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

msinghv

That link doesn't seem to work.
I get a "File not Found".

blueguydotcom

Fax him a solid offer. If he turns it down, it wasn't meant to be. Not like you have to worry about offending him. Odds are good they raked the last owner over the coals so they're still making a tidy profit.

msinghv

Thanks.
Actually, the dealer was the last owner because it is their own service loaner car. So, that's why I wasn't sure if they'd go for the price. But you're right, just fax an offer and see if they bite. I am, however, a little hesitant to fax an offer without seeing the car first (I'd have to fly out there to do that). I guess their acceptance of the offer doesn't necessarily obligate me to buy.

mark_m

Repost from First time bmw buyer:

Hi, I'm considering purchasing the following:
330i, ZHP, Xenon, Roof, Seats, Orient blue metallic.

I have calculated the following:
31,830 base
955 roof
635 xenon
3,550 zhp
430 paint
1,320 leather
455 h.seats
695 dest

Sticker:43,570

What is fair and reasonable profit for this car, considering it has some extras I wasn't really interested in (seats, leather), and the 2004's are around the corner for production.

Is it a better deal to take an 03 with some wiggle room (?) to negotiate or order what I want and get less of a deal b/c of the new model year?

I'm planning on buying this car.

Additionally, I believe there is special financing through 9/1. Is there any trunk money for 330's?

Thanks
-Mark

blueguydotcom

That's my car. I paid $400 over invoice in May for almost that exact car (no seat heaters). And no it hadn't been on the lot long, considering it had all the plastic and cardboard for shipping on it and it was tucked in the back of the dealership. I'd say 200-500 over invoice is fine with what you want, so a little over 40k should be reasonable.

By the way, "a fair price" is different from person to person. What is your private valuation of that car? That's all that matters. I met a guy who thinks it looks cheap to pay less than sticker for a luxury car, so he believes negotiating is below him and pays msrp. And in terms of dealer profit, uh does it really matter? They'll part with the car for a price they can handle. Don't worry about a Bimmer dealer...BMW's one of the few makes to post increased sales over the last two years.

nobee

http://www.edmunds.com/future/2005/bmw/3series/100278559/preview.- html?tid=edmunds.n.mmindex.content..2.BMW*

kennynmd

I'm looking for vehicles again. Last year I was looking for one with my wife for her to drive and we ended up getting an 03 ES 300. We both like the car and no complaints. Now I'm loking into a 325i. Not sure if I want an 03 or an 04.I'm also considering an 02 530i.I know I won't be able to get anything off an 04 but I'l be losing a year buying an 03 probably at invoice price. I heard that BMWFS is has a 2.9% financing til 9/03 for "qualified buyers". My question is what do they consider "qualified buyers". Does it go by your credit score.If so does anyone know what your score need to be to get the 2.9%. Thanks

lordbyron

Hello everyone, I just want to say how much I learned from this forum and really has opened my eyes on a lot of things. The end of my 98 328i lease is almost over and I'm thinking to get a new 325 w/ premium package, leatherette, and maybe the sports package here in New york State. Is it better to lease in NY or NJ? I live in NJ but the NJ dealerships here suck. I'm putting 1,000 down and my payments would be 464 for 4 years w/ 12k per year. Do guys think is a good deal? shouldn't the price of the 2003 now should be less since the 2004 cars are coming out soon? and what's ED?? Any suggestions would help. Thanks in advanced !

blueguydotcom

putting 1,000 down and my payments would be 464 for 4 years w/ 12k per year

Tell us the following:

MSRP of the car
Sale price of the car
Residual value (percentage)
Money Factor

Off the cuff, I'd say you're getting shafted. For a point of reference, I pay $480 per month on a 2003 330i that stickered for 43k (paid 39,900 for it).

lordbyron

"I pay $480 per month on a 2003 330i that stickered for 43k (paid 39,900 for it)"

WOW !!!! How much down did you put down and where are you located?

Here is the info you requested:

MSPR- 32,970
Sale Price of the car- 31,575
Residual Value- 56
Money Factor?? I'm putting down 968 plus MV fees .... when you re-lease w/ BMW FS you don't have to put down anything for security deposit. Let me know if I'm really getting shafted!! Thanks,

Byron

hoopsref

Before you consider the 2002 530i, you should check the posts in the 5 series discussions on pricing I have posted. With factory to dealer incentive of $4,000 on the 530, you can a NEW one for the price of a used one! I was looking at the 330i and wound up with the 530i for about $1,000 or so more! Good luck.

blueguydotcom

I responded on the BMW 3 series board.

Get a firm number on your money factor from the dealership. I'm guessing the MF is high. Quite high.

As for my car, I bought in San Diego and got about 3-4k off msrp. On top of that, BMW had MFs for 0.0013 (about 3%). I then bought 10 Multiple Security Deposits (which I get back when I return the car or it's sold/lost/stolen). That bought down my MF to 0.0003.

Without my MSDS= 552 a month
With my MSDS = 480 a month

I saved 2500 over 3 years. Or my 5k will get me a 16% return on investment and I get the 5k back.

Look up MSDS on bimmerfest.com

kennynmd

thanks,do u know how long will the dealer incentive last????

hoopsref

I have read that it will last until Sept 3rd. My dealer was not so sure if was it was going into August. I think the other problem you have is the limited supply on some models. The 530's seem to have a better inventory than 525's. The #'s are always in demand it seems. Good luck.

lordbyron

thanks for the input I will definetlly find out the info from the dealer when I go on Saturday

Cheers,

Byron

lordbyron

Hello everyone, Is that time that I have to return my 98 328i BMW. I got all the package and all of the other stuff to make the transaction smoothly. Is there anything that I should know before hand? Do they really ask for all the paperwork? I cracked the windshield of my car a year ago and I replaced with another one but w/out going to BMW, is that going to be a problem? Also I skipped some inspections from BMW instead I took my car somewhere else not BMW certified. Please let me know what to expect. BTW I'm leasing a 03 325i and I have to return my car in nov. Thanks for all your help.

kennynmd

for all the info. I'm not really in the market for one that soon since we just bought the ES300 last December but if its a good price I probably won't turn it down. I really want the newest model but the 04's totally disappoint me!

blueguydotcom

Did you find out the MF yet? Or visit bimmerfest?

blueguydotcom

I went to bimmerfest.com and the MF is .0015. and the guy is leasing for 3 years?! This is from the bimmerfest forum this person is looking at almost the exact thing.... I feel like I'm getting screwed on this deal... what do you think?


I'd say the dealership is bending you over. One thing to keep in mind, August 1 may signal new changes to lease rates from BMWFS.

There are some fees (MACO) that Edmunds doesn't consider but are a legitiment cost to the dealer.

No. A good dealer absorbs those costs as they're part of doing business. I'd walk on any dealer that negotiates a price and then tries to tack on bogus extra charges. I've heard of dealers charging training fees too. And several hundred dollar doc fees. I'd be gone faster than twinkies in oprah's pantry.

evantodd

Like I mentioned, we just got home last night with our new 325xi (very similar spec to yours - cold weather pkg instead of just heated seats) for which we paid $500 over invoice, thereby saving $2640 compared to MSRP. If the 2004s are $700-$800 more, and presuming the dealers will be less likely to discount as much for the current year compared to the outgoing year, then it sounds like your drive-away price may well be quite a bit higher than if you buy a new 2003 now, striking your best deal. Of course, you might want to wait till the 04s are on the lot, when they'll probably be even more aggressive in getting rid of remaining 03s. You might easily save the first year's depreciation for essentially the same car.

lordbyron

tomorrow I'm going to test drive the 325i and talk to the dealer so I can close the deal and concentrate on getting the other BMW in shape for the final inspection. I came up with some #'s that I want to present to the dealer... let me know if its fine.

MSPR- 34,145
Edmunds TMV- 32,517
Initial Cap Cost - 32,575
Net Cap Cost- 31,575 (this is based on 2 other quotes she made for me before look at my other posts)
MF - .0019 (will ask why is so high, should be .0012 or at least .0015)
Residual- 56%
.56 x 34145 = 19121
(31575 - 19121) / 36 = 346
(31575 = 19121) x .0015 = 76

Lease Total = $422

450 for downpayment, Tax/MV not included and yes I will get my free floor mats !!!!

WHAT DO YOU GUYS/GALS THINK?

kyfdx

325i sedan money factor is .0015 on 36 month lease... so, at least you'll have that part right... BMWFS acquistion fee is $525, which I'm sure will be added onto cap cost, so you might want to account for that.

kyfdx

lordbyron

"I then bought 10 Multiple Security Deposits (which I get back when I return the car or it's sold/lost/stolen). That bought down my MF to 0.0003"

What is the Multiple deposit mean?? and u negotiated the MF down to .0013?

Please let me know

Byron

kyfdx

blueguy has a 330i...base mf is .0012.. under MSD program in June (since changed..not as good now), each additional security deposit made lowered the money factor by .0001. Ergo, nine extra security deposits lowered MF from .0012 to .0003.

kyfdx

lordbyron

BMW told me not po put anything down for security deposit because I'm a BMWFS customer. so if I put down for security deposit it will make my MF lower than what it is now?? Please let me know...... I'm having trouble understanding this. Sorry if I already ask the same question.

Byron

kyfdx

The program changed as of July 1st... Not nearly as advantageous now. I would disregard. It would save you only $10 per month at most.. Not really worth the trouble.

regards,
kyfdx

blueguydotcom

You left tax off your numbers, btw. http://leaseguide.com/calc.htm

Do the tax.

Even without tax, your savings with 5 MSDs would be about $25 a month. Or $900 or 3 years. That's a decent ROI on 2k.

lordbyron

Since I'm getting the car in NY I have to pay for taz upfron which i will find out tomorrow. Looking at the quote sheet the dealer gave me (before I realize the dealer is screwing me)

434 1st payment
30 Inspection
Cash Cap reduction 525

Total due at start 989.90

MSD what is it stand of? I couldn't find it on the other forum ... BTW that was an awesome link I have to read it like 10 times to understand it though....

hoopsref

Are the MACO's & training fees really avoidable? Edmunds price seems to include the traiing fee. The dealers are "crying" about the MACO's. I probably just "fell" for it last weekend when I bought my car (530i). It seems just about every I have been in contact with (@ 15) is adding this to their invoices. When the prices were not below invoice, it may have been absorbed easier. Now that they are below invoice on the 2003 5's & 3 coupes, I wonder. Oh, well, I guess I did not get hte best deal on the planet after all...lol But I love my 530iA w/SP & CWP. It's fun on wheels!

blueguydotcom

Byron,

MSDs = multiple security desposits. And if you pay tax up front, then in reality you're dropping another grand or so when you lease?

Hoop = some dealers will negotiate it off. Others (cool ones) don't charge it. and still other dealers will not budge. If you get a sweet quote from a dealer that hits you with Maco and it's a good 3-400 bucks, it doesn't hurt to email around to dealers to find out who doesn't charge those silly fees or who will negotiate over them. It may be outside of your city, but where you buy the car doesn't matter as much, IMHO, as getting a deal you feel is worthwhile.

alatodu

Just wanted to give a shout out to everyone on this board for being up front and personal about your buying experience. I have used this board as a good negotiating tool and came away with a deal I thought was fair for both myself and the dealer. I would feel remiss if I did not share my experience as well. Gave my wife her anniversary present of a 2003 alpine white 325i with leather, prem, hk sound, cold weather pkg for $835 over invoice. The experience was great, emailed dealer back and forth numerous times. Once had a firm quote, arranged financing myself and walked in with the check the next day. One of the least stressful car buying experiences I've ever had! Wife was floored when she saw her car driven up, I originally told her I bought an accord for her from the Honda dealer located next to the BMW dealership. Needless to say, she was totally surprised! I find myself staring at the car and wondering how I ever considered buying anything else. Only 35 miles but going up! Thanks all!!

blueguydotcom

Before buying my 3 series a friend who owns a 540i told me there's nothing quite like going out to the garage each morning and seeing car you love. Another friend who is now in a Saab told me the same thing - and that she wishes she hadn't gone for the Saab. You should have seen the look of bliss on her face as she tooled around in my 330i. Once you've felt it...nothing else compares.

lordbyron

Hey man thanks for the input!

Byron

blueguydotcom

Good luck.

adgrant

I am paying 2.5% below MSRP for a 2004 325xi with premium package, cold weather package, leather, steptronic, nav sys, park distance control, xenons and metallic paint. Should arrive late September or early October.

MSRP on a similar 2003 model would be about $40k. Lease deal would have been a MF of 0.0015 with a residual of 0.6. The dealer I bought from had no 325xi models on the lot. Other dealers had a few but not with Nav.

bartalk2

Where do you live (what area of the country)? Apparently dealers in the east (and west?) give far better BMW deals than in, say, the Chicago area, where, e.g., 2 1/2% off sticker is typical.

adgrant

Sorry, should have said. I live in Fairfield County, Connecticut which is really a suburb of New York City. I am not sure about other parts of the East Coast, but BMW dealers here do not discount much since they have no problem selling their allocations (plenty of people with money around here). The four wheel drive 3 series is the hardest to deal on, they are very popular here because we have lots of hills and lots of snow. Just getting up my drive way can be a challenge in the RWD 99 BMW 323i this car will be replacing. Our other car, an 01 325xiT, has no problems in the snow.

The dealer, BMW of Darian, was at least willing to commit to a discount of MSRP. Another dealer, Ridgefield BMW, would not commit to anything and they pad their money factor.

BTW, I checked the carsdirect.com price on the 03 car and the dealer was very close on the price.

330iii

I've heard the 04 330i will have an SMG but not an SMG2 as in the M3 in the 04 performance package,can anyone confirm this?

keener2

What would be a reasonable price I should expect to pay for a 330xi, jet black with premium pkg, automatic and cold weather package. MSRP is $42,220 and Invoice is $38,695. I am purchasing in Delaware. Do you know what the best leasing I would be offered for 36 mos.

hoopsref

How are things back in Dela-where? Moved to Boston area 14 years ago.
As for the 330xi... is it a 2003 or 2004? It's a sedan, right?
 I started looking at 325xi's myself. Then someone on this board suggested that the all wheel was not worth the extra money. He lived in NH and did fine with a good set of snow tires! So, I thought, heck, I'll just get the 3301 with more power instead of the all wheel stuff. Well, with the incentives on the 2003 5ers, I wound up with a 530i (list $47,780, Invoice $43,785) for $40,575. $3,205 BELOW invoice. This is really close to the price of the 330xi's. Good luck. Email me if you want more details.

dave01282000

Looking into a 2003 325i with the following:

5-speed manual
SP
Moon roof
Titanium silver/black leatherette

The dealer says since the one I wanted wasn't on their lot, they have to get one sent down which incurs an additional $300 transport fee. I'm already paying $695 destination, is this legit? I already walked out once after they severely low-balled my trade (I'm now going to sell it privately). They quoted the MSRP of $31,470, I offered $30,000 and the manager said they can't do $1,200 over invoice because the car sells itself, etc. Was I out of line? Just need an opinion or two.

thanks

Dave

chile96

I think you offer is quite good - for the dealer! I'm surprised they balked at it. Now with the '04's on the doorstep, the 3ers I have heard have been going for as little as $500 over invoice. In late March I paid $1000 over invoice after extensive haggling and threatening to order instead of buy off their lot. They may talk of MACO & systems and training fees which I really believe are part of their cost but the final offer to us(sales price) was actually $50 over these supposed invoice + fees.

The $300 is legit, especially if the car is coming from over 200 miles away.

My advice would be to fax all the dealers in your area at the same time with the specs of the car you want and the price you will pay(start with $500-750 over invoice). Mention that you have faxed this to x number of dealers as well and the first to respond will receive my deposit immediately. I did this when I finally got my wife her car and couldn't believe how quickly my phone rang. Then our original dealer called, and after telling him our offer had already been accepted, made us the deal on a heavier optioned car(how I, not my wife, wanted originally) that we couldn't refuse. Good luck!

You'd think I would be a good negotiator after that but just recently visited a porsche dealer(just looking of course!), started to drool, all senses flew out the window, and prob paid a little too much but I'm not losing any sleep over it - well just a little!

Ohhh, the joys of the auto world!!!

take care
fo

hoopsref

I agree with Chile's method for the most part. One thing I would change is to not give them any price you would pay, period. Let them start to give you their best offers! You stay incontrol this way. Give them the info you know on invoice pricing... It really works like Chile said. The phone, fax & emails will start jumping. This is a method you can get from fightingchance.com. They will give you a ton of info on how to buy, pricing, market conditions, incentives, hold backs... and boiler faxes to use. Only $30. It saved me $2000 over the local dealers price! I just got a 530iA this way for $3000 BELOW invoice, because I knew about incentives... I was looking at the 330i's and got the 530 for almost the same price because of dealer incentives ($4000 on 530i)they don't tell you about! Easiest way to buy a car. You won't regret it. Good luck.

gardyloo

Nebraska. Go figure.

semaj23

Any information on the 330 Covertible pricing? Are people getting much off MSRP?

kyfdx

I would make sure the dealer could actually get you that car, before even worrying about the price. The local dealer here has about 25 on the lot, and only 3 of them are 5-speeds, and only one is priced under $35000. The one advantage you have is that most 5-speeds have the sport package, but finding one without premium package and leather may be difficult...

regards,
kyfdx

memphis10

Are dealers still taking orders for 2003 3 series. How much above invoice would be a good deal for 325/330.

hoopsref

Are you looking for a sedan, coupe,...? Their are some incentives on the coupes. Because of great incentives on 5's, I got a 530iA (SP, CWP, Step)for $40,575 ($3,210 below invoice, which was in the range of a simular 330iA @ $39,000=Edmund's TMV)

memphis10

Looking for a sedan, manual transmission

chile96