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

normalo

Was 446.90 including how much tax? What was your total drive off fees? Since April residuals have gone lower and lower so it is more expensive to lease it now.

joatmon

I paid my $300 state sales tax and the first month lease payment at drive off. I had no other fees.

mikeburk

Mwd3, could you please be more specific? Exactly what model did you buy at Stevens Creek, with what options, at what price? Every dealer seems to have a different invoice price, so “$2500 under” could vary by hundreds of dollars. Thanks!

ramib1

Even now, with all the heavy discounting on the 5 series ($3k under invoice, etc.), can you still save with ED? ED usually involves a lower invoice price - for Munich delivery - but does the incentive kick-in only for those cars they have in U.S. inventory, or will it apply for ED as well?

mwd3

My 530 had Cold weather, premium, sport, techtronic, and Xenon. Stevens Creek will show you the invoice, and it will be exactly as shown on edmunds.com, dollar for dollar except for MCO ($360). In my case it was $37560 + (2x2095 Sport and prem) + 360 MCO + 1210 Step+ 455 Xenon+ 545 Cold = 44320 - 2500 = 41820. All invoice prices should be the same and match the numbers you see on edmunds.com. That is the cost they buy from BMW. BMW can not have different prices for different dealers at the top line. Good luck.

drdw

Production of 03 5-series was stopped a month and so ago. All of 03 5xx should left the plant already.

billfish

I can see most of you are dealing hard on the 03' 5's. Nice cars/sav and good luck all. Anyone willing to speculate on factory incentives for the 04's? I have very little experience buying new cars(2) as I have always bought BMW and driven them forever. Now that there is a buyers mkt for autos...yes, BMW too....I thought someone with more exp might have seen incentives follow intro of a new MY car? Someone help me understand this....If you buy an 03' today....put 300 miles on the car and then sell it tommorrow.....it is now a 1 year old used car...no? Therefore, the deal on a 03'should reflect some of that MY hit this late. I wouldn't expect them to give me a new car at a used car price but I still think at current incentives off invoice your still getting pounded? Better than nothing off true but..why are they doing this in the first place? I know....it's what the mkt bears but?..... I am interested in the 03's but I just need a fair deal based on my calendar not some mythical cave calendar. ;-) Competetion looks to be fierce in the luxury auto world.....or so it seems. Now maybe more so than any time I know and that's why I wonder if BMW might price the 04's right. Indicators seem to point toward a "modest increase about 1.5k over 03's." Anybody know?

joatmon

Well, I don't think you're going to see incentives on the '04 5 series BMWs. They usually put incentives on cars via financial services (lower interest rates and lease rates). With a model lasting 7 years, you won't see much in the way of incentives on the '04 5 series.

I can't recall any end of model year 5 series incentives like you see this year. Now, if they're not moving a year or so after introduction, who knows. Remember, many BMW owners will buy the new 5 regardless of the styling. Gotta have the newest, latest and greatest. That crowd is not buying the current model because their friends and neighbors can't tell whether they bought a new one or a 5 year old creme puff. So, the new 5 will fly out of the dealerships for awhile.

Competition you say. BMW has staked out a niche and stayed with it. Want a German engineered sedan, rear drive, and manual transmission? Where you gonna go? While the bloom has fallen off the MB rose, BMW seems as stong as ever. They also have lots of good things in the pipeline. Also, BMW just release July sales figures and they're stronger than an onion field.

Jack

bartalk2

Has the $4,000 factory to dealer incentive continued into August on the 530's?

Not clear when people here say they paid "invoice" or, say, $500 below invoice, whether they mean invoice minus the $4,000 incentive. Please clarify.

billfish

That's what I am thinking too. I agree and totally on the BMW. I think for the mkt they are hard to beat by any other manuf. That is why I have wasted little time with comps. I know what manf I want. I am sure those incentives have helped their sales figures and move inventory during a downturn. Pretty smart if you ask me. Probably tipped a few buyers in their direction too that were toying with other manf. No doubt there will be those that MUST have it all. I am different about that but I understand. I want to get into a new car 03'/04' within a month or 2. Right now if the deal arises. I have not actually put myself in front of a dealer yet. That is coming soon. Since I/the wife is interested in the X5 3.0 I have some time before the new ones arrive if I decide on the 04'. I found on the Auto Spies web site that the sales are slumping for those? That report was a couple of months old so that may have changed too? I do see a large inventory on the lots though. More so than the 530's. They have moved a lot of those 5's but still have a few and a lot of the X5 3.0's. Good thing I have patience. I am anxious to get the deal but dread the bull chip factors. Just part of it. That's why I am glad there are forums for discussions and information. Speaking of which, I guess I better move myself to there before the forum [non-permissible content removed] does it for me!...lol..just not a lot of discussion there for now. Thanks again Jack.

drdw

Based my reading here so far, "invoice" referred here is the regular invoice (so called dealer's cost). Without any incentive, sale price should be invoice + dealer's profit. With $4000 incentive, the sale price should be invoice + dealer's profit - $4000. If the dealer wants $1500 profit, then it will sell a 530 at a price of "invoice - $2500" so called "2.5k under invoice".
BTW The incentive is "BMW to dealer incentive" So a dealer may keep all $4000 and still sale you 530 with invoice + ??? price.

billfish

just example: If the listed MSRP=41,100+ 6k options for a total MSRP of say 47,100.....I would figure the invoice is below the 41.1 and then figure what above/below that you should pay. On the lot... invoice will not be listed but MSRP and total is. It is imperative you know the true invoice. There seems to be quite a bit of confusion, mine included at times. Maybe someone who has successfully pulled this off could explain for us dummies where the real invoice number is. They have room to move with 4k of incentive and 2% trunk money. I think it might be easier to just walk into the dealer and tell them what you would like to pay for the car. In the 530i leather/premium/sport/xenon....I'd like to get in that car for 37/38 and be willing to buy it then IF the deal is right?

joatmon

The invoice and MSRP numbers on the web are fairly accurate for BMW. The MACO charge for marketing and training is not there however, and it varies based on model and region. Figure on about $360 on a 5 or X5 and you're in the ball park. Figure the invoice price, add MACO, subtract the incentive, add a little dealer profit ($1200 - $1800) and you have a reasonable price.

The X5 continues to be stong. I drive by the US factory that produces them everyday and they are going full out. They overall X5 sales, including international orders, is up. US sales are down a bit. This is part of their plan, to satisfy US demand first, and when the US pipeline is full, increase exports. (Yes, we do export BMWs).

X5s are now in a "normal" discount pattern, whereas before many dealers didn't discount much.

Happy Motoring,

Jack

bartalk2

Back to square one: What is MACO?? Sounds like some aftermarket paint job.

joatmon

MACO is the amount a dealership pays to BMW for "marketing assistance".

bartalk2

Thanks for explaining MACO. I assume some (all?) dealers tack that charge onto the price of the car.

joatmon

Well, MACO is something the dealer has to pay. So, if you're dealing from invoice, it has to be added. The on-line invoice prices don't include it. So, if you offer, let's say, $1000 over invoice, you're going to have to add MACO to the on-line invoice price to agree with the dealer. MACO is on his invoice.

Jack

pruhawk

What is the best current lease residual rate for a 2003 530i (42 month lease)?

joatmon

BMWFS residual, 530i for 42 months is 46%.

Jack

drdw

None of the dealers I taked to mentioned MACO. My final price was invoice+800(dealer profit)+100(Doc prep. fee)+108(Reg fee)+6%tax.

timtran

I just got a 530i for $3000.00 off invoice. The local dealers did not want to do it, so I called a dealer 150 miles away (S.C., CA) spoke with the sales manager and told him that I would buy the car at $3000.00 under invoice. "I certainly can do that," he replied. By the time I got there, the car was all prepped and ready to go. No haggling whatsoever. It was a thoroughly painless process. I chickened out on the sport package at the last minute, the high performance tires only last 18,000.00 miles, meaning I have to change them every year with my kind of commute. Even then, the car is solid, I find the seat to be a bit firm for my derriere however. Maybe I will get used to it, or I will have to get a donut inflatable cushion...

330iii

Did your 3000 under invoice include dest.charge,maco or training fees? If they were included already or not even brought up by the manager,and all you added was tax tags and license fees,I would say you got a great deal!

mbdriver

When I negotiated the purchase of my 530iA about a month ago, I specified that I would pay $2000 dealer profit plus ONLY their $199 processing fee and tags, title, and taxes.

When it was time to sign the purchase order for a specific car they located at the New Jersey port (originally bound for another dealer, but "tagged" by my dealer as mine), my sales rep tried to add the MACO fee and another fee that he said were on the invoice. I maintained that we had agreed on only the $2000 profit and ONLY their $199 processing fee. He quickly backed off, and they "ate" the MACO and whatever else was on the BMW factory invoice.

I think the key is to agree up front which fees you'll pay. I now have almost 500 miles on my BMW and just put the permanent license plates on it today.

BTW, I went to my Mercedes dealer this morning and bought an "L" shaped chrome trunk handle ($19) and "no logo" thin stainless license frames -- the exact same ones I put on my 2000 MB E320 a few years ago. The handle is about 8" in length and is attached to the plates by the bottom two license fasteners. It provides a "grabbing" place to close the trunk lid and fits the Beamer perfectly. Solves the problem of reaching for the indented handle inside the trunk lid and then having to push the trunk lid down from the top. Also adds to the beauty of the car. I can provide the MB part numbers if anyone's interested.

tlr5

I'm in the market for a wagon and was sold on the 2003 Passat GLX AWD (@$32,000) when I found a 2000 iAt wagon with all the bells and whistles, 50,000 miles, almost perfect condition, with a 2 yr/50,000 mile warranty for $27,000. I loved that, too. Do you have any advice about what to consider as I make my choice? Any wise insights or enlightening experiences? Many thanks!

revka

HI tlr5- We want to stick to the subject of BMW 5-Series pricing and purchase experiences in this discussion. So I'm going to ask that you post (copy/paste) your question in a more appropriate area, so we don't go off topic in this discussion.

To start, here's Help me select a Wagon. Also, for more focused feedback, you may want to start up a new discussion (i.e. "New VW Passat vs Used BMW 5-Series" ) on the Wagons Board. Good luck with your decision. Feel free to email me ([email protected]) if you need any help finding your way around Town Hall.

And let's get back to the subject of BMW 5-Series: Prices Paid & Buying Experience. Thanks!

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

kameowner

What is the smart decision at this re the last 530i before the new '04s come out. should one buy v. lease? my concern is that if i buy, and after a few decide to sell it, the resell value will low because of the new generation. of course, this may not be a concern if i decide that i love to car so much that i end up keeping it long term. What is the smart money decision ... assuming that i keep it only a few years.

joatmon

back in April. My lease payment is relatively low (under $450) for a 530i with SP/PP/Zenon/5 Speed. If the car is worth less than residual, or I no longer care to keep it, it's bye, bye time. If it turns out be be a keeper and its a good value at residual price or what I can buy it for, I keep it.

But, YMMV,

Jack

tlr5

Sorry about the misposting. Thanks for giving me some advice about the best place to ask my question.

tlr5

jughead5

My latest offer:
530i
5 SPD
Gray/Black Leather
Premium Pkg
Sport Pkg
Premium Sound
Rear Sun Shades
$44,125 + Tax + Tags

This includes profit, doc fee, MACO and shipping charges because I can't find one locally. I still think its high, but I have hard options. What think guys? There's less than a handful of these available from what I hear/see....

drdw

then no much you can do.
Based on my rough calculation, the dealer keeps most of the $4000 incentive. In other words, it could be 2.5-3k lower.

cooldog

I got mine

530iA
Gray/Gray Leather
Premium Pkg
Sport Pkg
Xenon
Fold Down
Rear Sun Shades
$46,077 everything(tags&tax) included.

gnc

The dealer is offering a vehicle equipped with the cold weather package, premium package, sport package, and xenon headlights for $42,300 plus tax, tag, and fees. I plan on insisting the fees include the maco, training and systems fee, and freight. Is this a competitive offer? What are people getting for financing via BMW?

jughead5

I am in Jacksonville Florida........Spoke to 3 more dealers yesterday and today...My selection is getting harder and harder to locate, especially without shipping from another dealer. I've also just missed 2 or 3 that were sold this week. Dealer reaction to $3k under invoice has been luke warm. They want to move inventory from their lots and will talk these numbers. If they have to get from another dealer they're reluctant. Based upon my hard options I may have to pay a little than desired but it's very evident the clock is ticking on my specs. I have to buy within the next few days, if I can find one.

jughead5

530i
5 SPD
Titanium Gray/Black
Sport Pkg
Premium Pkg
Premium Sound
Xenox
Rear Sun Shades

43,064 Buy Price
 2,583 Tax
   195 New Tags
45,842 Out The Door

This dealer has been absolutely superior in response and negotiating and is the lowest deal I have found. If anyone wants his name/location email me and I will provide. He's in the southeast.

jav27

I got mine too

525iA
Premium Pkg
Cold Weather Pkg
$37,325

67healy

I just picked up my new 525i this weekend. I got the car for $37,000. I had the car delivered to get the color I wanted. The dealer did not charge me for this. I live in the Pittsburgh area, If anyonr wants more info. let me know and I'll get it to you.

Price=$37,000
cold weather package
premium package
steptronic
heated steering wheel

AvronilB

Hi

I'm looking for a silver 530iA in Seattle WA.

The local dealers have hardly any inventory and were mostly offering only 1000 to 1200 under invoice after much pushing. Oregon supplies are low too.

I seem to see quite a few deals on this group at 2K or evn 3K below invoice.

So any ideas on delaers who I can work with ? I can go out of state if freight is not too high for the right car.

Does anyone have dealer names that you can recommend or help me with ?

Thanks for all information

hoopsref

You should try the program I bought for $30 from fightingchance.com. It saved me at least $2,000 from the deal my local guy was going to give me. Email me and/or see my posts above: #299,302,307,359

pocketpc101

I just bought a 525 for about $2200 below invoice in the Seattle area, please email me at [email protected] for more info.

hoopsref

I got my 530iA for about $3200 under invoice. Keep trying and good luck.

george94

Gents, when you say invoice do you mean the MSRP or the Wholesale price?

hoopsref

Invoice price is what the dealer is "charged" for the car from the manufacturer (not including any incentives, hold backs...) The MSRP (sticker price) is the suggested list price of the car. With the factory to dealer incentives on the 5ers, we are purchasing the cars BELOW the invoice pricing. (i.e. The 530's have a $4000 incentive to the dealer. So, if you work at it, you can get the car for $3000 BELOW the invoice.) The invoices here on Edmunds site do not include the MACO (for advertising...) the dealers are charged on each vehicle. Some have said they refused to pay the MACO and the dealers backed down. On those I have read here, they were only getting $100 to 2000 off the invoice anyway, so the dealer could "eat it" because they are still getting more profit than some other dealers are charging. Good luck.

sfd100

What's the best dealer on price?

330iii

I have heard that the 4000 dollar factory to dealer incentive is good until the 03's are all gone!

george94

I was able to negotiate in March 2003 530, 5 sp, SP, PP and Xenon for 43,250 + Mass state tax prior to the incentive madness. Looking over the prices people are paying now I was not that far off. Also, the selection was not the issue either.

jav27

I still have not taken possession of my 525iA so I called another local dealer and asked for his best price over the phone. He quoted me $4,500 under MSRP. The deal I have on the table is for $1,700 under invoice. Are you guys telling me there is room there for another $2,000 in negotiating because the dealer incentive is $4,000 under invoice?

hoopsref

I wound up at Herb Chambers in Boston. I had at least 4 to 6 dealers in the same price range. They were in NH, RI, Springfiled MA, Peabody MA...
I faxed about 15 dealers in NE. Email me for more details.

hoopsref

I have been tracking the prices paid on BMW's for several months... with the help of the fightingchance.com package I bought. Your invoice price on this car was around $42,565. So you paid about $685 OVER invoice. This was definitely a great price then. Anything at $1,000 or less above invoise was good then. Now, with the incentives, you could get this car for @ $39,565. Of course, you are correct about having more choices back then. Plus, you had the fun of driving a 530 for 4 months, while I toiled away at figuring out what exactly I wanted...lol Happy motoring. Which dealer did you end up at?

hoopsref

What options are you looking at? The price under MSRP doesn't really mean that much. The incentive on the 525i's is $3,500. (The $4,000 is for the 530i's & the 525iT's; $4500 for all the 540's). So your $1700 below invoice is not that far off. You should be able to get it for at least $2,500 UNDER invoice. Hope this helps. Email me if you want more info. Good luck.

sfd100

Latest in Boston - $37,100 on a MSRP of 42370.

Only add is $180 doc fee.

Take it, or can you do better?