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

tenmiler

What a total disappointment. I learned today only after showing up at the dealer that the price I was given was "for BMW owners only". While I understand the loyalty program for car mfrs, I was not told this was the case, and in fact had mentioned my current car in the email thread... I really like the car, but the price jumped over $120 a month! They are even selling it as a demo. It has 140 miles on it.

I do'nt think it was a 'bait and switch', it just seemed like an honest mistake but I spent two hours driving the car and hearing how great the 3 series is as a drivers car, blah blah blah.

Am I crazy to ask them for that price as a non-previous owner? I don't know that they have much choice in a lease situation as it's not their program, but didn't know if they could ask for an exception from BMW. OK, wishful thinking...

qbrozen

what kind of owner loyalty rebate we talking about here?? $120/mo is huge. I believe that's in the neighborhood of a $4k difference on cap cost on a 3-yr lease. I presume, in that case, there is a MF difference and possibly combined with a slight price difference?
You COULD buy down the MF with security deposits, if that is indeed the problem.

blueguydotcom

They're full of it. The dealer is yanking you around. It was a scam. Move on to a new dealer.

tenmiler

Hi qbrozen,

Thanks for the reply.

It's actually more like $80 (I was looking at the number before taxes and the higher number with taxes). Still a lot.

Looks like BMW was contributing .01 to the MF, bringing it from .0029 to .0019. It's likely those MF numbers are gone now that it's past the 1/2/08 deadline, although this car is a demo they are having a hard time getting rid of ("nobody wants a wagon", according to the sales guy), so maybe I have another angle to get the sale price down, but that is not a huge amount according to edmunds invoice info.

They also dispensed with the acquisition fee, according to the dealer yesterday. They definitely do give a big bump to previous owners, which is understandable. His response to me was "BMW is taking a bigger risk with you as they don't know you" (kind of like a club, huh).

I fear buying down MF with security deposits in case of both totaling the car and also that I get taxed 5.4% on any amount I put down (the whole benefit of leasing) up front. I suppose it's tax now vs. tax as I go through the lease, but my real hope is that maybe the dealer can get BMW to extend a courtesy to me due to what I think was an honest but clear miscommunication...

qbrozen

i don't think you'd get taxed on the security deposit as you aren't actually "buying" anything. It is a deposit. Besides, if you did, what happens when they return the deposit? Do they pay YOU tax??

kyfdx

None of that sounds right..

BMW has had some owner loyalty programs, but nothing that accounts for anything like that...

Looks like some heavy duty BS going on there...

600poundsofsin

Since this site provided a ton of valuable information, I feel obligated to describe my own leasing experience so others can compare. Of course I have the ulterior motive of wanting to insure my lease terms reflect a decent deal.

BMW 335xi Coupe
Manual Transmission
Premium Package
Sports Package
18" Wheels with Performance Tires
Heated Front Seats
iPod and USB Adapter
BMW assist
Leather interior

MSRP (including D&H) $47,825
Invoice (including D&H and MACO) $44,575 (Cars.com puts invoice at $44,195, so I'm thinking I could have negotiated MACO away had I been more savvy)
My price: $45,375

$0 down payment
$2800 in refundable security deposits
Money factor: .00207 (reflecting four security deposits and fact that my wife was a previous BMW lessee)
Total money up front (including security deposits, acquisition fee, first month's payment, registration fees, taxes, doc preparation (bogus?), CA tire fee): $ 4,557.80 (or $1,757.80 excluding refundable security deposits).
36 month lease
12,000 miles/yr

Total monthly payment: $667.52.

Does that math equate? Any feedback, good or bad, would be appreciated. Thanks to all for contributing to this useful forum.

boomer23

Looks good to me. Best discount on a 335 coupe that I've heard about, $800 over invoice. Payment looks about right, or even a bit lower than my spreadsheet shows, probably a small detail of sales tax rate, MACO amount.

boomer23

Correct, you aren't taxed on security deposits, AND they are refundable, even if you total the car, I believe. What you want to avoid is actual DOWN payment, which is also called "customer cap cost reduction" or "customer cash".

600poundsofsin

Great to hear. Thanks for the quick feedback. You definitely are a dedicated and valuable contributor to this forum.

tenmiler

Thanks for the reply. It does sound silly. It's Ralph Schomp in Denver--they really pride themselves on being "fair" up front and claim they are paid on salary, blah blah blah. So I've been surprised.

Re Taxing: In Colorado, you are taxed on any down payments you make. Whether or not that's a security deposit per se, I don't know, and maybe that's a different story--Security deposit isn't what I was told was the way to buy down the MF. But ANY cap cost reduction is subject to tax when you pay it.

My question is would it be at all likely BMW would make an exception for owner loyalty deals, extending it in a case like this, if the issue was one like this where the dealer miscommunicated a price to me? When I calculate it the MF buydown from BMW as they claim, goes from .0029 to .0019, which I think adds up to the difference in price.

tenmiler

I finally heard back from the BMW dealer after I asked them to honor their price quote, and they tell me the car has been turned into a 'service loaner', and was no longer available. However, they'd find me another 07 for invoice and give me accessories at cost. They also mentioned X3 deals too, but that's a whole new ballgame. I don't think the deal is so great but if I find a deal from them I'll post. I'm going to stop by one last time and talk to them, and then be done with them.

I think they've tried to at least honor their goof up.

cdnpinhead

If you care to look up "bait & switch" in your dictionary, I'm guessing there will be a YouTube video of your experience listed right at the top. If not, there should be.

The good news is that you were too informed to fall for their scam.

Run (don't walk) to the nearest other dealer, or do some e-mailing to learn which dealers within 500 miles are really interested in you business.

Good luck!

dtitanboy

I am looking for some info here, I am shopping for a bmw between 2002-2004, my question is what are the major differences between these 3 models? Comfort, ride, acceleration etc. If anyone knows where I could look to find the most info I would appreciate your help. Thanks and I hope to get some serious replies asap.

kyfdx

They had this in place back in November on the 5-series.. Earlier in the year, they had it for the X3..

Something tells me they have brought it back for January, in a big way, as I'm seeing anecdotal evidence of big lease price disparities between new vs. existing customers.. (i.e.: much lower MFs for returning customers).

I guess we'll have to wait a week or so, to get the goods on this.. I question this type of marketing strategy... plus, it makes it harder to keep tabs on things..

regards,
kyfdx

irishprincess

I am currently leasing an X3, my lease is up very soon. I am looking to lease a 328xi with premium, cold weather, and metallic paint. MSRP is about $41,000. I have a few questions, what is the current MF and residual value. Has anyone leased one lately? What did you pay? Are there any perks for being a returning BMW leasee? We live in PA.
Thanks!
Stacie

blueguydotcom

If you lease again you won't have to pay another security deposit.

xtabi

Hello everyone. I'm looking for input on an offer I'm about to make. Here is what I am looking to buy.

335xi Coupe:

MSRP: $47,500 (Includes Destination)
Invoice: $43,770 (Includes Desination)
My Offer: $44,400 + Tax + Tags

I have seen many people on here posting they have been able to buy this car for just over invoice up to 800 or 1,000 over.

I am also going to finance through the dealership at 4.9 so I know that helps them out also.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Jim

chrism124

I am looking into getting a 08 335Ci for June delivery. How much over invoice is this model going for? I know last year most if not all sales seem to be at MSRP. Is this still true today? The ED route would be attractive but I wouldn't have the time. If it is still selling at MSRP then I will take a pass for this year.

Regards,
NHman

ericlau01

I got my '08 328i the day after Christmas for $1000 over invoice.

'08 328i Alpine White, Auto, Sports pkg, Xenon, iPod, Bluetooth.

If you do end up purchasing your BMW, let the forum know if you were offered the 6yr 100,000 mile extended warranty and maintenance and what was the quote.

bimmerenvy

HELP... I was offered this deal in NY. Is this a good deal?

CPO 2006 CPO 325 xi fully loaded:

premium package
navigation
xenon headlights
steptronic automatic
satellite ready
park assist

OTD: $34,941 ($32,000 plus tax, title, etc.)

3.9%

$4,000 down

$569.35 for 60 mos

Maintenance to expire Dec. 2009
Extended warranty to expire Dec. 2011

Wondering if I should buy this car or lease a new 328 xi. I don't necessarily need all the extras, but they sure are nice. Any advice is appreciated.

Also ... I've read about run flat tires. DI have to worry about that on this 325xi. Hoping to be a first time BMWer :shades:

voldermort

Hello, I am in the process of finding a dealer for( 2 ) two 20 :sick: 08 BMW's.
I wld like to know the leasing information needed for both - the money factor & the residual factor, and anything else I need to know.
The vehicles are the 328xi @36/15k (for my daughter) and for the X5 3.0si @36/15k a repeat owner.
The dealers are in NJ and the vehicles will be premised in Nassau County, NY. I don't know if that makes a difference. Should they give me a sweet deal since there will be two vehicles that will be leased? Anybody know of a great dealer in New Jersey?
Please let me know asap.
Hermoine888

x021627

I like JMW in Springfield NJ. they are pleasant to deal with, not pushy and competitive (extremely) on price.

x021627

lovebmw330i

I'm coming out of a 3 year lease(12k/miles per year) on a 2005 BMW 330i.MSRP was $39k. AS per BMW Financial, the buy-out would be $22,200 the car would have 40K miles. I think the pay off is high and am considering leasing a 2008 328i coupe instead. I prepaid $17,250 for my first lease and want to prepay the new lease. What would be your suggestions?

qbrozen

hmmmm... well... I guess it depends on what side I want to argue for.

On one hand, I would say the cost over the next 3 years would be pretty darned close on the 2 options. Either pay out ~18k on a new lease and have nothing at the end of it, or pay out ~22k to buy what you have. At the end of 3 years, you'd have a 6-year-old car with ~80k miles that might be worth around $7k-$8k. But, of course, that costs you $4-$5k more now PLUS maintenance (which you wouldn't pay on the new one). So, in the end, as I said, I think its kind of a wash.

On the other hand, if you kept your current car beyond 6 years, it starts to cost considerably less. Yes, you'd be putting money into it, but not as much as a new payment would cost (most likely). Question is, WOULD you continue owning it that long? If the answer is "no way," then I'd say the new one is the way to go.

blueguydotcom

I regret that I chose to lease a 2006 330i when my 2003 330i ZHP's lease ran up. Second biggest automotive mistake of my life. The 2003 was gobs of fun. In the end I got the 2006, after 1 year I did a swapalease to get rid of it (boring car) and bought a Mini Cooper S. My mini cooper S is fun but each time a ZHP rolls by I suck in my breath and die a little inside.

If you really, really like your current car buying it out may not be the worst decision in the long run.

zzb1

Considering purchase of certified 2004 330xi:

Approx. 45000 miles, 1 owner.

2004 BMW 330XI ORIENT BLUE METALLIC W/ NATURAL BROWN MONTANA LEATHER. ALL WHEEL DRIVE, 5 SPEED STEPTRONIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, COLD WEATHER PACKAGE, PREMIUM PACKAGE, POWER FRONT SEATS, HARMON KARDON SOUND SYSTEM, IN DASH CD PLAYER, XENON LIGHTS.
BMW CERTIFIED PREOWNED WARRANTY.

Asking price: $28995 TMV: 26146

I appreciate help with pricing on this. Thanks

rhody_88

That seems high. I have a 2005 330xi (Titanium/Black) and the lease ends in two months. My residual is $23,847 (MSRP $44,995). I think you're paying too high a premium for the extended warranty.

rhody_88

I apologize for not mentioning that my car has all of your options plus the sport package (a fairly useless response, otherwise).

zzb1

Thank you. Would 26000 be more reasonable?

rhody_88

I haven't compared, except for an occasional scan of the dealers' CPO inventory. If you decide to go with the vehicle, please do yourself a favor and order a report. CPO doesn't mean the car wasn't in an accident, etc. Also, what qualifies as a CPO can vary greatly from dealer to dealer. IMHO, extended warranties are a sales tactic so the dealer can charge a premium (as you have discovered). I am still trying to decide what to do - buy it or get something else. If I buy it, I will forego the extended warranty.

golfnut802

2008
328xi

jet black (no paint charge)
automatic
premium package
cold weather package
ipod

MSRP $40,850 (including destination)
Invoice $37,640 (from Edmunds, including destination, but not MACO/training)

Paid $38,750 + tax+ title

golfnut802

After purchase of 328xi, offered TST paint Protection for $400.

Claims it will last 7 years, never needs waxed, protect against damage? Maintain "Sparkling Image"

Anyone have any comments about this stuff? I am very hesitant to think it is worth it.

ericlau01

Were you also offered an extended scheduled maintenance and warranty to 6/yr, 100,000 miles. if so, what was the quote?

ericlau01

Not worth it. I have a '01 Mercedes ML320, Desert Silver. Waxed at most once per year and still have the "Sparkling Image".

The $400 is a last resort for the dealer to make extray $.

ursamajor

There is a high probability that during the course of ownership or lease, you will be involved in an incident producing body damage. What happens to the clear coat when a fender, panel, or more is repaired, replaced, and repainted? The answer is it must be reapplied, at a cost to the owner/lessee. I was persuaded to buy this and find it to be utterly useless, based upon this likelihood.

vinnyny

"TST PAINT PROTECTION" is another way of saying "pure profit". They pay some kid making $7/hour to apply a waxlike product that costs them $7/tube. BMW uses some of the best paint in the world so you're already protected.

nyccarguy

I saw a '93 E36 325is (stick) with only 64,000 miles on it for sale in the paper today for $5900. I'm not in the market, but if I was, I feel like this car wasn't driven enough.

smithre4

2008 328i
metallic paint, premium, cold weather, xenon, logic7 sound, park distance, comfort access, wheel locks

MSRP: $40,750
Invoice: $37,568
Selling Price: $38568 + $430 (MACO/training fee) = $38,988
Edmunds TMV for area: $39,799

voldermort

Thanks, I will look into this today. With the internet manager or the fleet manager or even the general manager. WIsh me luck. I am getting ridiculous quotes from these dealers.

golfnut802

Anyone have comment regarding whether or not to put mud flaps on a BLACK 2008 328xi

I figured from a look standpoint, at least the mud flaps would blend in with the paint. Not sure how much they help.

voldermort

I just heard from my BMW dealer. - he wants to know if I want inceptions (1st month payment, ref security deposit, Motor vehicle fee, bank fee and taxes) upfront or in the lease. WHAT IS BEST?

Also, he added $480 for Maco and advertising. Isn't Maco the same as advertising? Will he hit me with a 'training fee'?

I am very confused about all this., what should I specifically be looking for?

Please help.

Do I negotiate with MF from the 'selling price' or from the MSRP? Obviously, I am still confused. I am looking for 3yr/45k...........so what would the residuals be on either vehicle? What do I look for if they are bumping up the MF? I have to get a car soon: any NY dealers willing to get cars off their lot ? :sick:

voldermort

Mud flaps are cool looking. They can make the car look swank I guess. But their primary function is exactly to keep the rain splatter kicked off from your cars tires onto the windshield of the car behind you - esp on a highway. There are some european countries where this is mandatory to have on all 4 tires in order to register your car and put on the road. So it depends if you think thats cool to do. keep splatter off of the car behind you.

Hope this helped

nyccarguy

Up Front Fees

You should only pay 1st month

Security Deposit (if you don't pay security deposit, they bump up the mf on you)

$625 Bank Fee (sometimes called acquisition fee, the dealer will try and mark this up as much as $200)

DMV Fees

Your taxes should be rolled into your lease payment. If your car gets stolen or totalled during your lease, good luck getting your money back from Gov. Spitzer.

The $480 fee which should be added to the invoice of the car (not the MSRP) includes $300 MACO (advertising fee) and $180 Training & Services Fee.

The first thing you should do is negotiate the selling price of the car. If you use edmunds calculator, make sure to add $480 to the invoice and $1000 (dealer profit).

For January 2008, BMWFS base lease rates for a 328xi Sedan (36 months/45K) are: 61% residual / .00175 money factor (4.2%).

As long as you know the selling price, MSRP, residual, money factor, term of the lease, and your tax rate...plug the numbers into leaseguide.com's free lease calculator you can figure out pretty much what the payment will be.

Where in NY are you? My family has leased 3 cars (my wife's '07 X3 3.0si, My Dad's '07 X5 3.0si, & my Mom's '08 328xi) from Wide World of Cars BMW in Spring Valley, NY (Just Across the Tappan Zee Bridge in Rockland County).

voldermort

This really cleared it up. Thank you.
Now I just have to email back the BMW dealer (which is the Manhattan dealer) and let him know exactly what you advised me. If he doesn't budge, then I am screwed I guess. This is the only dealership that has shown any promise. I won't even mention DeFeo! Their price quote was ridiculous! I kept emailing them and asking for their MF and residuals and totally ignored me. I thought they were a good outfit, but guess not!

I live in Nassau county, and forget about BMW in Freeport.

thanks for your help. I will let you know what they quote me (Manhattan).
:confuse:

golfnut802

I have a question - I have to decide lease or buy by the time I take delivery in a few days.

How does one find the 'money factors' to be used by BMW for the current month?
Or the residual (they are giving me more than 61% for 45k).

It seems I am being quoted a higher money factor by the dealer. I plan on taking all lease costs (down payment, monthly lease, residual) and converting a 'present value' to compare to if I bought the car outright and see if they compare. If the present value of the lease ie equal to or less than buying it now, then I could lease and pay the residual at the end of 3 years without it really costing me more money. If the car has problems, I can just let it go. This would give me an out.

lpan

Hey,
thinking of a 2008 328i coupe with only automatic and metallic paint.

MSRP: $37,825
TMV: $36,992

Current best offer: $36,625 (-$1,200 off MSRP)

Anyone get up to $1,800 off?

Thanks!

dsasi

I am looking at leasing a 335 XI and has been shopping around.

Edmunds quoted MSRP $47,550 and Invoice $43,800 with all my options (Premium and Sports package).

I used the leaseguide calculator and it quoted me a price of $540 for a 36 month lease (the least dealer quote I got was around $568 per month).

I used 61% as end of lease residual value and money factor of .00175, are these numbers correct for 335XI also?

Thanks.

lpan

Update:

I stand corrected. there is a dealer that is willing to give me $1,800 off MSRP, for a total of $36,000 for a :

328i coupe
Metallic Paint
Automatic.

Has anyone purchased a 2008 328i coupe for only $1,000 over invoice ($35,890)?

Invoice $34,890
MSRP $37,825
Negotiated price $36,025 ($1,800 off MSRP / $1,135 over invoice)

Good price?

nyccarguy

On a 328xi sedan, the money factor is .00175 with a 61% residual for a 36 month/45K lease