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

buynewbimmer

Here's the deal I got in the Bay Area on 12/31/05:

330i 4dr Sedan
Manual Transmission
Comfort Access
Sport Package
iDrive/Navigation
Fold-down Rear Seats/Ski Bag
Sirius Satellite Radio
Sparkling Graphite
Black Leatherette Interior
Aluminum Trim

MSRP: $42,940
Sale Price: $40,570
3 yr/12k lease
MF: .00195
Residual: .64
Acquisition fee: $825
Payment will be $520.79 + tax

See my extremely lengthy post on the "BMW 3-Series Lease Questions" for more details on the whole sordid affair.

Thanks to everyone who helped out on this.

Jim

salraf

Jim..

Do you have a name of a contact person that I can call?

Thanks

kyfdx

You may include the dealership name, city and state in your post. Please do not post names of salespeople, telephone numbers, email addresses, or other contact information.

rroyce10

.. **Very disappointing considering I wanted to close on a deal..
I never even got to negotiations since they never called back, even after talking to them in person..**

Food for thought: Florida dealers get bombarded with emails from folks in the Carolina's, Georgia, Virginia, Alabama, NJ, etc etc ..... and a lot of these are from 16 year olds, or the guy thats shopping Bimmer prices with a Hyundai, or you got the guy that wants to trade in his 150k Audi or maybe the email is from 1,100 miles away - and that's common .... if you're not getting responses, that should tell you something.

This is going to be one of your most expensive purchases in your life, don't you think you should be there for it.??



Terry.

jiraffesnacks

325i 4dr sedan
Metallic Paint
ZPP Premium Package
609 idrive Nav.
ZSP Sports Package
205 Steptronic Transmission
522 xenon headlights
494 heated seats
465 fold down rear seats

MSRP: $41,620
edmunds invoice: $38,165

price paid: $38,715

richmondmom

This seems like a stellar deal at $550 over invoice -- not seeing deals like this in the DC area. What kind of fees (on top of sales tax) did you have to pay?

jiraffesnacks

richmondmom

on top of sales tax, i had to pay a $45 doc. fee and a $287 license and registration fee. Oh and they threw in floor mats.

jiraffesnacks

what was even better about the buying experience was that the whole deal was negotiated over emails. I emailed like 10 dealers and most of them didn't even respond until 2 weeks later; with emails saying "come on down. we can negotiate a deal." the dealer a bought from responded within a couple hours with the offer of $550 over invoice. I went down the following week and bought the car. no hassle what so ever. great buying experience.

sr4b1

that was practically my same decision. The BMW is more refined, handles better, sounds better and feels more solid. It is a new model, whereas the g35 is mid-to late model cycle. It has a better name. It has better brake technology. It's best of breed and you pay a premium for that, but it has wonderful resale.

At the end of the day, if you can afford, do it. Otherwise, you'll always be justifying that the G35 was a great value. While the BMW on paper might not seem $7k better, it is definitely better. Drive it you'll see. Or look at all the magazine reviews, they agree too that it is better but note that it is pricey. Usually, if you want to get the best of something, it usually is better in some ways, but you have to accept the disproportionate cost.

I'd have been happy in the G35. I think it's a great deal. But I love the 330i!

jyd

I know that these figures have been posted on the forum, but there are different numbers posted and I want to make sure that I am using the correct numbers.

I would like the following information for a 2006 325i for a 36 month 15k lease (I am in Southern California if that makes a difference):

MF:
Residual:

I would also appreciate any inof on std. advertising fees, doc fees, registration, taxes and any other misc. fees.

I am also interested to know if anyone has purchased 2 BMWs at the same time and if so were they able to negotiate a better sale price?

Thanks.

richmondmom

That seems like a great deal, and it sounds like your overall experience was good. Enjoy the ride!

cure

I am almost to buy my BMW 3.25. I found the car of my dreams, however, I am still thinking about the taxes that I have to pay. There is 7% sales tax which is ok since that is the rate for my state. In addition, the dealership asked me for another $103 business tax and then another $36 for metro city tax and then another $44 which they told me is some form of local tax. Then on top of everything, they tax me on the taxes. The cost of the car is $34,000 and the total cost is $34,000+0.07*(34,000+103+36+44)+95 (title fee)+299 (processing fee).

I just moved to US so I am not very familiar with the tax practices here. Does anybody know whether it is legal to charge all these taxes and whether you pay the sales tax for what they call business, local and metro taxes?

I am really confused and feel like the dealer is playing around with me? Thank you for your help.

leasehell1

I've been trying to find a good lease deal for a 325i in LA and haven't had luck. Talked to someone at carsdirect.com who gave me a very good price on the car: $37,318 (includes premium pckg, sirius, nav system) BUT I don't know what to make of the lease deal:

12K/yr, 36 mo. lease
Residual is 55%
Money factor is .00209
Down is $699
Monthly payments end up being $691 (including tax)

The money factor seems good, but the residual seems way too low and end result monthly payments seems way too high. How do I negotiate a residual? Thoughts?? Thanks.

mwhitt

went with the G35x for a very different reason. had nothing to do with the initial outlay for the car. it had to do with something on the back-end that bothered the heck out of me. i haven't seen much on this forum discussing it and maybe a non-issue for most.

run flat tires were the cause. i went to discussion specifically dedicated to run flats. there we have discussions of these failing at anywhere from 6K to 20K, with one owner saying the dealer told him they will last not much more than 20K.

I drive 40K miles a year. These little babies apparently cost in excess of $1000 to replace. Depending on what you believe, I could have been out a few thou a year on tires. no dealer tried to refute it. they let me walk.

when i googled the topic, i got back a class action suit against Toyota and Dunlop for early tire failure (10-12K) on the Sienna minivan.

frankly i couldn't take that chance on shoes. i'm sure prices will fall and technology will improve, but i'd rather not do it on my nickel. also if you switch to conventional, you eat up your trunk with a small spare and jack. too bad... really a bad choice for a road warrior...

buynewbimmer

Sonnen BMW, San Rafael, CA

Jim

dl7265

At 9K miles i dont see any premature wear. Really that has to do with the type tire not runflat or not. Other words summer, performance, all seasons. If you went for X ud have all season. Also as for cost ANY OEM tire is expensive my former E46 had Bridgestones that were a manufacture tire and were well over $200 each also. I replaced with something else. While id rather had a "choice" Ive had no problems. By the time i need new tires there will be cheaper and many more alternatives.

People allways want cutting edge technology, but are freaked out over Runflat s... O well

DL

mwhitt

i'm glad you've had no problems - and i certainly hope you don't have any issues. and for most people, i agree that by the time they need tires what you say will likely be true. if i had been a 12-15K a year driver, I would have taken the chance --- but with my mileage, i didn't really want to risk it. i could have bought the all season vs performance argument until I saw the Toyota/Dunlop class action with tires failing at the 10-12K range. something tells me they are putting all seasons on the awd sienna. in any event, i like to count on 35-40K on a tire and I'm pretty sure i'll get it.

good luck to you.

dl7265

The Bridges have a 300 treadwear rating and ill probably Buck BMW logic and rotate them . I wonder if a heavy awd van with not exact ally 50/50 weight distribution is a factor on those Dun loped over ?

DL

jtla

Congratulations on your new car and great deal. I am sure you are enjoying the ride. Would you post the name of dealer where you bought it? Did you email to the Internet manager? Many thanks.

jb_shin

FWIW (Not that I have any data or anything) BMW designed E90 platforms to drive on runflats, with regard to their suspension tuning. Sienna is definitely not, unless I've missed something. I actually went with Sienna with normal tires (FWD) due to terrible ride I experienced in AWD with run-flats.

Even the normal tires (OEM Bridgestone)I have are wearing quite quickly, and that is with rotating the tires AND using dedicated winter tires 3-4 months out of the year. Personally, I think the weight of the van (as well as the weight distribution as mentioned above) and the suspension setup has a lot to do with the Sienna issue.

jiraffesnacks

Sure, i got it from pacific bmw in glendale. I just emailed the address that was posted on their website and the guy that emailed me back was the internet sales director.

jyd

I know that these figures have been posted on the forum, but there are different numbers posted and I want to make sure that I am using the correct numbers.

I would like the following information for a 2006 325i for a 36 month 15k lease (I am in Southern California if that makes a difference):

MF:
Residual:

I would also appreciate any info on std. advertising fees, doc fees, registration, taxes and any other misc. fees.

I am also interested in knowing if anyone has leased/purchased 2 BMWs at the same time, and if so were they able to negotiate a better sale price?

Thanks.

bartalk3

When a car salesman tells me one lie, I'll never believe anything else he says. I asked my local BMW guy how long it takes for factory delivery of a 330i with ordinary options. He obviously wants to sell me what's been sitting on his lot in the sun and snow for months and used as demonstrators, or do a quick exchange with a dealer in the area. "Four months," he said. "Why wait that long?"

Total BS. I know it's about 8 weeks or even less. So naturally I don't trust him and will probably go elsewhere.
Lesson: honesty is the best policy, even when selling cars, as remarkable as it seems.

richmondmom

Yeah, I totally agree. I had a great experience with an out-of-town Volvo dealer last year (although the local dealer was terrible) -- totally upfront with me, no suprises, etc. The local BMW dealer this time around was willing to 1) tell me anything to get me to buy from his inventory (e.g., "the 325 is just as good as the 330", "if you want a 330xi you'll have to order") and 2) play games on the trade-in (we made mistake, we thought your trade was a Quattro, etc.) I didn't buy from the local dealer -- I'm totally willing to drive 60 miles to the next town to make a $40k purchase from someone who hasn't been caught in a lie. It's funny, when I confronted the salesman about his string of lies, he was really uncomfortable -- must not have much experience.

bartalk3

richmondmom: Glad you were able to reward honesty and punish dishonesty. I guess the problem is that many folks are trusting and gullible, which means that salesmen can get away with telling customers the moon is made of green cheese and that rust bucket over there was only driven by a little old lady to church on Sundays and that BMWs get 40 miles per gallon and are more reliable than Toyotas and cheaper to repair.

jb_shin

BMWs get 40 miles per gallon and are more reliable than Toyotas

Actually, some BMWs do get mileage figure close to 40, we just can't get them in the good old USA. (diesels) Also, my 02 530 that I sold at 29,000 miles (the new owner has it at 41,000 miles) has been the most reliable car I ever owned. My 95 Integra and wife's 04 Sienna have both been to dealers way more than the BMW (ZERO problem, other than oil changes, etc. for me and the new owner) the Sienna needed 4 visits to fix NAV issue with the first month of ownership and still has rattles and creaks that drive me nuts. Take it for what its worth, but I am one happy BMW owner, so far.

valentine

priced a new blue monaco 325/2006 with following options:
premium package, automatic, heated front seats, prep for satelliteradio, tax (NYC) plates, including mats: $37,931.

Would appreciate some feedback.

at NYC dealer. Thank you.

kyfdx

Does this car have an MSRP?

valentine

to kyffdx: Thanks for your quick response--one thing I forgot to add is that BMW is offering a loan rate of 6.9%--haven't checked on rates-- and I will find out the MSRP--I test drove a similar car this morning--it is like velvet--loved it--One other question: Since I keep a car for about 8-9 years and do not kill it with mileage--what kind of extended warranty should I get and how much should I be paying for it?

ENJOY THE WEEKEND--VALENTINE

valentine

Still need some feedback-also is 6.9% a reasonable interest rate

Thx

calif65gm

That seems to be the BMWFS going rate currently. I got 6.4% for 60 mths. I'd suggest that you try your credit union.

potemkin

"...BMWs get 40 miles per gallon and are more reliable than Toyotas"

I got pretty close to 40MPG when I drove my '95 318ti from Atlanta to Daytona a few years back, and that was with me driving at about 90MPH on the interstates. And as far as reliability goes, I've got 114,444 miles on it right now and it's still going strong. Other than dead batteries, the only time it failed in its intended purpose was when the ignition switch went out at ~95k miles. That was the only time it's ever spent the night in a mechanic's garage. That's not to say it hasn't had some cosmetic problems: I recently had to replace the driver's side window regulator, the thermostat, and the headliner (did those first two myself).

All in all, I'd call it reliable. I'd even venture to speculate that a BMW with a manual transmission is probably more reliable than a Toyota with an automatic (based on my experiences with three 'beater' Toyotas, all with automatics, and all were problematic because of it).

Of course, all this is anecdotal so it should be taken with a grain of salt.

liem123

Hi:
I am looking to buy a 2006 325Xi with Navigation and Premimum package. Since the Nav does not come with most car on the lot, I am expecting that I have to order. What is a reasonable price? I am thinking of maybe 1K to 2K above invoice. Any advice? I am in Central NJ but would be willing to travel up to 200 miles to get a good deal.

If I am willing to do without the NAV, I can get a car off the lot, would that be cheaper? Again, how much above invoice? Thanks.

fituso09

I am currently looking to lease a 330
When I went to negotiate the lease everything seemed reasonable but the Money factor.
What is a reasonable money Factor in the Chicago area
For a 36 month 12k lease with no security deposit and excellent credit?

kyfdx

63% Residual...

.00225 MF w/security deposit..

.0024 MF without security deposit

valentine

The MSRP without tax but including Sirius Radio (which was not included in last configuration )is 36,865--that is:
325i
Premium
Automatic
Sirius Radio
Heated front seats

In Edmunds invoice is:33,840 (without tax)
Any better deals in New York area including recommendations in New Jersey or Conn?

Thanks

fituso09

How did you get thoose numbers?

sponge_worthy

Those are base numbers for BMWFS Captive Lease Rates for January. In reality, most dealers will mark these up. Its not easy to get base rate, because they finance guy gets a cut only off the markup not from the sale.

Good Luck.

mwhitt

best deal i've heard of in NJ was $700 over invoice - worst was about $2K.

go to BMW.com, do a dealer search for the mileage radius around you, send out e-mails, tell them what you want and offer $500 over invoice. start the negotiation process and let them bid for your business.

i think it was the bmw in engelwood, nj that took $700. let the internet work for you.

cobrasumday

Hey bmq,

You mention TX. Where did the $44,340 MSRP for $41,760 deal come from?

I'm looking at ordering:
'06 330ci coupe
6-speed
Adaptive Xenon Headlights (#522)
Sport Package (#ZSP)
Leather Upholstery
18" Double Spoke Alloy Wheels (i.e., style 71) (#795)

$42,895 MSRP, $38,595 invoice, $41,586 Edmunds' others

cobrasumday
--

briwill21

I am about to buy/lease a new BMW 325i. I am fortunate to be in a position right now where I can pay cash for this car if it is the right thing to do. If my history rings true, I will drive this car 3-4 years before wanting a new one. I have read all of the lease vs buy scenarios, and also read about how you should "always pay cash" - written by someone who will drive their car 8-10 years. I know my history - maybe I can change - but assume I won't.

Is it better to plunge the cash down on this one, and use the resale towards a new one in 3-4 years...or pay the lease pricing, and invest the $$? My current 2003 BMW 325 has an estimated resale of $24K, while the "buy-out" price on the lease is $19K --> I overpaid $5K on the lease + interest.

I think it is a no-brainer, but would like opinions on both sides of the argument.

- Brian

madmc

Has anyone recently purchased a 2006 325 Bimmer in the
Greater Seattle area? If so, what advice can you give a first time BMW buyer as to dealers, cost and fees? Do you recommend the internet, Costco, or going in person to the dealership?

madmc

kyfdx

If I knew that I would probably trade in three years, that would make me more likely to lease... That said, the lease deal on the 325i is nothing special, right now.. the money factor has an equivalent APR of around 6%..

Also, don't assume that you over-paid on your current lease... Your '03 325i is probably worth a lot less than $24K on trade-in.. I'd think that the buyout price of $19K is a lot closer to it's actual trade-in value...

regards,
kyfdx
Host-Prices Paid Forums

best4

I just ordered a 330I in sparkling graphite with terra leather. Options are

Premium Package
Sports Package
Cold Weather Package
Comfort Access
Rear Sunshade
SAT Prep

The dealer is BMW of Nashville with an MSRP of $43,720 with invoice of $40,025. Paying $41,500. Car should be here in mid February. Did anyone buy the tire and wheel warranty for $589, especially since runflats are not really repairable?

ckm1515

BTW - great color combo - picked up my 330xi in November with same SG color and terra interior and aluminum trim - many compliments as it caters to a niche tastes. I did not purchase the tire/wheel warranty as it is a waste of $ and pure profit for the dealership.

madmc

Has anyone dealt with any of the Greater Seattle BMW dealers.Do you have a preference or advice you might offer? What about a purchase through Costco?

best4

I did the Burl wood trim after seeing it on another car. The tire and wheel warranty is for 4 years and if you get one flat tire in that time you come out ahead. Otherwise it would be a waste of money. I think I am going to buy it.

trulytruly

I'm not from the Seattle area, but one of the DC area dealers pretended he was the authorized Costco dealer and then asked me what I would offer for the car, which is the opposite of what the Costco experience is supposed to be.

sfoxca

Hi -

I'm looking to lease a 2006 325i. The one I'm thinking about is base model with metallic paint and automatic trans. Here are the specs they're quoting me:

MSRP: $33,420
Sell Price: $31,905
Terms: 10,000 miles/yr
Cap Reduction: $2500 plus DC tax of 10 percent and tags/license ($3500 drive off)

24 month:

Money Factor: .00305
Residual: .77
Payment: $389.86
36 month:

Money Factor: .00305
Residual: .65
Payment: $432.82

MF seems way too high given my credit rating.

cartalk

I'm not a leasing expert my any stretch but I can do basic math and those numbers seem way out of whack.

Using your MF and cap reduction, I calculate the 24 month lease to be about $322/month and the 36 month lease to be at about $371. This assumes you are paying the sales tax and fees out of pocket upfront which it looks as though you are.