other high-line brands, however, get a big boost in anticipation of the holiday season and then gets even busier during that holiday week at the end of the year.
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