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

kyfdx

Two here in Cincinnati, and two more right up the road in Dayton. But, its pretty much the same way here.. $500 off MSRP on a '04 325i is the best they will do.

regards,
kyfdx

sunilb

I went through a similar process recently, and even with ED, I wasn't comfortable with the amount of money I'd be spending on a car. My budget was $25K.

My biggest "problem" was that I could not bring myself to get the 325. It was either the 328i/330i or no BMW (which would have been fine by me as there are good competitors out there).

I looked at a couple of '00 models but they all had ~ 55K miles on them. I didn't like the high mileage since I wanted to keep the car for a while.

I eventually came across a '01 330i, optioned pretty close to what I wanted (manual, sport pkg and xenons were musts) and with 36.5K miles. I ended up spending a little bit over my budget but I'm more comfortable as the car is still under warranty for 1.5years or 13K miles (and it was really well maintained).

I bought from a private party (again due to my budget), as most used cars on dealer lots command a $2-3K premium (just due to being at a dealer and/or CPO status).

I would say figure out which model you want (there isn't that much difference between the 328 and 330... regardless of what the specs say; but the 323/325 is not for everyone) and then try to get something still under warranty.

memphis10

I would say figure out which model you want (there isn't that much difference between the 328 and 330... regardless of what the specs say;

I think the opposite is true. There is a big difference between the 328 and 330. Totally different engine, much more better performance on the 330.

williamk38

That is good advice. Your budget number is exactly where mine is at $25k. Actually it is funny. After all my research I have determined that an '01 330i in the 30k mileag range is probably my best bet. Finding one is the issue.

I agree with the specs on the 330i and 328i. The 0-60 times are within .5 second of each other. The 330i does feel more powerful, but I really don't need the extra over the 328i. The 328's are getting ready to lose warranty though with the exception of CPO's. I am not a speed freak or an option freak. I just want a sporty sedan that has some practicallity, is fun to drive and keeps its value. I actually am thinking that the 325i is fast enough but I also can't get myself to get one.

I have a dealer friend that can get cars thru auction and that is an option, but could take forever. Manuals are tough to find as well. You can pick up a '00 328i in the 50k mileage range for 17-18 grand.

mpek

Hi all,
After a lot of research I got this car which excites me...can you guys tell me if its a good deal ??

2002, 325ci Auto Transmission
15000 miles
Premium/ Sports package
Xenon lights, Harmon Kardon System
Heated Front Seats
Its a Black/Black combination car.

I am getting it for 28800 $ ( including TTL )

what do you guys say ??

thanks

mpek

bmwseller

that sounds too good to be true......there must be more to this. If you have the last 7 digits of the VIN I could run a BMW vehicle history for you.

sunilb

I did have a harder time finding a late model 330i with a manual tranny, but they are out there (I looked at autotrader quite a bit). I imagine that more of the 330i's will become available in the next few months.

If you can get one under 36K miles, then you'll have some free maintenance left as well.

I'm hoping to have this car for 5-7 years (if not longer), which is another reason why I went with the larger engine-- better to be happy with this now as it's really difficult to change later. It's also quite fuel efficient.

The steep part of the depreciation curve is over and it should be tapering off now (even though the 2005 model will be brand new).

silvergray330i

Motenor1,

My out of door price was invoice (which includes $695 of destination/handling), plus 1500, plus tax (applied to invoice amount + 1500), plus title and license.

motenor1

I will be getting a car via ED using the Fax Rizzo Method. How do I go about it if I am financing the car thru the dealer to get the best rate? Do I apply for financing first then start the fax process after I have been approved? Generally, where can I get the best rate for financing: dealer or BMWUSA.com?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

stockguy71

I just came back from the dealership today (in LA) and was given a offer for a 4 year lease on a 2003 330i, automatic, xenon lights, titanium silver and premium package for $520/month (already includes tax) and $2700 total drive off. The price on the car was $37,565 and residual value of $19,100. The guy gave me till tomorrow to make a decision as it was the last one on the lot. Would greatly appreciate any quick feedback! Thanks!

zubby

I just purchased new 2003 330xi sept 20, from New Jersey bmw dealer
paid $38,600 ($900 under invoice)
titanium silver metallic
premium package
cold weather package
steptronic automatic
floor mats
330xi
was that a good deal?? been driving it now a few weeks.

garyods

Bought it on eBay, Premium package, cold weather package, on board computer and DVD navigation system, leather seats, HK sound, xenon.

Had 6000 miles paid $38K One small down side was it was in PA and I live in CA, but it only cost me $250 to fly back and 2 days to drive it back. And with averaging over 80MPH across NE and WY (and most of IA and NV) I still averaged 29.3 MPG

Very impressive car, I bought it for my wife (she loves it). It handled very on the return trip with a silky smooth ride, yet surprisingly agile and firm grip on the road when needed (which I did need when I found a dead deer in my lane going 70MPH cresting a hill at night).

The convertible season is ending in PA which I believe helped me get a better price on the car, but here in Sacramento the weather is still in the upper 80's and very nice. This convertible here would draw a premium locally.

bmwseller

was that from a dealer or a private party? I'm just curious because that car would do that much money or more at the auction. Whoever you bought it from left some $$$ on the table, KUDOS, a great purchase price. I love that nav. Nice that you don't have to get a special disc for your part of the world. Those xenon lights probably saved that deers life and spared you an sickening trip to the body shop. Enjoy! I bet you scored some bigtime points with the wife.

passaton

I was in the same boat, trying to get dealers in Texas and Oklahoma to get off MSRP on a 2004. The best I could do was MSRP - $500. I started shopping the country through Edmunds, others, and using the BMW dealer locater to solicit bids. I thought a good deal might cover my flight, drive back, and still come out ahead. It turns out my ONE in town dealer (MSRP-$500) got wind I was serious and looking outside the area for a deal. They got my e-mail address somehow, e-mailed me an offer of invoice + $1200. I went down and ordered the next weekend. Good Luck

michaelm77

Bought a 2004 330i today on the central coast of Calif. Here's the deal I got...

Invoice $ 31830
Mystic Blue 430
Gray Leather Inc
Premium Package 3005
Sport Package 1090
Auto (I know) 1210
Xenons 635
6 Disc Changer 437.50 (I split MSRP with the dealer)
Destination 695
Total Invoice 39332.50

Paid $800 over invoice for a total of 40132.50

Other fees: Doc prep $45.00, Calif Licence and Tire fee (Thanks very much, Gray Davis) 851.00, and sales tax of 3113.76

Total out the door: $44142.26

Too late to worry about whether it's a good deal or not. I've been looking for months and finally got tired of it. Besides, $800 over invoice on a 2004 ain't bad in my book.

This is a complete look at my deal. I did not finance at the dealer. I was pre-approved elsewhere and just went in with my checkbook.

All the papers are signed. The dealer is detailing/fueling as I write this. I'll pick it up in an hour and...let the games begin!

Thanks to everyone on this board for your postings. You've been a tremendous source of data. Thanks to Edmunds for your invoice info and for hosting such an informative forum.

philly99

I live in Philly so I am inclined to buy a pre-owned 325xi. These are hard to come by in my range ($25k) and there are quite a few 325i 330i and 528i available on the net. Any suggestions.

By the way how is this price. $24k for 2001 325xi, premium, heated seates. 50k miles?

would to rather pay 22k for 2000 528i 46k miles?

Consumer reports listed 00-01 BMW 3 series among the "used cars to avoid". Any comments.

Thanks for your time.

sjmurray3

What is a fair offer for a 2003 325i Sedan, Steel Blue, PP, Black Leather, HK, and Cold Weather Package. Retails just over $36000?

ksoman

but many other states are already paying car title and registration fees in that region, don't complain....

ksso

doothat

2003 330i
Premium Package
Cold weather
Sport Package
Xeon's
PDC
Low mileage and Certified
36,000

I think it is a little high since invoice minus the 3k discount on a brand new car with no mileage puts you ar roughly 37,500. yeah it is not certified but you get the full factory warrenty. The sport package seems Not practicle in snow country. I don't know why the dealer would certify such a new car probably costs then 1,200 but then the buyer still has to pay 50.00 deductible which makes no sense. Let me know what you think i think i should be able to get it lower but you guys seem to know better then i do.

totcessp

Are the incentives already deducted, or you have to take $2000 off the TMV for the 03' 325i?
Thanks, Thomas

rgnmstr

Greetings,
   I just started looking into buying a 2002 325XI. Does anyone know why the Edmunds TMV pricing is thousands lower than what dealers are asking? Yes I am comparing dealer certified pricing to Edmunds certified pricing. Edmunds says $27k - $28k depending on options and dealers are at $31k and up. Naturally the dealers all say Edmunds is full of it. Thanks.

rgnmstr

Does anyone know why a 2 door car should cost more than a 4 door car?

nyccarguy

If you look closer, you'll notic that there are many things standard on the Coupe that are optional on the sedan. Just off the top of my head I can think of the On Board Computer, Split folding rear seats, sport suspension...come standard on the coupes.

drosene

Care to tell us who that dealer in Texas is? I'm shopping tomorrow!

sjmurray2

I plan to offer $30,095 and be prepared to go as high as $31,095 for a 2003 325i that has been sitting on this lot since June 2003! Any comments would be appreciated, again the car has STEP, Steel Blue, PP, Black Leather, HK, and Cold Weather Package. Retails just over $36095.

williamk38

You have read my posts and I have been waivering, but I finally did it on Saturday.

I bought a 2003 325i Silver w/ Black leatherette, maple wood trim, and moon roof. 5-speed. That is all I wanted and that is what I got.

I paid $26,700 before destination & tttl.

The car stickered at $29,825 before destination. So, I didn't do that great. I left about $750 on the table, but I really don't care. After all my research and planning I got the car I wanted.

The only problem now is that I have buyer's remorse because I feel that I don't deserve a car this nice. Sad fact is that it cost me $2,500 more than an Accord and my insurance is dirt cheap on it(???-i don't know why). I guess I'll get over it, but I am getting a lot of "wow, you must be doing really well to afford a BMW" kind of pain in the [non-permissible content removed] comments. It doesn't cost that much for a new car. A frickin mini van costs you $35,000 these days. I'm just venting. I am a banker and do alright.

By the way, the engine and tranny combo is the best I have ever driven in my entire life. The smoothness of the inline 6 can't be described in print and is light years ahead of the a4.

Anybody else have these problems from their purchase.

sjmurray2

Did this $2,000 incentive play a factor? Maybe I'm naive, but there are a lot of 325s sitting on the lots around Washington DC!! I really am looking to obtain one of these cars at invoice minus the incentive!

sunilb

nice job.
i understand the unwarranted remarks-- tough to avoid, especially from those that don't know that these can be had for a little more than an Accord/Camry.

my insurance is really cheap too-- I'm speculating that it's because these cars are less likely to be vandalized or stolen. but that's just my guess. also, the stated hp (on both 325 and 330) isn't that much in today's market where a V6 Accord has 240hp.

rgnmstr

<<<>>

What was the name of the dealer and where are you located? I'm in Md shopping for a 2002 or left over 2003 and dealers talk to me as though they would be doing me a favor if they knocked $500 off.

williamk38

Yes, the $2,000 incentive played a factor. I told them that I was aware of the $2k incentive and I thought that a fair price for both of us was Invoice - $2,000 + ($500 to $750). For some reason the manual tranny's are hard to find. Everything on the lot was an automatic. When I was negotiating I actually got a little discombobulated because I didn't have exact figures in front of me and was guessing on a $2,500 spread from invoice to MSRP. I haven't checked but I think I probably gave them about a $1,500 profit on the car. I guess my on the spot negotiating skills are not so hot. If I had to do it again I would drive the cars and pick which one I want with options then find that car on the net. Call the dealership and negotiate back and forth over the phone or fax. That way you can have hard numbers in front of you and you can pull out if need be. I would think that at a certain point the $2k and $3k rebates will have go away when they only have a certain limited amount of inventory left. Then they will just lose on those cars. Similar to what Saab just did this month.

Sunlib- Thanks. You previous posts were very helpful. That is what I figured on the insurance as well plus all the safety features and crash test ratings. That has to help. The insurance is half as much as on a 2000 land cruiser for my wife. I was blown away when the insurance lady quoted me. I was expecting a premium over the LC.

williamk38

I bought it at Richmond BMW in Virginia. So, not that far from you.

They have probably 8 or 9 '03's left on the lot, all colors. They are all auto's if that makes a difference. I got the last manual tranny. They did have a Silver w/ black leatherette, wood trim, moon roof and auto. They had a lot of good colors left as well.

I ran into the same problem with my local dealer. They didn't want to budge. These guys will move on price, as witnessed. I bet I could of knocked off another $750. If you do get one there please let me know how you do. The lady saleswoman is great.

gordonwd

My nearest dealer is just 5 miles away, but there's one about 50 miles away that might make a better deal on ordering a new 325i. Are there any disadvantages to buying a car at a distant dealer and getting it serviced locally? One thing I'd be concerned about is that it's not unusual to want to take your car in within a week or two for minor "delivery defect" issues (minor rattles, fit issues, etc.). I doubt the local dealer would want to handle these if they come up.

I also wonder if you'd lose some perks that the local dealer might offer, such as loaner cars while yours is being serviced. Anyone have experience with buying a new BMW from a dealer that you will probably never see again?

chosen12b

When the deal says he will give you the item at there cost, and no labor,what does he really mean? how much should i expect to pay? we want to get the grage door opener and the alarm system installed in our new 04 325ci. our buying experience was really good

sjmurray2

My experience (non-BMW) has been to buy where you live, but I am Military and move often and have to fight for the perks sometimes! You need to check with the dealers and ask what perks they provide when buying a car at that particular dealer. My local guy offers free state inspections, valet service, to name a few! If I can get the car 100 miles away and save $1000s, I would go for it!

bmwseller

The service department should be happy to help any BMW customer. Call the service manager and ask him.

The service department customers are all surveyed by BMW and bad marks costs the dealership money. So, they have their best interest in mind by treating you like a million bucks regardless of where your car came from.

But, don't take my word for it. Call the service manager at your local dealer and ask him what you should expect if you've bought your car somewhere else.

My feelings are that you should keep your business local. Especially if you rely on local revenues for your business. Your dealer can match any price if they want to. Be cooperative and up front with the sales manager and at least give them opportunity (if they deserve one) and don't sell them out for a couple hundred bucks. You never know when someone in your local sales department might be able to do a favor for you.

riez

Many (most?) BMW dealers appear to provide free service loaners only if you bought the car from them. My local dealer won't if you bought your BMW from another dealer.

rgnmstr

Thanks for the info. I'll check their website. It's only 2 hrs away.

rgnmstr

I went to Richmond BMWs website and found the opposite of what you said. All their 2003 inventory seems to be 5 speed not auto.

williamk38

Their website is not accurate. Why don't you call and get them to fax or email a current 03 inventory list?

Trust me. I walked the lot and she pulled up inventory. They have very few manual tranny cars period on the lot. They have a 01 325 CPO and a 99 328 CPO in the manual tranny. That is it.

motenor1

What is the Title and License fees for Sacramento, CA. ? I am about to buy an 04 325i.

iwant330i

I'm a newbie to the forum and to the bmw, but fortunately I've stumbled upon this site before going out to buy my first car. I've decided I want a 2003 manual 330i with the following options: sport pkg, no leather, moonroof, xenon headlights, steel blue or steel gray. What is a good price I should expect on this car in Southern California?

Also, I want to purchase within the next two months, but it appears that 2003 supply is dwindling. How much more should I expect to pay on a 2004 model? MSRP is $38,920.

bmwseller

where are you? looks like this is a guy you can help out.

IWANT330i.....there aren't going to be any 330's equipped like that in an '03 model. Order the car now if you want it in that color with those options and you'll have it in the time frame that you mentioned. Or, try allison BMW, locator shows one there now that would have incentive.

gordonwd

I agree with your points, but... The dealer in question is about 35 miles away as opposed to 5 miles, but he is offering $1000 off sticker where the local guy said $0. That's a significant difference, plus the far dealer offers free pick-up and delivery for as long as I own the car -- even for routine oil-change servicing. A guy drives down and exchanges a loaner for my car and then brings it back when it's finished.

In general I think the "loaner" issue is a bit overrated. In 6 years of ownership on my Audi A4 I have not had a single time when a loaner would have saved me more than some minor inconvenience (my dealer will at least take me to work and pick me up). So if my local dealer will match the other guy's price, or at least within a few bucks (maybe throw in some floor mats or whatever), I'll go with him.

luvvmyhonda

So I think I made a deal last night. I live in LA and called over 10 dealerships.

2003 325i
Auto, Prem Pack, Xenon, Leather, silver
30,550 ++ttl.

I am one happy dude. Except, as I was driving home last night, I noticed that the passenger side mirror did not function, so I am taking it the dealer (35 miles from home) to have it looked at this afternoon.

I appreciate all the help I've gotten from this site and the folks that come here. Thank you!

williamk38

I would say you got a good deal. Far better than the deal I just got. Good negotiating on your part. Thanks. Now I feel like an idiot. The more I think about it you didn't just beat my deal, you trounced it.

bmwseller

WILLIAMK.........you've made out much better with your deal than some poor [non-permissible content removed] who bought a ______ (fill in blank). Plus, certainly you can count on having a very reasonable total cost of ownership and that's the true key when talking $$$'s. great selection!

luvvmyhonda

I'm glad you think I did a good job negotiating, but I just looked back on your post to see what you purchased, and I think you did VERY well. The most important thing is to get what you want... not what the dealer put on the car. I really wanted heated seats as I am always cold, but I there weren't any 03's left with it... i guess it's not a standard feature. Also I wanted the leatherette since I didn't / couldn't afford the leather. So I did my best bargining it down to where the leather was free.

Also, as a side note, I am so nervous about thing breaking in my car, that I took the car to the dealer today and asked them nicely to fix the mirror. They looked me in the eye, flipped a switch and moved the mirror. hmmmm. yeah, he had a straight face as I drove away, but I'll bet you that he was laughing his a*$ off as I drove away. I'm such a [non-permissible content removed]. :>

rgnmstr

Dealer in Baltimore is offering a 2003 325i with automatic, prememium, cold weather pkg and leather for $31 something. He's a $32,180 and says he can go down to mid $31k plus T&T and that stupid new $100 tag paperwork fee. Edmunds says $31,549 these days.

rgnmstr

Some dealer websites have "South Africa" next to some models. Are some 325s made in South Africa and not in Germany and are there any differences? Thanks.

sjmurray3

So you got your car for $1655 under invoice?