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

corvette

I spoke with my attorney who told me that if my signature isn't on the lease, it's not valid, and with no lease, no deal. I then spoke with the sales manager of Don Jacobs BMW and they agreed to take back the car without charging any fees due to the mishaps that occured during the transaction. They were apologetic and actually offered to do this before I suggested it. I'm glad it worked out!

kyfdx

So, what are you going to do now?

corvette

Probably just sit tight for a while! The 1.9% financing on the 3-series is pretty tempting though. If I decided to buy, I would fax out a spec sheet soliciting bids. Best offer wins. Thanks for your sage advice BTW!

mookie

I am considering a 2004 330ci. The particular car I am looking at is "new" but it has approximately 200 miles and was built in May 2003. Should this be a concern and are there particular questions I should be asking? Also, does this affect the price?

Thanks for the help!

kyfdx

1) If you garage your car, it would bother me that it has been sitting outside for over a year.

2) Ask for a BMW vehicle history report. This should tell you if the vehicle has been placed into demo service, etc.. and when the warranty expires.. If it is brand new, then the warranty expiration won't show up.

3) Ask yourself why this vehicle has been sitting for so long.. Damaged in transit and body work done? Undesirable color (gray-green, or brown)? Strange option menu (no sunroof, stripper, too loaded with nav and pdc)?

There should be a reason for it sitting so long.. if it is a drawback you can live with (funny options or color), then bargain hard.. If it has paint work of some kind, then pass on it.

The 200 miles don't bother me much, but the "age" of the vehicle makes me wonder.

regards,
kyfdx

mookie

Thanks kyfdx.

I will ask those questions. It is puzzling to me because the car looks great. It is titanium silver metallic, premium and sport packages and xenons. No odd options such as Nav.

What is a "stripper"?

Thanks again.

kyfdx

No options... no sunroof, no leather, no premium, etc....

Black leather on that one, I presume?

mookie

Nope, grey leather.

kyfdx

Is it a six-speed or a steptronic? I guess being a manual transmission could make it hang around longer, but the 330ci with those options pulls in more stick-shifters than some of the other models.

I'd want a look at that vehicle history report, and the answer to why it has hung around so long. Getting that answer (or at least a truthful one) might be hard, though...

If everything "seems" to check out, I'd want them to put it on the rack, get their best service tech to come over and take a look, and tell you right to your face with your salesman standing there... "This car has never been in an accident, and has never had any paint work".

Call me paranoid, but I can't tell good paintwork on a new or almost new car. I'm betting a lot of other people can't either. But, the guy that takes your car in trade can spot it in a second.

Also, all the incentives on coupes are either lease incentives or financing incentives.. If you are paying cash, the sedan is a much better deal.

regards,
kyfdx

djocks

Everyone,

I am more than half way in on my lease of a 330i. I have always been told that leasing lends itself to staying with that particular brand b/c of loyalty discounts for staying.

This is my first ever lease. I will be right on miles and the car is in great shape. As you all know, BMW has some stiff competition these days but I would like to stay with them. My shoping list will include a 530i, X5, and of course the new 330i when it arives.

If you get a chance can any of you share what experiences you have had in re-leasing with BMW and what I kind-of financial insentives i might expect.

thanks i appreiciate the help
dj

mrp

Hello All...I was hoping someone could help me with a question. I went to look at the 330i today while the dealer was closed...just to look in peace! I know the cars come with the performance, premium, and sport packages. It seems to me that some of the options in the packages overlap (probably on purpose). For example, if I decide on the performance package, do I still need the sport package? Conversely, if I like the larger wheels and sport seats...and the spoiler all around...shouldn't I get the sport package and the spoiler as a stand alone option? What is the best way to get the most stuff for the best buck? Thanks to someone who can clarify.

qali

I am returning to the board after a couple of years. My current lease on a 3.2TL is ending in 2 months, and I am considering leasing a 325i or a 330i. The sales rep told me that there are no visual differences between the 2004 and 2005 models, except for auto-dimming mirrors in the interior. However, I also saw posts that say that 2006 model will appear in early to mid 2005. Is this true ? Thanks

mookie

I appreciate all the information. It is a beautiful car. It is steptronic. I will surely take your advice. Any thoughts on if the dealer will be more willing to give me a break on this car since it has a few issues (assuming they straighten them out)?

kyfdx

None of the stuff added with the Sport or Premium package overlap... If you get the Performance package (ZHP), you can't get Sport package, as the ZHP includes all those items or upgraded versions.. If you get ZHP and Premium, then there are some things from the Premium that are deleted in favor of the ZHP (interior trim, for instance).

Unless you just have to have 18" wheels, I'd opt for the Sport package over the ZHP. You still get big fat tires and sport seats, without the punitive cost of replacing 18" tires. I vote NO on the spoiler (just my $.02).

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

Most info says the new body style (E90) won't be out until at least June in the U.S. as an '06 model. I think your sales rep is correct, no visible changes in the '05 model.

regards,
kyfdx

mookie

I appreciate all the information. It is a beautiful car. It is steptronic. I will surely take your advice. Any thoughts on if the dealer will be more willing to give me a break on this car since it has a few issues (assuming they straighten them out)?

kyfdx

Boy..no telling what the dealer will do... IF everything checks out, and the warranty period hasn't already started, I'd just ride them hard on the 200 miles, and let them know how that worries you, how you'd have to get the deal of the century to buy it, yada, yada, yada... The car sounds great, and has everything you could want.. But, it is the end of the model year. With the miles issues, etc (not that important on an automatic), I'd want to pay invoice and get the 1.9% financing at most.

If the car already has an in-service date, then I'd be shooting for maybe a thou under invoice. If the in-service date is a year-old, then I'd pass on the car.... Unless you drive a lot, you'll be missing out on a year of warranty.

regards,
kyfdx

qali

I am returning to the board after a couple of years. My current lease on a 3.2TL is ending in 2 months, and I am considering leasing a 325i or a 330i. The sales rep told me that there are no visual differences between the 2004 and 2005 models, except for auto-dimming mirrors in the interior. However, I also saw posts that say that 2006 model will appear in early to mid 2005. Is this true ? Thanks

footloose

Hi,

I just bought a 325i (2004) and decided to go for the iPod Integration. Since this was going to take a few days post-purchase, the salesman said he would drive the new car to my home with the ipod integration work done.

When he brought the car to my home and i asked if we could listen to my iPod, it did not work. It was clear that no one had checked at the dealership to see if after the wiring was done, it actually worked.

The salesperson was embarrassed and i was disappointed. he had to drive the car back to the dealership (20 miles each way) and then it took another day and a half for the re-wiring to be done. Tonite, the salesperson is going to drive the car back to my home.

Do you think that the dealership should comp any/all of the ipod work (it came to close to 300 dollars).

Thanks for your advice,

Footloose

crikkit

I'm interested in a manual transmission 330i. The two BMW dealerships in my area have dozens of them, but only one manual in the whole bunch, and it has the performance package, which I don't want. There aren't even any 325i's with manual. Is there really that little interest?

sphynx

Of course if you really and I mean REALLY want to drive it hard into curves go with the ZHP. I test drove a 330I ZHP hard into a series of curves, high revs, quick braking, fast takeoffs (with and without the computer turned on just hold the DSC button down until the BRAKE and the DSC lights come on and it's all in YOUR hands, no CPU to save you)
I then took a sports / premium pkg around the same course and drove it just as hard (or at least tried to) the rear end popped out and started to come around on several curves but the CPU took over and corrected it.
The lesson here for me at least was the ZHP can take LOTS more 'action' before needing the CPU to kick in and save you from yourself. Plus it's fun hearing the growl in the exhaust as you slide through the gears.

m4d_cow

stripper: barely any optional equipments, if not completely none

travis2

The 330i is on my short list for my next car. The TMV price is just under invoice - is this the best you can expect with the 2400 cash to dealer incentive? Are people able to get cars significantly under invoice now? Seems to me, $1800-2000 below invoice would be a decent price for both dealer and customer. Also, I am located in NC, anyone care to suggest a dealer, or prioritize Leith/Performance/Crown/Flow? Thanks for any help!

djsway

I got a offer over the phone for,
2004 325ci
white
automatic
sand leatherette
sport package
moonroof
32k total not including taxes Southern Cali
is the salesman blowing me smoke and trying to get me in the dealership or is this a reasonable deal?

kyfdx

What is the MSRP of the car?

djsway

$34,520 on Edmund, here's a list that I think I should have before going to the dealer.
1. Have a the 32k offer faxed in writting, no hidden fees and such.
2. The stealer said it would be in two weeks, have some kind of guarantee that it will come then.
3. Negotiate for floor matts
4. ?

kyfdx

That is a really good price.. Have you discussed financing or leasing? All of the incentives on the coupes are on the financing/leasing of the car, so getting the "base rate" is important.

1) They might not fax this to you.. just to keep you from shopping a written offer, but you are on the right track.. make sure it is for $32K with only tax/title/license extra.

2) No one can "guarantee" it. All you can do is walk away if it takes longer.

3) No negotiation.. just say: I want floormats for that price.

4) Not much else, except to remember that the financing/leasing is negotiable also, to a point. You might call back to discuss this with the salesperson before you get any farther.

regards,
kyfdx

twaters

This is a great time to buy a 325 and
you can do MUCH better.

The reason is as follows:
(1) 05 3 series will have moonroof and wood trim
    as standard with no increase in MSRP.
(2) BMW is giving dealers $1200 marketing support
    on all 04 325.
(3) Need to get rid of 04 models to make room
    for 05's coming in.
(4) The 3 series will get a total redesign in the
    06 model year which they will start selling
    in spring or summer of next year.

In this weeks Los Angeles times there are several
ads from various BMW dealers, many of which say
they will match or beat any advertised price on
BMW's. McKenna BMW was running the following ad:
new 2004 325 sedan, auto, moonroof, with MSRP of $31120 for only $26888, 5 cars available at that price.

kyfdx

No $1200 marketing support on the coupe... and the word is, the MSRP will go up to reflect the cost of the sunroof.

djsway

Thanks guys! I'm glad there's help out there.

Kyfdx, when you say financing is negotiable, what do you mean by that? They have the 2.9% BMW financing already, can I get more? Is it safe to go with BMW financing? I have a car loan from my bank but not at 2.9%

What is the "base rate"?

Also, since that the car is coming in two weeks, they will probably request a down payment of some sort. I was thinking of putting $500 down then another $500 when the car gets here. In case it does take too long I can refund my initial $500. Would this work?

kyfdx

but, I'm not positive, that the base rate for 60 month financing is 1.9%. Most dealers try to mark this up.. BMWFS pays them a portion of the finance fee for the markup and it adds additional profit for them. You can check with your salesperson, but other than a deposit to "hold" the car, you might not have to make any downpayment at all, if you wish not to.

Check with Car-man here: douginma "Rebates, Incentives, APRs - Questions & Comments" Aug 10, 2004 1:14pm and he should be able to give you the base rate.

djsway

Thanks again Kdfx!

djsway

After agreeing on a price (on paper) should I sign the contract? Or should I wait until the car gets here?

kyfdx

Me personally? I'd want a signed contract in hand... with everything spelled out.. just as if you were taking delivery of the car that day.

That way, no surprises the day of delivery. And don't worry about signing.. Nothing is valid until the car is delivered to you, anyway... but this way, both parties agree up front.

Anyone can back out of a deal, but no one can make you go through with it (although this might be a good reason to make as small a deposit as possible).

regards,
kyfdx

P.S.: If you act like you trust them, they will be more likely to trust your intentions and that helps you negotiate the best deal possible. No dealer wants to waste a lot of time on a deal that won't get completed.

kyfdx

Car-man has already answered your query on the other discussion board.

vsaxena

My guess is that most if not all of the 1% markup goes directly to the dealer's pocket.

kyfdx

It is a lot less than that.... First, the present day value of 1% over 60 months is a lot less.. On a $32K car, the difference is about $800 over the 60 months, or about $13/mo. Figure that is only worth about $600 in a lump sum up front and then figure the dealer gets $300-$400 of it. You would be better off if they just charged you $400 more for the car and used the lower rate, but if you don't know about it...what the heck, 2.9% sounds pretty good.

I had a friend who was a sales manager at a japanese import dealership.. He said if they wrote a lease with a higher money factor that increased the payment by $25/mo, then they would get about $350 back from the finance company. $900 more in payments, and they made $350. That doesn't mean all of them pay the same, just that one company.

The finance company can't give the dealer all of it, because most contracts are paid off before the full term.

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

2005 325i

Base MSRP $29,300 + $695 destination = $29,995

(moonroof standard equipment)

djsway

That 32k actually was a soft offer and I don't think the stealer was serious about it. So I called around and the best quote for my
2004 325 ci
white
automatic
sprt pckg
moonroof
sand leatherette
is $32,585 including slip matts
Can I go lower than that?

kyfdx

Invoice is $31,685.. You might be able to get $32K, since it is the end of the year.. Have you found a dealer with this car? Because 2004 production has ended...might be hard to find. $32,585 is $900 over invoice.. For that price, I'd want to make sure I got the 1.9% financing.

kyfdx

The new '05 with the same options will list for $34,670. Not much of an increase, but then again, probably no deals till after Christmas..

djsway

That 32k actually was a soft offer and I don't think the stealer was serious about it. So I called around and the best quote for my
2004 325 ci
white
automatic
sprt pckg
moonroof
sand leatherette
is $32,585 including slip matts
Can I go lower than that?

vsaxena

I guess one aspect to consider is that the present value is not very different from the future value right now since the rates are so low. I can understand that when the dealer finances with a third party they get a lump sum amount to compensate them for the mark up. With leases there is very little chance of early payoffs so perhaps a lump-sum payment to the dealer makes sense.

When it comes to BMW dealer working with BMWFS, perhaps the arrangement is different. They are a part of the same umbrella organization and may be more willing to share the risks and the rewards.

My guess is that their arrangement may be more like that of a mortgage backed security: i.e. they clear accounts monthly and the dealers get their share of interest on all the existing loans and leases. If a loan gets paid off, the dealer also loses and does not get future interest payments. With current IT systems, the incremental cost for BMWFS to perform these calculations should be trivial.

Otherwise BMWFS stands to lose money if people refinance or pay off their loans too soon. And I am sure that happens often since folks buying BMWs are reasonably well off.

ogbuffguy

Does anyone know the incentives this month for the 325ci and the 330ci??

kyfdx

1.9% financing..
special MFs on leases..

No dealer cash.

infantry7

completed purchase order for 05 325xi. MSRP increase of approx $1200 for USA vehicles this year. Automatic Steptronic 5 spd, Mystic Blue, Leatherette Beige, On board computer, elecric seats w/driver memory, total price $30,945, Stateside delivery $2150, total price $33,095 delivered to Wichita KS.

vtony1999

Hi all,
I bought a BMW 2004i with Silver metallic, steptronic
Including Premium package and sport package
Price 32,525.00 plus sale tax and fee
Finacing 1.9%
Is it a good dear?

Thank you in advance

vtony1999

Hi All
I paid $ 32,525.00 plus sale tax and fee for BMW 2004i Silver metallic with black leather interior and steptronic
Including Premium package and sport package.
Finance 1.9%
Is this a good deal?
Thanks in advance

jazevedo

Well I bought my zhp today! Silver, with black leather interior. It took a month or 2 of searching for the right deal and I finally got one that made me happy! $5400 below msrp and 1.9% financing. So far I love it! Can't wait to get past the break in period....

luvmy325

So you bought a Z AND you can't wait until you get past the break in period... What are you doing on the internet? get out there and break it in. I bought my '04 325i in December/03 and I have over 42000 miles on it. (Warranty is almost over)... and YES, you read that right; 42 thousand miles in 8 months = an average of 5250 miles a month = Approximately 171 miles per day. I am crazy, I know!