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

kyfdx

Look close for that donut.. It might be hiding underneath where you think it is supposed to be..

There was a mid-year price increase on January 1st, so your car might have been pre-price increase, so that could account for the invoice discrepancy.

regards,
kyfdx

jazevedo

I guessed that it could be a price increase....it just seemed weird because we talked price first. Maybe he already located the car by then, but I was under the impression that we were discussing price for any car that he could find. Who knows though...

Hmmm.....I will have to look again for the donut, but i can't imagine it could be under what I saw...if it really doesn't have the donut, do you think maybe they took it out to save money? Maybe I'm just paranoid...I kept waiting for something to be wrong with the car since this salesman was sooooo nice and easy to work with.

kyfdx

Did you get the performance package? Does it come with runflat tires? If so, maybe no spare.. I can't imagine they would take it. No car dealer needs money that bad.

regards,
kyfdx

jazevedo

Ha! Okay I feel stupid now...I just went out to the parking lot at work and sure enough the donut was there! I'm glad I didn't make a bigger [non-permissible content removed] of myself and ask the dealer about it!

Thanks kyfdx!!

yes, I have the performance package and the salesman actually said it didn't have a spare when he was showing me the trunk, and said it was because I have runflats and 24-hour roadside assitance.

Thanks again!

kyfdx

You aren't the first one... I only knew about it because I read the same thing in another forum. Even your salesman didn't know.

regards,
kyfdx

alibajalajaula

Jaz;
Congratulations on your purchase; welcome to the ZHP club. BTW, that donut is a 17 inch, not an 18 (I asked why, and was told, it is intended to be used for short periods, while you get from point A to B, say to fix/replace your tire). Bottomline is, ZHP does not come with runflats. Runflats are available only on 17 inch tires on the 330i series. Enjoy your bimmer.

bazooka15

I originally wanted to get a basic 2004 325xi (auto) with the cold weather package but i couldn't find any in california with those specs. So I turned to CPO. I found a 2003 325xi with (8000 miles) cold weather, premium package, auto, with xenon headlights for 32000, which was about the same price as the basic 2004 model. Is this a good deal?

vtau

Thanks for all the info everyone.

Glad to hear you found your "donut" Jazvedo.

August 31st is only 11 days, I was hoping for better responses on my offer (initial offer of $1700 below inv). I too just want to get close to that range. This is why it is my "initial" offer but so far two attempts down the drain. Third ones a charm, I hope.

I found a dealership in San Mateo with the exact option and color that I want but have been holding off making an offer until I have all my facts straight. This dealership has two zhp-6sp, I hope they are more willing to deal since they have two in stock (silver gray & mystic blue). I prefer the silver gray but mystic blue doesn't seem too bad. I'll make my offer some time this week. Hopefully I'll post positive results, if not I'll post for more advice.

Thanks again

atwnsw1

I sent a fax to 15 dealers in the area for a CPO 2003 (Certified) BMW 2003 325Xi that is under 25,000 miles.

Using the details from www.fightingchance.com (not affiliated), the dealers asking prices ranged from $32-$35 cars with premium package and auto transmission.

The responses varied from $27,500 to $32,000. Most cars with my criteria were $28-29 range.

In one conversation, the dealer confirmed that there is one price for "walk-in or locals" and one price for "fax only requests" which can be $2-3k less.

So, my advice is to shop around. You can always get the history from carfax and request the dealer to run the repair history as well.

I can tell you that it has been a little tough to field all the phone calls but well worth it.....

Good luck....

atwnsw1

Okay, UPDATED:::::::::::::::)))))))))))))

I just bought a 2003 Certified 325i w/ only 4,500 miles. Original owner traded the car into the dealership. Metallic paint, leather seats, premium package:

$27,500 + tax & title.

From BMW Dealer!!!!!!!!!!

That is what I believe was a deal!

Hopefully, you won't disagree.

nyccarguy

Thanks for the info! Do you know how much BMWFS charges per mile if you pre-pay? I also know that the residual drops when you purchase exra miles.

I also know with about 9 months to go, BMWFS calls you and asks if you need to purchase any additional mileage. Then they just roll it into your remaining lease payments.

atwnsw1

Oh, and I forgot. The car which I bought for $27.5K was auto as well....

tonyd38

I was seriously considering purchasing a 330 but then fell in love with the looks of the new Chrysler 300C hemi. Looks like from what I am reading here that the purchase price for a 2003 CPO 330 is about the same for a new 2005 Chrysler 300C? anyone with any thoughts, comments, recommendations?

kdshapiro

I spent a lot of time with a 300 touring with the 3.5L, wasn't the hemi. The 300 as I found out; has a roomy trunk, the family felt comfortable in it, wife liked the styling, car drove OK, quiet. Fit and finish was very good, although some items in the luxury dept were lacking. The radio sounded fine, but the A/C at times felt lacking.

However, it was missing that infamous BMW road feel and I had to concentrate on keeping the vehicle centered. I'm used to depressing the gas and having the car shoot like a rocket. This didn't do that, I found it very difficult to guess how far to depress the accelerator to get exact amount of rapid acceleration, needed for a particular driving situation.

Having said that, you're looking at the hemi. I would expect gobs of torque and don't expect the car to sip gas. While I don't know if premium is required, my feeling is once you find out the car is way over-powered for 95% of your driving, you will get tired of paying the gas.

While I don't think you can go wrong with the car, reliability is unknown and, it ain't no Bimmer.

k_train

I'm looking to buy a used 325i with the following specs:
04 325i Jet Black
7500 miles
Auto Trans
Navigation
Premium Pkg
Sport Pkg
Xenon
HK Sound
Ext. Warranty 7/100K
Offerred Price $33,000 (private party)
What would be a good deal for this car?

lewunited1

purchased new 325ci within 24 hours I experienced periodic Brake Engagement"

lewunited1

purchased new 2004 325CI Within 24 Hours of delivery.I experienced "Delayed Brake Engagement".
The second time this occurred the car did not stop in time (did not stop "on a Dime" as BMW advertises") and we rear ended a taxi. Another occurance the car failed to stop at an intersection. BMW inspection failed to find a defect and claims there is nothing wrong with the auto. Anyone with comments please reply.

kyfdx

I agree.. for a CPO from a dealer, you got a great deal!! Enjoy your new car.

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

On a new lease, "pre-pay" is kind of a misnomer for how you acquire the extra miles.. You have the right idea, what you are actually doing is reducing the residual to account for the extra miles.. So, you are actually paying for the miles "as you go", since the lower residual results in a higher payment.

As an example, the last time I leased a Honda, I asked for 9000 miles extra (18K/yr), and they reduced the residual by $900 over the 3yr/45K residual. This added about $23/mo to my payment. As you can see, those miles were $.010/each.

I'm not familiar with what BMW charges up front (i.e.: residual reduction), but I have heard that when they offer the option later, the miles are $0.16/ea. vs the $0.20/ea. they are at turn-in.

Hope that helps,
kyfdx

kyfdx

Wow... that is a lot of options. What? no heated seats?

That was a $39K-$40K MSRP car when new... Navi equipped 3-series are kind of rare. I'd be leery of the value of the extended warranty, as it must be a 3rd party, so I wouldn't factor in any extra money for that.. Makes you wonder why someone would buy an extended warranty, then sell the car less than a year later, though.

With all the options on that car, $30K-$32K would probably be a good deal.. It does have leather, right? If it has leather, and isn't a weird color combo, then anything at $32K or under is pretty good... You have to figure that a private party is going to have problems moving a car at that price, when less-optioned models can be had for that brand-new. I would use that to my advantage. If you are positive nothing is wrong with the car, and if they HAVE to sell it, or just don't like it, I'd be working on $30K. BMWFS offers 1.9% financing, but the private seller can't.. If you are truly interested, they won't want to let you go, if they really want to sell.

Also, don't factor in too much extra for Navi.. it is nice to have, but on a used car, it is worth about $500.

regards,
kyfdx

k_train

Thanks kyfdx for your comments.

The car belongs to a lady who didn't like her car and wanted to get into a convertible. It actually comes with the BMW Ext. Warranty. She purchased the warranty when she brought the car, thinking that she was going to keep the car for a long time. It does have black leather interior. And the car looks to be in perfect condition. As you said, the current deals on the new 04's are very tempting indeed.

nyccarguy

Thanks again for the info. I stopped by the dealer today just to poke around (and to get my Dad a new leather case & owner's manual that was STOLEN from his X5). So I spoke to the salesman who sold my Dad the X5. Talked to him about how much my Dad loves his truck and that it has run flawlessly in the almost 13K miles he's driven since Feb 14. He GAVE me a new owner's manual and leather case which I though was really nice.

then I asked him about pricing on a 325i. I wanted to drive the car, but the dealership has NOT ONE 325i 6spd SP. They all have slushboxes.

He said he'd try and locate the car for me that I wanted. Right off the bat he knocked off $2500 off the MSRP of the car (I know he can do better:) He said it would be better if I took a 15K per year lease and then 9 mos before the lease was up, buy the extra mileage at $0.16 and pay extra for the last nine months of the lease. This way I don't have to pay interest or the lower residual.

kyfdx

Check into the warranty... unless she bought the car used and it was CPO, it is probably an aftermarket warranty.. The "BMW" extended warranty only became available within the last couple of weeks.. I think it is more likely that she bought the BMW extended maintenance plan. This extends the "free" maintenance to 6yr/100K, but the warranty is still 4/50. The extended maintenance is priced at $995, so if that is what she has, then there is value there, as it automatically transfers with the car.

Pretty interesting.. you might be able to get a great deal here, if she is set on getting the convertible.. Good luck.

kyfdx

kyfdx

A couple of points...

If the extra miles are "paid for" by having a lower residual, you pay less interest, not more... interest = MF X (residual + cap cost)
If you lower the residual, less interest... But, you are paying more each month, so there is the loss of use of that money.

But, I do agree with the salesman.. For the difference, I'd wait... For the same reason you shouldn't make a cap cost reduction.. You don't know for sure what will happen over the next three years. If you make a larger payment for more miles, then the car is totaled, you've wasted the extra money. My advice might change if the upfront charge was $0.12 and the back-end penalty was $0.20, but with the $0.16 option, there is less to worry about.

regards,
kyfdx

P.S.: I think all '04 325i's are 5-speed, not six. Not sure, though.

ranajo

I am looking at buying a new 2004 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan.

I am a little confused about the dealer incentives that are currently being offered. Is it $1200 or $2400? Does the incentive/rebate apply to both leases as well as purchase?

How much above invoice should be looking to negotiate the price before deducting the applicable rebate?

Thanks for any guidance on the above points.

kyfdx

On the sedans, the 325 is $1200 and the 330 is $2400. A good price is $500-$1000 over invoice, then deduct the incentive.

ranajo

Thanks for the prompt response, kyfdx!

knocker81

What would be a fare price for a 330ci with the following options. (And is there still the 2400. rebate) N.Y.C area
Sport package
moon roof
heated seats
leatherette
Alpine white

roadrunner1

This 5-spd w/ leather interior has approx. 14K miles, along w/ the usual options (AC, upgraded sound, etc., but no nav -- not that I'd want it--if you drive a rally car, can't you learn to use a map?). What would be a fair price for this car, now that the 2005's have arrived? Found this one on a Nissan dealer's used-car lot.

kdshapiro

I don't understand, brakes are hydraulically actuated, how could there be a delay unless the master cylinder was low or there was air in the brakes?

It's like saying I turned the wheel to the left and the car turned 10 seconds later. Even if all the fluid in the master/secondary cylinder is gone, brakes are engineered to engage when the brake pedal is depressed; albiet with a bit more force.

kyfdx

No $2400 on the coupes.. lease incentives only.

kyfdx

I see 5-speed '03s locally with asking prices from $27K-$29K. If you scroll up about 20 messages, a poster states he got an '03 CPO from a BMW dealer for $27,500.

What are they asking for it? Look for the Real World Trade-in Values board and give a complete description, and Terry can give you an idea of what they paid for it at auction, and what they might take for it. At a Nissan dealer, I'm guessing $26K might take it, considering it is a manual.

regards,
kyfdx

atwnsw1

This is what I bought:

2003 325i
4,500 miles
Automatic
Metallic Paint
Premium Package
Leather
Certified (CPO)
$27.5K + tax

From BMW dealer.....

rroyce10

 .... Sleep easy, thats an *Excellent* price, especially with the auto, loooow miles and the cpo .....

                                      Terry.

powermatic66

I am looking to purchase a new 325xi 5 speed with premium pkg., cold weather, harmon Kardon, and metallic paint. Invoice on the car is $32,795. The Edmunds TMV is $33,233.

A couple of questions:
1.) There is a $1,200 dealer incentive for the car. Is a good deal TMV minus this incentive, or a portion of this incentive? Or does the TMV already take into account the incentive? If the dealer is selling the car at $33,233 the implied dealer margin would be 5.2%, assuming they keep the entire $1,200 incentive. Is that the type of margin that BMWs get?

2.) I have a feeling I will have to order a 2005 to get what I want. Does anyone know if the incentive will continue? Can I expect the TMV to shoot up by $1,200?

olegd

Does anyone know what residual and MF BMWFS is offering for a new (2004) 330Ci for 3yr/15k lease? Thanks.

mrp

Hello All...I am close to purchasing a new 330i, but was hoping that someone could answer a few quick questions?

1. Does anyone know if the $2400 rebate and 1.9% financing will be extended through September?

2. Is the rebate ever going to be valid on the coupe?

3. What kind of deal do you think there is to be had on a 330i 05 model?

Thanks!

kyfdx

1) Early in the model year, 5% deals are sometimes hard to find.. A good target price for the '04s would be maybe $200-$600 under invoice, but it just depends on the dealer and their local competition..some dealers won't come close to that.

2) No one can know for sure, but I really doubt there will be any incentives for the '05s, when they come out... The good news is the MSRP for a car equipped like you want will probably be about the same or up a couple hundred at most. With no incentive, and being a new car, you can expect to pay $2K-$3K more for a comparable '05.

kyfdx

1) No one will know until they announce it. You wouldn't think they would end it, but they could change it to lease incentives instead of buy incentives.

2) The rebate used to be valid on the coupe, but was replaced with lease incentives.. otherwise, see answer above.

3) If you are looking for a 'deal' on an '05, be prepared to wait until after XMAS.

powermatic66

If I were able to get a 2005 325xi 5-speed with premium pkg, cold weather package, Harmon Kardon, and metallic paint for $34K, would that be a good deal?

kyfdx

That would be a great deal on an '05.

MSRP: $36,195
Invoice: $33,150

desi1

Can you experts tell me if the "target invoice price," when I negotiate with a dealer to buy/lease means invoice price of the base model + invoice price of the included options OR does it only mean the invoice price of the base model?

I would truly appreciate it. Please pardon my ignorance. I am very new to this. Thank you.

powermatic66

Thanks.
Is 2005 invoice pricing available? I can't seem to find it.

kyfdx

I could tell you where, but then I would have to kill you.

Seriously, I found it on another forum, to which I am not allowed to post a link here.

regards,
kyfdx

jaj

I believe the TMV takes into account all incentives that are being offered. I just paid $500 over invoice on an '04 equipped similarly- no Harmon Kardon- and probably could have done better. Locale really does play a role. You can count on the $1200 incentive not carrying over into the '05's. Good luck.

ssteel01

Hi all-

I was hoping someone could offer some opinions on the lease deal described below:

2004 330Ci
w/ Premium Package
w/ Cold Weather Package
w/ Sport Package
w/ Xenon lights
MSRP: $42920

Lease details:
$550 security
$725 bank fee
$125 registration fee
$0 cap cost
3 year/36,000 miles

Monthly payment (including tax): $525

Thanks in advance.

kyfdx

I'm having a hard time finding the correct residual percentage for the 330Ci. Did they give that to you, or express it as a dollar amount? I'm pretty sure the MF is about .0005, and I assumed a residual percentage of 54%. And a state tax rate of 8%.

If those numbers are correct, then it looks like they are selling you the car just a couple hundred over invoice.. So, that is a good deal. One note.. they are marking up the bank fee. The base fee is $525, so getting you for a couple hundred there.

If you check with them on those numbers (residual percentage, state tax rate), and also ask them what the CAP COST is (not cap cost reduction, cap cost), I could give you a better answer... It looks pretty good, though, from the info I have.

regards,
kyfdx

EDIT: not an expert

ssteel01

Thanks so much for the quick response.

So, they did not give me the residual percentage, but they did quote me a buyout price of $24,478 at lease end. If my math is right (and it's probably not), that would be 57% relative to the MSRP?

Also, I'm in MA, so the state tax rate is 5%.

I asked for them to email me a detailed breakdown, but at least for now, they didn't send it and instead have taken the "what can I do to get you in this car" approach. I told them $500/mo and I'll sign, but I'm not terribly optimistic about that.

Thanks again for all the help.

kyfdx

Yeah..looks like 57%.. 5% sales tax.. That is good for you, but it makes their deal look a little less good.

If your upfront charges include the acquisition fee and it isn't included in the cap cost, then they are getting about $1900 over invoice, using the base MF rate.

I get invoice of about $39,300, and cap cost of about $41,150 if they are using the base MF.

Since they are jacking up the acquistion fee by the maximum $200, I'll assume they are jacking up the MF by the maximum also.. If so, then the cap cost drops to about $40,300.. but that is academic, since it still gets you the same payment.. they either make it on the sale price or get it from the finance office.

If we assume they are using the higher MF, and the lower cap cost, they can get down to the $500/month including tax, by just using the base rate MF. That would still leave them $1000 over invoice, so nobody getting hurt either side.

If they are using the base rate already, then they are selling for $2000 over invoice, and can lower their price by a $1000, achieving the same monthly price.

In conclusion (finally), your offer of $500/month is entirely reasonable. The only thing I would ask for on top of it, is to only pay the base acquisition fee ($525), instead of the marked up fee ($725).

Good luck!
kyfdx

jkimfoto

I am basically looking for a 325 Wagon. The standard wagon with the luxury package, sunroof, Xenon, and auto is most of the requirement. Don't need navgation and others. I would like to know if there is a dealership in FL who will give fair pricing. I checked the european delivery program and the pricing seem to be about 3000 cheaper. However, I would like the ease of going to a dealer and picking the car up. The thing is I don't want to spend more then 35k. Reasoning behind that is, I just want to pay 35k in cash and be done with. Any suggestions?