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

remdad

Hello all!

I'm looking to buy my first BMW. Have the following offer in South Jersey.

325i, Steel blue metallic
Sport package
leather

Offer includes floor mats and wheel locks. To be ordered and delivered in 8 weeks.

I calculate invoice price at 29, 180. They are adding 200 for advertising and 530 for dealer prep/mats/wheel locks. Offering price is 30,980, or about 1000 over this.

I'm not looking to travel 100 miles to save $250. Do you think I should take this deal or shop around a bit?

Thanks in advance for any or all input.

tgravo2

sounds like a good deal to me.

magar65

I am also jumping into the fray. I am looking for a 325i from Kuni. What was your experience? You listed $1000 below invoice...did you mean $1000 below MSRP? I'm looking for a Black with Prem Pack, HID, Sport Pack, Heated Seats, Harmon and Leather. Edmunds is saying about $36k.

330i any better (w/essentially the same stuff)?

lady_luxury

I must be lost. I can't find the European delivery pricing anywhere. Help me, please!

tlaw2

Thank you for the correction, I did mean $1000 below MSRP. The people at Kuni have so far been very professional. Last weekend, they had 8 325i's, but only one standard shift. To get a Topaz Blue base model + sunroof only, the salesperson thought I would have to order it, which would take 90 days max...fine with me.

I have driven both the 325i and 330i, and the 330 seems to have considerably more power. But, the cost + gas mileage + insurance makes the 325 more attractive to me.

ipatty13

go to www.eurobuyers.com and click on the link for the desired model under "2003 Model Information,
MSRP and Invoice Pricing: (pdf)"

There, you will find both MSRP and Invoice pricing

chris0616

Just read your post about being a 1st time BMW buyer and living in NJ. I live in central NJ and am looking to sell mine. If you might be interested in a 2000 323i with 34K miles, please post with your email and I will send you details. Love my car, but feel the need for a larger vehicle.

jmbmw

I'm looking at a 2001 325xi with cold weather and sports pkg. Also has, leather and moonroof. I'm trying to get an idea of price, any help would be great. Thanks.

remdad

I'd consider it. Drop me a note. shollenb2001@yahoo.com

needashave

Anyone hearing about deals on the 325xi in Chicagoland?

lady_luxury

Thank you so much ipatty13. Now I'm in the loop. I feel so much better that I am knowledgeable on this topic and can start to save money.

ipatty13

You're welcome. Also remember that you should calculate all options at the invoice price. Don't let any dealer tell you otherwise!

mapjmp

I paid $29,400 for my brand new 2003.The sticker price was $30,850.I got a good deal and love everything about it.Black ext/Black int./automatic/moonroof.IT'S AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

mets3

Looking to purchase my first BMW. Trying to locate the best deal possible. Anyone with info on dealer invoice versus MSRP.

loubct

Mets3: send me an email. I can refer you to a dealer that will present to you an excellent quote on your new car.

khoon

MAPJMP - that seems like a great price - what kind of interior did you get - leather, or leatherette?

Also, BMWUSA is now offering a lease deal - $325/mo and is also throwing in the all wheel drive. Is this a good deal?

pmhtv

Looking to purchase a 2003 325i manual in the Detroit/Michigan area. Many of the dealers around here are arrogant and not willing to negotiate - any advice or information on a good dealership?
Also, is $1500 off MSRP about the most I can expect on this car?

bgt1

Dont go by what they state the monthly payments will be. Look into what they set up the terms to be. How many months is that? And at what interst rate? How much are they asking for down? What is the milage limit per year?

To be honest, with low interests rate today, and a decent down payment (trade in?), you could BUY a 325 and get close to that monthly payment.

I tend to view leases, overall, are NOT a good deal.

needashave

Have you seen any formal offering from BMW regarding the free AWD? Do you know if this applies to buys as well as leases? I saw an ad in the Sunday Chicago Tribune for a local dealer offering "AWD at the price of RWD" but did not think it was BMW endorsed. Now I'm interested in hearing more. Thanks. Happy motoring.

jadu

Hey BMW fans!

I am about to make a deal for a 2003 BMW 325i (Manual Transmission) with the following options:

1. Sport Package
2. Heated Front Seats
3. Xenon Headlights
4. Power Glass Sun/Moonroof

BASE MSRP for this model is 32,800 (approx).
BASE INVOICE is $30K

Dealer asked me $31,365 (excludes lic/reg/doc fees).. Do you think I am paying too much.

Thanks,

bgt1

Sounds decent BUT what interest rate are they giving you? Are they offering a decent deal on your trade in?

jadu

Thanks bgt1 for your message.

Well, I am arranging from my own financing. So, no financing from dealer. Also, there is no trade-in. This is my first brand new car

How much are profit margin are you guys (who got new BMW's) to dealers? Is 5% over Invoice a decent profit margin or too much for dealers?

Thanks,

bgt1

Has BMW given you a interest rate yet?

You might consider BMW NA to finance. They are offering some pretty low interest rates lately.

BMW NA gave me 0% interest on the last of their remaining 2002's. I couldnt pass that up!!

exited_bmw

needashave

I spoke with the internet sales manager yesterday who offered be $2000 off MSRP on a new 325XI, along with 4.9% for 60 mos. I'm finding this too good to be true. Anyone else seeing these kinds of deals?

bgt1

Yeah, Ive seen those kinds of offers lately. I just got a new remaining 2002 330i and got 0% financing!! They were also offering 3.9% on new 2003 but not sure if they took any amount off msrp.

BMW NA is offering great financing right now to keep sales up in a lousy economy. If you can keep your job and make money in this lousy economy, there are some GREAT deals to be had!!

Get the bimmer, you WONT be disappointed!!

anthonycecil

the dealer has not offered anything off a new 2004 convertable, but would offer some off(500) an 2003. Has anyone gotten anything off an ordered car. Tony

khoon

Needashave - where and which dealer offered you this deal?

majariwr

Can't speak to a 325ci, but I recently (December 31st) ordered a 325xi with premium, xenons, heated seats and black leather in Topaz Blue Metallic for about $1700 under MSRP. Production is scheduled for the 24th of January, and I hope to be driving it by the end of February. Can't wait to drive my first BMW!

livinbmw

1.9 on 325i, 325ci, both wagons, 330i, 330ci, Z4's and X3's. It's a national program but most dealers are probably going to want to jack that rate a point or more. What part of the country are you in?

needashave

The dealer was Bill Jacobs in Naperville, Illinois. After further consideration (now I sound like a lawyer), I've eliminated the 3 series from my list. Its down to the 9-3 or the A4. Its not the money that steers me away from the BMW, but having owned other BMWs, I've decided I just don't need all the extra attitude that comes with this car. Its a fine car...funny how marketing sometimes back fires!

rabbit1029

First time Bimmer Buyer here, 2003 325ci with leather and sunroof.

Is Carsdirect Price good price? Or I can do better going to a dealership? How much should I aiming for at the dealership?

Carsdirect Price $32485
MSRP $32795
Invoice $30335

Any good dealership in Northern Cal? What's the lowest APR lately... help help.

magar65

Not Sure of the pricing or the options for that price, but have you explored the European Delivery option. Much more can be saved going that route..sure you have to wait, but if you've got time, you can save a several thousand of of MSRP! Give it a look and see what you think.

pavan

Here is the best I could muster from dealers in my area (Minneapolis-St.Paul,MN).

2003 325Xi, 5-speed, Jet Black (non-metallic) with Black Leatherette
w/ Premium, Sport, Cold Weather, Harmon-Kardon
36 mo/ 15000mi/yr $3100 down (total payment at lease signing incl first month payment)

Dealer is giving $1200 off of MSRP (which is $35720).

I was quoted $499/mo (incl local sales taxes)

Does this sound right?

Pavan

rabbit1029

Where and How exactly Buy thru european Delivery directly?

Help Help

majariwr

Pavan, pricing may be according to geography, but I ordered my 325xi in Topaz Blue Metallic, Black leather, xenons and heated seats. MSRP was 36,070. My lease deal numbers were similar to yours, but with only $2800 down.

majariwr

"Pavan, pricing may be according to geography, but I ordered my 325xi in Topaz Blue Metallic, Black leather, xenons and heated seats. MSRP was 36,070. My lease deal numbers were similar to yours, but with only $2800 down."

I forgot to mention that the car includes the Premium Package.

bimmer12

Pavan- Obviously for different drivers, there are different needs when it comes to driving vs leasing but I highly recommend you to look into purchasing the 325xi that you're looking at. BMW has some great finance rates- 60mo around 3.9-4.9% and you're talking about a car with one of the highest resale values on the market today.. After 3 years, you will have spent close to $20k on your lease for a car that you could possibly pickup in the low 30's... I think the resale value (especially an xi in MI, low interest rates, current deals on the 3-series through the end of the month may make buying a viable option

magar65

There's a lot of info about European Delivery on the other boards. Pricing and procedures are spelled out quite well...yes, you do have to do some reading, but it is well worth it! You end up saving 10-12% depending on vehicle and options (off of US MSRP).

The only downside is that it takes longer before you can enjoy the vehicle. I haven't done it, but that is the route I'll be taking. Ted, in NY, is very good to deal with. Let me know if you need his number and he will be happy to help you. (Thanks Lou!)

smg5

I just got an internet quote for an automatic 325 xi, with premium package, upgraded stereo, cold weather package and xenon lights -- the quote was for $34,995 -- $1425 over invoice. Based on what I've been reading here, that's pretty good. Does anyone disagree? If I added metallic paint and leather seats to the mix, do you think, having offered $1425 over invoice, I could keep them in the same range?

I had been hoping to get an Audi A4 1.8T and save a few thousand, but given the recent ignition coil horror stories, I can't seem to make myself do it.

I'm a bit concerned about the rear wheel drive bias in the xi, though. I've never driven an RWD car, I live in Chicago (think snow), and I'm worried about the fishtailing, etc. Is that mostly alleviated in the xi? I know most of you probably like RWD (this is a BMW discussion after all), but I'm a bit wary ...

djocks

smg5, info I have is you need not worry about the snow as long as you have change the tires over. I think the xi is a better car than the audi.

Pavon, did you order your car? The sales dealer I spoke to anticipates the money factor on the 325's going down on Feb 28th and up on the 330's. It could be sales talk but he know I desparetly wanted the 330i.

I think he got me a great deal....

2003 electric red 330i
sport package, xenons, moon roof, heated seats

$7000 down, 36 month lease - 15,000 miles
$361 a month

plus $250 for a set of once used snows in great shape, mounted and balanced for free.

I think I made out pretty good. I know all economics tell you not to put that much down but I had the disposable cash and I really wanted the lower monthly's. Plus my work conditions set up for nice tax advantages with the lease and the residual value is good enough where if I do not like the redesigned 3-series I can just buy this one.

Do you think I made out O.K.?

rwong1998

I have a 330xi and have not had any problems with fishtailing in rain or snow. Keep in mind that with All wheel drive or Rear wheel drive youw ill need snow tires in deep snow. The AWD does help but just as important is the DSC. I can make my 330xi fishtail slightly (I have to floor it out of a tight corner) before the computer on the DSC straightens me out by braking the appropriate wheel. With snow tires and sane driving the AWD is all but unstoppable in the snow.

gpwatfrd

I would love to hear any opinions on the Lease deal that was offered to me.(car needs to be ordered) The car is a Orient Blue/Natural Brown 330i w/the following options:

1.premium package
2.metallic paint
3.automatic
4.heated seats
5.run flat tires

MSRP $40,795
36month,12k, 0 down(inception fees $1709)
$498/month

I think it is an excellent deal. What are your thoughts on these numbers?

djocks

I think you got a great deal. Just goes to show that the money factors on the 330i's are very strong. Looks like you made out a little better than I. I have it with you 7K down at $355 a month, give or take a few. Mine was 361 with a less expensive equiped 330i but more miles.

Bottom line, i think the deals are out there and again, I question if I am going to like the next gen 3-series. This leaves the door open and allows me to drive a dream car. I could not afford the monthly's under a finance!

bimmerwaggin

I shopped a new 2003 325 wagon, but got a little sticker shock. Most wagons outfitted the way I wanted were between $36,000 and $40,000, depending on the option mix.

The dealer had a 10-month old 2002 with 11,800 miles. It was owned by BMW (an "executive car", whatever that means), never titled to anyone, and it looks and drives brand-new.

They were asking $30,000, I got it for $28,000. MSRP was $38,120.00.

I know I've lost 10 months of the warranty / maintenance, but getting into the car I wanted for under $30K seemed like a good trade-off. There's also no warranty service until the 15,000 mile mark, anyway!

Titanium Silver
Automatic
Leather
Xenon Headlights
Premium Package
Cold-Weather Package

My only issue is the 15,000 mile interval between oil changes, so I took it home, and changed the oil. Easiest oil change I ever did!

smg5

What's all this about snow tires and the 325xi? I thought the car came with all season tires. I am not getting the sport package -- without the sport package, are snow tires still necessary.

djocks

when i was looking at xi's the samepeople told me that no, without the sport package, changing tires was not needed!

lady_luxury

(This is message #19 posted at "Trying to get a competitve price on a 325xi")

... I think that the price quoted was just too good to be true.

I got a quote for of $33,815 for:
325xi
metallic paint
steptronic auto trans
prem pkg
leather
htd seats
dest charge

This is only $200 over invoice. The pricing came about because I requested it through autobytel.com.

Has anyone else used this service for pricing through dealers? And if so, what has your experience been? I'm very skeptical about this price because it seems unreal. How can I hold a dealer to this price or any quote? How far into a purchase can I go before I can back out of the deal? Besides taxes and tags, what are the extra fees that I should expect and what are the fees that dealers try to sneak in?

Thanks for any help you all can provide.

(Sorry to anyone who has had to read it twice!)

gpwatfrd

Thanks for your input. I was wondering what you thought about the run flat tires. I read in a motortrend mag that the handling was considerably poorer than a vehicle with sport tires(225/45 245/40). I wonder if there will be a clear difference when driving the car. Does anyone own a 3 series w/ run flats? If so, what do you think?

BTW DJOCKS you are right about the pricing on the 330's. We are proof of that. I remember pricing the 3 series out a couple of years ago and the numbers were sure not where they are today.

djocks

gpwatfrd, I think in all honesty, if you got the run-flat tires you would never know the difference. Maybe if you were driving the performance tires and switched you could tell but not from the beginning. For example, my last 2 cars were a 94 jetta and a 92 audi 100cs. I test drove a 325xi with the standard wheels. No run-flats or performance rubber and barely any options. I was smiling under my breath because the way the car felt was in another galaxy from what I was used to! If you are like me, you believe the difference between these cars (BMW's) and everything else is substantial and the small difference you might feel in the tires still does not take away from the overall superiority they give to the driver. Besides the added security of the run-flats can not hurt! I got a 330i four door because in August my wife and I are going to have our first little one and I need access to a baby seat. To be honest, run-flats seem like a fair trade in big picture and I would not be looking to swap! My situation was a car with the sport package siting on the showroom floor they wanted to move. I was not in a position to be picky!

Real quick,

bimmerwagon, for the quality you got - awesome deal. I see it as a steal as well.

lady_luxury, autobytel from what I know works. A dealer in the area willing to run with the quote will be in touch. As far as the particulars not much I can tell you except BMW is moving the 3-series right now so I would believe the price.

Finally, tick/tock tick/tock.... I pick up my 330i tomorrow in the afternoon. Took the day off from work and I am planning on cruising the back roads of Conneticut. I will definitely pay a visit in here tomorrow to sing and dance and hopefully not morn over a speeding ticket!!!