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

jj2

I found a 2005 330 xi. It has perf pkg, sport pkg, cold pkg, xenon hdlts, auto. The MSRP is 44,995. The dealer's "best price" is 40,995. This seems high to me. Said all that he can take off is the incentive. Is this a good price?

shner

I have been doing a lot of reading on these boards over the last week, I have learnt a lot from you all thanks,

I am a young guy I have my own business & I am looking to purchase/lease my first car a 2006 325i, The problem is however that my credit is not good enough to get a lease, (around 670 i belive)

So I considered buying one outright, but there are 2 problems with that,

1: I prefer not to take such a large chunk of cash out of my business as it would affect my turnover, buying power etc.

2: I would like to upgrade after 2 years and i believe that buying is more expensive then leasing if i just wanted the car for 2 years before moving up into a nicer car,

So I am now back to leasing, What can I do to make it happen?

1: Get someone with good credit to co-sign the lease with me? or

2: Get someone else to lease and insure the car on their name and add me as a named driver on the insurance? (If that is legal / possible?)

3: Just buy the car & sell it after 2 years?

If these questions have been addressed previously in other threads please forgive me for presenting them to you once again for assistance.

2006 325i
Titan Silver
Aluminium Trim
Auto
Cold Weather
Xenon
Park Distance Control
Debating Nav - Currently No Nav

amt7565

If you are only getting the car for 2 years, then lease. Your credit score is not bad. Do you have an account in a credit union? They usually offer excellent rates. The BMW Lease rate for the 2006 325i is .00255 I believe, which comes to 6.12%.

Regarding your questions, I see 1 and 2 as possibilities. Don't do 3 yet.

I think KYFDX will be able to help you better there....

AMT-

kyfdx

I wouldn't bother with these guys.. The new 330xi might not be available yet, and the E46 might be in short supply, but that is a temporary situation..

That price should be at least $3K lower..

Also, perf.package on an Xi? Do you mean premium package?

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

1) If your credit score won't qualify you for a lease, they won't take a co-signer, either..

2) If you can't afford to buy the car, because of cash flow reasons, you should really be looking for a cheaper car.

3) Obviously, you think you'll be in a better financial position in two more years, and want to upgrade.. I would drive something cheaper until that time.

I don't know why your credit score is sub-par, but I'll assume you've made some mistakes when it comes to finances.. I'm going to guess that since you own your own business, your income and cash flow can vary a lot.. This really wouldn't be the best time to commit a lot of cash to a car payment..

Drive something more practical for the next two years, improve your credit score, and then, if your finances are where you think they will be, you can buy or lease whatever your heart desires.. Maybe a BMW M5, if your business really takes off....

Otherwise, your only choice is to buy the car... But, if you trade in just two years, expect a large financial hit... I would advise against that.

regards,
kyfdx

amt7565

A credit score of 670 can't be that bad would it? I guess that puts him in the 50% of the population who have a similar score.

kyfdx

A BMWFS lease is pass/fail... You either qualify or you don't..

Think about a lease... they are loaning you 100% of the cost of the car, and they have to take it back from you after three years.. that is a lot of risk..

If I were in the business of making those kind of loans, then I'm sure I would exclude at least half of the population.. That doesn't make them a poor credit risk.. Just not good enough for a premium finance product.

regards,
kyfdx

jj2

Yes, I meant premium package.

I talked to the dealer again about the price. He said he might be able to get them to go a couple hundred dollars lower, but not a lot more than that. It is the only dealer in the state, so I am now looking at Nevada and Colorado. I thought the 2005's would be going for a good price. So much for that thought.

amt7565

Give this a try. I got some pretty decent rates. The rates are better for the 2005 models. Kyfdx offered some good advise. You should also consider the 2005 models.
www.leasecompare.com

byronwalter

...A local dealer in NE Ohio "thinks" he's found an '05 sliver-gray 330i with ZHP, Prem, Xenon's, winter pack and we've agreed to a few bucks below $38,200. This car is out of state and tomorrow he's going to let me know if it's still available. I've told him that I'm only interested in it if it has less than 50 miles on it... don't really want a car that has been potentially flogged. I've driven an '05 with the same equipment and was most impressed. If the deal folds, I might just have to consider the '06 330i which I've also driven. Very nice as well!

amt7565

Is the MSRP $44,250(aprox)? Currently I am helping a friend get the same model (MSRP $44K +) for $37,250.00 from a dealer. Now, your rate will be fair if the shipping was included. Shipping can vary from $300 to $1200 depending on the distance.

You should seek for a $7200 discount atleast.

AMT-

byronwalter

The car stickers at $44,670 (well, that's according the sales guy). The price he 'gave' me does include the haul to the dealer. Based on what I've uncovered here, it does seem a pretty nice price. And I do like the interior better than the '06 that I drove.

Hope your friend's deal works out. I'll know if mine does tomorrow. Should prove interesting

blueguydotcom

found a 2005 330 xi. It has perf pkg, sport pkg, cold pkg, xenon hdlts, auto. The MSRP is 44,995. The dealer's "best price" is 40,995. This seems high to me. Said all that he can take off is the incentive. Is this a good price?

No, it's a horrible price. 37-38k would be good.

shner

1: A Third party lease company mentioned a co-signer in the case of not so good credit, is that not atall a possibilty?

2: I can afford the car, however being that my business is one of very high value goods & my business has very quick turnover its always helpfull to have the extra cash in the business

3: Im not looking to drive something cheaper, and Its not my financial forecast that is prompting me to belive i will need a larger car in 2 years but rather I will have an addition to the family & would then probably want a larger car.

My credit is sub-par because over a year ago I was dealing with a diffecult financial situation and i missed payments on 2 credit cards, those were paid off and since then things have been great and my business has seen a very lot of growth thank g-d

-------------

What about a family or close freind doing the lease and insuring me on the car? is that workable/legal/good idea?

shner

I tried it but i am in NY it seems they do not cover NY

shner

What about this?? it sounds good to me:

PrePay
If you prefer cash transactions, you can save yourself some money through PrePay leasing. Instead of paying cash for your new or Certified Pre-Owned BMW, you can pay for a portion of the car through a prepaid lease. A PrePay lease consists of a single upfront payment (including a security deposit) that will be less than the sum of monthly payments on a traditional lease. And you still have all the lease-end options of a standard lease. (Please note: The PrePay option cannot be combined with Multiple Security Deposits.)

york30

I bought the 06 325i via internet through my local dealer
metallic silver titanium paint
automatic
leather seats
Put the deposit on the car in mid april. Paid 32,125 great deal I guess because i bought it early.
They promised me the car for late may early june. The car landed at the port in New Jersey on May 18th. I live 25 miles from the port...on long island. They said i can pick up the car after memorial day around June 2nd... Is that too long? why does it take so long?

Anyone own the car how is it so far?
does the titanium silver look?

odessit

2006 325i automatic. Have it for about two weeks. So far the car is great. Breaks are too grabby. Really, really sensitive. It presumably should become more smoother after the break-in period. Besides that – just perfect. Have a favor to ask. Can you check if there is a storage nets on the back of front seats? It must be standard equipment on all 325i and 330i regarding of seats type (sport vs. non-sport package). They are missing on mine.

dl7265

netless

odessit

not funny...they must be there... it;s not fair...

uno

Hello,

I live in MD. If I plan to buy a BMW in NJ, should I get the plate myself or ask dealer to handle it? Can I buy it without paying tax to NJ dealer and paying tax to MD's DMV when I drive the car back to MD for the plate?
Thanks for help very much.

blueguydotcom

Can I buy it without paying tax to NJ dealer and paying tax to MD's DMV when I drive the car back to MD for the plate?

Yes, tell the dealer your situation. He should charge you MD tax.

kyfdx

You could try that... It is possible that with a one-pay lease, your credit will not be as big of a factor.. Can't hurt to call and ask.

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

I would get a temporary tag from the NJ dealer, then register and pay the taxes myself when I got back to MD.

If you involve the dealer, who knows where your money will end up. You will have to register the car in MD, either way.. Just leave the dealer out of it.

DMVs don't care what an out-of-state dealer says or does... they will likely want their money at registration time.. I live near a state line, and buy most of my cars out of state... The only problems I've ever had, was letting the out of state dealer handle the taxes/registration.

regards,
kyfdx

blueguydotcom

...words from the expert. Kyfdx knows his stuff. I bow to you.

uno

Thanks for you guy's help and suggestion.

By the way...

kyfdx, do you still remember how much a temporary tag cost?
appreciate it.

kyfdx

It varies by state... In Ohio, it is only $4.50... My guess is that in most states it is certainly $50 or less... Most likely around $15-$20...

regards,
kyfdx

uno

Thanks for you guy's help and suggestion.

By the way...

kyfdx, do you still remember how much a temporary tag cost?
Do I need to do an inspection for a new car?
appreciate your information very much.

uno

Hi,

you are so quick.
I just added another question. but i was slow.

Thanks for help, bow to you ^_^

kyfdx

I don't really know all of Maryland's rules and regs.. Your local BMV can tell you what you need to know... Just tell them you are buying a new car out of state, and ask them what you need to register it.

regards,
kyfdx

tootsie1

actually shiner being an f&i manager myself I can tell you it is harder to qualify for a prepay lease than a conventional lease. why? because the bank is essentilly not going to be contact with the customer for two or three years..so your credit needs to be perfect in the very high 7's even 800+, That said I don't think 670 is a bad score ands could very well qualify for his own lease with no need for a cosigner or compromise. You never know until you try..and believe the dealership is just as anxious to move a car, as he is in aquiring one. If it can be done it will be.

kyfdx

I think he has already been turned down by BMWFS for a traditional lease...

psyran

My 330 was ordered around March 30. Reached port in NY on May 21. My dealer called today (May 25) and said I could pick it up today. I'll pick it up tomorrow. So don't know why so long for you. I am in southern VA, about 400 miles from port.
psyran

psyran

Anybody (kydfx?) have any recommendations re: a prepaid lease? My dealer mentioned it, not necessarily pushing it. What would I expect to pay for a prepaid (12k miles/annual) Also what is a lease rate I can expect to pay for a 330 (2006) right now if I do a regular lease? My car is in I need to decide which way to go with financing.
Thanks,
psyran

amt7565

BMWFS may well have declined a lease, but in my opinion I don't think 670 is a bad score to get a lease elsewhere. That score is in the median percentile in the US population. The score has a range of 330-830.

Don't you think income and other factors also play a part in financing?

I could be wrong(for I don't have any finance experience, but an engineer), but, If dealers only leased to people with scores in the 700s, then they would not be selling much cars. With some shopping around, I am sure he can find something somewhere...

regards.
AMT-

dl7265

Hm well my score was 890 and BMWFS quoted me 7% on a purchase and thats with over 10% down!!.So i scurried over to my Credit Union and got the 4.5% after a 2 minute quick credit ap. So while my Center will get high marks,BMWFS in my book does not.

DL

hrc

Hi All,

I am located in Walnut Creek, CA. I placed a deposit for a 2006 330i with the following options;

6 Speed Manual
Metallic Paint(Artic)
Leather(Black)
Aluminum Trim
Power Rear Sunshade &
Sport Package

The best price I could find so far is $1500.00 above invoice which equals $39,140.00. MSRP is 41,095.00.

Anyone been able to get a better deal?

Thanks in advance!
Danny

amt7565

That's pretty good!
I guess the credit scores varies from agncy to agency? I got my scores from experian and it stated the range was between 330-830.

Now I hear you can negotiate with your credit unions as well. My friend recently got 4.9% from his CU.. The dealership was beating that to 4.8%. Then the Credit union gave him 4.45%. The dealership could come down to 4.5%, but they took an extra $200 off the car price to match the 4.45%. I think my friend decided to go with the dealership.

Everyone should have an acount with their credit unions.

AMT-

kyfdx

BMWFS uses a lower money factor on a prepaid lease.. then just adds up the payments... It can be a substantial savings..

Unfortunately, I don't know the lower money factor...

For '06 330i.. 3yr/36K, the residual is 60% and the money factor is .00255

For a 3yr/36K prepaid lease, the residual would remain the same, but the money factor would be lower... My guess would be somewhere around .0010-.0012...

You could ask your dealer what the two different money factors would be.. You'll find out if they are marking up the base rate, and assume that the prepaid rate is marked up the same amount, if they are indeed doing that..

I'll ask Car_man, and see if he knows..

regards,
kyfdx

dl7265

Although too late for me, I would be interested in knowing as well. Also i suspect that on a ED this would not be a good idea as you have to be financed 15 days prior to pickup now ?

DL

kyfdx

On ED, you have to finance 15 days before, no matter what type of lease or purchase... So, I'm not sure that it is much of an issue, either way.

The ED money factor is bumped up, but they waive the second lease payment.. On a pre-pay lease, there is no second payment, so perhaps there is a reduction in amount of payment somehow...

You really have to time your payment and pickup on ED, if you are leasing.... Otherwise, you could spend a lot of time without your car, while making lease payments... I think delivery times are shorter on the East Coast, rather than West..

regards,
kyfdx

berny1

Hey guys,

I'm actually AMT's friend, just want to share my experience with you all.

Yesterday I got my 2005 330i with ZHP, Premium, Xenon, tinted windows and CD changer. the MSRP of this car was ~45570, I closed the deal with 37850, which I think is a great deal! ~7700 I also got the tire protection, I think it will be very easy to damage those 18'' wheels.

They also gave me the $200 off that AMT mentioned AND 4.4%.

The car is amazing! it really sticks to the road and the acceleration is very nice.

Thanks to AMT for his help on getting this deal done and to all of you for all the information posted here.

wish1

We wanted to see the terra leather before ordering. Wide World in Spring Valley has black/terra 330 on the floor. Terra leather is a great color. White/terra is a beautiful woman's combination. I would prefer a darker paint, but wifey wants this. Since it is her car (and she let me have 6 speed), OK. She's a good girl!
MSRP 41,870 we contracted at 40,370 due in 6-8 weeks. No haggling, easy deal, very satisfied so far. Was in my local dealer, Westchester BMW to order the day before and they said terra would not be in production till October for November delivery. They are mistaken and it cost them an order. (And they only offered $1000 off MSRP).
white/terra 330i 6 speed
sport
premium
cold weather
sat prep
mats

amt7565

Enjoy your new car!!!

To the rest of you, even though I work with Berny, I came to know that he was looking for a 330i only on this forum. I had requested him to email me for a contact and was shocked to see it was my fellow worker emailing me for the dealer contact.
What a small world we live in!!

AMT

dl7265

Congrads, what colors ? did you also use Autobahn ?

AMT : are you ever in the Plano/Frisco are ? i passed up a black/natty Sport that was poking along other evening :shades:

DL

amt7565

DL-
Yup- same dealer. Black Saphire/natural brown leather. Last remaining black and last remaining ZHP. Sold! I see 3 new 330i black ones at my work place now. They are sure going fast.

Dood, yes I do live in Plano and work in Richardson. So maybe you did see me? Holycow! It you did not see a proper license plate, then it was me(not put mine yet).

Let's try to hook up sometime.We should form a mini 330i fan club in Plano- LOL.

AMT-

dl7265

I knew it yall were hoarding all the last natty brown cars available! :P Did that zhp have a Step in it ? When I looked at it, i thought those came with SMG.

You would have to let me include my lowly 325i

DL

herrherr

i drive a 87 porsche 944 turbo, and its getting too old. im getting rid of it along with the maintenance bills. I think the bmw 330ci looks pretty snappy. seems to have some good base power as well. Im trying to go from the 951 into something with power and handling close to it. should be I looking at something else? Is there a certain year to avoid? I was hoping to get a sixspeed, but i dont know what year they implented that. smg? I was looking at 2002--2003 330ci's, so hopefully im headed in the right direction.

wichita, Kansas

shner

I have found a dealer that on a invoice price of $34,690 has agreed to Invoice + $1500, Total = $36,200

How much should the lease cost me per month on a 24 month lease with either 12k or 15k miles per year based on the above agreed price,

Any help much appriciated.

kyfdx

You'll need the MSRP to calculate the lease.. Residuals are based on a percentage of the MSRP.

regards,
kyfdx