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

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Comments

  • djocksdjocks Member Posts: 124
    WOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • bkassingbkassing Member Posts: 13
    Anybody getting any deals on the 2004 convertibles? Seems pretty sketchy right now.
  • loubctloubct Member Posts: 39
    Just ordered my 2004 330 CIC European Delivery. I will be picking it up in Munich on May 9th.
  • tah13tah13 Member Posts: 2
    I was planning to buy a 330 cic this spring and then learned that the new 2004 is coming out in just a couple of months. I've read about the changes but don't have a feel for how it looks. Can anyone offer pictures or opinion on the exterior/cosmetic changes?

    Also, TX (especially Dallas area) seems to have a horrible reputation for dealer's UNwillingness to negotiate. Can anyone offer a decent dealer in this area? I'm certainly not afraid to travel for a good price...however, I don't have time for the ED. Has anyone worked with eurobuyers.com or another similar service? Thanks for the advice!
  • loubctloubct Member Posts: 39
    Try the bimmerfest.com forums. Also bmwinfo.com web page has picture of the facelifted coupes/convertibles. I have a dealer in the Northeast that offers excellent deals ED or not. Let me know (email me) if interested. I am sure you can work out a deal for a courtesy delivery to a delaer close to your home.

    Personally I like the new facelift.
  • need4speed1need4speed1 Member Posts: 28
    I've found a Steel Gray 2001 BMW 330i with Sport Pkg (inc. M-spoke wheels) and Premium Pkg with 19k miles on it. The dealer is asking $29,990. Is this a fair price?

    The car seems like it's in great condition...no scratches or dings anywhere! What do you guys think? Is it better for me to get this pre-owned 330i or buy a brand new 2003 325i (can't afford a new 330i)? Besides horsepower, how much difference is the handling between these two modles?
  • cecilt1cecilt1 Member Posts: 74
    I just bought on '01 330i, 5speed, SP, PP, zenons, HK and CD with 17k miles for $29,500. This is a CPO car as well. If yours has these options as well and is CPO its a good deal.
  • yadmanyadman Member Posts: 8
    Mind me asking where you got that 01 330 for such a good price?
  • cecilt1cecilt1 Member Posts: 74
    I live in Ronaoke, Va and always willing to drive for a good deal. Drove up to Wide World of Cars in Spring Valley, NY 2 weekends ago. Great 2 day roadtrip. My friend followed me home in my sold as of now '00 323i auto. What a difference in performance. :)
  • tah13tah13 Member Posts: 2
    bgt1, thanks for the info on Dallas area dealers! I talked with Moritz last year and they were willing to do $500 off invoice, so I'll try them again and also Autobahn.

    Does anyone think the 2004 prices will be negotiable in May or that special financing might be offered?
  • yadmanyadman Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for the information! Best of luck with the new car.
  • buckeyes1buckeyes1 Member Posts: 1
    In the market for a convertible. Yes, a luxury in Chicago, but hey I grew up with convertibles and I've got a second car for the winter weather. I'm looking to see anyone has purchased one recently and would be willing to share details of the negociation and final price.

    Specifically looking at the 325ci with the following options:

    Metalic paint
    Sport package
    Premium package
    Heated seats
    HK Sound system

    MSRP -- $43,595 Invoice- $39,885 TMV $43,680

    Internet sales manager of two local Chicago dealers so far are offering on first reply

    $42,120 and $40,200 ...looking back at my notes that doesn't include their destination charge so it brings the totals to $42,820 and $40,900.

    Anyone have input on better deals?
  • mxpro738mxpro738 Member Posts: 59
    Can a US resident save $ by purchasing their BMW from a dealer in Canada? I would think the exchange rate would help out considerably. Are there laws against this? Other road-blocks?
  • ebardebard Member Posts: 2
    I am picking up a used 2002 325it wagon today and wanted to see how I did. It has the sports & premium packages, harmon kardon, xenon, auto steptronic, heated seats, is certified and has only 6800 miles. I am paying $28800. Thanks for any information.
  • logan13logan13 Member Posts: 2
    I got 500. over invoice from East Bay BMW. I ordered a 325 2003 wagon at end of February. Was quoted the same price from a couple of dealers south of me also.
  • cfeldmacfeldma Member Posts: 4
    I live in Chicago. On January 31 I bought a 325i with black leather interior, SP, PP, Cold weather package, in titanium silver, with bixenon headlights in a 5 speed manual.

    I got it for $35,000 out the door, meaning tax, title, fees, etc.

    Buying in the winter, as well as in this slow economy is a huge advantage to the buyer. Hitting them up at the end of the month also doesn't hurt.

    Chad
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    ... an '03 325i, PP, CWP, leather, steptronic, steel blue w/ sand for $33680 (plus tax) from Competition BMW on Long Island. Now, if it would just stop snowing so I can pick it up.
  • gtom71gtom71 Member Posts: 17
    To cecilt1 and need4speed1... I too am in the market for a used 2001/2002 325i or 330i w/ SP/PP&CWP. Where did you guys see/get your deals. Need4speed says Florida. See any others for either a steel/orient blue or silver one? My price point is 25-30k obviously under 25 for the 325 and under 30 for the 330. I got an offer from a dealer in Canada for a 2001 w/ PP,CWP & xenons for $25.1k w/ 25k miles, however it's in Canada and I'm in NY. Wasn't the perfect car, but still considering it. Thanks.
  • bgt1bgt1 Member Posts: 50
    If you can afford it, get the 330i. You WONT regret the bigger engine. Much more low end torque. Ive heard the 325 feels just as fast IF you get the manual so you can rev the engine more.

    Both are good choices! =)
  • cecilt1cecilt1 Member Posts: 74
    I searched www.cars.com and www.autotrader.com. Also called BMW dealerships in 6 or 7 states looking for one that fit my requirements. Check out www.roadfly.com. I just saw a great deal on a black on black with sp, pp, zenons, HK, nav, PDC for 29,900. Probably gone by now but it might be on www.cars.com. Located in Burke, VA. I would be willing to drive for a good deal to. You could always have a car shipped for about $500. To get a good/great deal on a used car like a BMW you have to be willing to buy outside of where you live typically. Just opens up more opportunities.
  • beware_phogbeware_phog Member Posts: 2
    There isn't much of a negotiation with the 04 3-Series. Dealers initial allotments are low. There is no reason to negotiate when demand is high and supply is low. You can get deals on 03 models.

    I ordered an 04 covertible a couple weeks ago that won't arrive until May.
  • chaaaossschaaaosss Member Posts: 22
    From what I've heard and seen, $1000-$1020 over invoice is very reasonable for many dealers and very doable as long as you're willing to do European Delivery. This is basically the only way to get an 04 3-Series Coupe/Convertible at a reasonable price.
  • mauger1mauger1 Member Posts: 1
    I live in the CA Bay Area and am looking at a 2000 323i, 4dr sedan, steptronic tranny, White, Steel Blue or Steel Grey, Premium package, moonroof, dual powered leather seats, HK sound and split rear seat, with under 35k miles.

    What should I expect to pay for CPO from a dealer?

    How about brokers? I'm asking because there's a BMW Financial auction next week that has quite a few 2000's to pick from.

    Private? Well, we all know that's a crap shoot....
  • motenor1motenor1 Member Posts: 35
    logan13:

    did u get your bmw at east bay bmw in california? what was the out-the-door price? and also, how much are you paying for insurance?

    thanks
  • gtom71gtom71 Member Posts: 17
    Bg1 - Unfortunately it will be tough to get the 330 unless I get a really good deal. After thinking about it, I can't rationalize the extra 5k for the extra hp. Not enough disposable income yet. Can't wait to find a better job so I can get nicer toys.

    cecilt1 - Definitely willing to travel to find a good deal. Trying to be patient and get exactly what I want. Glad I decided not to go w/ an offer the dealer gave me previously for a 2001 325i. I just wasn't a fan of the tan interior in the black BMW.

    Still patiently waiting...
  • sigurrossigurros Member Posts: 6
    Hi,

    I am from the Bayarea myself and am interested in buying a 330ci, sp, moonroof, metallic paint + xenon this Spring via ED. I've just begun doing my homework and wonder if you would like to share information on dealers, pricing, etc.? I thought that could be a mutually beneifical thing, not to mention fun. Let me know if you are in the same boat and perhaps we can help each other.
  • dan_bmwdan_bmw Member Posts: 29
    I just ordered a 2003 330i 5 sp w/ PP, bi-xenon, met.paint, and heated seats - Orient Blue with grey leather. My purchase price is $38,200 the MSRP is $4070.00 and my order interval was suppose to be 8 weeks. I decided to take a 36 mo./12K mi. prepayment lease (taxes included) with a $5589 (including first payment)up front payment and $440.00 per mo. - $4500.00 is refunded at the end of the lease towards the purchase of new 530i (which is the car I really wanted)or towards another lease. The risidual on the car at the lease end was $24,843. I think I got a good deal and I still have a choice between lease and buy (as I said I am leasing).
    I have found that there are a lot of very nice and knowledgable people on this site and I would really appreciate your help with the following questions:

    1. Was there a recent or is there a forthcoming $200 price increase on the 330i as I was told?

    2. I ordered the car on 2/27/03 and the sales guy told me he would schedule the car for a March build and I would get it by mid April. I recently receieved a subsequent call stating that it could not be built until early April and that I could expect delivery in the second week of May. I was told that the risidual would be reduced to $24,442 but my monthly payment would go from $440 to $452 per month. Now this really pissed me off and I was going to cancel but I let it go. I asked for tracking number on the new car and he said he would get it to me the following week. I had my wife call for the tracking information and he pushed her off until the next week. I intend to go see him this Monday and find out what is going on. My question is how soon can he get a tracking or production number and shouldnt he have it by now? If he gets me the number, how do I go about getting information on what stage of production my car is at? In years past, on two other occasions, I have been painfully screwed by these sales guys and I have become very skeptical about what they tell me. I have no problem cancelling and getting my $1000 deposit back and then I will raise all kinds of hell with BMW and the consumer agencies. Am I being paranoid or have I reason for concern?

    3. I was told by many BMW dealers that about 9 out of 10 3 series customers buy automatics over sticks. Personally I find that hard to beleive because BMW 3 and even the 5 series is 'A Drivers Car' and deserves a stick. However I do respect others desire to have an automatic. My point is that the dealers lots are loaded with cars with steptronics just sitting there. So if automatics are so popular why arent they selling?
  • gpwatfrdgpwatfrd Member Posts: 76
    There is NO WAY I would have still had my deposit at that dealer. You should be paying the price that you were quoted for starters. That is not your problem that the delivery was delayed. I ordered my 330i in end of Jan. and it came in early march. I told him to hold it on to it until the end of March. He did it no problem. As for the tracking #. I had a tracking # the same day I signed paper work. It took a couple days for the site to input my car with the corresponding tracking# but it was still the same day. This guy pushing you off week after week along with raising your lease payment should be more than enough reason to tell him to take his car and stick where the sun don't shine...
    Just my opinion...
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,279
    I think you answered your own question about automatics. The reason that the dealer has all those steptronic 325's on the lot, is that is what sells the most, not because he can't sell them. I would venture an educated guess, that most manual buyers want, as you put it, 'a driver's car', and they are willing to order, and wait for the specific car they want.
     The typical buyer, even a BMW buyer, buys an automatic. Even on BMW, manual transmission hurts resale. (A good thing for an enthusiast looking for a used 5-speed)

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  • dan_bmwdan_bmw Member Posts: 29
    I appreciate all your help with my questions and concerns. I quess I will have to play hardball with the sales guy and cancel if he does not keep his word. This is difficult because my wife and I were really looking forward towards the new 330i. Dealing with a bad car salesperon/dealer is like getting a bad waitress or waiter; even if the food is good, the experience is not enjoyable.
    Thanks
    Dan
  • motenor1motenor1 Member Posts: 35
    I have been doing a lot of research. I am apt to use the rizzo method when I purchase the car, as i have heard a lot of good things about it. I am also thinking of doing the ED. Time to get out of the bay area for a while. email me at blkharmony@excite.com if you would like to talk out of this board. I am thinking of getting 325i sp, xenon lights, mooroof in titanium silver 'ette.
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    I just purchased a 2003 325i. I searched the inventory of my 3 local Long Island, NY dealers and emailed them all regarding the car I was interested in buying. All three emailed me back in almost identical fashion: they all told me the MSRP, the invoice and offered the car at $1000 over invoice. I thought that this was good enough and purchased from the dealer closest to me. I would have thought that buying a car here would have been more of a hassle, but it was very easy and I experienced zero sales pressure. Of course, I was purchasing the car, rather than leasing, and I was not trading anything, so it was a pretty simple transaction.
  • waydewayde Member Posts: 198
    Hi. I'm looking at the above car - used. 11k miles, sport, leather, premium, moonroof, 5speed, xenons, htd seats, black with dark tan. 30,900$.

    1) Opinion on price (I checked Edmunds TMV and it is "on")

    2) Any feedback on reliability/issues w/ 02 coupes?

    Thanks!
  • hoopsrefhoopsref Member Posts: 140
    fightingchance.com? They teach you how to get a great deal without even going into the dealerships! I have been reading these posts and researching a number of sites for info and reviews on the BMW's as well as buying tips. I have just purchsed a "kit" on both 330i and 325xi. This kit has more info than free stuff we can get on line in most cases (current market conditions for the car and other info). Since BMW has very incentives (that we know about!), this mehod may not get as much off as some others cars, but I think once you read about it, you'll see that can be a very interesting way to buy a car. You certainly will feel well informed. It only costs $29.95 for the first car and $9.95 for each car after that. They'll review your lease terms bdfore you sign, to make sure you are getting a real deal. Leasing is where a lot dealers get their "money back" when you negotiated a good deal. Go to the web site for more info. www.fightingchance.com
  • tomwannabmwtomwannabmw Member Posts: 20
    Don't buy that car! You can get a brand new MY2004 325Ci via ED for LESS than $30,900 tax included if you only get the essential options (sports package, moonroof). If you buy new your warranty is good for two extra years and your resale is way higher. The downside is time (2-3 month wait) and small expense to fly to Germany (free if you have some frequent flyer miles).
  • mschukarmschukar Member Posts: 351
    I agree with tomwannabmw. I bought my '02 325i with SP, moonroof, HK upgrade, xenon's, OBC & CWP for $33,895 (tax included). An '04 will have a few more options, you will get 4 years of scheduled maintanence instead of 2 (several hundred dollars right there) plus the two model years of resale.

    I would definately get an '04 with the options you want.

    -murray
  • suegosuego Member Posts: 2
    I'm about to buy my first BMW 325CI convertible. The first price I got from the internet dealer in my area was 1,200 off MSRP. I think that's pretty high based on what I am seeing here. Anyone in the area have an experience with a recent purchase in the area? I'm buying not leasing.
  • bgt1bgt1 Member Posts: 50
    I still get a kick out of everyone here that discuss JUST the purchase price and not other factors such as trade in or interest rates.

    What is the avg interest rate on new cars anyways? It can make a HUGE difference on what one can afford. I know it did for me!! =)
  • hoopsrefhoopsref Member Posts: 140
    other than advertised 3.99% on line in some newspapers, has anyone had a recent 0% or 1.9% I've seen on some January/Feb posts on 2002's? '03's?
    Also, check with your local AAA motor clubs, they tend to great rates in my area (Boston).
  • lumranchlumranch Member Posts: 2
    I just ordered a 2004 330 coupe, 6speedM, sport, heated seats, rear side airbags, xenon adaptive HL, titanium silver, leather. I'm a member of a credit union in N. Cal and went with this program called IFMA. You'll need to go through the fleet manager, any only a few BMW dealers offer this option. Price $39730. This beat most other dealers in the area using internet contact and direct phone calls.
  • williecastrowilliecastro Member Posts: 1
    On 3-20-03 I picked up a 2002 Certified Used Topaz Blue Metallic 330i BMW. I got robbed on my trade in. It was a 97' Supercharged Pontiac Grand Prix with only 66k on it. Got only $3,500 for it. The salesman was great he threw in a bmw alarm and remote unit for garage doors and even took $50 off the extended maintainance warranty for the 4th year of service (oil changes , brakes, etc). Even though it's certified used, the previous owner was a BMW executive. The car was an executive lease. So I'm technically the first owner, (helps resale). When I bought it, it had 15,500 miles on it, and it was manufactured only 8 months previous. So that executive drove it allot. Anyway, here's the options, Automatic, Sport, Premium, Xenon, Back-up Sensor, Power sunroof, Wood trim, Rear seat fold down, Ski bag in back seats, Harmon Kardon package, all that for $36,500 + tax & licence. I'm happy, but wish I could have afforded an M3...next time.
  • gtom71gtom71 Member Posts: 17
    Looking at 2002 325i sedan w/ 18k miles w/ spt and prem pkg, manual tranny, xenons, and heated seats for 25k. Car has small ding and light scratch on driver side wheel well. If it checks out at a mechanic, I'll probably do it.
  • testengineertestengineer Member Posts: 4
    I'm buying my first 325i with the following options:

    Steel Gray Metallic
    Steptronic
    Leather
    Premium Package
    Sports Package
    Xenon headlights
    Alarm
    Floor mats

    Dealer quoted $35,000 plus tax and licenses. Do you guys think this is a good deal or should I haggle some more? Any comments will be highly appreciated. By the way, I'm in northern california. Thanks!
  • chile96chile96 Member Posts: 330
    That's a very good price. I just bought nearly the same thing over the weekend but mine was $500 cheaper but I didn't get the alarm which is about $595 retail I was told. Nobody in Houston could match the price I was quoted so I pulled the trigger. Your price is excellent, especially considering it's not even near the end of the month. Just make sure that 1. if you're trading in, you're getting fair value and 2. the price is $35K + TTL only and no other fees.

    Otherwise, good luck and have fun with your new baby!
  • blkonblk330iblkonblk330i Member Posts: 15
    I bought my black 330i back in August 2002 from an executive who just started his own business and was downsizing. He was leasing a 330i (his) and a 530i (hers), starting a new business, and just had a new baby. He was very motivated to sell a car but he decided to keep the 530i.

    At the time I was searching I couldn't find any 5-speed coupe on the market so I settled for an auto, as I had to get a car immediately. I originally planned on getting a brand new 325ci but after I test-drove the 330i and reasoned out I would pay about the same for either car,I opted for the 330i.

    The car is MY2001, built in June00, a month before the light power-assist steering models were built. It only had 16,500 miles after 25 months of ownership. Options are Sport/Premium pkgs, xenon, HK upgrade, steptronic, moonroof, all for $33,500. I figured I saved close to $7,000 on the depreciation hit the previous lessee took.

    After 8 months of ownership, I'm still happy with my purchase and I wouldn't hesitate buying a used or CPO again.
  • memphis10memphis10 Member Posts: 161
    I have found a 330i MY 02, metallic paint, auto, moonroof, heated seats and brand new. What would be a decent price for this car.
  • cecilt1cecilt1 Member Posts: 74
    BlkonBlk330i: Agree, CPO is a great way to go but I think you paid too much. Were you in a hurry to buy?
  • blkonblk330iblkonblk330i Member Posts: 15
    Cecilt1, yes I was in a hurry to buy, and yes, I also did my research for 4 months before I bought. At the time, I could not find any manual tranny and all the 330 CPOs the dealers were offering in the S.F. Bay Area were at least $35k-$38K. I found a stripped down 330i auto for $29k, but I wouldn't have been happy with it. Some private party sellers were just as high as the dealers. Keep in mind, that was 8 months ago, and the prices have significantly gone down since. Now, I see many 330 coupes with manual on the market for a much lower price. Overall, I'm happy with the car.

    Oh, I forgot to mention, it also has heated seats. What a great thing to have on a cold morning! I never turn the heater on, just the hot seat. YEAH!!!
  • sahib97sahib97 Member Posts: 4
    2003 325 XI
    Auto
    Premium Package
    Cold Weather Package
    Leather

    $33770 +TTL

    IS THIS A GOOD DEAL? PLEASE REPLY.
    MANY THANKS!!
  • huydttranhuydttran Member Posts: 4
    I am looking to buy the 330i with
    Sport Pkg
    Premium Pkg
    Steptronic 5-speed
    Bi-Xenon
    Titanium Silver

    My local southern California dealer quoted $40,300 + tax/license. What do you all think? Is this reasonable, or should I haggle some more?
    (Edmunds MSRP $41,570 Invoice $38,100.)
    Thx for your input!
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