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

kyfdx

Wow... with California sales tax included..

 

That is about the same price as leasing an Accord V6 w/navigation..

 

Great deal!!

knocker81

Just put a down payment on a 330 ci (in stock)

Sport package

Heated seats

Alpine white sale price is 36,450 (not including tax and title)

Is this a good price (Open road BMW New Jersey)

msrp 39,095 (2005)

kyfdx

Great deal...

 

$650 over invoice.. can't ask for much more than that..

kyfdx

Anyone want to buy an '03 325i Sport? ;-)

 

Just kidding.. (I think)

akc

Hi guys, my first post. I am looking into buying the 3 series, although might wait for 2006.

A friend just bought a 325i, premim pkg, metallic, auto for $32k (+tt&L) in Texas. This was about $2000 less than MSRP. Seems like a good price.

nyccarguy

what are the money factors and residuals on a 3 year lease w/ 15K miles on a 325i and the 325xi?

samtoydeal

325i would be 60% 36 month 15k and money factor .00080

kyfdx

From memory... the 325xi is 58% residual and MF of .0010

 

325i is obviously the better deal.

nyccarguy

I know I've been all over the map with BMW pricing questions over the past few months. I considered a 325i Sport for myself, but realized that I needed a new car a month before my wedding like I needed a hole in my head. And since the dealer I was working with couldn't find a Car with a stick and SP equipped how I wanted, I figured it just wasn't meant to be. So I decided to keep my '01 Prelude Type SH for the long haul.

 

Then my Mom went to look for cars and drove 3 different BMWs, a 330xi, X3 3.0i, & 530i. Eventually the 530iA won her over and she's taking delivery of it next week.

 

My best friend's fiancee has a '99 Mazda Protege that isn't on its last legs, but needs some work done to it. He'd rather make payments on a new car than put a few hundred dollars here and maybe a thousand dollars there into the car even if it is over a 2 year period. He looked at the TL & TSX today and liked them both. He liked the features per dollar that Acura has to offer. He asked me what else he should look at for her and I suggested the 325i. So I'm going to speak the the dealer I helped my Dad buy an X5 from in Feb and my Mom decide on a 530i for her next car to see what he'll do. I'm going to be aggressive and find out what he has on the lot to see if he'll do a few hundred over invoice deal with these great lease rates and residuals. THanks again for everybody's help! I'll keep you posted!

kyfdx

If he is buying, the TSX is a screaming deal, compared to a 3-series.. The car basically has what would be $8K worth of options on a 3-series as standard equipment..

 

But, if he is considering leasing, he might get out cheaper with the BMW...

 

I've come up with a good rule of thumb for 325i leases this month....

 

36mo/45K lease.. Nothing upfront but 1st payment and security deposit..Acq.fee rolled into cap cost.. You should be able to lease for $11.25 per thousand of MSRP plus tax.

 

Example: MSRP $37,500... Lease payment = 37.5 X $11.25 = $421.88/mo. + tax.

scgilber

OK I am taking delivery Saturday morning, got the deal together for 298 mo, (nc. taxes!) 3400 total out of pocket, 36 mo, 10 k year, heated seats and cpu only options, metallic paint. I am happy!

 

Could not have got this deal w/o the board!

 

Anyone wnat ot buy an awesome CHerokee cheap!

thumper1221

I visited Advantage BMW in Houston this evening looking for a 325i. The salesman stated that they were having a "sale" at 3.9% over invoice. However, this works out to be $1,295 over invoice.

 

Base $26,825

Destination $695

Metallic Paint $430

Leather $1,320

Automatic $1,210

Premium Package $2,095

Xenon $635

Dealer Profit $1,295

 

Any comments? Has anyone been able to get a much lower price in Houston?

teach3

I live in Houston and, after having researched all the BMW dealers -- talked to them, hassled with them -- finally (in exasperation) went up to Fort Worth at the advice of people on this board and bought a BMW way under invoice at Autobahn BMW -- look them up on their website -- fantastic deals -- what you are paying, which is about 37k out the door with TT&L at Advantage -- would be about 33k at Autobahn -- and if they don't have the exact car you wish, then order it (which is what I did --it took only 6 weeks!).

 

Sure, its a pain to get up there (just use mapquest for directions -- its easy, about 3 hours and 45 minutes -- or fly -- its cheap) -- but its worth it -- several other people on this board have done the same -- the Houston dealers are notorious for not offering good deals -- and the Houston dealers HAVE to service the car on your return (the sales and service components at Advantage are separate -- service doesn't care where you bought the car). Do yourself a favor!

msparkysteffen

Hi all just finished a deal on a 325xi w/ Leather, AT, PP, CWP, rain sensor and xenons. MSRP 38,945

Paid 1000 cash plus traded in a beat up 2000 ford focus with 75000 miles they gave me 3700 for it KBB value 3000

309/month 10k mile lease.

Good deal?

samtoydeal

What is the cost of the Acquisition fee. I was told $795.00?

akc

I checked with my friend, he bought his 2005 325i at Momentum BMW in Houston. He paid $2000 below MSRP. What he told them was his price, and he did not negotiate. Momentum agreed to his price. His car has premium, metallic paint, automatic. He was willing to go th Fort worth if he did not get a good deal in Houston. Autobahn was offering $4000 below MSRP recently.

paule

$4000 below on a 2005 or a left over 2004?

If they're offering $4000 below MSRP on an '05, they're going to lose at least $1000 selling you that car.

msparkysteffen

Acquisition fee listed on my lease was 525

jdannu

Hey blueguydotcom....

 

Can you help me out. I am looking at 2001 330cic's. I live outside Media, PA and have found a White with Navy top, Tan leather, navigation, 37000 miles on it, Automatic, Premium and Cold Weather Package, Harmon Kardon, 6 disc CD, & Zenon lights. They are asking 34900. Currently there is 2.9% on it and I have heard BMW makes you first payment this month. Do you think this is a fair price or do you have any advice?

 

Please help me out if you can!

rroyce10

   .................. $34,900 ..? .. even with all the stuff, thats alot of "Jingle" for a 01 37k CiC in the fair State of PA in December .. the dealer probably didn't pay much more than the mid/high $26's, low $27's ... add a little service, a little CPO action and it probably hits the table at around the mid $28's "on a push" ... a fair price for both.? $30ish and $31,0 would just flat kill it, it's tumbleweed time, not May ........ $34,900.? .. maybe if it had 17k, glowed in the dark and driven on Sundays for the Church socials ............

 

                             Terry.

akc

I checked with my friend about the price. Apparently, he has another friend who ordered a 2005 325i in October, and got about $4000 off MSRP from Autobahn BMW in Fort Worth. Apparently, it was an internet deal or some special they were offering through the internet. He did not know more details, but was told that they were giving great prices, much better than Houston.

paule

Forgive me my skepticism but I just can't believe that is possible.

I just priced a 325i COMPLETELY loaded using the Edmunds new car guide to allow for the greatest difference between MSRP and Invoice and it comes out as $44,825 MSRP and $41,070 Invoice. That's only a $3,755 difference. That also doesn't take into account MACO + TF which would make the difference even less.

How can they possibly give $4,000 off without losing money?

akc

Listen, I have no idea how they do it. I searched this forum using keyword Autobahn, and apparently some other folks have also bought a 2005 325i for $4k off (post 2098). Appparently, there was a heavy promotion at that time.

paule

Sorry. I didn't mean to upset you.

I'm just wondering how they manage to do it.

Just because it's written in a post on this forum doesn't mean it's actually true.........

teach3

Paule

 

I am as incredulous as you about Autobahn -- since I actually went up there and bought one, I can assure you that it is true -- I also asked them how they did it - the answer was that they are indeed losing money, but they think it is worth it -- I got the impression that it is a "competition thing" -- there are some dealers up there that are engaging in various nasty manuvers to gain business -- Autobahn is a large dealership (they also do VW's, Jags and I think a few others) and so they can at this point afford it -- as for whether there are other things going on who knows -- thats as far as they were willing to go with me on an explanation -- go figure -- I guess thats one good reason to be living in Texas (and if you were to ask me for another, well...there is of course the...uh...the...uh....hmmmm...)

johnz

I had negotiated a lease deal for a 2005 330xi base model that I thought was a very fair deal for both parties. This required placing an order with the factory to have this model made as there supposedly were none in the states. A few days later I was told that upon the sales managers return from vacation he realized that the 2005 330xi could no longer be ordered due production halted until the 2006 model begins in March. Is this some lame negotiating tactic that they think someone can't check out with manufacturer or is this true? Has anyone heard anything about this? Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

cartalk

How about the lack of a state income tax?

thumper1221

I asked the General Sales Manager at Momentum BMW here in Houston about the deals at Autobahn - here is his response.....

 

If you will check with Autobahn they are no longer offering big incentives on 3 series. They were overstocked in '04 models and were about to be in trouble with their bank. They continued to run the

special on some '05 models until they got out of trouble. They were actually losing money just to get their debt cleared up. Discounts in the car business fluctuate daily depending on market demand and inventory levels. We are one of the largest BMW dealers in the country and we do that by offering the best prices and the best service. Please reconsider us when you are in the market again.

paule

Teach3

That's truly amazing. I guess if they had too many on their floorplan, that would be the way to get rid of them. That's great for you!

How much under invoice did you get it (if you don't mind my asking)? I'm assuming that you would have had to take a unit they already had (or had coming in) and did not special order it. Is that correct? You bought an '05?

 

I guess thats one good reason to be living in Texas (and if you were to ask me for another, well...there is of course the...uh...the...uh....hmmmm...)

 

The Cowboys? Nahhh, that's definitely not it

 

I'm psyched for you. That was a sweet deal!

paule

How about the lack of a state income tax?

 

I'm missing that one. How would the lack of a state income tax affect the price of a car? I used to live in NH which also doesn't have a state income tax and I don't remember any effect that I can think of.

Is there something I'm just missing in my thinking on that subject?

Boy, I probably could have worded that a little better

teach3

I just checked the autobahn website and could not find hide nor hare (what does that mean?) of the 4k discount -- too bad -- Thumper's Momentum guy may be right that the deal is over, although I would still check it out for anyone who is interested -- and even if the deal is off, I would imagine they would grant a better deal than the Houston (hello, we're a monopoly) dealers, whether its BMW North or Advantage or Momentum (by the way, I dealt with Momentum before I went to autobahn -- many fine folks there -- but as for finding deals? my response is this: I will turn the other cheek, it being the season, and just let it go at that).

 

As for my deal at Autobahn -- I had an order all lined up for a 2005 325i -- steel blue, with leather (it came with sunroof so I didn't bother with premium, despite the attractiveness of the computer chip rear view dimmer) alarm (I'm paranoid), mats (no need for automatic -- I prefer manual, even if the auto will be a seller when that time comes) -- all this was promised to me in writing (by fax) at $29, 950 "out the door" (including TT&L, destination and all the other frilly charges) -- now thats a deal. Despite that, I didn't pull the trigger, as I fell in love with a 2005 330i (just something about that extra torque) -- so I misspoke when I said I actually bought the 325 -- instead, I ended up ordering the 330i last september (6 weeks is all it took) -- and I only got 1.5 k off MSRP (the deals were not for the 330). But that doesn't change the fact that the 325 deal was on the table -- Houston dealers wouldn't touch either the 325 deal OR the 330 deal (they stuck to MSRP). And I have the emails to prove it.

 

My punishment for passing up the 325i deal of the century? I'm eating lots of tuna for dinner (and lunch...and breakfast -- ugh.....even breakfast?) -- my reward? the 330 rocks (apparently a bit too much, as my recent speeding tickets attest to...guess I'm downgrading to peanut butter...)

teach3

How about the lack of a state income tax?

 

yes, well....and then there's the (relatively) cheap housing market (at least in Houston)...and I'm just positive there's another reason lurking out there somewhere...down Alice's rabbit hole...(thats for you boomers)

carshopping2

I got a quote for a used 2004 330ci with premium/sport package, heated front seat, xenon headlight, leather, automatic with 5k miles on it for $38k. It's not a certified used vehicle.

 

that was the listed price and they won't bargains.

 

Thanks in advance!

cartalk

The original MSRP/invoice on that vehicle (priced with Premium and Sport packages, heated seats, Xenons and auto) was $44,445/$40,720 with metallic paint and $43,970/$40,290 without.

 

The price seems high. I know it's a different vehicle, but a sedan could be had for near that price when the $3,000 dealer cash incentives were available (not sure what, if any, there were on the coupes).

 

A question you need to ask is if the 1.9% financing (likely 2.9% with dealer markup) on 2004 models applies to the CPO cars since this may be an additional factor to consider.

carshopping2

Thanks for the info cartalk, i did manage to work them down to 36,600 in the end. Happy with my xmas present

 

Thanks again

paule

I think it might be worth dining on peanut butter for awhile to get the 330 .

That's interesting that the deals were only on the 325i. They must have had an inventory issue. Your deal on the 330i was very comparable to the 325xi I bought from a dealer in Phoenix.

It sounds like even if I had known about the Autobahn deal I would have been out of luck since I was looking at an xi.

You would really think that dealers in a certain region would take a little less profit to keep a customer. Oh well, their loss.

Enjoy your 330!

desi1

As dealers are trying to get rid of the remaining 2004's, they are selling them for within 1K over invoice. As 2005 going to be the last model year (for some models), do you think the higher residual value of 2006's would negate the savings on a comparably equipped 2004/5 as far as the lease is concerned, assuming you can lease a 2006 with 1-1.5K less than MSRP?

 

Please feel free to respond.

 

Regards,

 

SS

kyfdx

If you are leasing, the deals on the '05s are very hard to beat... high residuals and low money factors.. The lease deals on '04s are not good.. I wouldn't get one, unless I was buying, and then I would pay invoice at most...

 

'06s probably won't be available until May or June... No telling what deals will be like then.

 

regards,

kyfdx

wyc

Happy Holidays to Everyone.

 

I am a new owner to BMW. Bought a 05 330i auto 12 days ago. Enjoying the driving experience right now.

I would like to seek your advice on whether I should take up the dealer's offer to buy

a) Extended Maintenance (6yr/100000mile) $1395

AND/OR

b) Extended Warranty (6/100000) $2499

 

I am driving 15000-18000 miles/yr in CA Bay Area & intend to keep the car for a long time beyond the 4yr basic coverage period. Given my mileage the basic coverage will expire in 2.7 - 3.3 yrs.

 

According to the dealer :

a) Service II at 60k miles $950

b) oil change at 75K miles $380

c) Service I at 90k miles $450

($380 for an oil change !!) Then the Extended Maint make sense. As for the Extended Warranty, I figure these German cars are expensive to fix if it breaks down. But how much should I set aside and expect to pay to fix the car between 50000 miles (basic expired) and 10000miles. Would $2499 worth it ?

 

From previous browsing of car-buying articles, they warned consumers about the dealer making big bucks out of these add-ons. That's why I did not buy these on the spot (even when the dealer offer me a discount of $300 if I purchase both options on the spot).

 

Any advice on this or your past experience would be much appreciated.

 

Regards

rcosper

I'm commissioning in the Air Force this coming May, thus need some wheels. I have been a BMW fan for many years and would like to purchase a 325ci. Seeing as how I would like to eat as well, is it possible to get a 325ci with only a sunroof & heated seats for right under $30,000? Is this just wishful thinking?

 

3 other questions?

 

1: I have upwards of $10,000 to put down--is this smart? Or should I put down less and use some of the other to pay towards the principle without obligating myself to the full amount?

 

2: So far, I'm going to be using USAA which is offering 3.59% financing. Is this a good deal, or should I look to what the dealer might offer?

 

3: I can defer payments for up to one year, thus can purchase the car from now until May...is there a better time of the year to get a deal on a car?

 

Thanks all...

kyfdx

You can buy either of these up until the original warranty/maintenance runs out... Anything could happen before then...

 

Just wait, then consider it again about the 45K mile mark... and, you can buy from any dealer in the U.S. If you buy from an out-of-town dealer over the phone, you may even get out of paying sales tax (not a legal opinion).

 

regards,

kyfdx

kyfdx

Invoice is $30,155... Figure at least $1000 over that plus tax... So, no... not under $30K..

 

If you are purchasing, you are obligated for the full amount, no matter what down-payment you make... so, if you have the funds available, there is no downside to making a large down-payment.

 

regards,

kyfdx

rroyce10

..... No problem with a big down stroke on a purchase ... but NEVER on a lease ..!

 

           Hats off to our military.!

 

                             Terry.

paule

Congratulations on your 330! I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

 

I have a 325xi and did not buy either of those options for a couple of reasons.

 

1.) Like kyfdx said, you can always buy it later once you get a feel for what you would be paying in maintenance and repairs if you did not have it.

 

2.) I'm a hands on type of guy and I can change the oil for WAY less money than $380. Come on, the engine uses synthetic oil, not gold!

 

Also, looking at the BMW manual, the "Inspections" don't exactly include a ton of extra stuff. Most of the extra things done are "check this" and "check that". Inspection II includes a new O2 sensor, ATF, air cleaner, and spark plugs. I can do all of that myself for less money than BMW can charge.

 

Of course, all of what I just wrote assumes you would want to do that yourself. Another option is to price out those services with an independent garage that services BMWs and do the math.

 

One caveat with my situation is that I live 2 1/2 hrs from my closest BMW dealer so it makes sense to do those services myself where it may not for most owners.

 

On the warranty end, I can always judge how reliable my car is over the first 4 years and then make the decision at that time whether to purchase the extended warranty or not.

 

One more thing, BMW is not losing money on these extended programs. My guess is that they are making a fair amount considering how much they push it.

 

Please realize all of the comments I just made are from a new owner with no experience with BMW reliability. You need to decide what works best for your situation. It just seems that most of these programs are a greater benefit to the car manufacturer than they are to the owner

wyc

Thanks kyfdx & paule, for your advice.

 

I am not a hands-on type of person so I would ask around for reference to an independent garage and get their price quote for service so I can get a feel. And I'll wait to observe this car's reliability & make a decision later at the 45k point. I already had minor glitches with the back door. One of the door cannot be opened from the inside. Imagine me the driver running to the opposite corner of the car to open the door for my passenger :-). I called the dealer & they are courteous, telling me they would be glad to set up an appt whenever I am ready to bring the car in for them to take a look.

 

But the handling is really nice & nimble. And this is from someone who just switched from a Infiniti G35 sedan.

 

Anyway, thanks alot for your input.

Regards,

jpl

Hi: Has anyone had a recent quote on a "04" 330ci lease lately, Looking for Prem. pkge, A/T, Leather, Xenon, 60 mo., 12k mi. Thanks in advance. Happy new year to all!!!

 

                                  jpl

kyfdx

BMW has ceased lease support for most '04 models.... Also, 42 months is the longest term for which they offer "lease specials".

 

I usually recommend against leasing a car for 60 months.. At that point, you are usually better off buying..

vinnyny

I closed the deal on a 2004 BMW 330CiC last week and couldn't be happier with it. It's the tenth car I've bought in the last five years, but I think it's a keeper.

 

Here's the deal:

Used, non-CPO with 4400 miles and no damage.

Options include: Titanium silver metallic, automatic trans, performance package, heated seats, xenons and BMW assist for an original MSRP of $52,195.

Purchase price was $42.9 versus $30.7 for my 04 350Z Touring Roadster with 10k miles.

 

Two questions: Can I transfer the BMW Assist? Does the performance package still give 235hp with the auto trans?

 

Thanks for your inputs...

jh87

Finally purchased a 2005 330i auto, with premium, sport package and xenon. MSRP was $ 42245

 

Initially, I got a quote from a california dealer, offering $ 40500, (see my previous post), which I though it was a pretty good deal. Kyfdx and paul replied, indicated there maybe more room to negotiate. But I kind of doubt it when Kyfdx said " Another $1000 off would make it a great deal... ". How could that be possible. But I did called the dealer and was told no way they can go any lower. But 2 days later, another dealer quote me $ 39895, so I called the first dealer and see if they'd like to match that price. Surprisingly, they agreed this time. Right before I was about to finialize the deal, someone here mentioned a ongoing sale at one of the california dealer in Bay area. I called them up and see if it was ture. Well, I ended up got a deal for $ 39299, that is only $594 above invoice. No other hidden fees at all. Now, I am happy.

This board is great, Thanks Kyfdx, paul and others.

shaymasdaddy

Is $1000 over invoice unreasonable for a 2005 325i? I've talked to a couple of dealers in Dallas and received internet pricing of $600 off and $1200 off MSRP. I'm looking at a Jet Black w/ Black Leatherette with just auto trans, pwr seats, and cd changer.

 

Kyfdx or anyone else, please advise. I want to take advantage of the lease promotion as well that ends on 1/3/05.