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

designman

I see you posted in the S4 vs M3 thread and noticed a guy who has SMG and loves it. It’s good that you hear both sides of the fence, then when you drive it your impressions should fall into place.

I drove a leftover 03 M3 with SMGII early last spring. Yeah, the shifts are like snapping the clutch on every gear, great when you are digging in but in auto mode it feels like someone is bumping you in the rear on every shift. I think there are something like 11 settings so go over it good when you test it. When it covers the spectrum from dinner mode to bad-[non-permissible content removed] mode I figure I’ll be more interested, but only as an alternative to automatic so my wife can drive it happily. Like a yachtsman and his relationship with sail and wind, I don't think anything can replace a true sport driver's relationship with a manual transmission. Good luck.

bmwccc

I had a chance to talk with a BMW employee/expert on the SMG question. He pointed out that the M3 SMG is very very different than the 330Ci SMG. Two different versions entirely, and I still need to drive the manual and the SMG.

I also found out that both the SMG and Manual are 0-60 in 6.4 sec.

Sounds like a rough ride when shifting gears as well as from a complete stop. I wish the Steptronic didn't take away so much juice.

Thanks again!

vsaxena

You can smoothen out the shifts on the SMG if you feather the gas pedal. You have to guess when the auto shifter will move up. Then reducing the gas will make the shifts much smoother. This exactly like you would do in a manual, where clutching invariably results in lower pressure on the gas pedal.

straz

Got a great deal, I think, on a 2004 325i, moonroof, auto,hexon lights. msrp 31,820. discounted to 29,540. added 1000 to KBB book trade from the incentive, and got the 1.9 finance. How'd I do?

motowneer

This question is for kyfdx(I think he slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night.) I've put a deposit on o new '06 330i. My dealer tells me they will have their first units around May/June. They will sell mine to me at msrp, no bumps. I should be among the first to receive the new '06. Two questions; Msrp o.k. for the'06?, and what problems do you expect me to have on such an early production model?

kyfdx

If you are saying they gave you an over-allowance of $1K on your trade, and you got the base financing, you did well..

kyfdx

Well.. I'm definitely not an expert.. I just play one on Edmunds..

I personally hate to pay MSRP for anything that will soon be discounted.. If you are buying a MINI, no problem.. They have been selling for MSRP for three years and will probably continue to do so.. My co-worker bought the first GTO at his dealer in January for MSRP.. now, you can get them for $7K less..

I don't expect '06 3-series to be going for $7K off later, but maybe $1K-$2K off.. I just don't have that need to be the first one on the block.

You bring up a good point about early production models.. Not only is it a new model, it even has new engines.. Something the new 5-series didn't have to deal with, in it's first year.

I have also heard May or June from other dealers, so I think they have the time frame right.. I think I'd rather wait and see, than lock myself into MSRP.. It isn't like 3-series will be in short supply. It is their biggest seller.

regards,
kyfdx

bullbanker

Hi motowneer - If you don't mind, what is MSRP on an '06 330i. Also, what engine is going to be in this E90?

straz

Thanks for the reinforcement, any comment on wood trim kits for the 325i? Are they any good or hard for me to install?

kyfdx

If it didn't come with it, I wouldn't bother.. I think the aluminum looks good (looks better with black than sand, but I'd keep it either way).

No idea on the difficulty to install.. Likely to cost at least $300-$500.

motowneer

No pricing set as of now for the '06s, however, they think the prices should be in the same neighborhood as the '05s,(with the customary incremental year to year increase.) As for engines, the '06 330i will have a completely re-worked engine with 258 hp and 12% better fuel economy. Can't wait!

bullbanker

Motowneer - I bet, I'd be pretty excited myself.

I'd like to pose a question to the board and I apologize if this is the wrong place, but any comments are appreciated. I'm considering purchasing a 4 dr. 2006 330i w/ Perf & Prem Package, I would put approximately $2,500 down and pay tax, etc. to get to a total finance amount of $40K for 60 months. Also, I would buy the car when it first came out, ideally summer of 2005.

I'd drive the car for around 30 months, putting approximately 35k miles on it. This would put me around late 2007, at that point I'm wondering what I could sell the car for. I figure I've got an 06 model in 07 and if I look at NADA now for an 03 car they are going for upwards of $30K. Based on an amortization schedule, I would owe $22K at 30 months. Assuming I could sell for around $32K, I'd pull out $10K for a down payment on the next car and have an approximate ownership cost of $433 / mo (figure $45K total price tag minus $32K sale = $13K cost / 30 mo).

To me this sounds reasonable and a fairly low cost of ownership of such a high caliber car and is certainly less than any lease...what do you guys think? Does my reasoning sound proper? Am I missing some key things?

kyfdx

But, assume you only get $30K out of it.. Then your cost is up to $500/mo.

Or, price it out as trade-in value at KBB.com.. The '03 with premium and performance package with 35K miles has a trade-in of: $23,655

That seems awfully pessimistic, but you can see how things could go against you.. At $24K for a trade-in, your cost is now $700/mo.

Why not try a 36mo/45K lease? At least that way, your depreciation is locked in.. If the car happens to be worth significantly more than the residual at lease end, you can always buy it and re-sell (not likely, though).

regards,
kyfdx

bullbanker

Motowneer - I bet, I'd be pretty excited myself.

I'd like to pose a question to the board and I apologize if this is the wrong place, but any comments are appreciated. I'm considering purchasing a 4 dr. 2006 330i w/ Perf & Prem Package, I would put approximately $2,500 down and pay tax, etc. to get to a total finance amount of $40K for 60 months. Also, I would buy the car when it first came out, ideally summer of 2005.

I'd drive the car for around 30 months, putting approximately 35k miles on it. This would put me around late 2007, at that point I'm wondering what I could sell the car for. I figure I've got an 06 model in 07 and if I look at NADA now for an 03 car they are going for upwards of $30K. Based on an amortization schedule, I would owe $22K at 30 months. Assuming I could sell for around $32K, I'd pull out $10K for a down payment on the next car and have an approximate ownership cost of $433 / mo (figure $45K total price tag minus $32K sale = $13K cost / 30 mo).

To me this sounds reasonable and a fairly low cost of ownership of such a high caliber car and is certainly less than any lease...what do you guys think? Does my reasoning sound proper? Am I missing some key things?

kyfdx

Don't use refresh button.. it re-posts...

bullbanker

kfydx - Still learning here...thanks for your response. Good thoughts and you're right, it only takes a few grand difference in that sales price to ruin the good deal. I'm going to consider the lease further.

cargal2

Hi Kyfdx,

I'm still lurking in BMW and other carlands....

I have come across two cars. I wasn't offered a car fax on either one, yet. They are both at BMW dealers.

Car #1:

Steel Blue Sedan. 2002 330xi (awd). Premium Package, heated seats, wood trim, supposedly leather (beige). It also has navigation that really works! 30,000 miles. No fold-down rear seat from the trunk to give me extra room.

It's CPO'd -- hear they just put on two new front brakes. Tires in good, if not new shape.

Originally was looking for $31,9K with the CPO warranty.

Two months left on the maintenance, so it can still be extended.

Went to see it. Dealer will give me $3,000 for the '98 Saab.

Talked him into throwing in the 6 year/100,000 full maintenance, and tire/rim insurance which will cover all tires and rims (supposedly).

His Final price, as of last night: $31K with all warranties, tax, etc., but including my car.....

Beautiful color.... like the idea of a full maintenance guarantee for up to 100,000 miles, and a talking navigation system.

However, as nice as the car seems to be (one tiny dent on a fender), it's pretty small without that extra fold-down seat....

On the other hand, it's a 330xi, good to drive for any new, or pre-owned year. Finally, does BMW really, really take care of all the maintenance without giving someone a tough time?

Car #2:

2002 325xi steel blue wagon. Premium, leather, heated seats, and navigation. Also priced at 31,900. Is CPO'd, but I would have to pay to extend the maintenance which can cost upwards of $1300.... Have not seen, or driven this one.

However.... the car is located over an hour from me, and not sure whether I could get a loaner car, or good service locally.

It would give me more room, sure. I'd really like the BMW wagon.... But, I still can't manage to drive down to see the wagon.

On the third hand, I could get a new Mini Cooper automatic with premium, leather, etc. for max $24-25K, or a VW Passat V6 2 wheel, front-wheel drive, or AWD (although, I've heard the Passats has had some real 4 motion problems)....

KYFDX, I have valued your input thus, far, and would appreciate your thoughts this time around.

The dealer for the first car told me that I have to call him tomorrow morning, or ASAP, because he can't hold it, in light of all the interest it's generating....

I should have gotten that car fax report....

Thanks!

Cargal

cartalk

If you know the VIN you can order your own CarFax report at carfax.com ($24.99 for 30 days if unlimited reports).

philiprst

If anyone has bought or made offers on a 325xi recently, could they post their experiences? I am looking at a base 325xi, metallic paint and heated seats as the only options. The initial quotes I have are for 31,000 even w/o tax, title.... That's around $1000 over invoice. Is there any reason to believe that the price should be lower for a factory order. Thanks

kyfdx

1) You seem to want some extra room.. That would rule out the MINI.. I like the Passat... doesn't compare well with a BMW, though..

2) I think all 330s come with leather standard.. for sure it would be included in premium package.

3) I'm not sure I would want to pay the premium for navigation.. The asking prices on these cars seems a little high (not unusual for CPO), especially the 325XiT.

4) The maintenance program is good.. If you are buying CPO and have to take your car to the dealer for warranty work, you might as well get it serviced there also.. Will most likely be worth the money.

5) Asking prices are just that.. asking.. Who knows what kind of deal you could get on the wagon, if you took your trade down there..

6) The 330xi seems to be the better deal, but a dent? Can they fix that?

7) You seem to want more room.. There should be a lot of 325XiT wagons around... And you should be able to find an '02 model for under $30K with the CPO and extended maintenance included.. Just make sure it has enough power for you.

8) If you are buying used, it won't matter much where you service it.. you may get shoved down the loaner list, but service departments dont' really care where you get your car, just the sales department.

9) Don't worry about ASAP.. Sales always wants you to buy RIGHT NOW. If the car is gone, the car is gone..there will always be another.. If it is generating that much interest, you won't get a good deal, anyway. That typical saleman BS.

Good luck..
kyfdx

kyfdx

Your deal sounds good.. Refer to msgs #2271, #2275, and #2279.

They relate directly to your question.

regards,
kyfdx

ballfire8888

Straz:

I too purchased a brand new 2004 325i with steptronic auto, premium package, heated seats, wood trim, load thru, bi-xenon

MSRP ~$47K
DISC ~$6 K
BUY ~$41K

All figures Canadian dollars, cash deal.

kyfdx

You are in New Jersey, right?

Open Road BMW in Edison has two '04 325Xi wagons..I'm assuming they are CPO.. Grey with 15K miles and Red with 5K miles... Asking $34,995 for either..

Assume they will sell for $33K plus $1K to extend the maintenance.. $34K minus $3K for your trade plus $2K for taxes...

$33K out the door... For a car that is one year old.. Sounds a little better than the deals you have been seeing..

Will that work? No idea.. just food for thought..

Here are the links..

http://cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&searchT- - - ype=21&paId=154207008&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=- - 50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sort- - - field=MMT+descending%2CPRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&a- mp;a- mp;recnum=0&leadExists=true&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_5_%7CB-- - 35000%7CA-25000%7CD-_31_%7CN-N%7CR-100%7CI-1%7CP-MMT+descending%2- - - CPRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-08901&aff=national

http://cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&searchT- ype=21&paId=153904720&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=- - 50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sort- field=MMT+descending%2CPRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&a- mp;a- mp;recnum=1&leadExists=true&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_5_%7CB-- - 35000%7CA-25000%7CD-_31_%7CN-N%7CR-100%7CI-1%7CP-MMT+descending%2- CPRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-08901&aff=national

ballfire8888

Does ~$6K off list sound like a decent deal off a new 2004 325i?

kyfdx

Canadian? That isn't like yen, is it? Where $6K Canadian is actually worth $1.37 USD?

Just kidding.. I don't know what the market in Canada is like, or if they have the $1500 USD dealer incentive... But, if $6K CAN is equivalent to $4K or more USD... Then, that would be a good deal.

regards,
kyfdx

powermatic66

Just purchased a 2005 325xi for $34,250 -
Orient Blue
Premium pkg.
Cold Weather
Harmon Kardon Premium sound
MSRP was $36,195
Invoice was $33,160
I essentially paid $1,100 over invoice for a factory ordered car. They did sneak in a $198 documentation fee at the end, but I still went with the purchase b/c I thought it was a good deal. Edmunds' TMV is $35,400. Any thoughts if this was indeed a good deal?

paule

So what was your out of pocket minus TTL? Was it $34,250 + the doc fee of $198 or did the $34,250 include the doc fee?
Either way, I think you did very well. I purchased a similar car for $1,500 over invoice not counting the MACO which I believe was $300 (?). That would still make it $1,200 over invoice on the car I purchased.

Edit: MACO + training fee is alledgely $465 (verbal from a salesman) for Arizona where I bought my car so that would make it $1,039 over invoice including the doc fee I paid ($184).

uuhtm

In which city did you get this deal?

powermatic66

The sale price equaled $34,250. In addition, there was a $198 doc fee and registration and title fees of $120. I believe I would have to pay the $120 no matter what car I purchased - those fees are charged by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor vehicles. So including the doc fee, my cost was roughly $34,450 - still pretty good. No matter what, I think you always get tagged with some doc fee. I might add that the price included carpet floor mats.

powermatic66

Boston MA - Herb Chambers

bar

I recently visited my local BMW dealer and received this quote for a '05 325. I was hoping to get your feedback as to whether this is a fair deal or what kind of counter offer you would propose based on these options - thanks! Also - any idea of what if any special financing BMW might provide for '05?
$29,300 base
    695 freight
  1,275 automatic
  1,000 cold winter pkg
    675 harmon k sound system
  1,450 leather
$34,395 Total
- $500 discount
+ $197 admin fee
+ $125 car mats

$34,217 final

kyfdx

Once they add the admin.fee, you are only getting a $300 discount.. Posters to this discussion are reporting $1200-$2000 discounts from MSRP on '05 3-series.. If you get another $1000 lower, that would put you in that range....

asterisk

I need some advice on the price of an '05 325Ci with the following config:

Titanium Silver Metallic
Black Leatherette
Steptronic
Heated Seats

Invoice: 31,795
MSRP: 34,645
Dealer Quote: 33,750

I remember reading that people are getting upto 2000 off on the '05s. Considering a doc fee of $400, should I be looking at an asking price below 33K?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

nytimes00

Please advise of BMW Dealers w/Best Prices in suburbs north or east or in NYC (Westchester, So. Conn., Rockland, NYC or on Long Is) from your experiences (I'm in Westchester). Will be buying a BMW 325 xi. Thanks so much !!

designman

I checked many dealers in the area and BMW of Greenwich was lowest. Wide World of Cars in Spring Valley was next best. There are 18 dealers within an approximate 25 mile radius so the pickins are good and if you are a good shopper you should do well. This area also includes some Jersey dealers... DiFeo, Prestige... so don't leave them out of the picture.

superphil

people are saying that to add the performance package to a 330ci is 12000, is that true? cause in edmunds it says its 3900. I dont get it.....can someone help me with this????

kyfdx

What people?

khastak

Please suggest a BMW Dealers with the best Prices in Cleveland (greater Cleveland) ohio. Secondly is it a good time to buy 05 model now or wait it Feb - March 05 ? I may buy BMW 325 xi.

teach3

I'm about to take delivery on a 330i -- given that the engine immobilizer is standard, is it

1) necessary or even desirable to install a car alarm -- are there any benefits at all -- or is it a rip-off?

2) if the answer is that a car alarm is a good idea, what is the best kind to get? -- and is it better to have the dealer install it or farm it out?

thanks in advance

jamesspot

Where will you park when you leave the car all day at work? For me, I have my car garaged at night at home and have parking in front of my office that is safe. If I parked it on a street in a big city, I would get the alarm.
If you go for the alarm, get the manufacturer's alarm. Order it through a web site, install it yourself, and then go to your dealer for alarm activation.
The car can't be driven away with the engine immobilizer, but it can be flat-bedded or broken into. The alarm discourages a casual thief.

glaker

See my posting #2001.

tltsai

One dealer quoted me a 2004 new 325iT Wagon for a base MSRP of 30400.00. However, the MSRP from BMW web site is 30800.00 for a new 2004 325iT. I also found out that a new 2003 325iT was 30400.00. Is this wagon a 2004 car or 2003 car? Did anybody know the reason behind the price discrepancy? Thank you.

cartalk

If you know the VIN, it will tell you the model year.

Kirstie_H

Please visit our regular BMW 3-Series discussion for questions that don't concern the buying process or pricing. Posting questions in the appropriate discussion makes information easier for everyone to find. Thanks!

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

wjc12345

I purchased my 2004 325i at BMW of Manhattan. I live right on the queens/Nassau border and shopped around (Long Island, Westchester, bayside, etc).

I was very surprised at the deal I got at the Manhattan location. I almost didn't even bother contacting them because I assumed they would be the MOST expensive, but they beat everyone else by almost $1,000 and the customer service was no different than any other locations in the area.

I urge you not to overlook the Manhattan dealership.

tltsai

The VIN is WBAEN334X4PC13221. Could you advise? Thanks a lot.

cartalk

It's a 2004.

teach3

jamesspot and glaker --

very helpful comments -- you have together persuaded me that it is worth the cost (financially and -- especially -- psychologically)

many thanks

kyfdx

There was a mid-year price increase on Jan. 1st, 04.. It is possible your car was shipped prior to that.

regards,
kyfdx

tltsai

Thank kyfdx and cartalk for the useful info.