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

igorvodov

I think some dealers add advertising fees and floor mats in the invoice price, so their invoice
is about $350 more than edmunds' invoice. And then with this new $1500 rebate to dealers, they would take $500 off their invoice (not edmunds invoice). I don't think the dealer will settle for $1200 below invoice though.

hoopsref

Blue, I have to agree with igor about the dealer accepting only $300 or so of the $1500 incentive.
I have not heard of any BMW deals with less then $500 "profit", until yours, in last 6 months. Yours is by far the best one, prior to incentives. Then when incentives came along, the dealer still made their margins on the best deals, it was just below invoice now due to the incentive. I am still not sure if the MACO is a bogus fee or not. I know you have said this several times. Every dealer I spoke with (ten plus) had the MACO in their numbers. Any of the deals I saw (prior to yours) that claimed the dealer "ate the MACO" were much higher than mine or others who had seem to a lower price, thus the dealer could not eat it. Of course, I know they make additional profit on the CSI ratings they get from new buyers after the sale, in leiu oof the traditonal hold back. Good job blue on your price and car. I enjoy your inputs on this board.

sunilb

I just noticed that there is $2500 marketing support for 330i's... for some reason, I didn't notice this until today, but Edmunds says that it's valid from 9/3 - 9/30.

TMV in my area is now about $1K below invoice. I was looking into ED to save money, but this would effectively make it the same price (albeit for a 1-year old model vs. a new one).

I'm tempted, but I doubt I'll be able to find a leftover '03 the way I want it (SP, Xenons and CWP... no Prem. Pkg).

hoopsref

From what I observed the last two months on the 5er's with their incentives and the TMV pricing, it seems to take a while to catch up. It was always higher than what you could get the car for, especially in the begining of the incentive period.

blueguydotcom

Don't base the price you want on what others are getting. If the average is 1k below invoice, why the blazes would you want to be in the 50th percentile? Who strives to be middle of the road? Shoot for 3k under invoice and work from there. They gotta move product and because it;s end of the year you're bound to get a car equipped in a manner that's not perfect for you.

hoopsref

The TMV average is probably including all the great deals the DEALERS get! )
Example: Last month a new poster on the 5er's prices paid section, had just found this site. He got his 530 for @ $300 over invoice. e did not know about the incentives and actually paid $3500 more than I did the week before.

swilliso

I'm thinking about buying a 325xi...A couple of things though... Is the AWD really that great? I go to West Virginia where there is lots of snow and mountains and I need to be able to climb the mountains whether they are plowed or not. Will the 325xi be able to do this. Another words, climb as good as a 4x4? Also, if I would decide to special order it and they price the vehicle for me.. can you still negotiatie? I've never special ordered a vehicle before so don't know the protocol.

wenxin96

I got a deal with a Maryland BMW dealer Monday for a 2003 325i Sedan, Silver, Automatic. We agreed on $27,630. Edmunds invoice is $27,795. It is $160 below Edmunds invoice but dealer said it was $500 below their invoice.

I didn't know about this $1500 incentive last week when we agreed on the price. What can I do
to bring the price lower ? Or should I simply settle on this price.

kyfdx

the only reason you got a below invoice price is because of the incentive. That is still only $1000-1300 profit for the dealer. I've got to believe there are very few '03 325i's left that have as few options as that one. If you really want that one, better stick with the deal you have.

regards,
kyfdx

igorvodov

Sometimes the dealers would include the price of floor mats and advertising fees in their invoice price thus raising Edmunds invoice by about $300-400. We got a similar deal this week so the dealer is still making a large profit on the car but we really wanted that particular car - not a lot of 2003's left to choose from.

blueguydotcom

That is still only $1000-1300 profit for the dealer.

Only? That's a good 1k too much profit.

I've got to believe there are very few '03 325i's left that have as few options as that one. If you really want that one, better stick with the deal you have.

Horrible advice. Never give up. Go back and tell them you know about the incentive and you want it for $1500 under invoice. Tell them you'll buy at that moment. They won't take that offer - unless they're desperate - but they will play ball. Ask for the manager, by the way. Screw the salesguy as he's got no pull anyway.

wenxin96

Thanks for replies. I think I will keep this $27,630 325 then. Dealer said that it was at the
New Jersey port and would be transported here in a few days.

I really wanted the 530. But for $10,000, I can
do a lot of things, i.e. B&W speakers, more DELL computers, H&K receivers would be so easy. Probably in the future.

rodeodawg

Showed up at the dealership, trade in ready to go and ready to buy a 2003 330, and my Nashville BMW dealer says that the incentive is only $1,500 and all this information online about invoice pricing really isn't accurate. Says that they'll cut a deal for MSRP minus the 1,500.

My question is: if I buy in another city, will I create any problems for myself in my home city (i.e. service help, etc.)? Thanks in advance

hoopsref

You are being hosed! Find another dealer (or several for that matter) and START at $1,500 BELOW invoice not MSRP. If they start at MSRP & then "give" you the discount, you will probably pay what people paid before incentives were out.
Do some work and you'll save alot.

kennynmd

what dealer did you go to? I went to Tischer in Silver Spring ang got my 325Ci for $2,200 under invoice when they had the $2,500 incentive with that model. E-amil me Kenlin28@msn.com and tell me what you are llooking for (options, color, etc.) and maybe I can help.

blueguydotcom

1500 off msrp is a bad, bad deal. Find an honest dealer that's not trying to totally rape your wallet.

balenson

I am looking to purchase a 2004 325Ci converitble in Jet black that has a MSRP price of about 41,000 -Does anyone know about any dealers in the Baltimore-DC area that are discounting on an order.

TY

Michael

hoopsref

It will tough getting a good price on the newer models, especially the convertibles. Don't limit your search to just the greater Balt-Wash area. You will need to widen your search to a 2 to 3 hr drive from your home (get 10 to 15 dealers involved). Read some prior posts on buying tips, & methods... Do a search for the posts I did on the fightingchance.com method or go to their site. This will help you get your price in the current market.

schwank

Im looking at an 03 (new) 3251 black, letherette, premium, automatic for 31045 before tax OR an 03 demo 325x1 premium, sport, leather, Zenon(you know what I mean), automatic (has 6k but waranty is extended) for 35450. they are holding while I decide. Generaly we dont get a lot of snow/Ice here, but I think the AWD is worth it Suggestions/comments? He WILL NOT go below invoice on the demo. and I dont think he's mentioned the 1500 incentives.....

blueguydotcom

Xenon.

hoopsref

He should be going below invoice! You need to find several other dealers that ARE willing to go lower. Then you can try this again with some leverage that will allow you to WALK if they won't TALK. (That sounds like Johnny Cockroach, I mean Cocran).

boeingair

Hello all! I'm a newbie, and wanted to make sure this is a good deal:

2003 325i wagon
Steel Blue
Gray Leather
Premium
Full size spare
Auto Trans.
Sticker: 36,545
Price he gave us: 1k below invoice

We are looking to lease...and se said 4 year, 12k/year and 5k drive off would give us like 375 payment....any good?

Thank you in advance!!

-Nick

blueguydotcom

Price he gave us: 1k below invoice

I thought they had more than that on the manu-to-dealer rebates but it's okay.

now about this lease...

We are looking to lease...and se said 4 year, 12k/year and 5k drive off

Whoa! 5k down? For what? If that's for anything beyond buying MSDs, you're getting hosed. Tell us the residual value he's giving and the money factor...

santacruz

Ok, I just worked out a price of $37500, out the door, for a new 03 titanium silver/Black 330I with Sport Pkg, Prem Pkg, Cold Weather Pkg, Auto Transmission, and Xenon lights. Did I get a good deal???

kyfdx

What was your MSRP?

santacruz

MSRP was $42,845 and dealer invoice was $39,505. I'm wondering if I can get them down to $37,000 or am I being too greedy?

kyfdx

Not sure you can get them to sell at invoice minus incentive.. If the $37,500 includes everything but tax and licensing, I wouldn't feel bad about that. Not too many $500 profit deals on BMWs.

regards,
kyfdx

santacruz

Well, their invoice also includes $250 MACO, $160 Training & Systems Fee, and $189 Gas, Mats, Detail, and $52.57 Doc. Fee.

kyfdx

Gas, mats, detail? The dirty secret is all 3-series are shipped with the mats in them.. The dealer is charged nothing extra for them, but they aren't listed as standard equipment.. All in all, still a pretty good deal. So, maybe its a $700 profit deal.. You can always try for lower.. But, I'm guessing you are close to the bottom.

kyfdx

rodeodawg

To follow up to my earlier post: Are there any pitfalls to buying a BMW at a dealership at another city, when I will be taking the car to my local dealership for regular service.

After getting bad service in two "serious" visits to look at 330/530s (salespeople very slow to assist, not offering to unlock the doors as I look in the car's windows, interrogating me on my profession before talking about the car), I'd love to avoid buying locally and, in fact, received good service at another city's dealer (letting me test 330 and 525, even after I told them that I was curious about driving one, not necessarily buying one that day).

blueguydotcom

Well, their invoice also includes $250 MACO, $160 Training & Systems Fee, and $189 Gas, Mats, Detail, and $52.57 Doc. Fee.

ie they're building in over $400 of bogus extra fees. I'd at least demand they take the training fees off. That's crazy that they sell the car at a price and then come back expecting you to pay for them to advertise or train their boys. That's a cost of doing business.

Are there any pitfalls to buying a BMW at a dealership at another city, when I will be taking the car to my local dealership for regular service.

Nah. Buy where you get the deal. All BMW dealers must do warranty work regardless. Who is to say you didn't buy and move to the area? Now because you moved you'd get poor service?!

By the way, I'd write a letter if I had a salesguy asking me my job. That's not pertinent or his business.

boeingair

hey blueguydotcom,

thank you so much for your help! he gave me 47% residual and 2.4% money factor...does that help? today he told me 6200 drive off to get 350/month payment.....thank you so much!!

-nick :-)

rodeodawg

instead of writing a letter, I will just vote with my dollars and buy elsewhere. A letter will only get me an obligatory "What is it going to take to get your business back?" call from a manager. And this dealership is too far gone for that (in my experience).

I answered the question about the job, because I am an attorney and wanted to let them know I was serious and had the cash/credit. I went there 100% ready to buy (right car, color, and options)...until they lied about the amount of the incentive and told me that they'd only sell at MSRP.

At the end (after a tour of the facility), the salesman did mention that he'd love to sell me a car and that way I'd never have any issue about them not having a loaner available when I dropped my car off for service, because if there are two people wanting a loaner, one of whom purchased elsewhere, they'd give it to the customer. Real Impressive. Guess I will be making that drive from Nashville to buy in Memphis.

blueguydotcom

boeingair, visit http://www.leaseguide.com/calc.htm

Your numbers aren't making sense from what I see.

37k for the msrp
32.5k sale price
47% residual
MF of 2.4%
48 months

That 6200 down goes toward what? Are you buying Multiple Security Deposits?

igorvodov

Even though the 325 is shipped with the mats, I don't think the cost of the mats in included in the Edmunds' invoice price. So, when dealer is saying I will take off 500 from the invoice price, his idea of the invoice price may be different from the Edmunds'.

kyfdx

There is a dealer on another forum.. I'll ask him.. The mats are shipped with each car. I sincerely doubt they are billed for them separately than whats on the invoice. Lots of Honda dealers try to charge extra for mats on Accords, and its right on the sticker that they are included...LOL

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

When you see the line for $160 prep and delivery on the BMW invoice, its just a breakout item, the top line of their invoice is $160 less than Edmunds... However, the MACO advertising is in addition to the Edmunds invoice.

nhlarry

I'm almost afraid to ask this: I just put a deposit down on a 2004 metallic 325 AWD. Premium package. Tax, etc. out the door for 36,600. I just want to know if I've been taken, and if any recourse?

hoopsref

In order get help on pricing... it is better to give us the INVOICE price and all the options you have. The taxes, tags...vary by state, so it makes it difficult for others to give you input. You also are buying a new car, so it is harder to get a good price. I would use the fightingchance.com method. You will get your best deal possible. The DEALS are on the '03's right now. Good luck.

kyfdx

Or you could even provide us with the MSRP on the window sticker...

kyfdx

Back with the info from a BMW salesman. The 5-series and the 7-series are shipped with and have floormats included.. 3-series, Z4, X5 are all extra.

regards,
kyfdx (eating crow)

santacruz

Looks like some dealers are willing to move the 03's out. I worked out an even better price on a Titanium Silver/Black 2003 330i. The delear invoice on the vehicle is $39,505. It has Sport Pkg, Prem. Pkg, Cold Weather Pkg, Xenon, and Auto. Trans. I am getting it for $36,900. I will pay the taxes & tags at my local DMV.

jharwood1

I have a dealer who will sell me an '03 325i, premimum w/ auto. The price is $29890. The dealers in my local area (Birmingham, Al.) are significantly more than this amount. Should I be able to do better than this w/ the incentive money.

lirender

Santacruz, I'm in San Jose and would like to get a similar deal. What dealer and salesperson were you working with? I thought the factory incentive was only for 325s.

osvpi

I will be shopping for a 2004 BMW 330Ci Convertible loaded in the next couple of weeks in South Florida (approx. list of $48,000). I would appreciate if someone can tell me what to expect on the following:
a. Discount from list price
b. Residual % on 36 and 42 months leases
c. Money factor

Thanks.

igorvodov

29890 is a good deal. You can probably get another few hundred dollars off but if you like that particular car, I think you should consider closing the deal.

soupcan325i

I just did the following deal on a 2003 325i:

- metallic paint
- premium package
- leather
- xenon headlights

MSRP: $35,095
Invoice: $32,205
Out the door price: $31,700

Dealer is in Georgia. I probably could've gotten them down a little lower because of the $1500 dealer incentive, but oh well. I bought the car in Georgia, and so far I am very happy with it - a thrill to drive!

ksoman

as cheap as the floormats are ($139? for bmw original), this is what my wife told the dealer when she bought her convertible... dont break my heart and this deal for 150 bucks... he instantly threw it in free.... and then life takes another turn, i'd to go buy the british made rubber floormats because my daughter rides in my wife's car....

vettenuts

2003 325i, loaded with premium, Harmon kardon, xenon, cold weather, sports package, leather, orient blue, automatic. MSRP is $38,170. Dealer is then adding $150 for floor mats and then taking off $2825 for a cost of $35495. Invoice, per my research, is $35,005. I think I can squeeze him a little harder, but have been told that in New England they don't deal much on BMW. When I bought my Corvette I ran into the same thing and traveled to New Jersey to buy the car. Is this a good deal for the BMW? If not, what would be a good deal?

Thanks for any advice/input.

kyfdx

With the $1500 dealer incentive on 325i, This is about $2000 over dealer cost. While that would be a decent deal back in the spring, it seems a little stiff this close to the 2004 models arriving. I have no idea whether this dealer or one close to you will make you a better deal, but I think you might have another $1000-1500 you could save. If you find the right dealer at the right time. You'll never find the absolute bottom line until you make a take or walk offer.

regards,
kyfdx