2013 and earlier - BMW 5 Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience

hpowders

bmwusa.com has all current MSRP prices.

wsoper

I just leased an '06 525i w/automatic & premium package from a dealer in Northern California. It was the best car buying experience I've had and took less than two hours start to finish... pretty sure I got I good deal, although I don't care now, I'm in love with the car!

MSRP: $45,770
Invoice: $42,330
Cap cost: $43,330
Residual: $28,377
Acq fee: $825
Sec Dep: $625
Reg/fees: $375
MF: .00245
Tax: 7.75%
Down: $1,700
Payment: $665/mo

edinphila

What dealer did you use?

buzz35

That sounds like a good deal did that include any extended warranty. I just ordered my 525xi I looked at a few dealers in NC and 1000-1500 was the most they would come down on that vehicle, but all dealer fees are always included. Hope you enjoy your car let us know how it is.

buzz35

I just bought my 06' 525xi delivery date 1st week of October what a deal after checking with stateside dealers

Options:
automatic, park distance control, comfort access(just added to 5 series, $1000 option not on web site yet dealer can order for cars with later delivery date), navigation, sport pkg, premium pkg, tire upgrade, auto sunshades. MSRP 52,000+
paid 46,300 out the door.

Living in Germany now, what a deal not sure how stateside people can take advantage of this but there has to be a way. Shipping back to the states will cost me $900 from a local shipping company. Now I have not recieved it yet so I am wondering from all 5 series owners how is your 5 series holding up I have noticed that the 05 got bad ratings from consumer report on reliabilty is this occuring?

spyderred

I just helped a friend buy a beautiful 2006 525i, Jet Black/ Black, Auto, Sport package, Premium Package, Zenon HID, MSRP $48,570 for $46,000 + TTL.This is in Southern California. The Dealer was great to work with very professional and curteous.

What are your thoughts on the price?

dagman

My deal did not include any extended warranty. What are you seeing with pricing regards to these. I may consider extending the 4/50, but I havn't thought much about it yet.

The biggest thing I was able to see w/ the dealers willing to deal is the size of the dealer. Perhaps your NC dealers are a little smaller. Have you considered looking in atlanta (Global and United)?

dagman

Dang! Your friend beat my deal by $500 on a car equipped the same way, except my color is Silver Grey / Black. Did you pay any dealer fee? There are not many 525I's w/ sport package - you must have worked through a large dealer.

The black interior is sweet. Mine also has the Anthrasite Maple wood trim, which is nearly black. It gives the inside a very monochrome, sporty type of look - definately happy w/ it and would recommend.

Enjoy

gqteng

Could you disclose the dealership's name? Thank you.

spyderred

The dealer was Shelly BMW, it is a medium sized dealer. No dealer fees other than $45 documentation fee. This is where I take my 5 series for maintenance. I have been very pleased with them so far.

I was the one who did all the negotiations for my friend. She just sat there and relaxed. You know how some dealers like to take an advantage of unsuspected buyers (read not so familiar with the buying process). For me to make that deal it was quite simple and painless. I have negotiated at least 20 new car purchases for my friends and co-workers in the last year or so. I am not a broker just a friend who try to help others. I just made several calls to surrounding dealers Internet/fleet managers and told them what I was looking for in a car with specific options and color. If they had one, then I would ask what is their rock bottom fleet/internet deal. Most often, they quoted me a very competitive price. Most quotes were within $500 or less of each other. Taking in consideration their attitude on the phone, their price, and their location, I would either thank them for their time or go and purchase from one of them. It is very simple. I am always honest, courteous and professional. I try not to waste my time or theirs. They seemed to like that.

Regarding the 6yrs/100,000 miles extended maintenance, the finance manager started @ $1995. I told him that I would pay $1,195 for the maintenance agreement or I would shop around, since I have time, and buy it from another large volume dealer in Southern California (drop a name of dealership). Typically, as long as you allow them to make a little profit they will sell you what you want at a reasonable price.

If you think about the $1,195 for the 6yrs/100,000 miles maintenance agreement, this will pay for itself as it will include an inspection 2 (@ 60,000 miles) which can range from $700-$1000 and a brake job which includes front and rear discs and pads and sensor for another $1,000. In addition, it would pay for other items such as wiper blades, coolant service, brake fluid flush, as recommended by BMW.

To me the $1,195 is a no-brainer for the extended maint..

Spyderred.

ex_sc400

Which dealer is that? I'm looking for exactly the same package but have no luck so far.

wsoper

I leased it from Sonnen BMW in San Rafael. When I was there they had two more left in stock with the same options. Good luck!

bmq

Congrats on the new ride!

How many miles/year is the lease for?

wsoper

3 year/36k miles

humphreydogger

please help
i've never leased a car before
i've been offered a 530i with premium, cold weather, automatic, sat radio
price 50k (MRSP 51615)
residual 32517
rate 0.00175
36 month/10,000 miles a year
state tax 6.0
initial payment (includes all taxes and fees, 1st month and 500 security deposit) of 4803
and monthly payments (including taxes) of 600

any advice would be very welcome
i know it isn't a lot of miles of year, but i expect to use a little less based on previous driving

thank you

kyfdx

Can you break out the $4803?

First payment $600
Security deposit $600

Then what?

humphreydogger

cash down is 2900
1st month and security deposit
acq fee 625,and i don't know if this is part of the money down or do i pay it later?
i was not told the breakdown of the rest (which i will get prior to further negotiations)-motor vehicle fees?

thank you

kyfdx

I'll guess...

$2900 down
$600 payment
$600 deposit
$625 acq.fee

That is almost $4800, right there...

Here is what we know..

$1615 discount from MSRP... A little weak, but if they are using the base acq.fee and money factor (and, they are), not a bad deal.. just fair..

Using your figures... I get $545/mo. + tax.. I don't know where you live, but that looks awfully high for tax.... The other explanation, is that there is about $700 of doc, dealer, and registration fees in your upfront money, and that acquisition fee is being added into the cap cost and the monthly payment..

If that is the case, then the payment would be $563/mo. + tax, and the numbers would make sense.. However, I'd want to see how the rest of that money upfront is broken down... Any other fees above state required registration, etc., should be considered part of the selling price... and, your selling price is high enough already.

Also, it is never a good idea to put money down on a lease... It makes the payment seem palatable, but it really doesn't decrease your costs any..

I'd do it this way:

$51615 MSRP
$50000 Selling price
$50625 CAP cost (selling price + acq.fee)
.00175 MF
63% residual
3yr/30K lease
Payment = $649/mo.+ tax
Due at signing = 1st payment, security deposit, title/license/registration. (approx. $1700 total)

Actually, I'd hope for another $500-$1000 lower selling price, but at least they are using the base rates..

regards,
kyfdx

damienwg

I'm looking for the equation to determine the monthly payment for purchasing a vehicle (not leasing).

I have the total amount to be financed (negotiated car price - cash down + license & fees), APR and number of months.

I know there are plenty of online calculators to determine the monthly payment, but I need to know the equation so I'll be able to create an excel spreadsheet I can take with me to the car dealer.

Also, if the dealer finances me through a local bank (as opposed to BMWFS), is there a legitimate banking/processing/document fee or is that a junk fee? And again, this is all for a purchase not a lease.

Thanks

kyfdx

That is a good question... that I can't answer.. Something tells me that it is an involved equation that would take a long time to set up on a spreadsheet... but, I could be wrong..

Perhaps there is an amortization program that you could buy, and download onto your laptop?

Most loans that I've had, have a charge for VSI (vendors single interest) insurance.. Either $50 or $100... It insures the lender against default (I think), but you get to pay for it!! The acquistion fees you see are just for leases.. Even BMWFS won't have that on a purchase.

Other than that, there might be a small fee to have the lien recorded and a small document fee (under $50). There could be a big document fee, but those are just dealer padding... always decline to pay those, or have them subtract that amount from the purchase price.

regards,
kyfdx

pt3

I am in the market to lease a 2006 530i. I will special order the car with the following: (I worked up this config with the sales guy at the dealer)
Sport Package
Navigation
Premium Sound
Leather
The MSRP comes out to $54,845. I have looked at different sites and the invoice seems to be in the area of $49,885.
I will be going for a 3 year, 18k per year lease.
Can someone tell me what kind of money factor, etc... I should be shooting for to get a good deal?
Thanks for any help.

jim20

Excel has a function for it. Look under the financial functions for one called PMT (I think). It will ask for the loan amount, interest rate, the number of periods, etc. Just be sure to express the interest rate and the number of periods on a consistent basis - i.e., both in monthly terms or annual terms. Monthly is a little more accurate. In this case, the rate is the annual rate divided by 12, and number of periods equals the number of years of the loan times 12. That should give you a pretty good shot at it. This is not involved at all.

hpowders

550i (5% discount from MSRP paid)

MSRP $59770
MF .00280(6.72%)
residual 59%
$915 per month(7% tax)

545i (5% discount from MSRP paid)

MSRP $58170
MF 0.0010(2.4%)
residual 59%
$718 per month(7% tax)

Moral: Glad I went with the 545i, saving almost $7100.

This assumes of course in this age of greed that you can find a BMW dealer who will make a deal on the 550i with the base money factor. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they jack it up to 0.0032!

Zoom! Zoom! Heh! Heh!

kennynmd

I haven't been to this forum in a while but I see you area a "host" now. Does that mean you are employed by edmunds.com. Thought you should be paid here for all the advice and pricing you give here!!!

bdr127

This assumes of course in this age of greed that you can find a BMW dealer who will make a deal on the 550i with the base money factor. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they jack it up to 0.0032!

....And also a 5% discount!

hpowders

I wouldn't touch the 550i until February. They should be willing to deal when demand is down in the middle of winter.

tfc1

I am looking at a 02 CPO 530 at a dealer. About 40K miles, P/S, xenon. Condition OK, but not immaculate. Asking price $30K. Any suggestion on margin for negotiation?

I asked for the full service record and the saleman told me that (1) none was provided by the former owner, and (2) that his service dept cannot access records for service rendered at other dealers. The only service the current dealer did on the car was the prep for the CPO (which they provided). The only other record they have are a few "service codes" for work done at other dealers, which they said they can translate into what was actually done. Is this normal? Would Carfax help? I am hesistant about buying a used car, even a CPO one, w/o full service record.

kyfdx

This is at a BMW dealer?

All service performed at any BMW dealer will be on the vehicle history report... If he won't go to the service department and pull the report (takes 5 minutes), then I wouldn't even consider buying the car....

Another thing that is on the report... the in-service date and warranty and maintenance plan expiration date.. That is something else that I would want included in any sale... The extended maintenance plan that matches the CPO warranty..

If this isn't a BMW dealer, then disregard all that..

regards,
kyfdx

tfc1

Dear kyfdx,
Yes, it is a BMW new car dealer! I asked for the full service history, and the CPO checklist signed off by their service department. The saleman showed me the in-service date -- it was late Sept 2002 so the maintenance plan is still valid. In fact, he was pushing the extended maintenance plan for $2K.
tfc1

kyfdx

I'm not up on prices of used 5-series.. but, I'm thinking at that price, I want the extended maintenance included.. I know on a 3-series, the price is about $1400 list on an '02... I'm sure the 5-series is more, but I'm thinking within a couple hundred of that...

The service history thing is just wrong... They should show it to you, and take you back to a service manager that can explain all of the codes...

I like that you would have 3 full years of warranty left... and, if you get the maintenance package, you'd have a fairly low-cost car, in terms of maintenance and repairs...

regards,
kyfdx

bdr127

Although they won't be able to share the previous owner's information (name, address, phone, etc) due to privacy issues, they should have a history of every maintenance, scheduled, and non-scheduled service done at a BMW Center for any vehicle. It'll tell them where the car was serviced and what was done. If it was not serviced at a BMW Center, then there wouldn't be any records, however....

lookin1

My new 525xi is "waiting for transport" to the united states - for those of you who have tracked their car's on the bmw website- approx. how long from the time it said awaiting transport until the car was actually date your local dealership?

Thanks !

bdr127

It can take up to a week (sometimes 8-9 days) to get from production to the port and get on a ship... After that, it typically takes 2 to 2.5 weeks to get to the US port.

jpclaw

I went to BMW of Bayside this weekend to inquire about a 525xi. I had already bought a 325i from them, and figured that I would get a decent deal. The salesperson came back with a lease price based on $2500 above the invoice price of the car. He said it was because of availability. Does this seem right?? It seems high to me.

edinphila

off of disinterested people.

Going through a change of life. Took a new position with a commute of 70 miles each way(compared to eight blocks). This is my excuse for getting rid of my 93 LS400-a car without a soul. I am looking at an off lease 5-speed 2002 525i with PP, SP, CWP and Xenons. The car has 19,500 miles and full maintenance history. The dealer wants $30,900. It has the CPO warranty. The previous owner (leasee) had some scrapes on the rear bumper and hood that the dealer has fixed in its body shop. I am not too concerned as the repairs look pretty good. The dealer is offering 2.9% financing. Should I jump on this?

kyfdx

I'm not positive about the price... But, if you are going to be putting 35K miles/year on a car, this isn't a bad one to get... You'll get full use of the remaining 80K miles of warranty..

That is a nice option package, also...

If you are looking for something to negotiate for... ask for the extended factory maintenance package that mirrors the CPO warranty terms... That way, nothing to buy but tires, until you hit 100K.... Probably a $1500-$1600 value...

The only negative... When you go to sell this car in January of '08 with 100K on the odometer... you are going to take a large hit in depreciation... BMWs are pretty expensive to mile up.. If I had to drive 35K miles/year, I'd look for a new Civic....

regards,
kyfdx

edinphila

Thanks for the idea. I don't think the price is unreasonable given the warranty and low mileage. It's that I cannot bring myself to paying full asking price for a car. Annual mileage will probably run closer to 25,000 as I will spend time in the air. I try to keep a car until it does not run anymore. This time I just got bored with my Lexus and have a good excuse to get rid of it. Fortunately, my sister-in-law wants it.

manybmws

you are going to need something nice to pamper yourself after not having any commute.

Miles are nice and low for sure for a 2002.

I could have bought a 2003 new for around $37K. I would negotiate the price more.

sumdum_guy

Hello. I've been lurking on these boards researching pricing, options, etc for quite some time. I'd like to thank all those who post and help others out - kyfdx and shipo are names that come to mind, you all have provided invaluable information to people such as me.
My '93 Camry is no longer cutting it - non functioning driver's window, intermittent A/C ... etc. Its time to go and this time I want to step up to a REAL car.
I like the 3, but am considering a 5. For those knowledgeable , could you please help with a few questions? I have two kids. I tend to keep cars until they die. I am considering a 5 because of a "percieved" space increase. Is this true? Looking/sitting in them at the dealer, they seem about the same on the inside. I'd prefer the increased space for luggage, kids (+ toys/road trip parapharnelia, etc). Is the added cost worth the gain in roominess? Is there really an increase in space/comfort luxury?
Secondly - please bear with this question, I have the opportunity to purchase either vehicle through a program available to federal employees living abroad. For a 325: 325 w/ CWP, Prem Pkg, Auto, Active Steering, CA, Pkg Control, Xenon, Nav for $35,000 + delivery (2150) = $39,400
BMW WEBSITE = $42,145
Edmunds Invoice = $38,650

For a 525: 525 w/CWP, Prem, Auto, Active Steering, CA, Pkg Control, Xenon, Nav, HUD $47,560 + delivery (2150) = $49,710
BMW WEBSITE = $53,770
Edmunds Invoice = $49,230

Again, bear with me ... the answers may seem blaringly obvious (I assume Edmunds' invoice is accurate), but is the pricing that has been quoted to me "fair"/competive? Could I be able to haggle or do better on my own mano a mano with a dealer?

Last one: active steering ... anyone have any comments on this? I am considering it because 1) my wife complains that cars (generally speaking) feel heavy to steer @ low speeds (she's tiny) 2) I rolled a SUV with a rapid evasive maneuver @ high speed. Friend says this will help control rapid steering inputs and help prevent rolling a vehicle ( i also realize SUV = higher center of gravity).

I respectfully thank you once again for all the helpful advice and look forward to any responses, comments, or help from the community.

khoon

You need to keep shopping!!! Presently, you should pay no more than $1000-$1200 above invoice - if that. My 2 cents - I wonder what some of the other stalwarts of this forum believe is a fair proce these days. If you'd like the name of a good dealer in NY let me know.

fm1

Hi Guys,

I am thinking the ED option. Does anyone know from where I can find out the invoice for 06 330 and 06 530? Thanks.

fm

kyfdx

You can find the US invoice prices here on Edmunds...

For the 330i, subtract $2510 for the ED invoice price.

For the 530i, subtract $3160 for the ED invoice price.

regards,
kyfdx

madcowz

I test drove a 525xi today, and I loved it, only I felt that it was a little underpowered, hence I will be looking into a 530. I'm just mulling over whether to go for the 530xi or the 530i. I live in NJ where we do get a bit of snow in the winter, so winter handling is important however, I was wondering with all the stability control electronics, would the new 530i be sufficient for driving in the snow? The reason why I ask is because there are several reasons why I would prefer the i, including cheaper tag, it's slightly quicker than the xi, has the option to get the 6-speed SMG (whereas the xi only offers tiptronic automatic) and a sports package with true sports suspension (which the xi also does not offer). However, if it has a bit of trouble handling in the snow I don't want to bother with that, because it is something I will have do deal with a good 4 months out of the year. Now obviously the XI will handle much better in the snow, rain, etc, but all I want do know is if the 530i is manageable in the snow. Also, I was wondering if you guys feel as though the premium package is worth it. I was trying to notice the interior differences, and I could barely see anything... definitely nothing worth $2000. Perhaps someone can offer their personal input on this? Maybe I'm missing something here?

khoon

The performance diff berween a 525Xi and 530Xi is about 1 sec for 0-60. The price diff is about $4-4.5K. I recently had to make the same decision and decided to go with the 525Xi, and pocket the $4k for a vacation. I picked up my car in Munich (Euro Delivery) and drove it for about 600 miles in the Bavarian Alps. There were times when I was pushing 100 MPH in no time at all. My 2 cents, once you're at cruising speed - doesn't matter whether you have a 525 or 530. BTW I live in northern NJ as well.

All the best with your decision

thehuac

I was at my local BMW Dealership today and saw a Certified Pre-Owned 2002 525i Jet Black with Black Leather. The options on the car were Automatic,Prem. Pkg.,Sport Pkg.,Cld Weather Pkg., Xenon Lights, and fold down rear seats. I test drove the vehicle and noticed that the steering wheel was off by about three inches and when I stepped off the brake it would make a loud sound. The salesman said that those issues could be addressed. If so what would be a fair price to offer for the car. The asking price was 34,999.

nyccarguy

I as well as many others here who live in the northeast choose RWD with SNow tires over AWD with All Season Tires. I live in Westchester County and grew up in Rockland County (very close to the NY/NJ border). Our winters are not as bad as we think they are. The automotive mfrs have done an excellent job convincing people that we NEED AWD. Truth be told, our winters really aren't that bad compared to people in Upstate NY, Michigan, Colorado... We get maybe 5 major snow storms a year.

AWD helps you get started. Stopping and cornering are different. AWD adds weight which will INCREASE your braking distance (in dry and snowy conditions) as well as maybe adding extra reaction time in an accident avoidance manevuer. For the rest of the year that it doesn't snow (360 days (give or take) you will get poorer fuel economy and have the car's acceleration and handling characteristics hampered. The All Season Tires on the AWD cars are a compromise. You'll be able to enjoy a SP equipped RWD BMW more for the rest of the year. If my 56 year old narotic Jewish mother can drive a RWD 530iA (E60) through a NY winter, than you can.

cmybimmergo

Last December I bought a CPO 02 530i 5 spd, sport pkg, premium pkg, xenons, and pretty much everything else except for fold down rear seat, heated steering wheel, and upgraded audio. It had a little over 45K on it at the time. I paid $32950 before taxes and fees. You don't mention how many miles it has on it, but the price sounds high to me.

I highly recommend that you get it inspected before you plunk down any money.

thehuac

The vehicle has 24,500 miles. How do I go about getting the vehicle inspected when they say that the vehicle is a CPO car.

cmybimmergo

You could ask them whether they would let you take it for one. Or you could tell them that you aren't even going to talk about the car until they make the necessary repairs. Frankly, I'm surprised they didn't already do it, especially at that price. I checked my dealer's site, and he has two 02 525s, one with 34K and one with 38K, and they are both priced at $28,950. (They don't have the sport pkg, but it doesn't add that much to the price. For comparison, the 530 sports he has run ~ $32K.) And that dealer makes all repairs before offering a car for sale, and guarantees that it will pass state inspection. (He also gives a five day or 250 mile guarantee.)

beemertime

I need help on this deal on a 2002 BMW 525i with pretty much factory options. it was a prior off lease vehicle with 21000 mileage with extended warranty.

The dealer msrp for 29900, and the sales person willing to offer 28905.

my question is this a good deal? This is almost Oct and soon this vehicle will be depreciate again in year 2006.

I want to pay 27204 (based on edmunds price) with 2005 3/4depreciation taken off = 25108.00 + certifed warranty of 2000, total of 27108.00.

Do you think 27108.00 is fair and reasonable?