BMW 3-Series 2006

kyfdx

Amber reflectors in the front are a U.S. requirement.. If they use clear corner lights, then they have to put an amber reflector on the bumper... (as in the present coupes).

Same as it ever was...

mep1

I understand the new 3 series will now come with run flat tires --- in all configurations...

I would think this would mean no spare tire --- not even a temporary spare --- as well as the care having a tire pressure monitor. Does anyone know for sure?

Any thoughts on run flats? Most of what I have read about run flats in general has not been performance favorable.....

wstevec

I can't help you with negotiations but can tell you that you can order one now. I ordered a 325xi in January. The production is scheduled for September and delivery in October.

wildcatjon

Anybody seen or have pics of the Terra leather. Looks sorta cool on the bmwusa site but hard to tell what it looks like in "real life" on titanium silver ext.

307web

The same thing applies there. "$1500 over invoice" for many people who post does not include trade-in profits, financing markups, acq fee markups, accessories, and bogus fees unless stated otherwise.
Don't blindly assume what isn't stated.

307web

People are not understanding that "simple" responses of "X dollars over invoice" that don't include details on whether there was trade-in and what fees the dealer charged (other than sales tax and registration), are not helpful.

Someone saying they paid $1500 or whatever over invoice while failing to mention that they had a trade-in involved and that they don't know if their financing interest rate or money factor was marked up or if the dealer fees where padded is like telling a lie. One dealer may include MACO as part of the "X over invoice" and the next dealer may want to put that out as a separate line item (the car is X over invoice plus "fees").
"$1500 over invoice" with a trade-in and dealer shenanigans could be a worse deal than paying full MSRP and paying base rates for everything and no trade-in so you can't really accurately compare dollars claimed over invoice between different people (assuming that the dollar amount they claim to have paid over invoice is even correct).

ajayme

Our 5 Series is currently a test vehicle for Michelin and is using runflats. Since these tires are currently not available to the public, my feedback may not be accurate for the tires on the new E90. The ride on our '03 E39 is very stiff with alot of tire noise. We've had no problems with flats on long trips and things like bolts and screws have not caused the tires to lose air. The tires get inspected every two months and that how the screw was discovered. He did mention that this particular tire is very noisy and that they'd be putting a different set on later this summer. Hope this helps.

rogerino

I wanted to ask the group on the relationship between age and people who chose to drive the 3 series. I am seriously considering buying the 3 series and I am 39. Do you think I am "too old" for the 3? Is the average age of 3 drivers younger? Please give me your opinion.
Thanks

dhanley

Yes. If you look at the BMW owner's manual, it claraly states "getscheweicerniederhybergabenschuben" which means "the three-series will only perform optimally for drivers between the age of 23 years 5 months and 38 years 9 months."

So, sorry, you'll have to spring for a five.

planoml

Please, don't take this the wrong way, but I can't believe your 39 and asking such a subjective question. I read somewhere that the average age is 40.Who cares. Drive to please yourself, dress to please others.

shipo

Hmmm, well, then I guess I'm rather too old as I'll be almost 49 when I get my next 3-Series. Having said that, we have a TownHall member/3-Series owner that posts over in the regular 3-Series discussion that is well into his seventies if I'm not mistaken. I've read many of his posts and even corresponded with him from time to time, and he certainly doesn't sound from his writings like he is too old to drive a 3-Series, so maybe there is hope for me yet. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

dewey

I hope to continue driving a 3 series until the day I have to drive it to my geriatric care centre. The most important person your obligated to impress is yourself, damned other peoples' opinions(and that applies to everything else in life)

mep1

Oh my! 39? Wow!
At that age you really should be looking into a Buick Roadmaster.

Seriously, the 3 is a great car for all ages --- this should be the least of your concerns. If you like it, meets your size needs and can afford it ---- you have picked a car that is a perennial top 10 model.

Go order one!

derfo

CONCUR!!!!

mep1

Does anyone have current residual values for the new 3s? Or even better yet where to look to find a list of residuals for all BMW models? Just curious which models hold their value the best.

kyfdx

I could tell you, but then... well, you know..

325i Sedan

24 mo/15k mi – 72% Residual Value – Money Factor .00265 Base Rate
36 mo/15k mi – 61% Residual Value – Money Factor .00265 Base Rate

330i Sedan

24 mo/15k mi – 68% Residual Value – Money Factor .00265 Base Rate
36 mo/15k mi – 58% Residual Value – Money Factor .00265 Base Rate


Add 2% for 12K/year...

dl7265

Wow 4% on a 325i over 330i. That makes a pretty hefty premium, at least in leasing terms.

DL

kyfdx

In general, when there aren't any incentives.. 325s historically have higher residuals than 330s, and sedans have higher residuals than coupes, on a percentage basis..

regards,
kyfdx

307web

I think BMW would "like" the 3 series owners to be as young as possible, but there are only so many people in their twenties that can afford cars in that price range. If only people in their twenties bought them, it wouldn't be selling in the volumes it does.

mep1

Thanks for the info.

Where do the xi models fit in --- thinking that the same pattern will hold for the E90 xi models comming this fall?

Thank you again!

kyfdx

No residuals out yet.. they tend to be lower than the RWD models..

indiana97

My spouse and I are both in our early 50's and have been married 30 years. We have been driving 3's since we were in our mid 20's. At no age did we feel out of place in the 3 regardless of our age at the time. During this time, we have had a 1979 320i, 1985 318i (very underpowered), 1993 325i (sons loved that one) and 2003 330i (first automatic). They are just fun to drive. We feel we have evolved like the 3 series. We are watching and waiting until we can drive and actually see the new 2006 330i. If it turns out to be what we think it will be, we will be ordering a (5th generation) 330i with sport package and will pass on a 2006 Lexus GS300 or 2006 5 series (still can't get hooked on that styling). Obviously the BMW 3 just gets in your blood. Thus, I agree with mep1 that the 3 is for all ages. If it fits and you can afford it buy it. We are proof of that.
Also, if I need more room I drive our Toyota full size Tundra double cab. You'll never see us in a Buick Roadmaster!!!

planb

You may be referring to my post that I got a new '06 330i for approximately $1,200 over invoice ... and you are correct to point out that it was incomplete information ... to be clear, I had no trade in on the car and I am not being charged any additional fees or line items other than sales tax and modest (under $100) registration fees. Because the money factor is high, I am buying rather than leasing. Based on other posts that I have read, people are having trouble getting discounts this steep on their new 3 series, but I'm telling you that it can be done.

derfo

Just came back from driving a 06 325i. Sales gal gave me a small book on the 06's on the 325i and 330i. All standard tires are Run Flats!!!
I did not like the looks of it and have made an offer on an 05 325i.

shipo

I've heard enough negative press regarding "Run Flat" tires to give me the impression that there is a very high probability that I won't like them too much. Having said that, I have no problem with the fact that they are standard equipment on the new E90, regardless of which model and suspension you order. So, her is my take:

I'll order a 330i SP, drive the willies out of the tires until they are either too worn or too noisy (which should take no more than 20K miles), and then buy a new set of good old fashioned "Gets Flat" tires and a can of "Spare tire in a can", just in case.

Best Regards,
Shipo

bmwccc

PLANB

So I am in the same boat as you are. I will be financing a portion of the car which makes the buying process that much easier. Here is the car I want plus these options at Invoice plus the dealer profit. Then add title fees, delivery and taxes.

My question for you is did you work through a Broker, an internet manager, a fleet manager or just a car sales rep? I imagine there had to be some sort of process you went through and would enjoy hearing about it.

Although, If you went through your brother-in law, friend or relative; then end of story.

Thanks

terp2k

This forum has been an incredible source of information. Thanks to the tips and advice of many generous posters, I confidently negotiated a 2006 330i (black sapphire, ZPP) for $1,500 over ED invoice. I'll pick it up in July to coincide with a business trip. For the purists - no trade in, no b.s. fees, and I'll be buying outright. I'm still weighing options as far as how much to pay in cash vs. how much to finance.

Does anyone know if is possible to get European-specific options on a ED vehicle? I stumbled through bmw.de site and found the configurator. I don't speak German, but it appeared that you could get the Sport Seats as a stand alone option. I also noticed that lemon colored leather is an option, albeit one I have no interest in.

One other note, despite giving me this deal, the dealer insists that the car still comes out of their allocation. This is certainly contrary to what I've read on these forums and elsewhere. It does indicate in the confirmation email they received from BMW that if I were to back out of the deal, the dealer is "... able to modify this order, however, it cannot be transferred out of your inventory." Thoughts?

Thanks Again

taurus4sale

I'm not sure that I'm thrilled with the run-flats being the only option either. Aside from not being worth a flip on snow and ice, requiring a set of snow tires, the run-flats are expensive. A friend of mine replaced the ones on his new 530i after one year and 14K miles. (maybe he's a "spirited" driver, but no more than I will be with my new 330i -- hehe...) $1000. I'm not thrilled at the prospect of spending a thousand bucks per year on tires.

A question about the run-flats: can they be patched? It seems that once every year or two, I pick up a nail and end up with a slow leak. Any service station can pull the nail and plug the hole for ten bucks or so. If I had to buy a new tire for $250, that would really suck.

I think the idea of replacing run-flats when they wear out with other sport tires is a good one. Now I just have to deal with the idea of trading out sport and snow tires twice a year...

araouf

A lot of good reviews of the E90 have been written by members of e90style.com All of them have been positive which is a good sign! A few lucky guys have even gotten their's delivered already (in Europe).

Follow this link if you would like to read them

http://www.e90style.com/forum/index.php/topic,216.0.html

blueguydotcom

You can get lemon and other euro only options.

I would have to look and see if I can get shadowline trim on the outside (hate chrome around the windows) and black cube interior trim (not fond of wood or the bland aluminum trim) for the inside.

mep1

Were not money factors around .0008 a short time ago compared to the .00265 now? Interest rates have gone up but not that much.... Must be some other explanation?

planb

bmwcc,

I'm not sure if you intended to specify the car you wanted in your e-mail ... if so, I think that you forgot to include that info.

Anyway, I dealt directly with a car sales rep at a dealer ... no special relationship other than that he had sold another family member and a friend a car. This was the first car I've bought (I live in the city and never had much need for one). I spoke with the dealer mostly on the phone, though he had reason to know that I was serious about the car and buying from him. We had discussed an '05 until I decided to wait a few weeks to take a look at the '06 at the car show.

I never negotiated the price (merely listened to the prices he was offering) until the end of the process to tell him that I was willing to buy the car that day, knew a price that I was willing to pay and that I knew the invoice cost. I also told him that I had been talking with another dealer who was willing to price the car at a price based on dealer profit off invoice (which is true, though I didn't like the other dealer very much). He was annoyed, but there is an awful lot of competition in the NY area and I think he knew that I could go elsewhere if he let me go. He didn't match the price exactly, but was willing to give me the good deal. Since it was a new car that was being ordered (not from inventory) he probably figured any sale was better than no sale.

So there were no particular tricks. Just a patient negotiation. People are buying this car, but the demand is not so high that it is on backorder or anything. I actually learned today that the car was actually built quicker than expected (5 weeks rather than 8 weeks), which I think confirms my thought that these cars are not flying out of dealerships at the moment. I could be wrong, I think that these dealers sense an educated consumer, and, as long as you are professional about the negotiation, they will ultimately choose to make a cheap sale over no sale with this car.

This may not be true in an area where there is less compeitition among dealers. Of course, I also could have just been lucky. Either way, I got the price.

Good luck!

bmwccc

Planb

Thanks for the info. I am getting the 330i with Sport, Premium, Step & CWP. Titanium Silver with Black Leather and aluminum trim.

Sounds like a good amount of patience, negotiating and finding the dealer who wants your business.

I will see this car in person next friday for the first time in San Francisco at the 3 across america tour. Probably place an order in mid-may once I drive it as well.

Let us know how it is when you get it.

kyfdx

The .0008 is on '05 330Ci coupes... It is a substitute for cash incentives.. It really has nothing to do with prevailing interest rates.. The '05 330i sedan has $4200 in dealer incentives, lower residuals and a money factor of .00225

.00265 or .0025 seems to be the base rate for most of the '06 BMWs.. In contrast, the base rate (not counting incentivized models) in '05 was .00225

So, rates have only gone up a little.. About 1% if you convert it to an APR.

regards,
kyfdx

chatkat

Gee, I have been lurking here for a while and I am really disappointed. I have been waiting to test drive and then purchase a new 330i (Premium/Sport/CWP/Navigator/Active Steering) - Sparkling Graphite and Grey leather interior with the Burlwood trim and sell my 2000 328i

I planned to buy a new car for my 50th birthday this year and now you tell me I am too old for this car. (like hell).

If I can't buy the 3 because I am too old, then maybe I ought to consider the 645ci instead. I love my 3 series more than I like my husband's 7 series for twice the price.

planb

Yeah, the process took a few weeks, which could explain why the salesman was ready to strike the deal at the time. I got the 330i, graphite, blk leather, premium, step, nav, sirius and fold down seats (which was the most important part of the CWP to me). Would have loved sport but the 18" wheels would have been too risky going in and out of NYC where I live with all of those potholes. If San Fran doesn't have many dealers, negotiate with someone in LA so that you can approach the San Fran dealer with a prospect of competition. That could help. Can't wait to get the car!

psyran

I am turning the big 5-0 this November and have a 330 - Arctic - ZSP - ZPP presently in production status. I sold my 740iL (1998) a couple of months ago and have decided to move UP to a new three. I plan to deep this car a long time.
psyran
P.S. BTW - its a manual

mep1

Thank you for the money factor explanation and it makes sense that an especially low one like .0008 can be used as incentive as opposed to a cash rebate. I am starting now to understand the leasing option a little better.

I understand the new 3 lease money factor of .00265 to approx. equate to an interest rate of 6.36% --- a little high for people with excellent credit. I would think there would be leasing companies (other than BMW finance) out there that could provide a lower money factor based on a more aggressive interest rate for quality credit?

chatkat

My '06 330 is for my 5-0 in November (the 5th). I will order it as soon as I see it in person, since they won't be at my local dealer's for test drives until May 1st or so. They are loaning it to me for the day for a test drive - pretty cool. I've serviced my 328 and our 745 there as well. The features on the 3 aren't too much off the 645 I drove last week that a friend bought. That would be my dream car if I had another 50K around with nothing to use it for (ha ha). I steered my friend to this salesman who my husband bought his car from and I am getting the car for $1000 over the ED price - no extra fees. The car is beautiful, altho, I do like the 328 style better, I like the options avail on the 06-330 that my 328 does not have. I actually like the I drive on the Navigation

dewey

It is official, BMW will be selling turbo-diesels here in N. America sometime in 2007! Refer to the website below:

http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/news,view.spy?artid=39381&pg=1

I find this real exciting. Based on the bmw.uk site the 330d gets combined mileage of 45 mpg and 0-60 in 7.4 sec. I think such frugality is worth the sacrifice in performance. Also there will be no need to buy ultra premium priced gas .

dewey

I have been awaiting the e90 touring for quite a while.I am now more in favor in purchasing a 330i sedan. My disappointment is that there will be no 330xi Touring! The 325xit will be about the same price as a 330i. Based on pricing I would favor a 330i any day.

Mind you the 325xit in itself an impressive vehicle, especially when compared to a Audi Avant A4 2.oT ,a Subaru Legacy/Outback GT and MB C240 Wagon. But I want something more than just a 325, especailly when AWD will have an affect on both the performance and gas efficiency.

I guess some forum members must be wondering why a performance car shopper should be so concerned about gas mileage(there is such a thing as a Echo/Prius )
My answer is I am Canadian. We up north are more frugal by nature and have higher gas prices(compliments to hefty Government Taxation)

kyfdx

The problem with other banks.. they may have a lower money factor, but they usually aren't willing to take the risks with high residuals, like BMWFS is.. BMWFS has a ready market for their off-lease cars... the BMW dealer network.. An independent bank has to run their cars through the auction..

So, BMW can also use high residuals as an incentive, in addition to low money factors.. They have a vested interest in getting the cars sold.. An independent bank's only interest is in making money off the financing of the lease.. They can't afford to take a bath on the residual value at the end of the lease.

BMW dealers have access to third-party leasers, just like any other dealer would... But, you'll rarely see a better lease deal from a third party lessor on a new BMW. If they have better deals, your dealer will find them.

regards,
kyfdx

ivan_99

7.4 does not seem all that impressive; for BMW. Currently MB offers a V6 diesel in the C class 320CDI , that achieves 0-60 in 6.9 (7 speed auto). Half a second is still half a second…

Of course arguments can be made in favor of the 3 series in handling, dynamics, etc…I’m just talking straight line, flat out, stomp on gas, no driving skill performance…

taurus4sale

The brochure I got from my dealer shows the new colors:

Sonora (sort of metallic gold-ish)
Ultramarine Blue
Barrique Red (brick red)
Deep Green

Ultramarine Blue looks pretty sharp. Anyone seen it? A little bit brighter blue than the current steel blue. It may be the choice for me. Sparkling Graphite (which seems popular) is a close second.

I really like the looks of the Terra leather with aluminum, but I can't figure out which exterior color works with this combo. Anyone else considering it?

dewey

"7.4 does not seem all that impressive"

7.4 in itself is unimpressive! Cant disagree.

The potential buyer of a diesel BMW will view 7.4 as a trade-off for gas efficiency. Combined 45mpgv beats many economy cars and hybrids like the Accord. The gas mileage of a MB V6 diesel does not compare to the BMW turbodiesel. Based on previous postings I can tell most forum members do not put gas mileage as high as handling, agility and performance.

With the growth in demand for gas efficient performers(note that most of the new and upcoming hybrids emphasize performance), I think there would be hot demand for a BMW330d .

Also durability of diesels are nothing short of phenomenal. My wife's 83 MB300TD is proof of that fact.

derfo

Who cares, we are not at NASCAR! 0 to30 and 40 to 60 is more important!!

307web

Sounds like it could be worth waiting for if it costs less than a gas 330i, otherwise might as well get a 325i rather than wait years to recoup fuel savings.

ivan_99

I actually agree. It's been many years since I last did a "true" 0-60 run.

Point was there are existing products (just released) that seem to produce greater performance in a diesel. I’d be interested if the 45 mpg is an EPA test or just a converted Euro test…which always produces very good highway mpg.

Either way, a 3 series “should” be able to produce the same performance figures as it’s arch rival; this includes all performance figures, not just 0-60…AND if it has a 50, 50 weight distribution with a diesel…then that would be something very interesting indeed.

This is all speculation of course, maybe that 7.4 is manufacturer figures and actual figures will be 6.9…or maybe NA version will be geared differently…

planb

It looks like my new 330i will have i drive bc of the nav system ... has anyone seen it? Press reports say that it will be better than the i drive in the 7 series, but it's not clear to me what the difference is ... the programming may be easier but the inconvenience of removing actual knobs and buttons from the basic sound/climate options seems to be the most troubling aspect? I saw an i drive in the new 530i earlier today and it seems like an inconvenient system to manage while driving, but that I may get used to it after a while. Is the 3 series i drive different from the 5 series?

Also, I think the nav system and satellite radio knocks out the option to hook up an ipod. Anyone have any recommendations?

dl7265

Well.. the current 325i is about 8.2 , so I can't say 7.4 is a dog. After all I buy BMW for :
1.steering
2. braking
3.handeling
4.rwd
5.resale value

Id take a 7.4 0-60 BMW with 45mpg any day....

DL