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

maybebmw

A friend asked me to make an offer on a 2001 325i with sport/premium packages, and steptronic. It has 30000 miles and is in great shape. Edmunds.com says 22,868. The thing is, none of the websites have the steptronic as an option. Isn't it an option that cost more? What do people think is a fair price to offer?

Kirstie_H

Since this is a used vehicle, you might post details in our Real-World Trade-In Values discussion.

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions

fcao

I'm going to buy a new 325i. I'm wondering how can I tell whether the dealer is selling me a 05 or 04 model year 325i?

the manufacture date for 05 model year was in 2004, and both configurations are similar (or the same). The odometer for either case can be showing low milages.

Was there a cut-off manufacture date to define 05 from 04 model?

fcao

Don't rely on TMV too much. I had a quote more than $1,000 below TMV.

I feel the only way to get the best price is to ask around and make sure you can walk out of the room any minute and buy that car months later.

fcao

I think MACO & TF are all BS.

If they are going to charge extra for those, who not also list:

Dealership electricity cost
Dealership salary
Dealership toilet paper ...

as extra?

tuf

We are looking to take a trip to Italy in about 8 weeks and thought of the ED program at the last sec. Ive got a 5 series coming up on the end of lease just before I go.

I went down to the dealer today to get some info on ED cars, and basically got some real high lease prices (in line with what im seeing here).

My question is this: Whats the lowest lease I can get on a 3 series with ED? 24/36/48 month, 10/12/15k mile, I dont care. I dont care about options, etc..id take the base model car.

Just wondering if anyone can give me a ballpark as to what to expect. I would like to see a sub-$400 payment and love to know how to get it.

Thx! Joe

maxcat2

After a fairly long and frustrating search with few return calls and no return E-mails I finally found a good dealer in Florida. It is the Imported Car Store in Melbourne. The internet manager and I worked the whole deal over the phone and there were no last minute surprises when I showed up at the dealership. While they do have a $395 dealer fee, that was disclosed up front and there were no other MACO or training or other fees. They even gave me floor mats before I even asked for them. I did the financing through the dealer and they beat the best rate that I found for myself. I had been worrying about buyers regret with the new 3 series coming out in a couple months. After putting over 100 miles on the car I just can't see the new car being $6,000 to $8,000 better. If anyone is struggling mightily as I did over whether or not to pull the trigger on the current 3 series or to wait I wouldn't hesitate to purchase the current model.

kyfdx

One thing.. the sticker will say if it is an '04 or '05..

Also, the VIN number.. I think it is tenth digit that signifies the model year..

Just ask.. I really doubt any dealer will lie about what model year car you are buying.. Those numbers are all over the paperwork..

kyfdx

Are you talking about a new '06 325i? That is a brand new model.. I don't think you are going to see any outstanding lease deals for awhile.. If you are going in eight weeks, you will have one of the very first ones... Don't expect much of a discount..

I think sub-$400 would be impossible.

regards,
kyfdx

elmalloc

All,

Just wanted to tell you what I got for my 330CIC. Took about 10 seconds of dealing, and I got this:
2005 330CIC
Automatic
JetBlack/Black leather
xenon lights
cold weather package
sports package
navigation system
stupid floor mats

52K after tax/title/license (about 48.4K before TTL). I think I did well for not dealing too much, over 2K off!

-ELmO

fcao

Thanks for the info

fcao

FYI, I'm currently choosing between several local dealers. They are offering $2,000~$2,500 below the TMV. I have confirmed with them that there will be abolutely no extra (i.e. MACO/TF)other than state sales tax and DMV fee.

I will hang on for another one day or so to choose the most prefered color, after every dealers I contacted have chances to go through every inventory they have.

It costs them some time and efforts to go through those inventory for me, because I also had requirement for manufacturing date and location

fcao

Should the state sales tax be calculated based on MSRP or on the final transaction price for the new car purchase?

This will be the first new car purchase for me. Just want to be sure of every possible trick dealers may pull-off during the transaction.

fcao

I kind of like my old car's plate number. Is there anyway to transfer that plate number to my new car? If so, how can a sell my old car without a license plate? What would be the cost for such steps?

rroyce10

........ It's based on the *selling* price ....

Tag.? .. depends on the state ..

Terry.

ursamajor

Actually, I've received quotes all at .0024 due to the elimination of a deposit so that I can lease with a minimum driveoff. I am finding that the monthly payment on a 330i with fold-down rear seats, 6-CD cassette, and Premium Package is up to $ 570 incl. CA tax of 8.25%. Does the MF change monthly or more frequently? In terms of leasing, the Lexus ES330, Acura TL, and Infiniti G35 are all "bargains" compared to the cost of the BMW. Obviously, I want to drive the BMW, as I am a bored, multiple-Lexus owner, and my test-drives have convinced me the BMW is superior in handling and a preferable size for me, but $ 130/mo. (less the imbedded service cost, which I figure at $ 50/mo., max.) differential is substantial. Just wondering why MF is so high on a "phase-out" model, and might it decline a bit next month? I took my Lexus to CarMax for an offer to buy, and the buyer told me that the lease rates on the 5 series have been much lower recently. If timing weren't a factor in leasing the last of the current body design (I was able to locate the exact model I want, and it won't be around in a month, I believe), and with the Cap Cost being discounted (which won't be the case with the new series 3), I would buy my current leased Lexus and wait.

tuf

No im only talking about 05s... thx!

kyfdx

Even the tax depends on the state... On a new car, Ky charges tax on 90% of MSRP..

If you lease, the states have a zillion different ways to calculate it..

kyfdx

ELmO..

Congratulations.. nice car..

kyfdx

The MF of .00225 is correct, and it would be .0024 with elimination of the security deposit (you'll be ahead in the long run, by making the deposit).

These are "unsupported" lease rates.. All of the incentives are in dealer cash.. BMW pays each dealer $3800 for each 330i sold until the end of this month.. You need to take that into account, when negotiating..

The one thing I see that may be pushing up your lease payment.. The CD changer.. that is a dealer installed option, and in many cases, they can't residualize the entire price of it.. You may be paying $15/mo just for that..

What is the MSRP of the unit you are considering?

regards,
kyfdx

ursamajor

First, the Cap Cost of the vehicle is $ 37145, including fully "residualized" CD changer at $ 575, which I understand to be $ 20 under BMW official price, with no labor charge to me. I ran both numbers, with a deposit of $ 542, the reduced payment if I make a deposit, and $ 570, without a deposit, and of course, you're correct: over 36 mos. lease, the total reduction in lease payments will be $ 1008 for "tying up" a deposit of $ 542. I don't need to run IRR or NPV to see that's a "no-brainer," and I expense the initial payment, in any case as an expense in my professional corporation, so it's "soft" dollars.
How does this deal sound? Thanks again for you help.

kyfdx

What is the MSRP?

tuf

This is a repost as I didnt provide enough info in my original:

We are looking to take a trip to Italy in about 8 weeks and thought of the ED program at the last sec. Ive got a 5 series coming up on the end of lease just before I go.

I went down to the dealer today to get some info on ED cars, and basically got some real high lease prices (in line with what im seeing here).

My question is this: Whats the lowest lease I can get on a new (05) 3 series with Euro Delivery? 24/36/48 month, 10/12/15k mile, I dont care. I dont care about options, etc..id take the base model car (325i).

Just wondering if anyone can give me a ballpark as to what to expect. I would like to see a sub-$400 payment and love to know how to get it.

Thx! Joe

kyfdx

You can't get an '05 3-series through Euro Delivery... They quit making the sedans in early January...

Plus, even if you could.. they wouldn't be eligible for the dealer incentives now in place.. Only US delivered cars are eligible.. So, you would lose the advantage of the lower ED MSRP..

ursamajor

MSRP is $ 42545; I'm getting $ 5400 off that to arrive at the figure I previously gave you, $ 37145.

kyfdx

MSRP $42,545
Selling price $37,145
CAP cost $37,770 (selling price + acq.fee)
36mo/30K lease
MF .00225
Residual 56%
Payment: $526/mo.+tax
Due at signing: 1st payment ($526+tax), security deposit ($575-$600), title/license fees.. ($1200-$1500 total).

That is a decent deal.. A really good deal would be about $800 cheaper.. That would save $24/mo.

In effect, you are paying about $2000 over invoice..

regards,
kyfdx

lgtt

In case anyone else is waiting on a factory order. I placed an order for an 05 325i on December 22, 2004. I received a call from the dealer this afternoon and I will pick the car up tomorrow.

aggie1

Hey all. I am looking to purchase my first Bimmer. I found an automatic 2003 Steel Blue 325Cic with 14,000 miles that includes; Premium, cold weather, HK sound, and Xenon package. The price they quoted me was $36,000. It is a CPO car with the warranty that take me to April 2009. Is this a good deal?

wineguy330zhp

I just traded in my 02 330ci Sport for an 05 330i Performance Package...wow! These cars are worlds apart. Picked up my 330i for 34500+ttl. Thank god for the dealer money from BMW. Thought about waiting until the 06's, but I couldn't imagine the 06's could be a better car...in fact, I can't imagine ANY car better at 34,500! Extremely pleased with another impulse decision. ;-)

coby03

Just ordered a 2005 330Ci with the following set up:

Jet Black
6 speed MT
Black Leather
Silver Cube Interior Trim
ZHP Performance Pkg
ZPP Premium Pkg
Xenons
Heated Front Seats

MSRP $45,395
Invoice $41,555
Selling Price $43,125 (5% discount off MSRP)

3 year/12K per year lease (MF 0.0008/60% RV)
Monthly Payment $480

Due to be built in the 12th week of the year, so expected to arrive at dealer around mid-April. This will be an agonizing wait, but ordering it was the only way I could get the combination I was looking for. We test drove a lot of vehicles before finalizing on this. Never had a bimmer before, didn't know what I was missing. It blew away the other candidates in ride and build quality (TL, S4, A4, G35, 300C). I have to admit, the new 2005 Mustang GT was pretty close though! Maybe in a few years after the new SVT Cobra comes out.

cheng6991

coby03,
I ordered the 330Ci zhp almost same as yours
except ZPP and heated seat but monthly payment is $484. why your payment is lower than mine?

Jet Black
6 speed Mt
ZHP
Xenon

MSRP $42695
Selling Price $40640
Bank fee 990 in New York
3 year/10K

fcao

Finished the deal today:
Very basic: 325i (05 new), autotransmission, metallic paint

MSRP:31,745
The Price I got: 27,200 (Orange County, California)

Not the best price I could get, but compromised a little due to the color and manufacture origin. Plus the saleman is a reasonable person, who added the mattrice for free (I don't understand why some dealers charge extra for the mattrice)

fcao

As always, the dealer offered a bounch of options (i.e. extended warrantee etc), for a 05 325i, A/T

I feel two items might worth the money, so I asked them to give me two-day grace period to decide whether to buy those packages (at discounted initial prices):

1.) 6 years/100K miles, Full maintance upgrade, $1495 ($1895 after the grace period)

2.) LoJack, $795 ($995 after grace period)

Does anyone of them worth it?

I checked the "true cost for owner" in edmunds.com, it says $1,522 estimated maintanace cost for the 5th year. Given such number, the "Full maintance upgrade" seems like a good deal. Also the package is fully tranferable if I sell the car before the 6th year.

Also, there was
3.) 7 year/70K mile "vehicle mechanical repair" for $2195 ($2695 after grace period)

Any input will be appreciated. Thanks.

dl7265

I'll comment on the Lojack but not the warranty.Check to see what version you are getting there are different ones, If thats basic its too high. As a Gov employee I can get basic for about $350.00 I belive.Also check with your insurance company to see how much of a break you would get. I would not get much as I have every discount State Farm offers allready.

DL

kyfdx

That sounds like a good price.. and the CPO warranty is great.. Have you compared it to buying new? You'd have the same warranty period (4 years), and the maintenance would be included for the entire period..

$36K is a lot of money.. I'm thinking that you might be better off with a 3-year lease on a new one..

Just random thoughts..

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

Great deal!!

$34,500.... that makes me a little queasy.. lol

I paid $29,500 for my 325i with 7500 miles.. over a year ago... and it was a good deal at the time..

kyfdx

coby03... Another great deal!! Doing your homework really pays off..

kyfdx

cheng6991..

It is hard to compare lease deals directly, without knowing all of the exact details on cap cost reductions.. whether you rolled in the acq. fee or paid it upfront, dealer fees, etc., etc...

You being in NY means your acq.fee is higher.. that is about $10/mo right there..

Your deal looks good..

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

fcao.. great price.. $2K off MSRP - incentive.. don't know how you could hope to do much better than that, considering the low MSRP..

1) The full maintenance upgrade has a list price of $995.. And.. you can buy it from any dealer before the original plan expires.. Just say no to this dealer..

2) LoJack.. Unless you think someone is going to steal your car with your child inside, I wouldn't pay for it.. Once they actually leave the premises with my vehicle.. I'm pretty sure I don't want it back..

3) BMW offers a 6yr/100K extended warranty (basically mirrors the CPO warranty) for around $2250.. The original owner can buy it at any time before his basic warranty expires.. Their 7/70 warranty must be an aftermarket product, which I would never buy..

The time to make decisions on extended warranties is after three years.. Paying for them now is a waste of money...

regards,
kyfdx

mabubba

Hi all,

I test drove a demo 2005 Imola Red 330Ci this weekend and loved it. I had an MSRP of $44K and the salesman offered it for $42.5K. It had 800 miles. What is a resonable offer on a demo? Can I drive a better deal than on a new one? Is invoice too low? Also, anyone work up the difference between the deals for a 330i w/ the $3800 dealer cash and a 330Ci w/ the lease support? Is one deal much better than the other?

Thanks,
mabubba

kyfdx

1) I would pay invoice at most for a demo... Their asking price is way too high..

2) Assume the coupe and sedan have the same MSRP, and a $2K discount for selling price, with the sedan having an extra $3800 discount, the coupe is about $40/mo. less on the lease..

3) If you assume the sedan is cheaper, then the numbers become much closer.. this is for two vehicles with the same MSRP.

regards,
kyfdx

ursamajor

How did you obtain that infinitesimal money factor of .0008? If the standard MF for the 330i is .00225, how can your Ci rate be so low? Is it because an advance order is governed by a negotiated rate, or there is an incentive for ordering for April delivery? I also thought there would be no orders for 2005 3 series taken from early March, or at this time due to the phaseout of the current body type. Your residual is also higher than that of the 330i, and I thought those figures were non-negotiable; e.g., a fixed % of MSRP. Thanks in advance.

kyfdx

The sedan has $3800 dealer cash, so the lease rates are "normal".

The coupe has no cash incentives... all of the incentives are in the lease numbers...

They are still making the coupes for '05.. Only the '05 sedan production has ended..

mabubba

Hey again,

What's the residual for the 330Ci on a 3 year/45k miles lease? 60% is for 36k?

thanks,

mabubba

kyfdx

58%

fcao

thanks for the info.

Actually, I did receive an offer at better price:

$26,500 for standard+a/t+white (non-metallic)

I was prefering to get a metallic paint one, so I turned down that offer.

Also, the same dealer ($26,500) has a silver metallic, seems like he could let go for ~$27,800. But that car was assembled in South Africa instead for Germany. I prefered the Germany made unit, because the BMW 3 series' mechanical quality statistics has been diving in the last three years (according to J.D.Power and Consumer Report), I figure a Germany made unit will be a better bet for quality. So, I didn't confirm the ~$27,800 offer. But the ~$27,500 was confirmed, and the saleman swared there will be no extra fees other than sales tax and DMV fees.

The dealer is local in Orange County, CA. I'm not sure whether I can or should list the exact dealer name here.

P.S.: The white one had 19 miles on it, and the silver (or maybe titanium) one was just un-packed when I visited there two days ago.

maxcat2

I just picked up the same car 330i ZHP in Imola red on Saturday for essentially the same price. Excellent decision. My car was transferred from an out of state dealer and had an alarm. The alarm is shown in the owners manual as an option. When I went to BMW USA web site it mentions an alarm pre-wire. Is the alarm a standard feature or possibly a dealer installed option? The dealer did not provide a supplemental sticker with a charge for the alarm.

kyfdx

Actually, from a statistical standpoint, the South Africa cars have proven to be the most reliable.. But, I don't think the differences are great either way.. You got a good deal.. metallic paint adds $430 to the invoice price..

By all means.. tell us who the dealer is.. but, no contact names or phone numbers allowed..

Congratulations!!

coby03

ursamajor,

kyfdx answered your question, and a bunch of others, correctly. The coupe has great lease support right now and I found that the combination of very low MF and high RV was too good to pass up. I ran the numbers on a 330i sedan, equipped the same way, taking 5% off of MSRP like they did on the coupe and taking all of the $3800 dealer cash (which isn't necessarily a given) and it was $46/mo higher than the coupe. The new E90 sedans will be built as 2006 models, but the coupes will hang on as 2005 models. That's OK, because I like the look a lot. As for the residual values, I don't believe they are negotiable. Certainly the dealers can't change them, but I doubt the banks or BMW financial are that eager to lower them either!

wineguy330zhp

That's an interesting point. I assumed that the 330i had an alarm (my 330ci did). Though, I haven't seen any "alarm activity" -- the lights don't flash when I lock/unlock anymore. Hmmm...I guess I don't have an alarm! BTW, isn't that Imola Red color amazing? My ci was Orient Blue, a great color in its own right, but I am getting so many more compliments with the Imola. Congratulations on your car, I hope you love it as much as I do!