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

chile96

I can't agree more with blueguy. The 3er we bought this spring had xenons that we really didn't want but now can't imagine a car without them. So much so that I recently retrofitted litronics(xenons) on my new porsche - I almost didn't buy the car because they were not on it.

dv8ed

I just purchased a

BMW 325Ci '04 MSRP $30100
-Titanium Silver Metallic MSRP $475
-Grey Leather MSRP $1450
-Premium Package MSRP $2800
-Sport Package MSRP $1000
-Automatic Transmission MSRP $1275
-Xenon Light MSRP $800
-BMW Assist? MSRP $0
-Frieght MSRP $695
--------------------------------------
Suggest Retail MSRP $38,595

Dealer agreed on invoice price for car and all options with a $1200 markup but they added a MACO fee of $265 and Training & Systems Fee of $160 which made the invoice total $35,660.

(Just to note he did give me a printout of all dealer invoice prices on the options.)

Invoice of $35,660 + $1200 markup = $36,860 + tax/title/license that I paid for the car.

Is this a good deal? What is a MACO * Training Fee? Should I have done a OTD price with TTL?

So in plain english I got the car for $1735 off MSRP.

Please advise.

revka

Just a friendly reminder that this discussion was created for members to share their purchase price and experiences. Let's please take subjects that are not related to the title subject (e.g., xenon lights) to our main BMW 3-Series discussions. To start, here's BMW 3-Series (Sedans Board) and BMW 3-Series Wagons.

We also look forward to hearing about your ownership experiences... in our main discussions. Thanks! ;-)

Revka
Host of Hatchbacks & Wagons

bmwseller

yes, 1700 is a competitive figure. Certainly others are paying more but in a 30some thousand dollar transaction a couple of hundred one way or another doesn't really make a hill of beans difference, right?
you can always make a few more calls, a few more e-mails, faxes and get someone to agree to beat a deal but if you're dealer deserves your business and your client advisor has done a good job than don't hold out on them. Just get the car and it will turn out to be a good value. It's always nice to put the shopping experience behind you and start enjoying your new 'bimmer.
Training fees are being raised.

blueguydotcom

but in a 30some thousand dollar transaction a couple of hundred one way or another doesn't really make a hill of beans difference, right?

I'd think most of us would look at a couple hundred as gas for a few months. Will it break most BMW buyers? Nope. But why give away money?

BTw, training fees are the cost of doing business. Tacking on an extra fee after agreeing upon a price is tacky and I encourage people to walk out when places slap on bogus training, doc, maco fees. Be up front about it and it's not a big deal...

kennynmd

is alot unless you pay for the car for cash without financing. After financing , whatever the rate, it does make a difference.

bmwseller

All the dealers have to pay a training fee that is just about the most unfair policy that I've had to deal with in the industry in 11 plus years. Here's the thing.......BMW pays full retail to the centers for service and parts warranty repairs. BMW North America attempted to have the dealers charge a discounted price on behalf of BMW. In a compromise BMW has added a $160 "training fee" to each new car. Overcharging for the cars to subsidize parts and service. It comes right out of my pocket and word is that the dealers are now fighting to prevent BMW from raising this fee to $750.

However, the customer should be reqesting a total price that includes everything including DOC fees, training fee, whatever.

In negotiating it's best to get a fair price. Anything else is really too good to be true. No ones stealing them guys. You people are probably too informed to get gouged. The reason I say that a couple of hundred dollars one way or another doesn't make a hill of beans difference is because the total cost of ownership on a car is such a total unknown. I always find it hard to conceive that someone feels that an item is worth 35,000 but not 35,175. If you put all that money in two separate piles you couldn't tell the difference. Right? If you're financing the car it's pennies. Go after the banks and get them to lower the rate. It's nuts how many people that we have that will negotiate like a UAW arbitrator on a couple of hundred dollars and then pay a full point higher interest than is available.

blueguydotcom

someone feels that an item is worth 35,000 but not 35,175

You must set a ceiling when buying any car, even a BMW. A line's gotta be drawn because if we all went along with the idea that there's not much difference between 35,175 and 35k, then why negotiate down from 35,500? Afterall, compared to the 35k, is 300 bones that much difference? Where does the madness end?

I'll be honest, I wouldn't have paid over 40k for my BMW. no way. Sure it was only another 3k - about 7.5% - but I told myself I wouldn't spend over 40k on something as useless as a car (don't remind me that tax and all that means I essentially betrayed myself).

We're already buying something frivolous, so why shouldn't we try to save a few duckets?

And I totally agree about finance rates. People need to shop around. It's shocking how many friends I have who will beam with the deal over a new car, but then relate an interest rate of 6%!

bigstick1

Just purchased a 2003 BMW 530ia...with a very good deal. Have any of you seen a good deal on a used 2001/2002/2003 BMW convertible...low miles preferred and I don't mind traveling to get it. Local dealer has 2001 325 loaded sports etc. with 42K miles & is going to CPO it. Edmunds puts the price at $25K-28K...is that realistic? I would like a 330 conv. but they look pricey.

kyfdx

That price doesn't look realistic. Nice low-miler 2001's are asking $34-36K at the dealer. I know of a really nice (7000 miles) '01 that I couldn't pry from a private seller for $31K. (asking $34,900). That said, 42K miles is a lot for an '01 convertible... That might sell close to $30K.

regards,
kyfdx

gordonwd

If I'm going to spend $35K+ on a car, I want to get exactly what I want :-). So, I'm looking at custom-ordering my 330i which would sticker at about $38K. I live in the Detroit area where dealers are sparse, and my local dealer has already said that they pretty much sell everything at sticker unless they're clearing out '03s, etc. Any comments on this?

Also, are there any disadvantages to getting your car serviced at a dealer where you did not buy it? IOW, if I travel a ways to get a better purchase deal, can I get my service at the nearby dealer without prejudice?

memphis10

"We're already buying something frivolous, so why shouldn't we try to save a few duckets?"

Surprised to see this comment from someone who is spending all this time at such a frivolous forum discussing such trivial things.

It's OK Blueguy. We still like you out here.

bmwseller

Pricing on ordered 330i can be obtained from another source (?) and I bet that you could do a little better and maybe even have a better purchase experience. I've sold them under MSRP. Service and sales are separate. Service anywhere is BMW service.

mpek

Hello All,
I am getting a 2003, 325i with 5k miles on it ( used car )
Packages it has :
Premium
Sport
Xenon
HK Sound
Auto Transmission ( steptronic )

The deal is for 31000 $.. ( without TTL )...

What do you guys say ???

Any comments would be great !!!

thanks

mpek
P.S : I still havent bought the car...

blueguydotcom

Well, figure this car had an invoice of probably around 32.5k brand new with the options you've mentioned. Thus, you should be able to pick the car up brand new off a lot for 31k (2k rebate and 2003s are selling at invoice to about +1000) or so.

The dealership is trying to take you. 28 or 29k is decent considering it's used and I'd guess a CPO.

mpek

Hi,

I live in texas..

And I checked on the web..a new car invoice price with all the options is close to 34.5 k...Looking at that I felt I should consider this deal.. ( still thinking !! And requesting your comments !! )

thanks

mpek

blueguydotcom

The options you listed had an invoice of 32.5.

Hello All,
I am getting a 2003, 325i with 5k miles on it ( used car )
Packages it has :
Premium
Sport
Xenon
HK Sound
Auto Transmission ( steptronic )

MSRP: 35245
Invoice: 32599
+2k rebate

So, even assuming 1k profit for the dealer, you're looking at 31,599 for a brand new 325i with 0 miles.

Used, the car is worth at least a few grand less.

kyfdx

I think you missed destination charges, and no way to tell, but probably has metallic paint and leather.. I'm betting MSRP closer to $36,900.. The ones at local dealer just like that with metallic paint,leather and heated seats, but without sport, HK, and xenons are $34895. My guess he doesn't have the sticker, because its used....

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

I'm with you..think he's still a good thousand high...

blueguydotcom

The price I posted does include destination charges. As for metallic paint and leather, he didn't mention them. I went off what he wrote.

bmwseller

with the last 7 digits of the VIN, I would be happy to run a BMW vehicle history on the car. That would tell you alot.

kalif20

Hello all,

Here is the price i am getting in nj on a 2003 325 i with 8000 miles used/certified

premium package
sport package
leather
automatic
rear folding seat
xenon
hk sound

$31000 (including destination) + taxes etc

what do you guys think,
all suggestions/comments welcome.
looking forward to buying a 3-series

thanks

bmwseller

The 31 figure seems a little to good to be true. You can go to www.bmwusa.com and do an inventory search of BMW dealers all over the country and I think you'll find that dealers are selling certified cars like that for much more. I don't know if I wouldn't be a little skeptical of a price like that on a certified car but I guess it's possible, that's just real cheap. Is this at a BMW dealer with a genuine BMW Certified Pre-Owned service agreement for an additional 2 years or 50,000 miles. Maybe it's not, if it is , I'd even take a bad color.

blueguydotcom

Go to Edmunds or Carsdirect and build that car online with those features.

I'm getting an msrp of $36,495 (edmunds has a higher price as msrp but I don't trust edmunds as their data is generally wrong) for that car. Invoice is only $33,700. 2k rebate. you should be able to cruise away from a dealer with a NEW one just like that for 32,300.

Why buy it used again? There's no legit savings there.

bmwseller

BLUEDOT......that's certainly a valid comparison (new to used) but a BMW Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle would actually have more warranty and roadside assistance than a new one. Keep in mind that extended service agreements can be very expensive on a 'bimmer and BMW doesn't offer such a product unless it's certified pre-owned through a BMW Center. So, to pay 1300 or more above the price for the certified car with those real low miles.....? I'd say that I wouldn't be so sure that I'd immediately opt for the new one. In a couple of years that 5,000 miles won't really make as much of a difference as having the warranty. I'd take the pre-owned one if it is a BMW Certified from a BMW dealer.
    Again, with the last seven digits of the VIN I'll get a vehicle history for nothing more than a thank you and a couple of "good-guy chips".

blueguydotcom

good point. my one worry with a 5k trade-in or dealer car - rampant abuse.

dv8ed

BMW charged me for titanium silver metallic paint $475 and grey leather for $1450 even though I paid $2800 for premium package and $1000 for sport package already on '04 325 coupe is this right?

ksoman

Actually these are right, or close to right... dude, its a bmw, there is no free lunch.

bmwseller

I like the leatherette. In fact I have it in my 5 and the durability it better than the leather. There is no additional charge for leatherette and there is no additional charge for jet black, or alpine white.
'04 coupe was a nice selection...sleep tight!

dv8ed

he told me they don't make leatherette in grey for '04 325ci

kyfdx

I don't think they have ever made leatherette in gray... Only available in sand and black.

blueguydotcom

I own the gray leather. it's not worth the cost or hassle. black's always the best way to go with an interior - easy to clean, stays new looking forever.

at least I got black floormats outa bmw.

mpek

Hello All,
I am getting a 2003, 325i with 5k miles on it ( used car )
Packages : Premium Sport Xenon HK Sound Auto Transmission ( steptronic ) The deal is for 31000 $.. ( without TTL )...

Another deal i have is a
2002, 330i with 17k miles on it..
Packages ( similar to the one above )..
The deal is 30000k ( without TTL )

What do you guys think ?? I like both the cars... and now its boiling down to Year of make, power and car quality...

Any comments would be great !!!

thanks

mpek
P.S : I still havent bought the car...

jammer53

Hello, I could REALLY use some help on purchasing my bmw. I have literally spent weeks on the internet researching strategies,dealer tricks and prices. This is what im looking for.

2003 BMW 325Ci
Black Saffaire Metallic
Navigation System
Power Moon roof
Auto Trans
Bi-Xenon
Sport Package
Harmon Kardon

PLEASE arm me with some AMMO before I go dealership hopping. What should I look for, Is there any dealer incentives? 2500? should I start my pricing at 2500 UNDER invoice? What would be a good target range for me to shoot for based on these options and model? Also AFTER we negotiate a price... What charges are they gonna try and throw at me: Doc fee, Advertising fees, Twinkies Fees(joke) which ones are really LEGIT and which ones aren't Thanks for aLL the input
I will be paying for the car 100% in cash. Is there any advantage/disadvantage to this? Should I not tell them this? Sorry for all the questions, but I don't wanna overpay if I don't have to. THANKS! Also I live near 19026 Zip code Phila Suburbs, If anyone has had success with a particular dealership/salesman that was courteous and nice please lemme know. I am aware that you cant post names on here so please email me at Scriptlister@hotmail.com BMW has gotten me so stressed out Im about to go get a Lexus Is300 lol Thanks again

kyfdx

First... you probably can't find what you are looking for.. The 2004 coupes have been on sale since April. There are some 2003 sedans left, but probably no coupes. I think the rest of your questions are kind of moot, until you decide what you want to do now.

regards,
kyfdx

bmwseller

the 2003 coupes are gone......poof. Order a new one and there isn't a lot of discounting going on. I'm checking to see if I can find any demos like that, you know you could get Nav at radio shack.

jammer53

I havent had any luck in finding a 2003 325ci
I really didnt wanna go to 2004 becuase the front end looks different. I dunno Im going down this weekend to look at them , maybe ill like it in person. I guess its gonna be a (( 2004 )) 325Ci in my future after all! ;>

BMWSELLER are you joking? nav at radio shark? Crap? thought they only sold Jensen
I appreciate you looking but Frankly im scared to buy a Demo car lol, figure people just beat them around all day

jammer53

Just got off of BMWUSA.com and priced out my new car.

2004 BMW 325CI
MSRP= 38,915 <------------ Whats a GOOD PRICE TO SHOOT FOR???
Black Sapphire Metallic
Black Leatherette/Titanium-finish Trim
Sport Package
Auto Trans
Moonroof
Bi-Xenon
Nav
Aerodynamic kit <------- ANYBODY anybody have any pictures of this???

bmwseller

I've had some clients looking for a car with nav and find one that one that they really like but doesn't have it and go right to circuit city, best but, wherever and get hand held nav units. In addition, there are guys driving vintage 'bimmers that have nav units plugged in the cigarette lighter.
No offense, I wasn't recommending Radio Shack specifically. Some people will buy new only. Anyway, it's a great selection.

bluegray330

Personally, I will pick the 330i. The extra power on 330i definitely offset the "One year older" status and extra 12K miles (not much at all after several years).
A new 330i auto with Premium, sports, and xenon (HK and roof are include in Premium) is invoiced close to $40K. $30K for a 2002 with 17K miles is a steal to me if it's a CPO and seems has not been abused.

bmwseller

I'd take the 330i, no question.

blueguydotcom

Ditto. Drive them both. If you love to drive, the choice becomes easy.

memphis10

Auto Trans, 330 it is.

jammer53

Are you saying auto=330? Do you feel if im goin with a auto, 330 would be a must?

QUESTION: BMWSELLER

Are there going to be any incentives active in Nov or Dec?
That is when I am going to purchase my 3 series Thanks!

bmwseller

Don't look for any incentive on the '04's. Used 3 series are high as hell at auction right now because dealer used car inventories are low. So, I wouldn't expect any price reductions, just a great value on a car that has an MSRP that actually is in line with the market value. Don't forget that you're not buying a "deal", discount or rebate but a vehicle.

jammer53

"So, I wouldn't expect any price reductions, just a great value on a car that has an MSRP that actually is in line with the market value. Don't forget that you're not buying a "deal", discount or rebate but a vehicle. "

No incentives so I guess people in the market such as myself should shoot for Invoice or no more then 1500 above. I really hate haggling, and I really wouldnt lose too much sleep over a couple hundred dollars. I just dont want the salesman to laugh at me on the way out, cause he ripped me a new one. I believe in paying what its worth, just dont believe in being taken advantage of. NO offense to you cause I know your a sales rep, but I dont trust most of the ones Ive spoken with. You seem fair and knowledgable, wish you worked around my ways. You would have my sale : >

MY car (Based on Edmunds Pricing):
MSRP= 37,870
Invoice= 34,735
TMV= 37.505
35,000 + TTL Sound like a price to shoot for

Thanks Again for all you advice, Ill stop haggling the forum now lol

bartalk2

This has probably been posted here, but what's the price increase on the '04 330i over the '03? The 5 series has taken a big jump, naturally, but what about the 3's?

Thanks.

bmwseller

If you think for a second that you salesman is the sort of guy that would laugh at you behind your back then get another salesperson. We don't make huge commissions on three series anyway.. Ultimately, you're just left with the car and the payment/title. Once you get the car I'm confident that you won't have any price regrets. Sounds like you've got a good pricing strategy.

memphis10

auto=330, That's right. I feel that the 325 Auto is slightly sluggish. 330 auto is fine. If you are spending the same amount of money, get the 330 eventhough it's a year older. If you want to spend less get a 325 5 speed, which will be as fast as the 330 auto and fun to drive. Check out 325 vs 330 discussion on bimmerfest.

hondafan2003

I helping my first time car buying sister with her purchase of a 325xi
Since there aren't any 2003's left around the baltimore area she is trying to order:
2004 325xi
premium package
leather
HK sound
heated front seats
steptronic trans
silver gray metallic
MSRP is 37720
inv is 34595
TMV currently 37336

First offer from dealer is 36900
She offered 35400
then said would through in $150 floor mats and "maybe had $100 to work with"

I think she should be able to get the car for 36000 + tax/tags/title

My real question is what is reasonable for a car they are going to order and not have to pay any "overhead" on???
Any comments and suggestions welcome