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

michael10

I am looking to purchase a used BMW from an private party who still owes money to BMW Financial. Being that he does not have the title, how would this work? any used car I have bought in the past the seller always had the title at the time of sale. Does he need to contact BMW? anyone know how long it will take for me to get the title in order to register the car? This might be a lot of work, any insight is appreciated.

newbmwguy

Well, here's the latest. United BMW in Gwinnett is who I thought was selling it to me for this price. (In fact, since my last posting, they offered to sell it to me for a drive-out price of $300 LESS than that: $35,862.33.) I told them I'd buy it on the spot if they threw in carpeted floor mats. They said they would get right back to me, but they did not. It looks to me like they're playing games. We'll see.

The place that's offered me the next-best deal is BMW of Macon. They're an hour and a half from Atlanta, but they'll deliver the car to my home at no charge. Drive out price is $36,399.40. I'm currently deciding whether to buy it.

snsn

That was the price they offered us. We did not haggle the price down.

newbmwguy

I have now concluded that United BMW of Gwinnett has played games with me. They have not beat my best quote by $300, as they said they would. As a result, my recommendation would be to steer clear of this dealership.

potemkin

I bought a 3 from United BMW of Gwinnett ten years ago when it was Charles Evans BMW. I didn't get any kind of run around when I purchased the car, but once United took over, I got the worst service I ever gotten (and that includes independent shops). I vowed I'd never buy another BMW as long as I live... That promise only lasted ten years, but I bought my new Bimmer from Nalley in Decatur. The salesman was a little pushy, but workable. I've only taken it in for service once (my oil light came on -- I was 1/2 quart low and they topped it off and thanked me for coming by), so I can't say if they'll be any better.

djocks

someone posted on the lease advice board that there is a little known dealer incentive of $4500 on 06 330i's. Is this BS or did anyone else see such a thing?

saigonboi21

someone posted on the lease advice board that there is a little known dealer incentive of $4500 on 06 330i's. Is this BS or did anyone else see such a thing?

wat?? is this for real? I agreed on a price with a dealership on my 330. It's being trucked here right now. Already put the deposit down. If there's a $4500 incentive, how would this affect me?? The car will be here soon. THanks guys

blueguydotcom

No, he meant 05s. The 06 330is are selling in massive numbers. In 3 months they've moved 6.3k units - they didn't move 6k 330is in all of 2004 and only about that number for all of 2003's 330is.

saigonboi21

oh i c. Thanks

hawkeye3

Bought from the "store" on Stewart just off I-71.

06 330i:
Jet black, Sport, Premium, Heated seats

Sticker- 41,295

OTD w. floor mats $41,717.

This deal had a trade-in working as a variable and I think they might have paid $500 less than it was worth, but it was pretty rough in some areas and they could have been right on the money.

I don't know if it was a GREAT deal, but it was good enough to keep me from driving to Dayton or Columbus. Any thoughts?

Also, I passed on tire insurance for $450. Good or bad move? Is it available anywhere for any cheaper?

timny

Hola! Sorry for delayed response. Edmunds pulled my original b/c I had named (actually initialled) a salesperson ... didn't realize that was a no-no.

Yes, Westchester. South. Love it. Work in Stamford and live in Westchester. Much better than LI, and a little more liveable than the city, where on almost any occassion I'd rather be!

I've been delayed by the dealership, too. But they are offering a loaner until the car(s) some in, so I cannot really complain (too much).

How's it coming along at your end?

davidd3

Wow! That's really decent of them to give you a loaner while you wait. Hope you get your cars soon.

They expect my car to arrive at the dealership early this week. So I'm still on for a Sep 2 delivery. I have to stop in this week to sign more papers (an updated purchase order) that will put me in the nice position of choosing between the more favorable of the August and September lease programs. They tried to persuade me to take delivery in August by saying that they are tight on indoor storage space. I think they really wanted to book another sale in August. But I'm waiting for September in order to (1) avoid a double car payment in August and (2) have a chace to take advantage of the September lease program if it is more favorable. My monthly lease payment is already $21 lower than when I placed my order in July, thanks to (1) reduction of the acquisition fee from $900 to $625 and (2) increase of the residual value from 59% to 60%. That makes the wait a little easier!

rodl

I saw a posting on another forum that listed the August base rate money factor for a 2005 325 coupe as .00100. Is that correct? Can I still special order a 2005 coupe.

saigonboi21

i just read the the owner's manual and it says we shouldnt go over 4500rpm or 100mph during the first 1250 miles. I didnt go over the 4500rpm but i did do 100mph right after i left the dealership (couldnt resist!!). Will that do anythin to the engine??? thannks

kyfdx

Yes... that is correct.. .0010...

Not sure on ordering, but I'd think they would only be taking orders for the '06 model, now...

newbmwguy

Potemkin,

Thanks for the info about United BMW. I test-drove a 325i at Nalley a few weeks ago, but they didn't give me the lowest price. I live close to Nalley, though, so I'll probably take my car there for service -- particularly if United's service is as bad as their sales!

adp3

Has anyone gotten any good pricing on convertibles lately?" Are they being discounted as heavily?

wstevec

Hi, has anyone finalized a purchase price on a 2006 325xi yet? I am being told that they are selling for close to suggested retail price. Help!!!

newowner

That sounds pretty accurate. Have you driven the standard 325i? Personally, I did not think it was sporty at all. The AWD will hamper its performance even more. BMW's are difficult to talk down in price. With it being a new style it will be difficult getting any good price until next year. Remember, if you need the car now and pay MSRP, your value will drop when the '07 comes out. It's your choice but I ended up buying an '06 MB C280-4Matic for invoice. I absolutely love the car. The '05 MB did not have enough power but the '06's really impressed me. Good luck

poetkjusts

Hi, has anyone finalized a purchase price on a 2006 325xi yet? I am being told that they are selling for close to suggested retail price. Help!!!

wstevec,

I am a first-time post-er, and I received a lot of great information over time via this and other forums. I will be finalizing the deal on my '06 325xi later this morning, and am so adrenalized I've been awake since 4am! I went in knowing that, because the '06 325xi doesn't begin production until next month and because of high demand (i.e. I couldn't even get a September build slot), that I'd be closer to MSRP than invoice. I am getting $500 off MSRP (plus a $250 credit on any accessories). The $500 only eats into about 16% of the difference between MSRP and invoice, but I feel it's better than nothing! I live in the Twin Cities, so for me the xi is warranted, as I can't be bothered changing out to snow tires every year (just personal preference). There are two dealerships on the Minneapolis side of town, and another one in Rochester, MN - about 80 or 90 miles away. All were offering around the $500, and wouldn't really budge. Could I have done better? Perhaps, but I won't have remorse. The Edmunds TMV for a comparably equipped '06 325i in my area is about $600 off MSRP; of course, those have been available longer. Other considerations for me were the '06 Infiniti G35x and '05.5 Audi A4 3.2 quattro. I have been driving Acura's for the past 12 years.

I never considered the C280 4MATIC, but I don't subscribe to what 'newowner' suggests in the post right after yours. It is permanent all-wheel drive with a fixed 40/60 fixed front/rear torque split, while the 325xi xDrive will be rear-wheel drive all the time unless slippage is detected, such as in wet or snowy conditions. Additionally, it is well documented that BMW's retain their value better than C-series and most other sedans (ALG rating in addition to other sources). I believe Mercedes has also dumped their 4 yr/50k mile free maintenance offering. Oh well, opinions will always vary.

Depending on your timeline, you may want to consider European Delivery, if you are seeking to approach US invoice pricing. I used to live in Europe and have driven the Autobahn, so there was no real incentive for me there. Or, there is always the 2005 model year 325xi if you're looking to strike a sweet deal.

It will be torture waiting until early November, when my '06 325xi arrives (it will be built the first week of October)!! The wait, however, will be worth it in my opinion. Good luck!

michael10

Well I am a new owner of an 01 325i, picked it up yesterday, has prem pack. auto, xeon, CD changer w/43k. got it for $20k, let me know what you guys think of the deal. I was smilling all the way to work this morning.

kyfdx

Actually, you'll find that the difference is closer to 10%-11%.... All of those numbers are available here on Edmunds...

Not that it matters.... the market decides the price, not the dealer's profit margin....

regards,
kyfdx

poetkjusts

Actually, you'll find that the difference is closer to 10%-11%.

I guess I am unclear how you can claim that when I didn't reveal what options/packages I chose. I suppose it also depends on the source of my data... I was using BMWUSA September 1, 2005 pricing sheet that my salesperson showed me (same as the one that appears on bimmerfest.com). The difference between 325xi with options/packages wholesale on that sheet and MSRP was $3,185 or so. $500/$3185 is 15.7%. I took the liberty of rounding up. If you are suggesting that I didn't take incentives/allowances from the manufacturer to the dealer into consideration, you'd be right, but neither does Edmunds TMV (at least not for the 2006 325/330i). I can claim this with confidence because the Edmunds invoice pricing used in their 2006 325/330i TMV analysis matches this manufacturer wholesale sheet I mention above.... except for the manufacterer price increase, but more on that later.

All of those numbers are available here on Edmunds...

Can you cite specifically where? Are you referring to Edmunds TMV or links on this forum to, say, bimmerfest.com or e90fanatics.com? I haven't found much on Edmunds about TMV-esque pricing on the 2006 325xi, only 325/330i. And even then, Edmunds TMV is behind in that it has not factored in the manufacturer price increase that went into effect on orders after July 20 (I think it was July 20).

Not that it matters.... the market decides the price, not the dealer's profit margin....

Never said it did, just gave % of difference between MSRP and invoice as a statistic... you'll note that two sentences prior in my original post there is reference to the market environment and my acknowledgment of it.

For any of your objections, sorry if I caused confusion. Ultimately, I was just trying to answer the question posed by wstevec as thoroughly as possible. Blame any shortcomings on my zeal for being part of the Owner's Circle very soon

Anyway, an update, the dealer threw in another $250 in credits for accessories, for a total of $500 there. I have my production number, baby!! Happy driving, everybody... :shades:

kyfdx

All of the invoice and MSRP numbers are available here on Edmunds....

Please cite any numbers that show a 16% spread...

I'll give some examples..

Metallic paint option

MSRP $475
Invoice $430
Difference 9.5%

325i

MSRP $30,300
Invoice $27,755
Difference 8.4%

So.. not really important what options/packages you choose.. the spread is pretty constant..

I understand your excitement.. Just didn't want anyone thinking they might get 10% off MSRP, because they think the spread between invoice and MSRP is 15%.

regards,
kyfdx

wstevec

Thanks, Poetkjusts, I will be finalizing my price tomorrow as well so anything above $500 off will be good. I am already in the September production since I was one those nuts (over enthused!) who put a deposit down early in the year, so hopefully I should see the car by October. Good Luck!

wstevec

Yes I drove the standard 325i and liked it. Since I have an Audi now the AWD performance will be fine for me, especially since I drive like an old lady now, (usually around 70). Thanks for your input.

poetkjusts

Hey kyfdx,

Eureka! I now see the disconnect. My original post said:

"The $500 only eats into about 16% of the difference between MSRP and invoice"... mathematically, that would be 0.16 X (MSRP-invoice). I mentioned that the MSRP - invoice part was $3,185... so, 0.16 x 3,185 = 509.6. Or, as in my previous post, 500/3185 = 15.7%. The reason options does make a difference is that if I had just purchased baseline (which, to be clear, I did not) and gotten $500 off, then that would be 500/(32,800-30,030), or 18%.

I thought that piece of my original post would be clear in the context of the rest of the information (i.e. I explicitly stated in the sentence before in the original post I was getting $500 off MSRP, not 10% or 15% off MSRP), but obviously not! Boy, I really blew that one... note to self... stay away from posting on the forums!

Incidentally, we are talking 325xi here, so that is

2006 325xi baseline (no options/packages/destination charge)
MSRP $32,800
Invoice $30,030

By the by, I don't want people to think the MSRP on the 325i is $30,300 (as in your post). Again, effective on orders after July 20, a manfacturer price increase went into effect. As I mentioned in previous post, Edmunds is behind on incorporating this.

So,

2006 325i baseline (no options/packages/destination charge)
MSRP $30,900
Invoice $28,300

I think both of us have spent too much time on this! Let's just enjoy our rides!

kyfdx

Gotcha.. no problem...

And, yes.. I was quoting the current base price of cars on the lot.... Effective September 1st and for orders after July 20th, the price increase is in effect..

regards,
kyfdx

gadawg1

BlueGuyDotCom,
I agree completely that this is the normal BMW practice.

My first Bimmer was an '99 E46 323i, that I loved, but had to sell when I went overseas. Now that I'm back, and after a less than stellar experience with a Mazda 6s, I'm headed back to the driver's promised land...BMW!!! I've driven the E90 and am QUITE IMPRESSED with the level of refinement they've achieved in just a few short years...not to mention they are more fun than ever!

The reason I'm writing is that I can't find but scraps of info on the '07 330ci coupe. I'm sold on sticking with the 3 vs the 5 and I really want the coupe. I've seen some cool picks of what the M3 will probably look like...and its beyond sweet; if the standard coupe looks 1/2 as good as what I've seen it'll be beautiful. The problem is that I can't find any info. There are some forums that discussing BMW's indecision on the series designation. They were/are considering creating a new notch for the 3 series coupe, naming it the 4 series (similar to how the 6 series is the coupe version of the 5). However, I've also read that the 3 Series name is too profitable and they've decided to keep it.

I guess to make a LONG comment short(er), do you, or ANYONE else, have ANY info on the E90 coupe! The dealer tells me that they are showing a fall '06 delivery for the first production, but I haven't seen a single "legitimate" pic of the new coupe, so I'm hesitant. I know it's still a ways out, but not even Edmunds seems to have any info.

Can you, or someone else, enlighten me?

wla10000

2006 330i
Titanium Silver Metallic
Sport Package
Premium Package
Navigation
Steptronic automatic transmission
Rear sunshades
Floor Mats

Out the door price $44,956

Please advise, because I think it is good, and will tell the dealer I'll accept it on Monday.

BTW, I live in the Bay Area, Northern California. Thanks in advance.

wla10000

Sorry guys or gals for the double postings, because I need advice.

2006 330i
Titanium Silver Metallic
Sport Package
Premium Package
Navigation
Steptronic automatic transmission
Rear sunshades
Floor Mats

Out the door price $44,956

Please advise, because I think it is good, and will tell the dealer I'll accept it on Monday.

BTW, I live in the Bay Area, Northern California. Thanks in advance.

kyfdx

Throw us a bone... What is the MSRP of the car?

How much of the $44,956 is tax and registration?

dl7265

Um, I have no idea what CA taxes, inspection, reg ect cost. How about list the invoice and msrp prices instead ? "otd" is not going to be a very accurate number.

Good Luck,
DL

wla10000

edmund MSRP $45,120, invoice 41,350

My offer is $40,280 (below invoice)
dealer profit $500
DMV e-file $28
Doc fee $45
License/Reg $336.75
Tax $3,470.13

Total is $44,659.88

The total is less than $44,956 because there are some items that I may want but the dealer said he has to check the prices. Since that's less than $300, I don't really care because I can always not take those items when I sign.

I sent him what I wanted, he replied, and gave his quote. Unlike the other two, Peter Pan BMW and Weatherford BMW, slow and arrogant. I asked them both for OTD twice via email, twice they didn't give it to me. Screw them, and I didn't bother to call them, but I called this dealer.

I like what I've experienced so far because I don't want to haggle too much with the price , as soon as I gather more input from you guys, I will call the dealer next week.

wla10000

I want to know for those who are also planning of buying think about the deal because we all have done our homework already. However, I don't want to jump right in just because it sounds good.

If the deal goes well, I will definitely recommend this dealer.

kyfdx

This is the offer the dealer made to you?

Is this an '06, or an '05?

If it is an '06, you should jump on it... if that is the actual MSRP and purchase price...

regards,
kyfdx

bdr127

You're getting a 2006 330i for $1100 below cost?!?!?! I don't think I have even heard of anyone getting a new 3-series for $1100 above..... If that's for real, then jump all over it.

BTW, you note that "dealer profit" is $500.... Where did that come from? BMW doesn't have holdback or anything, so how are they making any profit?

wla10000

It is a 06 330i.

kyfdx, I know. I have reading this forum for quite some time, and you knowledgeable and helpful to others, that's why I want opinions because it does seem like a great deal.

The story was I sent my spec via edmund to the dealers, 3 replied. And this dealer gave me the quote right the way. I double checked by sending the spec with my own email, and he confirmed. I called him, and he again confirmed. Finally I asked him for the break down list, he sent it as what I showed to you guys. He said he searched the whole west and couldn't find a car that matched my spec, it would have to be ordered in September, and be here at the end of October. I told him I need the weekend to think over and get back to him on Monday.

Unless there were some big miscommunication between us, he is a good dealer with strange quote and answers, and I am a good customer because of no haggles.

wla10000

bdr127, not to sound rude, but how do you know "BMW doesn't have holdback or anything"? because the true cost and profit is never revealed to the public. Only BMW itself and the dealers know how much they are making or losing.

What I showed is actually what he gave me in his email and over the phone. $500 profit. Of course I don't think that's his true profit. But then again, a profit is a profit regardless of the amount. The whole deal is all done via emails and phone calls, meaning I have not met the dealer yet but know how he looks like because he sends his picture along with his emails.

Unlike Weatherford BMW and Peter Pan BMW in the bay area, twice I asked, twice I didn't get a strange answer. They wanted to haggle, but I don't. They were so arrogant. :mad: So what happened? I didn't bother to call, and none of them would ever made a penny from me. The result, those two got bad reputation, and this dealer will get my recommendation to edmund bimmer buyers in the bay area if the deal goes well.

Just to let any dealers who happen to read this forum know, treat you customers well. Because bad news travel fast, and you can actually lose businesses.

bdr127

bdr127, not to sound rude, but how do you know "BMW doesn't have holdback or anything"? because the true cost and profit is never revealed to the public. Only BMW itself and the dealers know how much they are making or losing.

Well, for one, I work at a BMW dealer.... not to sound rude.

Second, check out this Edmunds link on holdback.... It's no mystery or secret -- You'll see what dealers make for holdback.
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/incentives/holdback/index.html

calif65gm

wla: I have no idea what dealer this is in N. CA, but I don't know why you have to think about this deal. The lowest anyone has been offered is $300 over invoice. You're getting a fully-loaded 330 for a major steal. :shades:
If you think that you're going to find an even better deal then you're missing the boat.

IMO I'd jump on the deal before they realize that they miscalulated the price :surprise: or the Sales Mgr. gets involved and nulls the deal.

wla10000

bdr127, thanks for sending the reading. I just want to make sure this sound too good to be true deal is real. :P

Also, I remember the dealer saying something like "since the car needs to be ordered, and he still have production allocation left, if I order it in September, it will arrive at the end of October, and the car will only have 5 miles on it." something like that.

I will definitely recommend this dealer once the deal goes through.

wla10000

his title is internet sales manager.

I have done my homework before I start quoting the dealers. I know this is a good deal and I have hinted at him that I will take it.

wla10000

And waiting for him to call back. It is still little hard to believe I am getting such good deal if it's what it is. Thanks guys.

Once the deal is closed, I will reveal the dealer. Until then, don't want to do any free advertisement.

ppt

I am looking to buy the 2006 BMW 325i (automatic,premium package, and navigation) in the next week. I am considering paying cash but I am not sure where I should start in the negotiations process. I know usually you want to be closest to invoice as possible but I also know these cars are in high demand so I dont know how low they will go.
I test drove one today and the MSRP was about $37,000 and according to edmonds the invoice is about $34,000.

Can anyone tell me where to start? Does anyone have one and care to share their experience.

Thanks!

butter6

Hello all,

Just got quoted what I *think* is a good deal but of course would like your expert opinions:

2006 325i
edmunds: MSRP $30,300 - Invoice $27,755

Black sapphire metallic
premium package
automatic
fold down rear seats
premium stereo (logic 7)
satellite radio prep
floor mats

Total price (incl. destination) quoted: $35,400
Total MSRP w/ all the options: $37,395

This price includes MACO and training service fee, which sound like bogus fees to me but does everyone pay them? The dealer said there's no way he'd take them off at the price he was offering....

So what do you all think? It's a hot car so I think it's a good deal but wanting to check.

saigonboi21

you should offer them $500 above invoice plus free mats.

saigonboi21

i paid the MACO fees for mine. I called 2 dealers and they both said they cant take it off so i guess it's "official". I think it's a great deal though.

butter6

btw, the invoice w/ all the options is $34,600
and the dealer offer is $35,400

(also, MACO fee is $280, training service fee $180)

thanks!

ppt

Thanks for the input. From reading these forums it seems like if you can get about $2000 off the MSRP, that is a considered a good deal on these BMWs. If I do pay the entire amount up front, should I be wanting even more off? Also, when I make my offers should I be including tax, title, reg in the amount or is it best to leave that out?