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

jpl

Hi: Thanks for the info, it is appreciated!!!

                         Thanks Again

rdr1

i forgot to mention that the interior is blk leather ... adding that onto the base cost of 32615 makes it a pretty good deal.

thanks,
rdr

rdr1

kyfdx,
forgot to mention your input is appreciated

kyfdx

Yeah.. the price I gave you included the leather.. It is a good deal.. You can try for more, but if you don't get it, you've still done well.

regards,
kyfdx

cpbrooks

Ok, I am trying to buy a base 325i in black. If anything, I want just the sport package and I want a manual. I want jet black w/tan leatherette. What price do you think I should offer once I locate this car? Thanks, Courtney
I have found a base without the sport pack and they want $28,795. I would offer 27 since I am buying straight out and not trading. What would be a good price with the sport pack?

autocrazy

kyfdx,

Thanks for the clarification (are you sure?) -- the $3000 incentive (+ $2500 ED savings) was the catalyst for me to buy the 330i...but it looks like I have to revisit my plans...

kyfdx

Dealer invoice on the base car is only $26,425 and there is a $1500 dealer incentive on '04s right now.. IF you can find a base car, you could probably buy it for $26K.

Before you start worrying about it, better check with a few dealers and see if there is anything like that out there... Most likely, the least optioned out car with a manual that you will find will have the sport package and a moonroof.

One like that would MSRP for $31,245 and have an invoice of $28,655... You could probably buy one like that for around $28K after the dealer incentive...

But, it is all just pushing numbers around on paper, unless you can find one.

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

Yes, I'm sure.. no incentives on '05s.. Probably the best deal you could hope for on ED is $1000 over ED invoice..

regards,
kyfdx

bmwshopper

This is a great board! I was wondering if anyone has information on getting the rebate ($1500 325i, $3000 330i) AND getting the 1.9% special financing. Is the special financing still offered or was that only last month? Also, I'm a BMW CCA member. Does anyone know the amount that BMW gives you for a 3 series?

kyfdx

They aren't rebates, they are manufacturer to dealer incentives.. You just have to know about them and use that info to negotiate a lower price.

1.9% financing is available, but most dealers will try to mark it up to 2.9%.

If you have been a CCA member for at least one continuous year, then BMW will rebate you $500 on a 3-series.

njmarcy

Hi all,

What Is the invoice price of this vehicle? Also, what kind of discount can one expect to see off of the MSRP of $31,050..I have rec'd 2 quotes from dealers..one is almost $2000 off MSRP, and the other is $1600 off...does anyone think, that I can do any better?

thank you very much..Marcy

kyfdx

$31050 doesn't include the destination charge of $695. That bumps the base MSRP up to $31,745. The invoice price of that car including destination is $29,110. If you are getting $2K off MSRP on an '05, you'd better grab it.. That is only $600 over invoice..

I'm wondering about your quotes, though, if you don't have the MSRP including destination.. that is right on the sticker.

regards,
kyfdx

teach3

mitch and muuray

thanks for the response -- yes, it does look like a good deal

am now looking at outside financing -- any suggestions much appreciated!

desi1

Can you please let me know if the following is a good deal, of course, provided that the CarFax and other checks come out okay? If not, what should I shoot for?

2000 328Ci Coupe
Manual
45,000 Miles
Silver Metallic
Black Leather
Xenon
H/K Audio
Moonroof

Dealer was asking for $25,500 - 3 months ago. However, is now asking for $21,970. I am thinking of going in with a check for $20,000 + TTL.

I do not know the packages that is equipped with. These are the options that I could see when on the dealer lot.

I truly appreciate your help.

Thank you.

SS

kyfdx

Re-post your question over in Real World Trade-in Values.. Terry can give you a good idea of a fair price..

It sounds like that car is loaded... About the only other option it could have is the Sport Package.. You can tell that from the heavily bolstered seats with the manually adjustable thigh pad.. Nice low miles for an '00.

regards,
kyfdx

njmarcy

Hi,

The quotes I have obtained were over the phone and internet. I know the 31,050 didn't include destination. But thank you sooo much for the INV price...
If I can get my local dealer to match, I am one step ahead...

Thank you...Marcy

desi1

Thank you kyfdx for your prompt response. Can you tell me where that forum is. I checked the Town Hall discussion, and I could not find the one with 'Real World Trade-In Values.'

Thank you,

SS

kyfdx

Here:

kidevo1 "Real-World Trade-In Values" Sep 14, 2004 2:46pm

skibum1

When will the '05 325's be in dealerships for purchase in the US?

desi1

Thank you kyfdx!

SS

richz

I know the BMW financing is supposed to be 1.9% for 60 months but as noted on this board most dealers are marking this up to 2.9%. That is the case w/ my dealer so I am wondering if there is anything I can do to negotiate this or if I should just take this into account when settling on a price?

Thanks.

richz

The MSRP is $43,195. I put in the options I had written down and Edmunds gives me $43,895. Anyways, the options are:

Metallic Paint
Premium pkg
Steptronic Auto
Xenon headlights
Heated Seats

Edmunds Invoice is $40,215. The dealer came down to $37,695. Considering the $3K rebates they get should I try and come down further and how much? Target price?

THanks.

jazevedo

I was able to get the 1.9, but the whole time during the deal, my salesman knew that I already planned on buying elsewhere but he could get my business by beating the price. He tried to get me to pay the 2.9% but I ended up getting the 1.9% by making it known that was a deal-breaker. The reason it was a deal-breaker for me was because I calculated that the extra percent would cost $1K over the 5-year period in extra interest. So saving a few hundred on the car wasn't worth it if I had to pay an extra grand in interest - to me anyway. If they won't budge, you can always offer them an extra couple hundred on the car and see if they'll give you the 1.9. That's only if you feel it's worth it. If you're going to pay off the loan sooner, it's not as big of a deal. I was going to try that next, if he couldn't get the 1.9, but luckily he did. Good luck!

richz

Thanks jazevedo. I'll see what I can do tomorrow morning! The dealer was hoping to have a deal done tonight but I held off to see if he'll go lower.

kyfdx

With the $700 price difference, it looks like the one you are looking at doesn't have the Xenon headlights... Without those, the invoice comes down to $39,580. That puts your offer about $1100 over invoice.. You might have $500 more to work with.. The price is fair now, IF you get them to give you the 1.9% financing.

regards,
kyfdx

richz

Yeah, you're right. The one with Xenons was an '05 I also looked at.

cpbrooks

Thanks for the information. I have found three black/tan 2004 new base cars. One is from a broker (not a dealer) he wants $26,100 with no additional fees, but he cannot do the BMW financing so I would use my credit union for 3.9%. The dealer whom I have been dealing with and like wants $26,899 bottom line after doc fee and this is 2.9% financing. Would you try to get the 1.9% or should I just offer 26,500 and be done with it. I do not know if they will budge anymore. This one is coming new off the truck, where as the others have been on lots.

kyfdx

The extra 1% is worth about $650... I also like the idea of buying a new car off the truck from a dealer you know, rather than through a broker.. Starting a financial relationship with BMWFS could also benefit you in the future, if you decide to buy or lease another BMW.

If $26,889 is the bottom, bottom line, with only tax and license extra, you might agree contingent on getting the 1.9%.

If you are strictly comparing those two deals..

$26,100 at 3.9% for 60 months = $479.50/mo.
$26,899 at 2.9% for 60 months = $482.15/mo.

For that difference, I'd go with the dealer.

$26,500 at 2.9% for 60 months = $475.00/mo.
$26,899 at 1.9% for 60 months = $470.31/mo.

Those two are just for reference, in case you can negotiate a lower price or interest rate...

Comparing payments is only valid, if you indeed keep the car for the entire 60 months.. If you trade out early, then the lowest initial price is more important than a low interest rate...

regards,
kyfdx

mitchmurray

teach3,

You are welcome. Unfortunately I do not have any suggestions on outside financing. But let us all know how you did if you do the purchase.

Mitch&Murray

mitchmurray

Courtney,

The base cars you found, are they automatic or manual? Also, what area/state is that in?

Thanks,
Mitch&Murray

spacewormfx

Hey, I am also looking for a base 325i in So California, if anyone sees a good deal out there please let us know!

teach3

M&M: thanks for the response -- this is for you or anyone interested --

I have been offered a deal on a 2005 330i (MSRP $35, 700) which would be ordered (with metallic at $495 and leather at $1450) and nothing else. Add on destination ($695) and TT&L (Texas tax, which is about $2700) and it comes to about 41k. The deal is $39, 500 out the door. Since there are no incentives for the 2005 I am assuming this is a fair deal -- any thoughts?

also -- on the BMW, which part of the car does one find the vin number? if one orders a car and gets the vin number sent to one as part of the contract, the dealer is lawfully bound to get you that exact car, right?

kyfdx

The VIN can be viewed through the windshield, on the driver's side from the outside (where they are on every car), or on a sticker on the driver's doorjamb.

No one is "lawfully" bound to do anything.. there is no contract until you have taken delivery and given consideration (payment). You just have to trust them. You do have the option of backing out at any time before payment is made and delivery completed.. Just make sure you are happy with the deal before completing it.

regards,
kyfdx

$1500 off MSRP seems fair for an '05

cartalk

VINs are normally located in several locations on a car, but the most common places are:

- On the door frame/door post of the front doors (usually driver's but sometimes passenger's)
- On the dash near the windshield
- On the engine itself (machined pad on front of engine)
- On the car's firewall
- In the left-hand inner wheel arch
- On the steering wheel/steering column
- On the radiator support bracket

richz

So I mentioned a few posts ago I got the dealer down to a price of $37,695. The invoice minus rebate price on the car is $36,500 or so.

The dealer called me yesterday and wanted to sell me the car but I said 36,800 firm so after a while he told me to come to his office and we could work something out and his manager said he could take "a couple hundred off".

So I leave work early and get there and he had taken $157 off that $37,695 price. I responded by telling him $157 doesn't sound like a "couple hundred" to me. The dealer pulled the whole "I'll throw in rubber mats too." but I said that wouldn't do it. He also insisted the financing was 2.9% and not 1.9%.

I was actually ready to go for 37,200 but it was 6:02 and the dealer closes at 6 and the used car manager who is extremely arrogant and rude came into the office and asked what's going on. In an extremely rude manner he told me this isn't distressed merchandise and to take it or leave it and not waste his time. I responded in a similar manner and got up in his face. Me being 6'2" and well built and him being a 5'7 scrawny [non-permissible content removed] he calmed down and left.

I don't think I'll buy from that dealership now anyways even though it is a sweet car.

desi1

Hello,

Could you please run the following quotes? They seem high, but I don't know how high they are. I truly appreciate your help. Location is Toledo, OH, tax is 7.25%. Credit Score is very close to 750.

2004 BMW 325ci Black 2dr 5-sp MSRP-$33,745..cap cost-$33,000...money factor-.00060...resid-57%...36 month lease 12k miles/yr..payment-443 per mo. including tax with upfront fees down which are 1st payment, sec. deposit, plates, and bank fee of $525...approx $1507 total down. This car has a sport pkg and moonroof.
 
2004 BMW 325ci blue... M.S.R.P.-38945..cap cost-$37900.. same money factor and residual..payment including tax is $499..36 month/ 12,000 miles per year..about $1650 down for your upfront costs including same $525 bank fee. This cars options are: Automatic trans, Cold wthr pkg., Sport pkg., and premium pkg.
 
2004 BMW 330xi- M.S.R.P.-$40,545...cap cost-$36,900... money factor is .00260.. resid.-53%...payment is $599.52 including tax for 36 mo/12k mi yr lease..Lease requires first payment, security deposit, plates and bank fee...about $1650 down....Options are heated seats and moonroof.

The above is an excerpt from the e-mail from the dealer upon my 1st request of quotes. I have not negotiated at all yet. The MF seems too low for the first two quotes and doesn't seem right.

Once again, thank you.

SS

kyfdx

I'm not sure of the numbers, and that money factor DOES seem low, but there are no other incentives on the coupes, so I could see BMWFS lowering the MF on that model.

1) On the first one, I get that exact payment using those numbers.

2) On the next two, I get payments higher than that.. my guess: Your contact is quoting $499 and $599 to make the numbers more palatable.. He'll have to lower the cap cost some to hit those numbers, or in case of the sedan, use the base MF (.0022, I think).

3) These prices seem kind of high.. These cars should be selling for at most $1000 over invoice.

4) If this is your first contact with the dealer, I see some positives... They are forthcoming with MFs and residuals.. Their numbers either calculate correctly, or are lower. They are only charging the base acquisition fee (some dealers mark this up)

I'll get you some calculations a little later, with more reasonable cap cost numbers to shoot for.. I think you might be off to a good start.

regards,
kyfdx

desi1

Thank you kyfdx for your help. I will wait for your detailed numbers. This forum might well be the reason that I get my first BMW sooner than I was expecting.

Thank you,

SS

mitchmurray

desi1,

The base money factor for 2004 325ci are indeed .00050. So, infact the dealer is actually marking it up slightly to .00060.

-Mitch&Murray

kyfdx

Dealerships already have some '05s... By the end of the month, they should have plenty.

desi1

Thank you Mitch&Murray for the important piece of info.

Is there a way that I can send a private reply? I do want to thank all who help; however, I do not want to take up the valuable forum space.

SS

kyfdx

1) MSRP is $33745.. invoice about $30,850. We'll be really generous and assume a cap cost of $32K and we'll use mitchmurray's MF# of .0005

Result: Payment of $408/mo.

2) MSRP is $38945.. invoice about $35,715. Again, a decent profit at cap cost of $37K and MF of .0005

Result: Payment of $473/mo.

3) MSRP is 40,545.. invoice about $37,115 minus $3000 dealer incentive = $34,115. Assume a cap cost of $35,500 and an MF of .0022 (Their MF is marked up).

Result: Payment of $552/mo.

In all of these examples, I purposely left the dealer over $1000 in profit, as I wanted to give you numbers that should be achievable at most dealers.. The "deal of the century" numbers would be about $25-$30 month less on all three deals....

Now that you know what a reasonable price is, you CAN negotiate by monthly payment, if you wish.. As long as the terms and upfronts remain the same, then that is what really matters, anyway.
Your dealer will also roll the acquistion fee into the cap cost, if you wish.. That will add about $16/mo to the payment, but save you $525 upfront.

Of the three, I like the coupe with all the options, but if you can get the stripper for close to $400/mo, that looks good too.

regards,
kyfdx

Kirstie_H

Hi desi1 - You're not taking up valuable forum space with your questions. That's why we're here!! Rather than exchanging information privately, we'd prefer that you post all questions here so that the questions & answers will be available for all of our members to learn from.

We LOVE questions - keep 'em coming!

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

desi1

Hi Kirstie_h,

Thank you for the clarification. I will certainly continue to ask questions and follow this forum, which is extremely helpful.

I meant posting private messages thanking the individuals who answered my questions and not wasting forum space with such messages. I understand the importance of sharing any informative posts, which must be posted publicly.

Thank you,

SS

boxztrs

McKenna BMW in Norwalk, Ca. has been aggressively advertising 325i's for the last several weeks. In fact I bought 2 cars from them in the last 3 weeks based on their ads. Last week they had base 325's with automatic (black and white) for $25,888 plus tax and license. I would look for their ad this weekend in the Los Angeles Times to see if they are still being aggressive. Let me know if you want details on the 2 cars I bought.

aristede

I recived a quote for a 04 330Ci with Performance, Zenon, Heated seats, Leather & Roof for 44K. Is that a rip - off?? Help

teach3

thanks kyfdx and cartalk -- it makes me breath easier to get such helpful comments -- I'll let you know how all this concludes (assuming it does...)

vinnyny

yup

paule

Marcy,
I am about to order a 2005 325xi. The best price I'm getting is $1000 over invoice (includes MACO and delivery). That's about $1,500 below MSRP. I'm looking at an invoice (again including MACO and delivery) of $32,520 and a price to me of $33,500. Several other quotes are over $34,000.
This is in the SW US.
Someone will be getting a deposit from me in a day or two.

bigb0b

Looking for some help in determining a price for the following car:

2003 BMW 325IA (btw, what does the "IA" mean?)
Titanium Silver
12,580 Miles
Certified Pre-Owned

4-Func. on board computer
Automatic w/ Steptronic
Leather seats
Premium HK sound system
Premium Pkg
Split-fold down rear seat
Sport Pkg
Rear park dist control

Location: Lansing, MI

Thanks VERY MUCH for any feedback.