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

amt7565

kyfdx will be the best person to give you a accurate number.

From my calculations, $568/month is a bit too much. You discount is only $5859.00.

You should push for a selling price between $34,500-$35K. I don't think you should pay more than $525/month including taxes. Which state are you in? the taxes vary.

AMT-

dl7265

well, you invoice is $38,295.00 - 4200 insentive+=34,095.00. So your 1816 over invoice, Way high in my book.Because the MF and residual are Not good on the I due to the cash incentive.Which is another question what MF were you quoted?

DL

ursamajor

I ordered a 330Ci with Performance Pkg., Xenon, 6-CD changer, PDC, sand leather, cap cost $ 41420. I had a 330i delivered two months ago with a front bumper scratch. I refused the vehicle; never signed the lease. If I saw a scratch like you describe I would do that again. I'll check everything carefully before I sign, as there's no binding obligation until you do so and tender the driveoff payment. Honestly, I didn't even think of checking the tires, but I will note your comments and ask the dealer to find out what's on the vehicle--the standard tires are "run-flats," but no brand mentioned. I've had Potenzas on my Lexus's and the only comment I have is that they wear rapidly. Cornering isn't comparable, but are you saying they are inferior? What can I insist on in tire selection, or is there no choice of brand?.

coby03

ursamajor,

As far as comparisons, I prefer to look at the surveys conducted by Tire Rack. They have a pretty good system of evaluating tire performance based on actual track testing and real-world experience. They will usually specify how many survey respondents and the millions of miles of tire use along with each survey result. It's about as scientific as you can get, but I'm sure there's variability and some bias built in. However, I've seen nothing better than the system they use. Having said all that, if you look at Ultra High Performance summer compound tires for the 330Ci on the Tire Rack survey, you quickly conclude that the Bridgestone Potenza RE040 is about the worst choice you can select. The worst parameters being wet traction, hydro resistance, and wear. The other side of the coin has the Michelin Pilot Sport and Pilot Sport 2 being superior across the board. I have had experience with the Potenza's and Pilot Sports and I agree 100% with the Tire Rack survey.

Unfortunately, as I said in my previous message, I don't think you have any say in the matter as to what tires come with your 330Ci ZHP. They will be either the Michelins or Bridgestones, luck of the draw. If your dealer has another one sitting around (which is doubtful since you had to order like I did), they would probably be willing to swap them. Otherwise, you either take it or leave it. Sad but true.

sami786

I am looking to order a 2005 330Ci this weekend. With the configuration I am looking at, the MSRP is $42,956. Based on your experience, what kind of payment am I looking at with $0 down+ttl for a 3yr/36k lease? I would really appreciate your help!

coby03

sami786,

I believe the current MF and RV for a 3/36 lease on the Ci is .0008 and 59%, respectively. If you assume a 5% discount from MSRP (which was the basis of my deal), I calculate a zero down monthly payment of $482.48 not including tax. You would be expected to pay at signing the first month payment ($482.48+tax), a $500 security deposit, lease acquisition fee of $625 (higher in NY), some sort of document fee ($100-200??), and plates/registration. Good luck!

avk6

Are y'all saying that the base money factor rate on a 3yr lease for a 325CI (is it different if it's not a 330CI) is .0008 - I heard .001 and negotiated it for .0012 believing that that was the best available. Please advise as soon as possible,
AK

Kirstie_H

kyfdx is on vacation this week, but I too agree that the numbers seem high. Try again

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions

sami786

Any idea what kind of payment difference I am looking at if I go with 15k per year instead of 12k. Thanks for your help!

blueguydotcom

Had potenzas - two sets now on my 330i zhp. The RE40s were definitely better than my S-01s. The s-01s had lousy grip and were loud. Switched to Kumhos. Grip's still lousy but they were $50-100 cheaper per tire so even if I have to replace them after 10-15k miles I'll be happier.

superdog

Can you suggest a someone for me? I'm looking for a 36/mo 05' 330i or 330ci zero down. I've been catching up on the messages..but still a bit lost on the MF, residuals, incentives currently given.. is it 4 or 6 off msrp? I'd like to roll in taxes into the payment.. any idea how much the payments would be like?
Zero down, options - 2005 330i Metallic Black
Heated seats
Sport Pkg
Xenon
Auto Steptronic
Black Leather

Thanks!!

blueguydotcom

Find out the invoice of the 330i (ci does not have the incentive) you like, subtract 4200 from invoice and add back 400-700 on that price. That's your target.

leaseguide.com is an excellent calculator for figuring out leases on your own. I'd help with the tax thing but I don't know how NY charges taxes on leases. Sorry.

1stbmw2

The state is Arizona. Tax is 8.1%

amt7565

Use this example for your lease calculations. Note: For Texas and IL the state taxes are calculated on the whole amount of the car. For other states see the example.

Actually the MSRP is $40,340.
The negotiated price is $34,000.


-residual @ 54% = $40,340 x 0.54 = $21,783
-Monthly depreciation fee= (34,000-21,783)/36 = $339
-Monthly finance charge=(34K + 21,783)x 0.00225= $125.
-Sales tax(any state example 6.8%)= ($339 + $125 )x .068 = $31.00

-Total monthy payment = $339 + $125 + $31 = $495.00

This is with first months payment, acquisition fee of $625 and other license/title fees due at signing.

selm

Blueguydotcom,

I am looking to lease an e90 through ED through a San Diego dealer. I have not had too much luck getting one willing to negotiate off of sticker. Could you recommend the dealer that would take 1k off of the sticker in earlier posts. The dealership I have dealt with is quoting 64% residual for a 36 month 12K miles (65% for 10K) with a whopping .00305 money factor (~7.32%) before the ED markup. I don't think they are being upfront with me. Thanks for your help.

blueguydotcom

Selm, I'd suggest...the rizzo method. Get the ED invoice price, write exactly what you want on the car, add it up, and at the end pad it with a clear line that shows dealer profit XXXXX. Fax that to all the dealers you want. Shipo swears by this method and on other forums it's suggested too.

I've heard Shelly, Valencia and Sterling will deal in socal on ED. Not heard much of San Diego dealers willing to bend over for ED. They apparently act like you should pay the published BMW prices. As if.

Now if you simply want a grand off, hit all the LA dealers with a call and maybe Cunningham in El Cajon.

Personally, I don't see the point in aiming to save just 1k. 5k off sticker...that's worth chasing. And it's worth blowing 1k to fly to Germany and pick the car up, maybe spend one day driving it there. 4 days out of your life and you save a bundle and you have a great story to tell people.

selm

Thanks BlueGuy, I think I will try Cunningnham first. I have always had a question regarding sales tax and leases. Here in my part of SD our tax rate is 7.75%, in LA it is 8.25%. If I lease a car in LA will my payment every month be at the 8.25% rate because I signed the papers there, or will it be at 7.75% because that is where my residence is? Thanks,

blueguydotcom

Lease tax is based on where you live, AFAIK.

nmrt

where is evryone who has recently bought a 2005 325i and thought that they had a good deal? i am currently in the process of barganing and no dealer is budging south of $1000 under invoice. man! a few days ago i was reading notes from people who got it $1700-$2200 under invoce. some even got it below invoice. coudl any of you who got such a deal let me know which dealer is giving such deals. i am in in the nj/pa area.

thanks

trixy2

I wanted to buy a 325 ci(2 door) before they changed the body style. 3 different salesmen said better get it soon because the new ones are coming out in May. The latest salesman told me the 3 series 2door is not changing until 2006. Is that true? If so, I guess all those salesmen just wanted to jerk this chick around and not tell me the truth and now I have quite a bit more time to make my purchase.
Comments?

blueguydotcom

Yes the other salesmen were straight up liars. The ci will not change until MY 2007. BMW might start delivering E90 325ci's in April/May of 06. those will be model year (MY) 2007 cars.

Plus, the MY 06 325ci's will most likely get some fat incentives by 06.

qtowne46

Those salesmen are nit wits. Don't buy anything from them. Their lying. You can get an E46 coupe or convertible at least until the fall. BMW is only releasing the E90 in sedan form and only in 325 and 330. The coupes and convertibles will actually be considered 2006 models even though they are the old style. Buy from the dude that told the truth...always.

Good luck trixy

qtowne46

There is a dealer in the Devon Hill area of Philadelphia who will honor the $4200 incentive on the coupes. They were awesome when I got my 330 ci. Just be strong and confident and get your facts and numbers in order before you call.

Good Luck

virtualbmw

The dealer has no say in whether there is a dealer incentive. That's entirely up to BMW North America and there is no incentive on the coupes. You have been misled.

I'd like to hear some more specifics on your deal.

amt7565

What is the disadvantage of purchasing a car from out of State? Can a purchase be made without even visiting the dealership? How much trust can be put into the dealership, such that they will only ship the promised vehicle with no hidden issues? What happens if I find the car just shipped to me was not the correct color etc?

What kind of protection do I have?

Thank you-
AMT

blueguydotcom

If you're outside of CA you'll probably not have a single issue.

As for hidden issues, uh no dealer is gonna send you the wrong color. You fill out the paperwork via fax, so it's all in black and white for you. The DMV form, etc should all clearly state what's on the car. My parents bought a miata years ago by fax.

kal

anyone know what April resid value and money factors are 330Cci?
cheers :shades:

uno

Hello, everybody,

I am new here and don't know if I am allowed to post this message here because it's not about price.

I'm going to purchase a 2005 330xi soon. but now I just can't make a decision on Manual or Auto shift. Could somebody give me any suggestion on it?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks to all.

-G

selm

Most people in these forums are fanatical about a manual transmission (myself included). So I think your results may end up being slightly biased.

weno2

Get the automatic. It has the steptronic anyway, so you can still have the flavor of a manual. Granted, nothing's like a manual.

grantchstr

I have just bought a manual transmission 325xi (I dont like the new 330 shape I am afraid - its too flash for my taste) and its the best thing I have done for many a year. Having grown up on MGs and Healeys and a Lotus Elan overseas, driving automatics in this country has sapped the life and fun out of driving. The manual BMW changed that real fast !!!!!!!

trixy2

Trixy thanks you. Also, I have had different salesmen tell me that my 323 is a 2.3 engine but when I bought it, they told me it was a 2.5. What the who, hey is going on? I guess an honest answer from a "salesman" in the same sentence is an oxymoron.

Trixy in AZ.

trixy2

What is the E90? As you can see, I am new to the forum.

Trixy

trixy2

O.K. I am ready to start the process. I will purchase a new 325 ci 2 door coupe within 6 months. I will be paying cash. Will that help in the price of the car? My "guy" friends have offered to help me. I think they are starting on the internet. I am really interested in the Sparkling Graphite fully loaded. (No navigation needed). What is the best price someone has bought this car for and from where. What can I truly expect to pay. Should I wait for the color I want? I'm afraid this time of year it may be slim "pickens" as to a particular color. Should I wait for the 2006 if I can't find my color in the 2005? What do I need to know? FYI, salesmen have already jacked my hide. I know, a lot of questions.

Chick in need!

amt7565

I am really tired of the manual after having driven Manuals all of my driving life. I am ready for automatic. With the cellphone and coffee in the way..the automatic is really beautiful!

blueguydotcom

O.K. I am ready to start the process. I will purchase a new 325 ci 2 door coupe within 6 months. I will be paying cash. Will that help in the price of the car?

Normally, no. Cash is actually less interesting as dealers make some money on the backend with financing/leasing. Also, keep your eye on the interest rates. If for instance the rate is low - like a 2.9%, consider investing your cash.

Quick breakdown of BMW nomenclature:

1. e46 is the internal model designation for the current 3 series body style.
2. e90 is the internal bmw model designation for the next model of 3 series.
3. A 325ci is automatically a coupe. 3 designates the model. 25 equals the engine displacement (on e46 cars) as 2.5 liters. The ci = coupe. i = sedan and cic = convertible.

My "guy" friends have offered to help me. I think they are starting on the internet. I am really interested in the Sparkling Graphite fully loaded. (No navigation needed). What is the best price someone has bought this car for and from where. What can I truly expect to pay.

Too early to tell on a good price. In 5 months look into it. By then BMW maybe offering incentives on the 325ci. The 06 325ci will have incentives on it eventually. But I wouldn't count on them until september/october.

Should I wait for the color I want? I'm afraid this time of year it may be slim "pickens" as to a particular color.

06s will be in stock, the color choice is yours.

Should I wait for the 2006 if I can't find my color in the 2005? What do I need to know? FYI, salesmen have already jacked my hide. I know, a lot of questions.

Pass on the 2005 anyway. You said you're buying in October. By then incentives will be on all 3 series coupes as the new e90 coupes will be coming shortly.

uno

Thanks for all kind suggestions.

What I am concerning now is which of the two transmissions will last longer
for 1/2-highway and 1/2-local driving.

Thanks again for help.

amt7565

After seeing a post seeking recommendation for this particular dealership, I requested a quote for a 2005 330i since they claim it is the largest BMW dealership. This is what I got from them:

===================
Alpine White
Sand Leather
Premium Package
Automatic
Xenon Lights

$38,990 plus fees. Tax, license, (shipping).
====================
LOL-

AMT-

dl7265

Full price on a 2005 ?

amt7565

Yup-
First I thought it was a quote for a 2006 model. When I told him that I had received quotes for under $34K, he went on to explain that they were selling it at a huge loss and that I should take up those offers.....and I was like....whatever man....

AMT-

blueguydotcom

What I am concerning now is which of the two transmissions will last longer
for 1/2-highway and 1/2-local driving.

manual by a long shot. A new clutch is under a grand. tranny work on bmws runs into the 3-4-5k range. That's one big reason I will try to never own an automatic - takes away the fun, saps power, costs extra at purchase and costs a bundle to maintain longterm.

blueguydotcom

Why don't you tell them what you'll pay? Explain it to them slowly, the invoice on the car is X, the incentive is y, I'll give you Z profit.

amt7565

Well, I am just waiting for the new ones to come out. I am in no rush to buy one actually.
I should be able to test drive the new ones in 1-2 weeks time.

Thanks.
AMT-

fcao

Why don't you tell them what you'll pay? Explain it to them slowly, the invoice on the car is X, the incentive is y, I'll give you Z profit.

I would suggest not to do so, because I don't think anybody here really know the bottom line of a dealer (i.e. the X and Y, possiblely X1, X2, ...). Just know these numbers in your mind, and do the math in your mind, also consider prices you see elsewhere, then only tell the saleman the end result: price.

uno

Which number should I use, MSRP or Invoice, when calculating a price in my mind?
Also, Which one should to be used when there is an Incentive exist?

Thanks a lot.

jvd412

I just (late Feb,) bought a 330i with performance package ect. The manual is exquisite. Smoother than silk on a baby's butt. If you like to DRIVE, not just get there, you'll love the 6 speed manual.

uno

I just (late Feb,) bought a 330i with performance package ect.

Do you mind to tell the number before tax and what options you got?
Thanks a lot.

blueguydotcom

two different questions...

without incentives, you go from invoice up.

with incentives you go to invoice, subtract incentives and then add a small profit - $300-700.

armand

Does invoice for a '05 Sport Wagon sound OK or should I be looking for more of a discount?

virtualbmw

There is no incentive on the wagons and you'd think that the dealer is doing all it can to move a unit if they've offered it at invoice.

The dealer cost should have nothing to do with your decision if you don't think that it's worth it. Does it seem like a fair value for you or not? I can tell you this.......I wouldn't sell one for invoice.