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

kyfdx

A 325i wagon with premium pkg (which includes sunroof), auto, and Xenon has an MSRP of $35,870 and an invoice of $32,915. You should be able to get that easily for $35K, probably even including tax.

Your only problem will be selection and availability.. not a lot of wagons out there.

regards,
kyfdx

jkimfoto

Well, the dealers where I am don't seem to understand working with invoice. I think to them MSRP=Invoice. They are the only dealer in town where I am and discounts don't exist. I thought that my offer is resonable, just need to find a place who will sell it to me for 35k out the door.

kyfdx

Don't mention invoice, it doesn't matter.. First, make sure the dealer has the car you want... The one that MSRPs for $36K, not one that has $3K more in options... Then offer to write him a check for $35K right there, out the door, tax and all.. Not too many will pass on that.. There has to be a ton of BMW dealers in Florida.. shop around.

pichula99

Hi,
I went to the BMW dealer today and told the salesperson that I like the Laguna Seca Blue color (available for M3s) for my 325Ci. He said that color is not available for this model, it's only available for M3s. But he told me I could do a special order (would take 6 weeks or more), which will cost me $2,500. My question is if anybody has any information on prices for special colors, and if this is a reasonable price.
Thank you.

jkimfoto

I wish it worked that way, I remember going to the dealership to buy a M3. I know it is a desired car and all. Well we told them to give us an offer, and they didn't care that we were going to write a check for the final amount. They pretty much said, the sticker price plus etc. is what the check should be written for. As for Florida there are a lot of BMW dealerships however, only one in Orlando.

jblend

I'm ready to buy a 330Ci and can pay cash. Will I be able to get a lower price if I let the dealership finance all or part of the car through BMW Financing. I can always pay off the loan in a month or two, so I'm happy to do this to get a better deal.

atwnsw1

I have no affiliation whatsoever with this company but I did use it to purchase my 325i last weekend. I can honestly say that it is worth every penny. Having researched the internet for years (including carbuyingtips.com which is free and I rank 2nd), there is nothing close to fightingchance.com

The cost is $35 (don't order the book) but the information saved me serious bucks without the aggravation of haggling.

I will never understand why people don't spend the extra few dollars when they buy a car of $30,000.

Just one person's opinion.

If you want any further info, email me at atwnsw@lycos.com and I will be happy to share with you the details how it helped me save....

No selling. No promotions. No spam.

Just trying to help others.

P.S. I live in Florida and used this system to buy my car. While the system is designed for new car purchases, I modified the approach for my pre-owned car.

In any case, I love my car.................

Good luck.

mrp

Hello All...I'm close to purchasing a new 04 330i with performance package AND leather. My color scheme is jet black w/black leather. My question is which trim looks better with black/black? Is it the silver cube or the black cube?? I hear conflicting opinions. What do you think?! Thanks.

jazevedo

Obviously it's a personal choice...I got mine in titanium silver with black leather and got the black cube. I think the black cube goes great with black leather. I saw one with grey leather and silver cube and that looked good, but I personally didn't like silver cube with black.

But who knows....you may think the silver offers good contrast agains the black....

Now that I think about it, I really didn't like the silver cube around the shifter..have you at least gone and seen both?

glaker

FWIW, both my wife and I thought the silver looked too artifical and doesn't really blend in well with the black leather, dash, etc. We got the black cube which blends in marvelously. But then again, that's why there are choices....

k_train

I just took delivery of my 2004 325i from a dealer in the Bay Area. Here's the details:
MSRP: 36,720
Invoice: 33,930

325i Black $25570
Auto $1210
Black Leather $1320
Premium $2810
Sport $1275
Xenon $635
Destination: $695
Maco: $245
Training serv. fee $160
I paid $33,030 ($900 below invoice) with 1.9% financing and floor mats included.
The sales guy was a fleet manager, I called him yesterday and did the deal over the phone and pick the car up today. Overall, I think I got a good deal and the shopping experience was very painless.

kyfdx

Wow.. great deal..

irvsteroni

I'm considering a 325 coupe with metallic paint, auto tran, premium, sport package with leather. Edmunds "what should pay" is about $36,500 from an MSRP of $38,650.00 with a dealer invoice of $35.5. Anyone received a better deal below invoice? The salesman told me 2005 models were coming in October so I figured now's the time to get a good price. I also testdrove an Acura TL and had never driven a BMW-when I did, I was utterly amazed at the "driving experience". Incredible even with a lesser engine. TL comes fairly loaded but I can't get over the handling and agility on the beamer. Any thoughts on price? Thanks.

kdog

Can someone tell me if the quote $38,100 for a 2004 330i is a good/fair deal or not. Given we are close to September, should I expect better deals? This is in the SF bay area. Thanks.

options for 2004 330i:

premium package
sport package
automatic
xenon light
folding rear seats
black leather
titanium silver

jamesspot

That's a great deal, kdog. MSRP is $43320, invoice is $39685. With the $2400 manufacturer's incentive, the dealer is making $815 on your deal, which is rock bottom on a $40k+ car. Tell them you want FREE standard BMW floor mats, the $38.1k price, and only TTL (tax, title, and license) added on and you have an unbeatable deal. Oh, and the 1.9% "buy" rate if you are financing with BMWFS.
You will have to run numbers on a lease, though. There is much greater depreciation at the end of the model year for the 36 months you are renting the car.

mkraut

Hello:
I am thinking about leasing a 2004 325i and was presented with the following information by the dealer:

MSRP $32,095
Sales Price $29,500
residual 58%
money factor .0024
cap cost reduction $2500
acquisition fee $725
doc fee $395
security deposit $400
15k miles/year
monthly payment: $364 (excluding tax)

Do you think these are good terms? I'm new to leasing, so any help is appreciated. The residual seems fine, but does teh money factor seem a little high? also the acquisition fee seems high, and is the doc fee something you think I can negotiate away? I'm in North Carolina, if that makes a difference

Thanks
Marty

kyfdx

residual is correct.. sale price is fair, considering this is close to a base model.

base rate MF is .0022.. extra cost $9/mo
base acq.fee is $525.. extra cost $200

doc fee is just added profit. extra cost $395

So, try to take about $1000 out of the deal.. from your figures, they are rolling the acquistion fee into the cap cost, which is good..

I'd structure it this way..
no cap cost reduction
base money factor
$525 acquistion fee..in cap cost
monthly payment $424 + tax
upfront.. 1st payment,security deposit ($450-$500), title, registration.

regards,
kyfdx

mkraut

Thanks for the quick reply kyfdx. I think the sales price is evry fair (and I may add options since they were so willing to come down in price). My main concerns were those "extra"fees, and the money factor. If I'm doing the math correctly, the money factor comes to about 5.75%. Are lease rates usually that much higher than loans? BMW currently is offering 1.9% on loans. Also, what are thye primary reasons for not putting money down on a lease? Is it so you don't lose the money if the car is wrecked or stolen?

Thanks again
Marty

kyfdx

Incentives..
Buy: $1200 dealer incentive lowers sale price, plus 1.9% interest.

Lease: $1200 dealer incentive lowers sale price, above real-world residual (58% after 3 years and 45K miles).. but, market interest..

So, you don't get the real low interest, but you have a guaranteed value after 3 years that is extremely optimistic.. so, kind of a wash.

And you pegged the reason for no downpayment exactly.

regards,
kyfdx

Also.. since they are marking up the money factor, they may not offer you the 1.9% finance either.. A lot of dealers mark it up to 2.9%.

bomaster

That is an excellent deal. You should go for it. It picked up my 330i two weeks ago from SF BMW. Paid $39,575 which included a performance package, leather, Imola Red, Xenons, moonroof, automatic rear sunshade (a very cool option), fold-down rear seats, and 6 speed manual. You're probably aware the dealers have incentive $$ to play with, and the 1.9% can't be beat. The deals are out there, and yours is an example. Go for it, and enjoy! - Jeff

tmspgh

had a two part question to anyone with "end-of-summer" leasing experience and also anyone who currently drives a 330 SMG.

i'm looking at a 330CiC. the car has sprt/prem/cold/x/smg. the dealer is asking $615 (48mos/12k) or 685 (39/12k)(1,300 drive away, taxes included). my question - is it a good idea to lock in this price now, or should i wait till weds (sept 1st) in hopes of a mfg incentive?

and, i'm also worried about the smg. i've got a '01 330ci 5sp now, and absolutely love it. however, finding a 6 sp CiC is a bit of a challenge. anyone have any long-term experience with the smg? complaints? accolades?

i test drove a few and found it to be a bit jerky, but i've been told that an adjustment period is necessary. sorry for such a long one, i REALLY appreciate your help.

kdog

I just bought it from BMW SF and paid $38,100 + T/T/L and 1.9%. I also went ahead and got an BMW alarm installed there too at $363, fair price?

drharris

I just took delivery yesterday of a 330CiC, SMG, mystic blue, fully loaded (performance, cold weather, sport, xenons, nav system, PDC, etc.). MSRP was 52,470 and we settled on $50K even. The Wells Fargo lease through www.leasecompare.com was better than what the dealership could match so I used them. Everyone told me not to wait until Sept. because the residual will drop (if they start a rebate, I'll be bummed, but oh well). My lease is 36/12K, at $753/mo. Sounds like your deal is better. I saw the cover on the dealer package and they made just over $1000 in profit on the deal which sounds about right for a $50K+ car.

As for SMG, I too was having second thoughts as I waited for the car (I special ordered it many months ago). The more I read, the more worried I got. It's been a decade since I've driven a manual (spouse doesn't drive them so they aren't practical), and this sounded like a better compromise for me than the steptronic. After only one day, I think it is fantastic. For me, it's the best part of driving a manual (complete control over gear choice, no torque converter, very clean acceleration), with none of the hassle (bumper to bumper street driving constantly working the clutch). The auto mode is very jerky if you are expecting it to feel like an automatic ('cause it's not). You can definitely feel the gear changes, and it's pretty slow in auto mode (much better in sport mode).

If it will mostly be driven in auto mode, go with steptronic. If you are much more interested in a manual than an automatic, but do a lot of street driving, this is the perfect solution.

My two cents.

mischief

I've been shopping around for a new 325i and have two offers: $32,425 for one w/auto, premium, leather, and heated seats (Silver Gray/Gray int). Next was $32,300 for auto, leather, and premium (Silver Gray/Black int). These seem like good offers to me... Thoughts anyone?

Also, anyone heard what the Sept. incentives will be? Are $1,200 incentive and 1.9% financing holding over?

paule

I'm wondering if anyone can help me on invoice pricing on a 2005 325xi.
Specifically:
325xi (AWD) including delivery
Moonroof included as standard on '05
Auto
Titanium Silver
Sport Package
Split Rear Bench

Right now I'm being quoted $1200 over "dealer cost" which runs about $34,075 as listed.
This seems high.
Is $700-800 over invoice more reasonable (SW US)?

kyfdx

'05 325xi invoice

base 28,415
auto 1,210
metpaint 430
Sptpkg 1,000
fldrseat 430
dest 695
total 32,180

Maybe a training fee of $160 plus MACO of $200-$300 on top of that.. Maybe $32,600 total?

$1200 over invoice is probably going to be a pretty good deal on an '05.

regards,
kyfdx

nyccarguy

as good as the deals have been on the '04s, is about as good as it is ever going to get. When the new model year comes out, BMW dealers usually hold the line on pricing until at least after the new year.

It is funny how the car market has changed over the last 3+ years. 3-4 years ago, $1200 over invoice was considered a spectacular deal ($1500-$1750 over was good). Dealers in California were selling 3ers at or above sticker.

dsmdriver

I just bought an '04 325i. Here's my pricing info:

325i Sedan
Leather
Metallic Paint
Sport Package
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Xenon Headlamps
Harman-Kardon Sound

MSRP: $37,595
Invoice: $34,430
Paid: $34,400 @ 1.9% APR / 60mo

Might have been able to do a bit better, but this was a pretty no-haggle deal. Not exactly "under" invoice, but this left the dealer with about 3.5%.

mgu510

I am looking to buy a 2002 330 from a pvt buyer. The car's warranty expires in mid-06. BMW tells me the original buyer can buy extended warranty (100K miles) for $2500.

Any suggestions/experiences on whether I should incur the add'l cost of $2500.

thx

soulmate

What's a good price for a 2004 M3 with:

metallic paint, premium package, SMG, 19" wheels, navigation system, adjustable seats, heated seats, Xenon lights, Harmon-Kardon sound system?
(I'm in the Bay area in California.)

The Edmunds TMV says over MSRP, but that's definitely incorrect. Are there any dealer incentives being given for the M3?

Looking to deal soon -thanks for any help!!!

soulmate

Also, is there any difference between the 2004 vs. 2005 M3s?

kyfdx

How many miles are on it? And how many miles/year will you drive it?

kyfdx

There are no incentives on the M3.. I almost never hear transaction prices on them, but the best deal I've heard was 2% off MSRP.. Which doesn't seem too good, this late in the model year.

mgu510

25K miles on it. I will probably drive 12K miles a year.

thx

kyfdx

If that is the case, then I wouldn't get the warranty... If you assume the current warranty expires on July 1st, 2006, then you would have about 47K miles at expiration.. The additional warranty would take you to July 1st, 2008 and 100K total miles, but at your rate of driving, you will only have 71K miles by then.. So, you are paying $2500 for only 2 years/24K miles of additional coverage.

If you drove 18K/year, then it would make more sense, as you would have about 94K miles by July 1,2008, getting many more miles out of the warranty.

The "free" maintenance on the '02 is 3yr/36K, even though the warranty is 4yr/50K.. You might consider buying the extension to 4yr/50K. That is available to any owner, not just the original, and can be purchased any time before the original free maintenance expires. I believe the list price is $389. One brake job in that last year of warranty could make it pay for itself.

regards,
kyfdx

mgu510

thank you. that is helpful.

paule

What exactly is MACO? Is this a legit charge or something in the "dealer transfer fee" realm of charges?

Does the following math look accurate?
$32,180 invoice + destination
$160 training fee
$200-$300 MACO
= $32,540-$32,640
+ dealer markup of $1200
= Grand Total of $33,740 - $33,840 as a target price?

kyfdx

MACO is a regional advertising fee that BMWNA charges the dealer on each car to defray BMW sponsored advertising... It can vary according to metropolitan area, and some small town dealers may not have it at all... But, for those dealers it applies to, it is a charge from BMWNA right on the invoice.... So, if the dealer is quoting you a certain amount above invoice on the car, then it will certainly be added in.

On an '05, I think the deal you quote above would be a pretty good price.

regards,
kyfdx

boxztrs

04 325I
automatic
moonroof
metallic paint
MSRP 31,545

Purchased for 26,900 plus 2.9% for 60 months
So. Cal dealer

calidriver

Hi all: I'm looking to buy a 2004 325i. With the new 2005s coming out soon, is Sept the best time to negotiate for a steal deal? I already talked to a so cal dealer who offered virtually invoice price right out of the gate for:

325i sedan
metallic paint
leather
premium pkg
auto trans
heated front seats
mats

$32,420

Can I do better than this?

spacewormfx

boxztrs, I am in SD, which dealer did you buy from???, that is a nice price!

kyfdx

There is a $1200 dealer incentive.. So, if they sell at invoice, that is their profit margin.. I consider invoice a pretty good deal, especially if you get the 1.9% financing.

If you wait too long to buy, you will find the selection drops off rapidly.. I was shopping for a new '03 last Fall.. At the end of November, I had dealers offering invoice minus the then current $2000 incentive, but couldn't find a car equipped the way I wanted it. Most dealers only had 3-4 325s left on the lot by then.

regards,
kyfdx

calidriver

Hi all: I'm looking to buy a 2004 325i. With the new 2005s coming out soon, is Sept the best time to negotiate for a steal deal? I already talked to a so cal dealer who offered virtually invoice price right out of the gate for:

325i sedan
metallic paint
leather
premium pkg
auto trans
heated front seats
mats

$32,420

Can I do better than this?

crikkit

Paule, I wouldn't pay MACO or the training fee. It was added into my charges, and I let them know I wouldn't pay for it. They didn't fight me too much on it.

kyfdx

Whether it was a line item or not, it got paid... Besides, it really doesn't matter.. YOU aren't paying the invoice price, the dealer is.. YOU pay the price that you and the dealer negotiate. If you negotiated a lower price, that is a great thing, but you never were paying the training and MACO.. the dealer pays that to BMWNA.

regards,
kyfdx

Now, if they try to add them in the F&I office, after you have agreed to a price, then they are just trying to steal your money.

tahiayam

Hi everyone,

Would really appreciate any feedback someone can give me regarding this price for a 325i in the Midwest. This is the 1st dealer I have asked:

BMW 325i
Premium package
Auto trans.
Heated Seats

33685 including tax. (31778 before tax)

Does this seem high?

calidriver

That was my thinking too -- that supply will dry up. Even now (and it's only September), the exact combo of colors/features has been difficult to find -- the few dealers I've spoken with had to look around for the car, and I'm not even seeking out an outrageous combo of things... Thanks for the thoughts.

paule

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm debating about ordering the www.fightingchance.com package once they have the 2005 pricing available. At that point I'll send out the faxes to 5-6 dealerships and see what they come back with. I noticed today that they have MSRP pricing on the BMW website for 2005 as of today.

nyccarguy

You're definitely right about selection going way down as the end of the model year comes closer. 2 weeks ago I tried to find a 325i w/ a stick and 2 different dealers didn't have it in stock and said there weren't any available to do a swap. I decided to keep my '01 Prelude Type SH. I'm getting married in a little over a month and a half and I need a new car like a hole in my head:)

Thanks for all your help though!

boxztrs

Dealer was McKenna BMW in Norwalk. This was not a one of. They had at least 5 to pick from in my color choice alone. Ask for Joe Saeh, was a great guy to work with.