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

kenna1

Auto/CPO from a BMW dealership/Sports & Premium package/cd/xenon lights/Harmon Kardon stereo/Heated seats/ Black with Tan Leather. Thank you so much I'm a single female and I'm just making sure I don't get takin advantage of.

kyfdx

Wow.. nice option package.. Same as mine, except for color/interior..

Just one more question.. What city/state? I'll probably ask the expert in Real-World Trade-In Values for his opinion.. as he is much more up on the market than I am..

Positives: Nice color combo unless you live where it is hot.. All the good options.. low miles.. CPO warranty..

Possible negatives: not many.. asking price isn't a bad place to start considering low miles and CPO.. You'll need winter wheels/tires if you live where it snows..

One thing to do.. have someone inspect car for previous body/paint work.. that is the single most important thing that can affect the value of a BMW.

regards,
kyfdx

kenna1

Towson, Maryland. If you don't mine me asking how much did you pay for yours? I really only want to pay $28,000 for it. Am I living a fantasy world?

kyfdx

It really isn't relative, as mine was almost a year ago.. plus isn't CPO and had 7600 miles at the time.. but, I paid $29,500. At that time, asking prices were around $33-$35K.

I'll post your info over at RWTIV.. then I'll come back here and give you a link... It might be tomorrow sometime before we get an answer..

In general, if they are asking $29,900.. it definitely puts $28K in the realm of possibility.. I mean, unless their price says FIRM..lol

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

kyfdx "Real-World Trade-In Values" Nov 22, 2004 4:15pm

kenna1

Thanks :-) Any suggestions for negotiating? It's been so long I think I forgot, my last car a brought through carmax.

kyfdx

Nope... I suck at it... You might mention that $29,900 is a little out of your budget, but that you really like that car.. yada, yada, yada..

I was checking other BMW dealers on-line.. As a rule, asking prices for CPO cars are notoriously high... That said, most are asking $30,900-$32K for similar cars..

We'll have an opinion from Terry by tomorrow, most likely.. We'll see what he says...

regards,
kyfdx

kenna1

Thanks :-)

kyfdx

Hey.. while we are waiting for another opinion..

Are you looking at BMW/MINI of Towson?

I was perusing their website... they have a lot of inventory.. Is the one you are looking at Sapphire Black metallic? If so, that is a very nice color.. I really like it a lot better than the Jet Black.

While not suggesting their prices are cheap or fair.. their asking prices are a little lower than most BMW dealers..

Since they have so many similar cars, if they won't deal this month, I'm betting they will still have cars after Christmas, when deals are usually plentiful..

Keep in mind.. if you get a car with the Sport Package, you will need winter tires ASAP after purchasing.. (its worth it).

regards,
kyfdx

kenna1

Yup that's the place. The one I'm looking at IS the Sapphire Black. I'll let you know how it turns out cause I'm going up there today. The wheels on this car aren't good? On my old one I kept the same wheels year round?

kyfdx

The sport package comes with summer-only performance tires... They really aren't safe in any kind of winter precipitation.. and aren't real good in cold weather, either..

You have two choices:

1) Buy winter tires and have them put on your stock rims.. They will be 225/45-17s..

2) Get a set of winter wheels (used factory, aftermarket alloys, or steel wheels) and put the winter tires on those... You have various choices in size if you do this.

I bought my car in December last year.. I did option #1.. then shopped the classifieds for another set of wheels.. This gave me until spring to find what I needed.. If you can't find any wheels by then... then your summer tires can go back on the stock wheels, and you can keep looking..

Don't worry about it too much... I don't want to muck up your mind with too much info.. Try to get a good price on the car, first..

Don't be surprised if they aren't too excited about coming down in price... Like I said before, their prices are kind of low, in comparison to other BMW dealers.... But, I can't imagine them not coming down to at least $29K.. Do you have a trade-in?

regards,
kyfdx

kenna1

yeah I do have a trade in 99' 323 136k I have $2800 in negative equity. That's why I was hoping they would come down atleast $2000k We'll see? I couldn't make it today I'll have to try back on monday after the holidays. I'm still waiting to see what that other says (Terry).

kyfdx

We have an answer.. See it here:

rroyce10 "Real-World Trade-In Values" Nov 24, 2004 3:04pm

Basically he is saying it is a fair asking price, but assuming the car is "perfect", he thinks you might be able to buy it for around $28K.

That doesn't necessarily mean that your dealer will do it.. but, at least you have something to work with..

BTW, Terry owns a few dealerships and does all the used car buying for his dealerships at auctions all over the country, including Atlanta, which is probably where that car came from. He is very knowledgeable, and knows what cars are selling for "right now".

regards,
kyfdx

kenna1

Thank you for your help, this site is really cool. I'll let you know how it turns out. Have a happy holiday :-)

mbojilov

Last month I also bought a 2003 325i. At the time I thought that was an exceptional deal but now that I have read more on this board (I wish I had done it earlier) I am not so sure. I paid $23,700 for it; it had 10500 miles but the only options are the metallic paint and leather upholstery. I think yours was a better deal considering the premium package, the automatic (mine is a 5sp), and the lower miles. I should have asked the dealer to knock off more than the $300 I did (the car was already below private party blue book so my main concern was whether there was anything wrong with it rather than lowering the price). Any idea as to how much more I could have knocked off?

The car was a BMW executive car and sold at an auction.

cdost1

edfl,

I live in Northern NJ. Would you mind telling me what dealer you were able to get your 330xi at for $1500 over invoice. I am getting initial quotes through edmunds dealers and not getting close to that.

Thanks

cdost1

Folks

Anybody have any recent pricing on a 325xi or 330xi with the following options.

Premium pkg
leather
Upgraded sound system
Heated seats

Also I am in the market now but I could wait until end of year or even early next year. Anytime in particular better to buy ?

Thanks

nyccarguy

Where in NJ are you? I've been working with someone at Wide World of Cars (in Spring Valley, NY not too far from the top of the Garden State Parkway. He gave my parents a great deal on an X5 back in Feb, and we're in the process of buying a 530iA for my Mom. I think my email is public, so drop me a line.

mariobgoode

To NYCCARGUY: Can you provide a feedback on your experience with Wide World? I'm looking for a lease on a 330xi 6-spd for my wife or my daughter. They both want a stick shift. I'm not too far away from Spring Valley. Thanks in advance.

nyccarguy

I've had a good experience with Wide World so far. I'll bet you they'd have to order the cars with 6 speed manuals though. Most of their cars (be it 3, 5, or X5) have Steptronic, Premium Package, Xenon...basically what sells in the area. If you email me, I'll give you the saels person's info I worked (am working) with.

cdost1

Dropped you an email with my particulars. Thanks in advance for your help. Definitely would not be a hardship to get up there.

cdost1

paule

Can anyone definitively tell me if carpeted floor mats are included in the cost of the car? I know dealers try to tack on an additional cost for them if they can. >
I'm about to pick up my car and floor mats never came up. I'd like to know if there is any information out there that says floor mats are included. I'm specifically referring to the BMW carpeted floor mats.
Thanks.

Just thought I would answer my own question for future consumers. The floor mats are NOT included in a standard deal. Whether a particular dealer "includes" them or not is another story. I unfortunately ran into a dealer who was adamant that I was "changing the deal" after everything had been agreed to.
Needless to say, I had a different opinion on that.
Specing out the car on some other websites show floor mats to be "dealer installed options".
I got burned by not specifically getting it in writing that they were included (I tried) so if I now want mats, I will have to purchase them.

ts604

ok, i've figured out that a 199 bmw 323i(approx. 85000m) with all my specs will come out to about 22grand canadian. how will i tell the salesman that this is how much the car should cost?

jane3

I am finishing a lease on a 2002 325xi, residual value is $21000 plus taxes. by lease end will have paid $22,305 total. I put 45,000 miles on the car (3 yr lease at 15K per year.) car has automatic, leatherette, premium and cold weather pkgs. silver gray with black interior.
  My question is has anybody bought their leased car? My dealer wants to do a once over and give a 'new' warranty...basically the certified pre-owned warranty....That would raise my cost by about $4000....would I be better off just sending a check to BMW financial and bypass my dealer?

kyfdx

$4K seems like a lot for a dealer to CPO your car..

Try this first... contact BMWFS on your own.. BMW has a new program where original owners or lessees can buy the new CPO warranty for their cars.. I believe the 3-series price is $2249, though it might be more for an AWD model.

If you can do this all through BMWFS, it will simplify things.. Of course, you won't get the free once-over by the dealer..

If this doesn't work, try negotiating the deal with your dealer... It is possible that he can get the car cheaper from BMWFS than you can.. That leaves him even more of a profit margin.. Ask him if he'll do it for $2000...or $2500.

His cost for the CPO warranty to BMW is only about $1200... But, he also has to bring the car up to their specs... So, figure another $600-$800 for work...

Last, check prices on similar CPO cars.. just to make sure it is worth it to you..

I'd also check lease prices on new ones..

regards,
kyfdx

knocker81

Looking for the best time to buy a 2005 330 ci
would it be wise to buy before years end or right before the 2006 model comes out hopefully there might be some kind of incentives.
I'm looking for
sport package
heated seats
alpine white
can anyone help me on a price (NYC area)

coloradogirl

I live in the area of Boulder, Colorado, and I am interested in purchasing a 2005, 330xi with the following Packages/Options:

Premium Package
Sport Package
Cold Weather Package
Xenon headlights
STEPTRONIC transmission
Navigation System
Park Distance Control
Metallic paint

Can anyone tell me when would be the best time of the year to get the best price? Is now a good time, or should I wait until a certain time in 2005? Are there any incentives currently available? Are there any 2004s left with my wish list of Options? How much should I expect to pay for this car? Is it cheaper to special order a car or to buy one off a dealer showroom? Would I get a better price doing a European Delivery (ED)? Can you recommend dealerships/salespersons? Would I get a better deal working with a car Broker?

This is will be my first BMW purchase, and I appreciate your help and recommendations!

asaslavs

Hi,

excellent forum !!!

I am doing my research for buying a 325i or a 330i sedan car. By checking at ipod website and bmw, the ipod on bmw feature is not available on cars that have the navigation system. Do you have any information about another way to get the ipod connected to the car audio system?

Thanks so much for your advice.
Alex

asaslavs

Hi colorado girl,

sorry for not being able to reply so many questions. But by reading your post, I realize your specs are exactly to my packgae/options. I am planning to get the European delivery and interesting thing that after visiting two different dealers in South Florida, got the same feeling: they do not want to sell the ED. Did you have a similar experience? Another interesting thing to consider (if you will go to Europe) that the navigation system will be equipped for USA, unless you buy the European media (around 200$). The European Delivery saves around 2000$ from MSRP. If you get the car before 3/31 you get two round-trip tickets to Germany (Lufthansa)

Hope I add my 5cents.

coloradogirl

Hi asaslavs,

Thanks for the input! I haven't purchased my 330xi yet, or asked my local dealership about ED. I'm still trying to figure out how to get the best deal, and what I should pay for the car.

I have read similar responses regarding dealer's reaction to the ED program. I don't understand why they are negative about customer's purchasing a vehicle through this program. I have thought about the Navigation system being equipped for the US. Do you know if you buy the European media when you order the car, or when you pick it up in Europe? How much are you paying for your car?

Thanks again,
ColoradoGirl

ger3sf

I did ED last May for my '04 330CiC (w/ Nav). The European DVD is not included with the car.

You can either buy one before the trip (approx $180), or buy one at the Munich delivery center. I recall it was more expensive in Munich, so you're better off purchasing it before the trip. I bought the Europe DVD online (from the DVD supplier at www.navteq.com).

When the car is delivered at your local dealer, you will get the US DVD at that time.

cargal2

Hi. Someone has been helpful in this forum. I've looked at several xi sedans or wagons. These are my current finds. I would like to act by tomorrow's snow storm...

Car #1: 2004 c. 12,000 miles. 325 xit (wagon). Electric Red. Options include: Premium package, black leather, xenon headlights, cold weather package (I think -- it has the heated seats, definitely), and something special called a sport package. The last package upgrades the front seats to Recaro, in addition to the fancy wheels. Regular stereo, no full-size spare. Sunroof, controls on wheel, fancy steering wheel.

Price: They will discount it, supposedly for me, to $33,000. It was driven by a corporate BMW exec. It will be certified. It has BMW assist. I will have to pay about $500 for an alarm -- why doesn't BMW include that feature like everyone else? The salesman tried to tell me it wasn't important but I'm in NYC alot.

With my trade deducted, and with tax, the final cost of the car will be about $32,2 K and some change.

My only hesistation is the exterior color of electric red. Won't I be immediately be pulled over, mugged, etc? Is this a color like the unpopular Oxford Green, which could explain why they're giving it to me at such a good price?

Car #2: Different dealer. 325xit wagon, 2004. $33K, not certified. Light gray (not silver). Black interior. Leatherette. Premium package. Only heated seats. Regular wheels.

There is some damage to the car. Notably a big stone chip damage in about the center of the windshield. There's also some dings. There's a little damage to the bumper. Someone said I should be suspicious if they won't certify it, or should I was told on the sly, can't?

Cars are about the same price. One is in better condition than the other, has more options, but unsure about the vibrant red color (why can't they at least do it in a metallic, than flat red? Anyone know the history of the red).

Car #3:

Audi A4 Avant wagon. 2004. 1.8 Turbo. Atlas Gray with beige interior. 6 disk cd changer. Premium package including power seats, cold weather package. 16 inch wheels. No controls on wheel, cute slide out storage drawers under seat. It has 50 miles, and it is certified. It may have the smaller engine, but this car drives sweetly. The interior is more spartan, aless lush than the BMW. For this car: $28,500 K, plus tax, including certified two year warranty. Includes full maintenance, but can not be extended after the four years like the BMW.

Not too thrilled with the color of the interior, prefer the gray, but what can I do.

Would value your input. Thank you!

kyfdx

Car #1) Sounds nice.. I like Electric Red, though that is a personal choice... It especially looks good with black or gray interior.. This sounds like the best car of the three... Will a red car be a little harder to sell? Probably, but not a lot harder.. much better than Oxford Green.. I'm sure that helps the price on the buy side as well..

This car is really loaded up... The sport package with the sport seats, steering wheel, and 17" wheels is really desirable, especially on resale.

Alarm? The only way to steal the car is to flatbed it.. I doubt an audible alarm will deter someone that is willing to do that.. Unless you always plan to be with hearing distance of your car, I don't think it is worth it.. Most people ignore alarms, because the incidence of false alarms is high, and they don't want to encounter someone with a crowbar on a dark night.

2) This car doesn't give me any warm and fuzzy feelings.

3) The Audi sounds nice.. definitely cheaper on the front end than the BMW.. Sounds like it is missing a few extras.. Audi makes a great AWD car. You have to balance that against lower resale, and a reputation for spotty reliability.. It just depends on what you like... I really like gray cars, but not wild about beige interior with them...

regards,
kyfdx

cargal2

Hi Kyfdx,

There you are!

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm leaning towards the red BMW too.

Car #1) Sounds nice.. I like Electric Red, though that is a personal choice... It especially looks good with black or gray interior.. This sounds like the best car of the three...

It has black interior. I think I like gray better, makes the car look larger and less claustrophic inside. Can't be too picky, though, at this point.

This car is really loaded up... The sport package with the sport seats, steering wheel, and 17" wheels is really desirable, especially on resale.

Question: I just noticed on the BMW website that the 17" wheels are low-profile. They say that it makes the car lower? and more susceptible to road damage or something. Is that true? The car looked higher to me, actually.

I have low-profile tires on my Saab. I keep wrecking the tires and rims at the first site of a rough road. I've had to replace the rims numerous times at the shout of $300 per alloy bump. I think because it has the low-profiles it causes this. Is this true? What does low-profile mean, and can I keep the nice 17 inch rims but get regular profile tires?

And, with AWD will I still need to put snow tires on because of the low-profile 17 inch tires/rims? I just saw freezing rain tonight on the road home.
 
Alarm? they don't want to encounter someone with a crowbar on a dark night.

Do you know anything about the BMW alarm? I hear that people were stealing BMWs in NJ/NY, or damaging the door locks to get in? The BMW alarm as an extra comes with a motion sensor feature, as well as a siren. I was told by an after-market place today that it isn't very good, and I would be better off with one of their alarm kits? I don't want to encounter someone with a crowbar one night, either....

Made a mistake on the price. They will sell me the car before tax: $31,995.

2) This car doesn't give me any warm and fuzzy feelings. No, I'm not going to fool with something that needs to have the windshield replaced.
 
3) The Audi sounds nice.. definitely cheaper on the front end than the BMW.. Sounds like it is missing a few extras.. Audi makes a great AWD car. Gray in an Audi is really nice, the beige is really ugly, unless I could find a wood kit. The dealer screwed up the delivery of the car last week, after I waited many weeks for it. I think how you're treated initially as a customer, must say something about the service you'll get later????

The BMW may be something I could have for many years to come. The advantage over the Audi, is that BMW lets you extend the maintenance past the first 50000 miles to 100,000 miles. The Audi does not.

One other question, KYFDX, do you know anything about Saabs? I have a '98 Saab 900s (non-turbo). It has 99,700 miles. Suddenly this past week, I've been getting a red brake warning light as I'm driving. It's intermittent. No reason because I had someone check tonight and the brakes are fine. Needs new tires, though. I was worried that the brakes were going to fail on me while driving, although it they are working. Maybe a sensor. Last month I had a check engine light come on, and lost the power to the steering and brakes. The dealer tried to sell me a 2000 dollar catalytic converter, but cleared the sensor. No more of that. I'm definitely afraid of keeping the Saab, no matter how much I have those days I like it more than many of the other cars I've test driven. I have a feeling, who knows it could cost thousands soon, and I'll be left with a car to be sold for less than the sum of its parts.

The dealers only want to give me $2000, or even less as a trade-in, but people are saying just get rid of it....

Oh for you bimmer fans out there. I think I saw a new 3 series drive past me. I tried to follow him. I know it was a BMW, and when I checked their website, it definitely resembled one. I didn't think they were out, yet. The new design looks pretty sharp, though. I have to wonder if that's why they're trying to move the 3 series wagon.

However, I did hear that the awd wagons are "rare." BMW doesn't make many.

Be grateful for any advice on my above queries.

Thanks alot and good car wishes and dreams!

Cargal...........

cargal2

Oops! I just read the carfax report on the red 325 xit, kyfdx. Title is okay, registered as a corporate fleet vehicle. Driven from 2/04 through 11/04.

What's concerns me is the service at 7622 miles in 6/04. As noted, vehicle serviced, electrical system serviced, engine serviced.

Is this a regular service, or could there have been something wrong with it?

In 11/04, it was sold at an auction in Pennsylvania. Listed as a manufacturer vehicle. In turn it was offered for sale at the dealership.

No other issues reported.

I dunno know, buying a car is rife with shark-invested waters. Maybe there's a wood trim kit available for the Audi to spice up the ugly beige? Maybe there's a remote out there for the radio controls at the very least, so I don;'t have to keep looking down at it, to fiddle with stations and Cds?

Thanks alot!

kyfdx

1) The overall height of the 17" and 16" tire are exactly the same.. With the 17" wheel, you have one inch more wheel and one inch less tire... Making your sidewall 1/2" less in height.. This gives you a little less cushion from potholes, etc... Not really much to worry about.. But, you can't put higher profile tires on it.. Profile is just that.. looking at the tire from the side of the car, it is the height of the sidewall.. you can't go bigger, without switching to 16" wheels.

You might read a lot of things about the sport package on a 3-series, but quite a few of them do not apply to the AWD cars...

 With AWD, you get the same type of all-season tire that is on the non-sport.. Traction should be virtually the same, and you shouldn't need winter tires, unless you want the extra traction and handling that comes with them.

The AWD cars are not lowered like the non-AWD with sport pkg, so no concern there, either.

2) Black interior.. you'll get used to it. I wanted grey also, but if you are buying used, you can't be too picky, as you say.

3) Alarm.. Your car already comes with an ignition immobilizer.. it can't be driven off without the key.. There may be better alternatives aftermarket, but I have no experience with them.

4) That car was most likely a BMWNA employee lease... Once they get over 10K or one year, they sell them to dealers at a closed dealer auction.. nothing wrong with that..that is where mine came from.. If it only had one service issue in 14K miles, I'd say that is pretty good, and I wouldn't worry about it.

5) The Saab? Doesn't sound too great.. I'm not surprised they won't give you much... If you can dump it soon, you might be saving $3K in repairs.. I would never want to own a Saab out of warranty.. (or and Audi, either).

6) Whatever car you express an interest in will be "rare". Just sales hooey.. 3-series wagons are much more likely to be AWD than the sedans.

7) The Sport package with 17" wheels, red exterior, etc. will definitely make that car unique, though.. The 17" wheels really make the looks on a 3-series.. I can't see anything that is really negative about that car.. If you like it, try to squeeze another $500-$1000 out of them, and go for it... Remember... this is the slowest time of the year for car dealers.. they should be looking to cut a deal.

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

1)Rarity.. I checked autotrader and Westchester BMW in NY has four '04 325XiT's... including a red one with all the options.. Like I noted, that is just a sales tool...

2) It sounds like you drive a lot and plan on keeping the car for awhile.. I would try to negotiate the extended maintenance plan into the price of the car.. It probably costs them $900-$1100... If they really want to make a deal, that is something of value that you could ask for..

ru777

In the 2005 325xi catalog (56pg) I have seen pics where the gear gaiter (boot) for automatic transmission comes in sand leather color instead of black, similar to the handbreak gaiter. (Provided the interior color is sand).

My question is how to get it in Sand leather color instead of the regular black ? Does it apply only for 330xi ?

I do know if its a manual it does come in the sand leather color.

I think having it in the matched color makes it look a lot better.

Appreciate your help.

paule

I finally got to drive my (actually the wife's) 325xi after getting it trucked up from the dealer last Friday. 2 1/2 months since ordering it is a long wait. The 3 series cars really are very nice automobiles.
I would like to say the "BMW sales experience" was a pleasure but it was more like a complete nightmare. Virtually everything from multiple delays to extra fees to not getting the floor mats promised to me left me with a very poor attitude towards the selling dealer.
I would be completely irate if this happened with a Kia never mind a BMW.
The real kicker is I am not a complainer. I guess the only way to get some satisfaction is to write a letter to the sales manager of the dealer.
Anyways, I love the car and even with all the issues, I'm glad my wife and newborn are in a safe vehicle and that I am now part of the BMW family!

cargal2

Hi Paule,

You wrote I finally got to drive my (actually the wife's) 325xi after getting it trucked up from the dealer last Friday. 2 1/2 months since ordering it is a long wait.

 Anyways, I love the car and even with all the issues, I'm glad my wife and newborn are in a safe vehicle and that I am now part of the BMW family!

Glad you like your new car. What color is it? I hate to burst your bubble about safety in the BMW, but I just want to make you aware of the latest side impact crash ratings for the 3 series. They found there's a high risk of pelvic injury during a side hit. I can't remember whether the rear side airbags were included with the 3 series as standard or an option. In other words the BMWs aren't as great to be claimed in a side accident.

I mention this because if you have a little newborn (congrats!), I would check whether it would be better to fasten the car seat in the center of the backseat, rather than the side. I think if there are full side-curtain airbags, you should also check with your dealer how to manage that with a child in the backseat.

Somewhere on Edmunds, I think you can check the crash ratings, and even see pics.

I really, really hate to tell you any of this, after all the aggravation you've been through....but better be safe than sorry.

I have to wonder whether the side impact issues improve when there are those nice comfy sports seats that hug you!

Good luck!

cartalk

Don't burst his bubble. The 3-series is a "best pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection.

BMW 3-Series 4-Door w/Side Airbags (standard)
Driver Front 4 stars
Passenger Front 5 stars
 
NHTSA Side Crash Test

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection.

BMW 3-Series 4-Door w/Side Airbags (standard)
Front Side 4 stars
Rear Side 5 stars

IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test About IIHS

Each vehicle’s frontal offset crashworthiness is based on performance in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test. Ratings depend on how well the structure/safety cage protects the occupant compartment, the risk of injury measured for an average-sized male, and how well the restraint system controls occupant movement.

Rating Key:
Good Acceptable Marginal Poor

Injury measures were all Good
IIHS Best Pick
2004 BMW 3-Series
(2000 BMW 328i tested)

kyfdx

Wear seatbelts and pay attention.. that is 99% of being safe in a car..

Don't get me wrong..if NHTSA comes out and says I will die in a fender-bender in a certain car, I might not buy that one.. Geo Metro convertible.. probably wouldn't want to ride in one of those, either..

But, I'll take any European marque sedan... Probably as safe as you can get...

Kirstie_H

But, I'll take any European marque sedan... Probably as safe as you can get...

They'd have to be, given some of the maniacal driving that goes on!

Great safety information, guys! But if there's any more to add, let's take it to the regular BMW 3-Series Sedans discussion, where others can find the conversation.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

paule

Last comment on this, I promise.
The car is Titanium Silver. It really looks sharp.
Anyways, I am an engineer for a company that modifies vehicles for disabled people and we actually crash test minivans on a regular basis including side impacts.
Since I am the person who decides what structure we add to our modified minivans to pass these tests, I am well aware of how vehicles react in both frontal and side impacts.
One piece of advice: ALWAYS buy a vehicle with at least side head airbags. It's not pretty to see a dummy's head taking out the side window.
The DSC and other stability control features found on the vehicle should also be taken into account in addition to the crash test ratings. 4 stars is still an excellent rating.
Thanks for the comments.

kyfdx

Congratulations.. I'm sure you'll love it...

jh87

Looking for a 2005 BMW 330i. Got offer for the following:
330i auto, Steel blue color, sport package, premium, xelon
MSRP: $ 42,245.
They quoted me $ 40500 (floor mat included) plus tax and title. Is this a good deal?
Any comments on the color?
Thanks a lot

paule

That looks like a pretty good deal from first glance. Any idea what the invoice price is? Are they planning on hitting you up with a doc fee over the $40,500?

guest

I am not sure the invoice, but base on edmunds, it should be $ 38705, b/c the quote from edmunds with the same options showed exact MSRP $ 42245. I am waiting they fax me the purchase order. I will check to see if there is any doc fee. Thanks for reminding me.

cargal2

Hi again kyfdx,

Thanks for checking. I saw the red one at Westchester BMW, too. I called them yesterday. They wanted $36,995 for the wagon, and would only go down to about $35,000. No way down to my price. The only thing they have on the Westchester car that's different than the one I'm considering is the better sound system.

re: further price negotiations. They would only include the all-weather mats, and not the cargo liner. I asked whether they could include a wind-deflector for the sunroof, and/or throw in an alarm, and he threatened to cancel the sale. He said, he was putting his foot down, otherwise my requests would continue? He said that few people even put alarms in because of the immobilizer, etc. I told him that I would be satisfied without an alarm if he put his comments in writing that I'd be okay to park in NYC, and other places.

(I've heard from the dealer and service people, themselves, that at the most car burglars break into the BMWs to see if owners left a key in the glove compartment -- but they didn't comment about how much their efforts would cost in damages to the car).

The used car sales manager also won't dicker over the extended maintenance. Thanks for mentioning it. However, they are trying to set up someone local to help me in the case of service and repairs, ie., a loaner car.

I gulp that I'll have to spend almost another $1000 to equip the car with an alarm, etc., and protect the cargo area from wind, wet, and hard use, et al. Although I do my research, can find all the right prices, instead of wanting to negotiate, the salespeople balk at throwing in anything from pin-stripes to all-weather mats, even, no less anything else -- they act stingy. And, oftentimes, quoting an invoice price, or inspecting a car before doing a deal has provoked even more problems for me.

I asked about the homelink. He put me on hold, returned and quoted me a price of over $300, after promising me to give me what I was looking for at their cost. I think that was double than what I saw elsewhere?

They are driving the car down to me today. Someone will inspect it, and the monies will be turned over. I'm hoping I will hardly see the dealer other than for minor service issues, and that I'm getting a good car.

The red makes me a little nervous, as I hope it won't make me a target for vandalism, car jacking, etc. I was using a Prius for a couple of days this summer that was shiny black.

I needed to run an errand, parked the car, and went into a store. It was at night. Came home. The next day, I found someone keyed the door. Cost me $400 in repairs!

Envy and jealousy can run deep, as well as road rage....

I'm relieved to hear that the AWD sport package does not have high performance, all season tires. Let me tell you, I would only get about 15-20000 miles on the Saab tires throughout ownership, and the performance element was little if any benefit, even with Pirellis or Michelins.

I was told that I had to keep the same tires on the car. One time, I hit a bump and two tires blew out.

Not only are they low profile tires, they are real soft (v-rated).

As for the BMW side-crash rating: check out the results on the government or insurance website. Even with the side airbags, they say there is the high risk of "severe pelvic injury." Can't quite remember why, though. I thought that airbags would act as big pillows. In side-impact tests, Mercedes didn't do very well either -- frame damage.

I guess, the discussion has moved to another board on safety and ratings, just thought to mention it.

Thanks very much, I'll let you know. The Audi was sold out from under me....

kyfdx

Looks like a decent deal.. Another $1000 off would make it a great deal... Might (maybe) be a little more you could work off of that price.... the key is to get out the door with only government charges (tax,title,license) over the price you negotiate.

The color... everyone knows that Steel Blue is the fastest color.. It also makes the person that drives it very cool...

regards,
kyfdx