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

whollycow

Can someone email me a sample fax letter format? I am running out of time to order through their web site if I am to beat the deadline of end of this month for my purchase.

Thanks.

hoopsref

Did you try talking to them? They can email it to you. Email me to discuss further.

joatmon

Looks very steep to me. I leased a 530i, 5 speed, SP, PP, Zenon for $446 a month back in April before discounts set in. 3 year lease with 15k a year, no money down. You're numbers look way high to me. BTW, a 540i6 would have cost me almost exactly a $100 more per month. The 540i6 has the PP, SP and Zenon as standard, so the equipment was equivalent.

Good luck,

Jack

whollycow

How do you calculate the sales tax on a combined transaction of a new car purchase and a trade in? Do you subtract the trade-in value from the price of the new car before calculating the tax?

Thanks.

hoopsref

Yes. It is probably the same in all states, but here in MA, you would subtract the trade from the new car price and pay the tax on the difference.

whollycow

I guess I have been cheated on from my previous car purchase. My trade-in value was never subtracted from my new car purhcase for the sales tax calculation!

pat

DOES vary from state to state. So maybe you weren't ripped off, maybe that's the policy in your state.

whollycow

I guess I have been cheated on from my previous car purchase. My trade-in value was never subtracted from my new car purhcase for the sales tax calculation!

hoopsref

He should check with ca dealer or purhaps his insurance agent (like me) may have the info. We do a lot of registration work...

bmwlover3

I have a contract on a 2003 BMW 525iA with CWP, Heated Steering wheel,and auto trans. In Maryland with tax & tags and all fees including loan fees is $36,000 with 3.5%/60 Month Finance. Is that a good deal?

Thanks

mikeburk

To answer your questions:
 "Did you know about the fighting chance method before you read any of my posts?"
   Yes, I had some knowledge of that and other fax methods, including the one on fools.com.

 "I know I will never buy another car without using this method, how 'bout you?"
   Til something better comes along, it's definitely the most efficient...

 "I found it actually a "fun" way to buy a car since you are in more control then traditional methods."
   Four years ago I bought a new Audi through CarOrder.com (now defunct). That was the most hassle-free, inexpensive way I've ever bought a car. But their business plan was insane (they lost money on every sale), so not surprisingly, they crashed with a lot of other dot.com businesses.

  "How many of your 16 dealers responded?"
     Seven.

  "Was the closest dealer to you the "least" competitive?"
      Hard to say. A lot of the first responses were high, but most would negotiate down.

 "How far did you have to go to get it?"
   About 45 minutes south of San Francisco, where I live.

bmwmrc

I just pulled the trigger on a new 525IA, black on black with automatic, PP, SP, xenon lights and a 6 CD changer for $37,133. BTW, this is my first post here, but I have read many of your posts (thanks for the great info) and I have done the research as well to get what I consider a very good deal. I welcome your thoughts.

vsaxena

Purchased a Titanium Silver Metallic with Gray Seats with Performance Package, Sports Package, Steptronic and Fold Down Rear Seats for $37855 + $45 doc fee + tax etc. at Allison BMW, in Mountain View, CA. MSRP was $44,425. Stevens Creek BMW did not have too many 525s left on their lot.

bmwmrc: What part of the country are you in?

hoopsref

When you speak about pricing and want help, you must give the invoice price WITHOUT the fees... since they vary by state. The financing rate looks good, but I have not checked the rates in month personally. Is BMW offering anything on the 5er's? I think they have something on the 3er's now.

hoopsref

If the only options you are looking at are Step, CWP & heated seats (no leather?) then here is what I come up with from Edmunds...
Invoice $36,960 (if MACO is added than add $360 more) that puts you at $37,320 less dealer incentive of $3500 = $33,820. Add $1000 profit (or less if you are lucky or good) and you should be able to get it for about $34,820.

hoopsref

Great job. You got it for $2675 under invoice. That is really good. What method did you use? Did you get any help from this board? Enjoy your ride.

hoopsref

What was your invoice price? I don't see a cost in Edmunds for the 6 cd player. (@$1,000?)
It sounds like a good price.

harper8

Great deal, vsaxena. I purchased my 525iA from Allison also last week. Like you said, they still had quite a few on the lot. Mine was with PP, Steptronic, and fold down seats in Alpine white with sand interior. Purchase price was $35900 + tax + license (about $2825 under invoice). This board and its contributors gave me the info I needed to make the deal happen.

woodranch1

Picke it up new yesterday. About 2800 under invoice, so I know they made little money off me, with te dealer cash. But there were only a few 6 speeds left in LA area, so I did not push too hard.

bmwmrc

My invoice was $40,795, so I purchased the car $3,662 below invoice.

vsaxena

I told them the exact numbers and offered them $500 over their cost. They came up with an invoice with MACO and some training fee and we settled on that.

My main motivation was the driving experience and I found a car with the exact options I wanted (PP, SP, Steptronic) which satisfied my needs. The fold down seats are extra but, that at least is a useful feature. I do not like the current Xenon which, IMHO, increase the chance of a mishap by blinding the oncoming driver on an undivided highway. The newer swinging Xenon was something I would have considered, since they offer something unique and of utility.

I did my research over the past week including some calls to BMWUSA about the European Delivery program, pricing for 2004 etc. I told the dealer that I could get a 2004 5 series for around $42K via the European Delivery Program and that a 10% discount off that price is fair. To me the European Delivery Option is a very low cost one due to my travel patterns. Perhaps my next car will be via the European Delivery.

I think I paid a fair price, though I could have haggled for more. Allison was the only dealership I talked any numbers with; at Stevens Creek they are pretty much out of the 5s, so our visit was very brief.

My car hunt was triggered by the Wall Street Journal article about the rebates last week. We were not in the market at all for a new car and the only car I drove was the BMW. I had the G35 (coupe) in mind. Getting a 5 series within 10-20% of the Infiniti made it a no-brainer; I did not even test drive the Infiniti! I guess the 'best car ever tested' marketing message hit the bulls-eye with me. Further, Edmund's TCO showed that the 5 series costs as much as a Nissan Maxima over 5 years!

I did consider a CPO/Used car but the pricing on that was not competitive with a new one especially with the 4yr/50000 free maintenance included.

The fact that my current car got rear-ended on Tuesday night, and will most probably be a total loss helped me write the biggest check I have ever written. Otherwise I might have waited for the 2004 (though I do not like the looks). I am now waiting for my body to recover (still stiff and hurting from the rear-ending), before I take it on Highway 1 to get through the 1200 miles break in period, over a weekend.

bmwmrc

I wanted to modify my last invoice price for you on my new 2003 525iA: I rechecked the figures and the invoice was $41,190 (retail: $44,970) and I ended up getting the car for $4,057 below invoice (I paid 37,133). The reason why I believe I got such a great price was because the car, even though it's a new 2003 with the full warranty, had 2,619 miles. I went with the deal because it was so much better than getting a brand new one with 123 miles on it and I essentially got the sports package for free and the 6 CD changer below cost for $300.

nusiennalvr

These message boards are terrific...used them to buy my car, now dealing for my husband on a 525.
Have been negotiating in NJ, and they are offering us a car that has MSRP of 45,955, giving a "discount" of 6,255, the invoice is 41,925, purchase price of 39,200. It was a sales assoc. car, and has 5k miles on it, yet considered new with full warranty on it.
Also, debating purchase/lease options.
Giving us 12k for our current 1998 328 with 80k on it.
Lease with 6k down $440/mo. for 36 mon. 15k allowance or purchase it for
12k down $546/mo. for 60 months.

Another dealership has a brand new 525
 MSRP of 42,870,invoice of 39,980 willing to sell it to us for 37,800.

Obviously the first car is pretty much loaded, where the second has nice options, but not as many as the first car.

Is either of these a good deal, or should I keep negotiating...is it completely ridiculous to put 6k down on a lease...we were doing so to get our payment down somewhat.

I dont' have much time to play with since the 3500 incentives are only good until Tuesday.

Please help me make the best decision!!
Thanks in advance!

bmwlover3

You are correct the options are Step, CWP & heated seats (no leather?) + Heated Steeing wheel. The price including all dealer fees but not tax and tags is 34,020. This dealer has agreed not to charge MACO because this is a 2003 clearance. Would that be a good deal ?

msimhamb

Wish I had checked this board out first. Paid invoive for a 540iA SP. Love the car though.

kennynmd

so is the MSRP 34,020 or is that invoice. I'm not familiar with the 5-series pricing. Where in Maryland are you located? I got a 325Ci from Tischer BMW in Silver Spring for 2,200 under invoice with the dealer incentives. Emaail me if I can help you with the salesman name if you like.

bmwlover3

I am in the Baltimore Area. The price of 34,020 is a fully discounted price. I think it is $3000 below invoice.

Thanks

dlel

Made the purchase today. Deal ended up at invoice less 2000. There are very few of these left in So. Cal; I was lucky to find my color (silver). Long Beach BMW did a nice job: low key, no pressure. But they did let me know when they would go no further. They did throw in the paint sealer N/C.

Spent some time on this board "lurking' the last day or so and it did help me. I was ready to do an invoice deal. Thanks to all.

hoopsref

I don't why, but it seems from a fee posts above that dealers are not giving you much of the incentives (which is $4500 on the 540's). Could be supply & demand. I'd still try harder to get it $3500 Below invoice.

hoopsref

You guys are killing me. A couple of you ( and I'm not naming names ...yet) have thrown me a curve. You discuss a NEW a car, and than tell me afterwards that it has 2K to 5,000 miles on it! That's not new from a pricing standpoint. One poster above got the car below the invoice AND incentive! Another is looking at a "used one" and not even getting the full incentive. If you are looking at one with mileage, it will hard to compare with the new prices we are discussing. You can use it as a negotiating tool to help you get a better deal on the used ones.
BTW, if you are only willing to talk (fax is better) to a few dealers, and not travel a few hours to buy, than you may not get your best deal. Good luck.

bmwmrc

I corrected my first post, but either way you look at the information I gave you, I received a great deal! I credit you and others on this board along with my own extensive research.Technically, you and others might think 2,619 is used, but I made it clear in my last post of what kind of deal I would have received without the extra mileage. Either way you look at it, I received a great deal and what's important is that I'M HAPPY WITH IT!!!

glaker

After reading the terrific suggestions on trying to buy a 530 while the incentive is available, I went on my search, contacting all dealers in major areas of NY State, NJ, MA, CT, and NH via e-mail. I heard back from about 1/3 of them. Of that number, only three had cars and were interested in dealing. Based on the e-mail I got back on pricing, I tried to deal with BMW Gallery in Norwood MA. What a mistake! According to their on-line inventory, I had a good shot at a nice deal on a 530 with manual. Their salesman sent me an e-mail on Monday with pricing and I responded. In fact I responded on the phone at least a dozen times over the next three days, leaving voice mail at least five times. I also sent four e-mails saying "I want to deal now -call me!" He blew me off. On Wednesday afternoon he finally happened to answer the phone, acknowledged my attempts to speak with him. He said he currently was researching his inventory so he could call me. And, incidentally, though he had manual trannies on Monday, they were now all gone. I said a Steptronic would be okay, so he promised to call me back within 15 minutes to go over what he had and to work the deal. Guess what? He never called, despite having work, home and cell numbers. I called him at least eight times that night with no response. Thursday morning I called his general manager who apologized profusely and offered another sales rep. When the mgr asked what model I wanted, he informed me they no longer had any stock, having sold the last new model the previous night. A darn lot of good that did me! So, if you live in the Boston area, you might want to consider another dealership unless you're looking for a run around. Incidentally, I'm picking up my new 530 tomorrow in NJ!

swu12

heard that the $4000 incentive program ends today (in Texas). I am going to a test drive in the morning. One way I am saying to myself if I miss today I will end up paying a lot higher later. Another way I am telling myself don't rush a deal in the last moment. Any suggests?

hoopsref

I had a slightly simular experience with their sister store in Norwell m( ignored fax & several phone calls. (Only wanted to give $1000 of incentive, Norwood even would give $2000+.)Actually, I got a better price & responce from the Norwood store you dealt with then the Norwell store! I wound up buying at Herb Chambers in Boston ($3200 below invoice). I also had good pricing and was prepared to go to the dealer in Peabody, MA, Inskip in RI, Wagner in W. Springfield, MA, and one in NH.
What did you wind up paying? One other poster here was having a difficult time getting deals in NJ last month.

hoopsref

How long have you been looking at the car? Do you need to get rid of a car or trade? There is always a possiblity that they may continue the incentive, but you just don't know yet. Heck, maybe they will make better...lol It could happen.
The supply is getting lower. The options you want may be tougher to get. $4000 is on 530's, which are in fewer supply than the 525's ($3500) it seems to me.
Bottom line: if you find a model you like with the options you can live with, I don't see how you can wrong. Especially if you don't care for the new 5ers styling. You may even be able to sell it in a year for close to what you get it for now!

whollycow

Purchased a brand new (only 28 miles on it, some of it from my own test drive) white 2003 530ia with no additional options for $35,825 yesterday. What a great car, nicer than my previous 2000 323i.

Had tried the fighting chance method at the last minute on last Friday. Only received one response for $1K below invoice. The dealers were probably busy due to the long weekend and didn't bother to respond.

Negotiated this one directly in person.

whollycow

Did anyone install or consider installing LoJack on their 5 series?

glaker

I got the dealer to go $1250 below invoice. Frankly, I was trying for at least $2000 below, but nobody seemed to have the 530 available (or they only seemed to have them with that impractical sand leather or the horrible alpine white exterior color). According to a couple of dealers I spoke with who had no 530s left (Ma, CT and NJ), they were flying out of the dealership during the final few days of the incentive. The 525s and 540s were moving slower, so they had those available even today. Initially, the NJ dealers seemed to be holding at invoice. I had given up on getting my 530 and was sulking at home on Friday night. I decided that, before going to bed that night, I'd make one final, desperate attempt at getting a car. So I sent off an e-mail to my very first internet contact in NJ - Prestige BMW - to see if they had lowered their profit expectations. After all, with the cash back deal ending, they might have a tougher time getting rid of any unsold units and/or expect to get any profit over invoice. The next morning I had an e-mail from the sales associate saying "call me and we'll talk". I did and, while I didn't get the price I wanted, I got a heck of a car at a really good price. (Actually my wife convinced me that I shouldn't lose the car over $750!) My wife and I both took a turn driving it back 145 miles to our garage and we're deeelighted.
P.S. I tried Herb Chambers over a week ago with an offer of $750 profit and they simply said "no thanks". There was no counter offer - 'no nuthin'. I think that, when a lot of dealers saw the interest in the 530s, they started holding the line on dealing.

hoopsref

Bottom line...you got the car before it was gone...period! You still got it for less than invoice. Yes, it would have been nice ot get more of the incentive but I guess supply & demand has come into play. Regarding the Herb Chambers experience: 1) It was not the end of the month when you trying to get the car, so they may been holding out on the profit margins until the end of the month. 2)Perhaps the 530's were in short supply with the options you want. I got my 530 from them the end of July for $3200 under invoice, but there was a few around at others also. Enjoy your car.

kseshadr

Finally drove home in a 530iA with PP/CWP/Heated steering for $38,900. This after 2 horrible encounters at VOB BMW and BMW of Arlington (MD/VA respectively). Finally was given royal treatment at Tischer BMW who also provided me with a rental till the car arrived.

They have a few left, if anyone's interested.

timtran

Congrats! Does it have steptronic?

hoopsref

Congratualtions! How much below invoice did you finally get it for? Enjoy your ride.

timtran...FYI, the "A" in the 530iA is for automatic (i.e. steptronic)

kseshadr

based upon Edmunds inv. prices -
530iA/PP/CWP/Htd. sw adds up to 42,255

-4k = 38,255, so i paid $3355 below. don't know how exact edmunds is though.

hoopsref

Excellent price. Best I have seen. You are now the price guru, spread your wisdom with others. What method or techniques did you use?

kseshadr

just emailed a bunch of them what i was willing to pay. i started with $800 over invoice. i didn't really care for the heated steering wheel, so i was probably able to negotiate further down. the color was a second choice - i wanted blue, settled for silver.

jam1000

Does BMW still have the $3500/4000 dealer incentives on the 525/530. Kseshadr, did you do the paperwork and take delivery before or after Sept. 2? Also, it sounds like Tischer was willing and able to do a dealer exchange for the one you wanted at the discounted price?

swu12

I missed the 9/2 deadline for 530 because the local dealer didn't have the car in stock. Well they emailed me today saying that the incentive is still good so I am back to ready state. I haven't heard about the continuous incentive from anyone else. Anyone?

rhmass

Yes, it is still on. However, dealers around here no longer have any 530 on stock. They are plenty of 525s around and they are willing to make $500 to $750 after deduction of $3500 incentive from the invoice. When I was at a dealer's lot yesterday, new 03 models were still being trucked in (no 530 though). Obviously the 04 models will only be available for sale in early October. If anyone is interested in a 03 525, a good deal can be made, particular at the end of this month. They need to make rooms for the new models by then.

designman

Go with the 525 if all else fails. The difference is not that great. I believe the Consumer's rating made the demand for the 530 a little disproportionate. If it's any consolation, I'm still lusting for more muscle with the 530. The bargains on 525s are not to be overlooked. I'm kind of sorry I didn't get it and put the extra $4k into the Designman Sports Car Fund.

hoopsref

That is a nice idea. Wish I had thought of it first. DSCF...hmmmm....will you have a telethon? How 'bout a PO Box to mail in donations? It could happen! If people mailed in to Jim Bakers phoney church thingy, than all bets are off. We could also start up "get out of jail" fund in case we put in the pokey for speedin'...