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

britcrlvr

here's the deal.
1) it will be hard but not impossible to find a car w/o leather.
2) 40K seems okay but I think you can do better. I would feel more comfortable if you found one in the mid to 30's so around 36K or 37 K without tax title and that crap.
3) the Idrive is certainly hit or miss, personally I think the system sucks because there are some many things you have to do through the system which require taking your concentration off the road and giving it to the machine. Audi and Mercedes have better systems, but less fun driving machine's it's a tradeoff.
4) I am not enthralled with the car's looks on the inside even without the nav, I think that the interior is too dark, spartan is a better word.
5) there's a guy I know who has a website www.AutoNegotiator.homestead.com try contacting him he might be able to provide you with more information.

oceana143

For those of you buying instead of leasing, how long do you plan to keep the car? Also, is there a "typical" point where it is smart to sell the car (e.g. 110,000 miles) because expensive repairs start to be needed? In other words, what is the optimum mileage to keep the car before getting another if you are strong on maintenance and reasonable in driving habits. Thank you.

dhanley

Ok, here's a link to US and euro MSRP and invoice prices.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158310

If you need to pay $2150 for marine insurance,import duty,handling, etc, then it's not that great of a deal, IMO.

The most cost-effective thing is to pick up the car at the plant via european delivery. If there's *any* way to do that, for example, while returning home...

As for the nav, i'm not so high on that--you can get a pretty good nav unit for a couple hundred dollars, and replace it with a better one in a few years when technology advances.

Non-leather is ok, it is much more durable, which is a plus, but it doesn't breathe and carry sweat away that well.

bds76

Thanks for the message. Sorry if I wasn't completely specific: the cars are built to order, so I can get any array of options on it that I want if I order it in advance. My local dealer in the Florida panhandle said they couldn't do any better (but then again, they have about 6 new cars on their lot, they clearly are not going for volume).

Thanks for the tip on the website, I'll check it out.

BZ

britcrlvr

Here are several reccomendations:

1) decide if you really want nav there are pros and cons to this
2) If you choose to go for a car without nav, it will save you some money. My advice to you is go on BMW's website and watch the interactive video of their idrive. If you can try it out more power to you.
3) I don't know how stuck you are on the 3 series, but BMW is introducing a 1 series.
4) Consider looking at an 06-07 3 series and be willing to look out of state if the dealer only has 6 cars.

bds76

Thanks -
Actually tried that website, it's blocked by our firewall/filter here. Other problem with looking for a car at home is that I'm still in Iraq and can't order with the military purchase program once I leave. I am going to give Autobytel a shot and pick a dealer in TX (where my parents are from) since I'll be headed there for awhile when I get back......

kyfdx

Regarding options..

If you want leather and BMW Assist, then I'd ditch the NAV and just get the premium package. You'll be right around the same price.

britcrlvr

there are three options you have.

1) the 08's should be arriving soon which suggests to me that you could find a demo 07 fully loaded, or even an 06.

2) As the BMW 3 series has moved up in price BMW has chosen to bring its 1 series over to the U.S. Fully loaded, it should be less than the 3 series.
a) the problem with this idea is that this model is not slated to hit U.S. shores until 08, and it might have a premium markup on it.

3) I would offer 33K-36K for an 06-07 model with limited miles and which is reasonably equipped. The other thing you should consider is that by going with an 08 depreciation is going to hit you harder than it would in an 06-07.

good luck

bds76

How difficult would it be to find a demo 07? I like the idea of saving money on a used car but at the same time I'm wary of a used BMW since (you would think) people have probably driven them a little harder than most cars - is that a common issue?

rlatham

Im keeping my car (2006 325i M/T) until the wheels fall off or a diesel 3 series is available here...whichever comes first.

BTW...must put a plug in for Yves Badji, my sales guy at Passport BMW in the DC Metro Area. He's EXCEPTIONAL.

cdnpinhead

". . .or a diesel 3 series is available here...whichever comes first."

You and me both. Only difference is that I'm not currently driving a BMW -- should be, but I'm not.

328isosa

I just got what I think is a good deal on a brand new BMW 328i.
34,450 MSRP Lease
12k Miles
No money down sign and drive 420 monthly.

My question is my car is set to arrive in two to three weeks,this is my first BMW coming from a 2005 Honda Accord. What should i expect from such a car,as far as different overall driving experience?

ash11

i'm actually in the same situation. still waiting for the car. did you happen to opt for the tire/wheel warranty? how much did they quote? thanks.

lawhergirl

i found the car i had been searching for...2006 Black BMW 330i sport package.. The tag on the car states that it was on "sale" for 31990 down from 33999. Salesperson shows me Kelly Blue book that value is 35995. I specifically want to stay around 29999-30000. Salesperson asked me if I have looked anywhere else. i did tell him that I had spoken with someone at Carmax and they were transferring a 2006 Black BMW 325I to me, with less miles selling at 28500.00. Salesperson goes into owner's office where they look up the car on the internet to show me that their "features" far outweigh those on the car offered by carmax (and truthfully they did) and, as such, their "sticker or tag price" was their bottom line and they weren't moving on the price. I did, as I had been instructed to do and walked out....
however, i really want this car....
is there any way to save face short of just walking back in and paying their asking price....
Should i even ask for a reduction considering, that Edmunds, Kelly, and NADA all show that the price is actually a good one????
please advise

circlew

If you truly feel this is a good deal, do not even think about saving face. Just go back and get the car, IMHO. I have a 2006 xi...you will NOT be disappointed, considering you have done the obligatory homework regarding the condition/history.

Regards,
OW

kyfdx

I agree... don't let pride keep you from getting the car you want..

That said, since you've already walked out, make sure you do your research and shop around a little. I see tons of '06 330s for sale...

If you don't find a better deal, just go back..

regards,
kyfdx

dan12

You did the right thing to walk away. I would bet that they will call you back within a few days and ask you to come back to talk some more. It's all part of the negotiation. There are plenty of cars out there and not so many people willing to plunk down $30k on a used car. They may want to have the upper hand in the negotiation, but you actually have more options than they have. Good luck!

britcrlvr

There might be some available, but I think as the year comes to a close more will be available. there are certain ways to determine if a car has been driven hard. I would prefer to tell you how to look to see if the car is worn confidentially. However, if this not an option then I will post it on edmunds for everyone.

htko4316

Hey 328isosa, can you tell me where you got that deal through?
I would appreciate it very much!

faster4

I'm the original owner of new 2004 BMW 325xi. I have BMW original owners protection plan (OOPP) for 4yrs/50000. I have 6 mth left before I reach 50K. I'm looking at extending the OOPP to 6yrs/100K. I'm in MA area.
What is the faie price to pay? Appreciate any help. Thx.

poleman14

Went to the dealer today and was quoted this for my lease....please let me know what you think / if I could do better.

2007 335xi with Premium and Cold Weather package (6 speed)
MSRP 45,450
Sale Price 43,000

MF 5.04 (no idea what that meant)

$3000 down
$1800 trade in

36 months
12k per year
$476 (no tax in NH)

Thanks

gap4jason

kyfdx -

I finally got my 1st BMW ever!!! I've been wanting to drive since mid-90s, but for some reason, it just never happened. I sold my Lexus and my Mercedes both of them back in July. My wife told me that I better get my Bimmer or she'll never hear the end of it from me. With your help, I was able to make the negotiations. The transaction was so easy! Thanks to Bob Smith BMW in Calabasas, CA. Thanks again to you for your patience and advice!!! I'm now a proud owner of an '07 328i, with Premium Pkg, NAV, and Auto - white with beige interior!!!

jason :shades:

jimengs

I got a quote from a dealer in NY for a white 328xi with auto transmission, premium package and cold weather package.
38,955 MSRP Lease
12k Miles, 36 Months
No money down, base payment 525 monthly.
Residual 25,483
First payment: 2,006

Please advice. Thanks.
JM

tayl0rd

...there are certain ways to determine if a car has been driven hard. ...

Do tell.

kanchis

Hi guys! i need some help on this deal.... Here are the details:

328i Coupe 07
Blk mtlic, correl red interio, SP, PP, heated front seats, Steptronic, BMW navigation, logic 7 sound system, ipod/USB adapter

MSRP=$46275
Selling price = $44,000
Money factor = 0.00215
36 month, 15k miles lease
58% residual

monthly payment =$701.36

Drive off
----------
1st month payment 701.36
Aqu. Fee 500.00
Title+registration 150.00
total due at drive off=$1351.36

what do you think?? please help...going to get this car this week.

Thanks,

Kanch

socno24

Could somebody tell me if this is a good deal:

'07 328xi sedan
automatic transmission
cold weather package

MSRP = $38630
Selling price = $37130
Money Factor = .0015
Residual = 61%

0 down
$419.67 a month

Thanks

britcrlvr

i would be happy to inform you, but i would prefer to do it privately. my previous response was in response to someone who was serving abroad, so I understand if that individual tells me i can not communicate with them confidentially. However, if you are interested please tell me if there is a way to communicate confidentially.

kyfdx

Well... the forums are here to benefit everyone that reads them.

I'm not sure why that sort of information would need to be kept in confidence... But, either way, that isn't the purpose of the forums.

regards,
kyfdx
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britcrlvr

here are the reasons it is better to keep it private

1) the more information known publicly means that in the unlikely event someone from a dealership reads the information it means consumers no longer have leverage to determine whether or not they are purchasing a vehicle with damaged parts. it is easier to keep the dealerships in the dark than allow them to fix their mistakes and make it hardeer for consumers to find flaws with potential used cars. however, if this is a problem which it appears to be, as i would like to help everyone in the forum perhaps you have a suggestion. it is not my intention to use the forum in a way disagreeable to its founders. my only intention is to give consumers rather than dealerships the upperhand.

kyfdx

For every person that posts in a discussion here, there are probably 100 other people that read them.

I'd like to change the world, too... but, the chances of me making a difference, one person at a time, really isn't feasible, and isn't what these forums are all about.

Plus, I'm not sure anything written in the forums will change the way car dealers do business. If you have helpful consumer information, then by all means, let us know about it. This particular forum is pretty narrowly focused, but we have a whole list of discussions where general knowledge about car shopping would come in handy.

Smart Shopper Forums

regards,
kyfdx
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kyfdx

gap4jason..

Congratulations!! Have fun with your new BMW!!

regards,
kyfdx

tayl0rd

I would actually prefer it be publicly known. We're all here to learn. And I don't want my email addy to end up on some mailing list for spam.

britcrlvr

it is not my intention to alienate myself from the rest of the forum but I have declined purchasing cars before and asked why by a pressuring salesperson I have said there are several problems with the car. Without going into detail the salesperson asked where and I told him to sit in the backseat, and his eyes would be attracted to it immediately. needless to say, the next time i came back the problem was fixed, and the car was sitting on the lot, but how many of us want to purchase a vehicle that is hastily repaired, to make it aesthetically appealing, when in reality the flaw was just temporarily hidden. it is not about changing the world, nor is about being selfish, it is simply about as I stated earlier that the more people know what to look for including dealerships it makes it more difficult for others to find faults in the cars. for these reasons i prefer to keep it private, as noted prior to this. those worried that i will spam, all i can offer is my word, as I am a single individual, not a company, all i can say is that my word is all i can offer. however, most of us are skeptics, and I would not blame someone for not trusting a stranger it is human instinct. once again i apologize to those i have accidently angered, but i feel that my position is justified, and those who do not mind speaking in confidentiality, can email me at daltman@tulane.edu.

the only advice i can to those in an attempt to appease is to sit in the car for a long period of time, look around and follow the salesperson's eyes, once you have exited it. often times they will point things out unwantingly, helping you find flaws in the car.

hscinoh

Hello everyone, i plan to purchase an 08 328xi wagon w/ auto transmission and cold weather package. One concern that i have is, according to the dealer, very few wagons are sold in the States. Would the low demand for the trim be an issue should i decide to sell it at a later time? Thanks for helping.

cdnpinhead

It's a bit like selling a car in this class with a manual transmission -- the market is smaller, but the people who want one definitely want it. It'll sell, but it needs to be marketed correctly & patiently.

Go for it. Get what you want. Life is too short to worry too much about resale, IMHO.

dan12

I think that is a great car to get. You get most of the handling and fun of the 328 but with the added practicality of a wagon and all wheel drive for the mountains. I considered that car too and would probably get it if not for my wife's X5 (and her weird aversion to wagons that I do not understand). I would have the same thought as you about resale value, but there is a buyer for just about everything.

osetia1

I just leased 07 328xi auto, premium, comfort access, heated seats from Knauz BMW. My CA was Abe Anthony. Nice straightforward guy. I had a great time dealing with them over the phone and emails so when I took delivery of the car I just needed to sit down less than 45 min to go over the final numbers and sign the lease. Overal very pleasant treatment, one you would expect from a luxury car dealership.

bingle

I have been thinking about leasing my first car and here is the scoop....

2007 328i sedan

3K down, MSRP 37k, 12 thousand miles/yr for 36 months, sport package with automatic trans. payment $470/month FINAL. What do you guys think...I am sure that I am leaving some info out...just let me know. Thank you

dan12

I have never leased before, but I am looking into it. I'm not sure if you can back into the sale price, MF, and residual value given the $3k down and $470/month. I think the sale price, MF, and residual value are the most important values to determine how much depreciation you are paying for and what interest rate you are being charged.

manufan

I have just received this quote from a dealer in the Bay Area. Can you advise me if this is a good price on a 328i?

$36,470; Auto, Premium, comfort access, metalic.
Out the door price is $40,050

Best regard

bingle

Dan, this gentleman on the page before ours basically has the exact same price (maybe even 1k higher) and his price is 50 dollars cheaper??? I told the salesman that I needed it to be a little lower and of course I got the "I can't go any lower" bit. Why such a difference? Thank you

'07 328xi sedan
automatic transmission
cold weather package

MSRP = $38630
Selling price = $37130
Money Factor = .0015
Residual = 61%

0 down
$419.67 a month

cdnpinhead

How long is the lease? How many miles/year? The fee for setting up the lease (acquisition fee) is supposed to be $625, but lots of dealers appear to mark it up a couple of hundred (or more). Generally the up-front money should cover the acquisition fee, one or more security deposits (you'll get it/them back when you turn the car in), the "cap cost reduction" (which should be zero -- money down on a lease is generally a bad idea) and your first month's payment.

Excel is your friend here, if you know how to use it. Edmunds has another board dedicated to BMW 3-series leasing & everything I think I know I learned there. Message #1582 over there (if I were computer-literate, I'd put the link here, but I'm not) has links that direct you to the really basic stuff: whether a lease is a good thing for you and how to calculate leases. It's good stuff. Just go to the "Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences" link at the top of this page & you'll find the board I'm talking about listed directly adjacent to this one.

Good luck.

dan12

Dan, this gentleman on the page before ours basically has the exact same price (maybe even 1k higher) and his price is 50 dollars cheaper??? I told the salesman that I needed it to be a little lower and of course I got the "I can't go any lower" bit. Why such a difference? Thank you


Not only that, but he puts 0 down and you are paying 3k up front, I'm assuming in cap reduction. As the previous poster said, it does of course depend on the lenth of your lease and the miles per year. But you should find out from your dealer the selling price, money factor, and residual. Then you can do an apples-to-apples comparison. And excel is really your best friend here.

bloomer65

I am researching into used 2006 330i's in the Chicagoland area and am wondering if the impending 2008 model year release affects used car prices?

In other words, would the price of a used 2006 go down by any substantial amount if I wait until the 2008's are out?

bingle

Hello everyone! Here is the latest what I have the salesman down to. Let me know what you all think because I am a first timer. I do have to say that this entire experience has been very easy and kinda fun and exciting.

Okay...

36 months/ 15k miles/ 450/month with 3k down at signing

He also stated that there is a certain thing that he can do and waive the destination fee because the car isn't where is should be yet (I need to ask him alittle more in depth on what he meant ). I think that I have already stated the car but again 328i 4-door 2007 with sport package, upgraded headlights, and heated seats. I go meet with him tomorrow and see if we can't make the deal final. I hope to have some feedback to see if I am on the right track. Also, I have three different dealers on this to see who can give the best deal. Have a good day!

ascauto3

Just went through quite an ordeal getting just the car I wanted. I actually felt like an internet sales manager was stalking me for a bit (4 calls a day + 30 emails) I NEVER would have gone with this CA, but the deal was just too sweet.

Here's the deal:
2007 328xi Sedan (Production 7/2007)
Monaco Blue Metallic
Premium Package
Cold Weather
6FL Ipod
Carpet Mats and Rubber Mats

MSRP: $41,325 + mats
Invoice: $38,250 + mats
Paid: $38,100 incl. mats/maco/deliv, etc.

Bought car in North Jersey, PM if interested in more detail. Has anyone else seen numbers like this? It seems they want to get the 07's out quite badly. This one had not even arrived yet when I made the deal.

bmwinsideman

I look on the post to see the great deals the consumers get. I wonder what will be your reaction when you get invoice less $100 when you go to trade it in. It all comes full circle. When you buy a BMW you are not buy a Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Chevy, Subaru, and Acura. For the prices you are discussing you get a 4/50k warranty and maintenance. No one else stands behind there product like BMW does especially not the customers on here. Now my money is important to me just as it is to you. But really, if you have to fight over $1,000 or $1500 maybe you should be looking at a different brand of car. We take great pride in our product. If this is going to be the only BMW that you buy then my not concern you but you should be dealing with the guy that is going to be there and paying him for his time. The person giving you this $100 over or under invoice is getting paid about $100 to take care of your paper work, get the car cleaned, and make sure that you are happy. It's nice to get an idea of what is going on in the market place but to fight for a price like this.......they should fire the salesperson and stop discounting the car that way. We all discount cars but invoice or anything less that $1600 over invoice should not be discussed. Half of our cars are not even discounted (I live in North Carolina) Afterall, it only changes your payment $32 dollars and then you can take great pride in the feeling that you have achieved something great...A BMW and did not have to go in a ask for a discount! Just something for you to think about. Keep some pride!

kyfdx

Pride? What good is pride, if it keeps you from getting a great deal?

Buying a BMW isn't a great achievement. Feeling like you have to pay more for a car? Sounds like a self-esteem problem, rather than pride.

vinay_s

Just got a '07 328i sedan( MEtallic; AUTO; Premium package; Cold Weather Package) for approx $37000.
Bought it at Open Road BMW at Edison NJ.The buying experience was mixed.
I first got a CA who seemed intent on applying all the sales tricks the books taught. He was trying to hurry the sale even before he took me on a test drive. He would look at his watch every 2 minutes and kept telling me that the car I liked could be sold any minute if I did not decide fast. He also tried to discredit an internet quote that I had obtained from their website just the previous day. He drove me to a point where I asked for his manager and threatened to walk away if I did not get another CA.

The manager read the situation well and assigned another CA to work with me. This CA was great. He was well informed, patient and not pushy. From this point, I had a great buying experience and would highly recommend this CA. His name is John Power.

I wish they teach all their CA's to read their customers better.

mjk5

I never even considered a BMW, because it was too much out of my price range but just saw a commercial and checked their site and they have a 36 moth 339 a month with 3.2k Down.

Now I don't really know much about leases but since this is the national deal from BMW's website could I negotiate a bit more and get it down a little more? Is the lease this cheap because of excess inventory before the 2008s? I am intrigued by this offer, any other hidden fees not listed here? I guess I'd like to get it down a little more, and if it is excess inventory I think I could, but I guess this deal seems insanely good. Also how lenient is BMW with damage to car at end of lease? How much does that typically cost?

http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/3/2007328iSedan/programs.htm?PanelID=4&duration=3- 6