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

lphantom7 · June 2003

2003 330i - steel gray, Automatic, Premium Package and Cold Weather.

I was quoted $38900 which includes destination in the NYC area. Is this a good deal for this time of the year where they are clearing out the 2003?

Thanks.

loubct · June 2003

How much is that over invoice. You should be able to do about $1200 over invoice.

imanrd · June 2003

Just FYI. Autospies has this information:

Trunk money for '03's.

325 325Ci and 325CiC: $2,500
330 330Ci and 330CiC: $3,000
525 525i: $3,500; 525iT: $4,000
530 530i: $4,000
540 540i and 540iT: $4,500

imanrd · June 2003

Financing rates (also autospies):

325 Convertible and 2-door: 1.9% financing; 4-door: 2.9% financing

330 Convertible and 2-door: 1.9% financing; 4door: 2.9% financing

525 excl. M5 1.9% financing

530 excl. M5 1.9% financing

540 excl. M5 1.9% financing

X5 excl. 4.6is 2.9% financing
Z4 2.9% financing

chile96 · June 2003

bigorange30 · June 2003

imanrd · June 2003

It comes with the car, just walk to the trunk and take it out, unless you don't know about it, then dealer gets it...

beemer4me · June 2003

I just paid 12 bucks for a Consumer Reports pricing report and it doesn't list any dealer incentives. Any ideas on how to prove this to a dealer if they just deny it exists?

imanrd · June 2003

Two ways you can prove it:
1) Show them the autospies web site print out
and if that is not enough
2) Go to www.bimmerfest.com/formus and do a key word search for Autospies. There is a dealer moderator on that site, John/Jon somebody, who specifically mentions the rebate and how he sold a car below invoice.

If neither works, move on to the next dealer. Let me know if it works.

notb · June 2003

All,

I just bought a new 2003 330Ci today. The dealer did not try to hide the fact there is that $3K rebate to clear out inventory. So I ended up paying $36,300 for PP, SP, CP & xenon (plus sales tax). According to Edmunds, that turns out to be about $1,400 under invoice. Sounds like a reasonable deal.

However, I do have to tell you that I'm getting cold feet. That's more than twice as much as I ever paid for a car and don't know if I made a smart decision. The financing paperwork has not been finalized yet as the dealer still needs to get the VIN for the actual car (exchanged from another dealership). That should happen on Monday. I'm thinking that loosing my $500 deposit may not be that bad after all...

beemer4me · June 2003

Dealer said there was incentive on 3 series coupe but not sedan and the 5 series. Trid to deal for a 5 series but they had cars with a lot of options I didn't want. Talked to another customer there, they got 530I (auto,prem package ) for 2k under invoice. Best offer they made to me was 1500 under invoice for 525 w/ premium package,xenons, folding rears. That car had a $3500 incentive on it so it seems like dealers aren't willing to give up more than half of the incentive. The way it was explained to me was that this wasn't a rebate from the factory but an incentive and that if they didn't make their quota, they wouldn't get squat from the factory and they would have to eat whatever they sold under invoice.

kyfdx · June 2003

All of this info about the incentives in the posts above is accurate.. Just remember, the cash is only available if you finance or lease with someone other than BMWFS. You can't use their special finance or lease deals, and still get the incentive.

regards,
kyfdx

imanrd · June 2003

I even have a VIN number and still thinking about backing out. I sort of feel foolish for spending so much on what is a disposable product. I have even worked my finances to make sure I can really afford it (I can) in hopes that I had missed something which would force me to back out. But no luck (?). $20k is a lot of dough. Let me know what you decide

beemer4me · June 2003

I posted previously about the Costco program. I tried to get the dealer to give me the full incentive off the Costco price but he wouldn't go for it- he said the car was "no longer in the Costco program." Carsdirect.com quoted me a price that would give me about 2500 of the 3500 incentive on the 525I. I'll post what happens. Also, what kind of price movement should we see towards the end of the incentive period from dealers who've already met their quotas and dealers who are still trying to meet their quotas?

530ia2003 · June 2003

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/bmw/3series/100273740/incentives.- html?tid=edmunds.n.dealerpricing.leftsidenav..3.BMW*

ksoman · June 2003

That one did not work, but this one did

http://apps.edmunds.com/incentives/RebateController?step=1&se- tzip=85308&tid=edmunds.n.incentives.incentives.1.1.*#bmw

bkhagins · June 2003

Our 2004 BMW 330 CI Convertible just came in and it's a great car, however we paid full sticker, the dealer wouldn't even consider taking any money off the vehicle

gardyloo · June 2003

I'm looking for a 325xi with at least Premium, Leather and AT, but only in a color of which there are only 2 units within 300 miles (one still at the dock.) I've found other units, the closest of which is 1000 miles away, some as far as across the country.

I want to strike a good deal with one of the two local dealers, but they both know I'm only looking for that color and I don't want to wait 90 days for a special order (esp. if the factory's on strike, never mind the Euro's bounce.) I'm tempted to tell them, Rizzo-style, that I'm able to travel anywhere to pick up the car, so they're really competing nationwide.

I figure I ought to be able to close the deal around $1000 - $1200 over invoice (about $300 less than Edmunds) unless I'm misreading the trunk money thread above.

Anyone have suggestions on how to stay competitive when there are only a couple of cars that meet my criteria within a thousand miles?

ksoman · June 2003

For some reason your name makes me think of Waterloo.... which interestingly is in Belgium and not in France.

Anyway,
1. The trunk money or rebates are available only till end of this month according to available informaiton, so you have to act fast
2. The trunk money essentially reduces the invoice of the car to the dealer (net, not direct), so if your car was worth: $35000 MSRP (just some #'s for demonstration purpose), $32000 Invoice and had $2500 in rebates (trunk) money, the "effective" invoice drops to $29,500 so your negotiation has to be around $1000-$1200 above $29,500, which is $31,500-$31,700. (I dont know your actual numbers, please plug them in here).

ksso

ksso

specialk2980 · June 2003

I have been reading all the forums lately because I am looking to buy a 325i, Auto, Premium, Cold weather package pretty soon. I have called a bunch of dealers and my best quote has been 500 over invoice, what do you guys think? (MSRP: 33,945 - Invoice: 31,160, Offer: 31,660) The dealer said there were no other extra fees and free floor mats were included. Does anybody think I can get a better deal? What is all this I keep reading about with "trunk money"? Does that apply to the 325i? or just the coupes? Thanks for any info you can give.

kelonski · June 2003

By the end of the month, I am looking to lease a 330i with premium pkg, automatic trans & heated seats and am getting a lease price of $485/mo for 12k miles (with no money down). This brings me at about 1300 over invoice. Is this a good deal? I would love to hear what others are paying for a lease with similar specs. Also, can I expect to lease a 2004 at the same rates as what I get for the 2003? These #'s are for 2003 I believe. Thanks!

motenor1 · June 2003

which is more cost effective: buying the car or leasing it then buying it at the end of the lease?

bigorange30 · June 2003

on whether you finance the residual at the end or just pay cash. If you finance it, you will probably pay more interest in leasing. It also depends on the interest rate you pay during the leasing period and the interest rate you pay during the buying period.

330iii · June 2003

Hey folks! Would i be able to use the 4000 dollar incentive (have own financing) on a 03 530i Euro Delivery or does the incentive only apply to US dealer stock? Thanks.

rhdwnsla · June 2003

I am planning to purchase a new 2003 325 i within next week. It is my first time to get my own car and I am not quite sure if my price is good or not. It is Auto, equipped with premium package(which include moonroof, wood trim, power seats, on-board computer etc.), heated seats, leather, and metallic paint. The dealer offered me 36K including sales tax and registration fee. I think this is okay...am I paying alright?

gardyloo · June 2003

(Ksoman, my handle is a term from old Edinburgh in Scotland - it's what the wifies called out in the morning before they threw the contents of the chamberpots out the window onto the street below. "Regardez l'eau!" - "Watch out for the water" in French, corrupted into old Scots English. In other words, look out; you-know-what falls from above...)

Found 2 cars the color we wanted each about 1500 miles away. The winner is 325xi, metallic (our color), premium, leather, cold weather, xenons, $500 over invoice. We have free plane tickets and will make a long summer weekend out of the drive back. Local dealers wouldn't go below $1500 over invoice, tough luck. No trunk monkeys, but I'm satisfied. Thanks to all on this board for good advice.

kyfdx · June 2003

It would really help if you just gave the MSRP of the car, instead of listing the options. If I'm not mistaken, the car you described would have an MSRP of $34,895, because thats how 80% of the ones at my local dealership are equipped. The invoice price is $32,025 plus the dealers advertising fees. In my state, the sales tax would be about $1900. Yours may vary from that, but assuming its the same, and assuming the dealers advertising fees(MACO) are about $500, then you are buying the car for $34,100 plus tax, and that would be about $1600 over invoice.

You can get all kinds of opinions about whether that is a good deal or not, but IMHO, its seems about the average deal most people report on this message board.

Please be aware that BMWFS is offering 2.9%, 60 month financing on that model through Monday, 06/30/03. If they aren't offering you that as well as the price, they are padding your deal with extra profit.

regards,
kyfdx

lphantom7 · June 2003

Just purchased 330i in Steel gray with gray interior for $39000 on June 28. Includes Auto, Premium, Cold Weather, Xenon and metallic paint. I received 3.9% finance instead of the 2.9%, dealer says that they get it for 2.9 and in turn can only give the buyer 3.9 - is this true?

kyfdx · July 2003

No, its not true. They do that to increase their profit. BMWFS will make about another $1000 in interest over the life of your loan, and probably the dealer gets about $300 extra paid up front from the finance company.

kyfdx

specialk2980 · July 2003

Does anyone know the new incentive rates effective today? (July 1) I know that the old rates of 2.9% on 3 and 5 series were until June 30th, I was wondering if anyone knows the new ones?

corydallas · July 2003

John Roberts in Dallas, TX

Black Sapphire/Black Leather
Premium
Sport
Steptronic
Bi-Xenon
18" Styling 71 wheels

$44045 list
$42500 final negotiated price

sullender · July 2003

This website is great - as is this forum....just had a quick question.

I'm thinking of buying a BMW 325xi - premium pkg, stereo upgrade, xenon, auto transmission- black or metallic black, silver or gray - sometime this fall.

Since they are changing the body styles, I wonder if I can expect to get a better deal by waiting? If so, when should I wait until? Or does it matter at all? Also - if I wait - will I have trouble finding a model with what I want on it?

Much appreciated....

gardyloo · July 2003

We've been told that the body style cycle for the 325xi isn't likely to change until the 2005 or more likely 2006 model year. You might confirm that with a dealer, but that's what one told me - the big changes to the 5s this year is all the disruption the marque can take evidently.

As for waiting, I dunno... The Euro's climb against the US$ is still going on, and combined with the recent strike's impact on 3 series production it suggests to me that waiting might not be the best thing.

We found a lot of dealers willing to go down pretty low on stock 325xis (leave in two days to collect ours and drive it 1700 miles home.) Your requirements are not at all unusual. Why not try a wee Rizzo now and see where it lands?

gvyt · July 2003

After breifly reading some of the messages on this board, I'm feeling very good about the deal I got in '98.

A customer ordered E46 328i, premium, H/K sound, folding rear seats, auto (sorry everyone I was thinking about the better half), CD changer, and mats for $36,100 from a MSRP of $40,100.

What's the best price anyone has seen on a '04 330Ci, Sport, ground effects, H/K sound & changer, and split rear seats?

msinghv · July 2003

Where did you hear about the body style changing? I am in the market for a 325xi and was considering a 2003 CPO (loaner) or new. My understanding was that the body was just tweaked in 2002 (headlights, etc.) and we won't see a change in body style until the new generation comes out as 2006 models (with Chris Bangle's blessing!).

mxpro738 · July 2003

Folks:

I don't car shop often, so please fill me in if you are tuned in to BMW's marketing/sales tactics.

Is it likely that BMW will offer any cash-back incentives on the 3-series in August? Tha factors I see are:

- '04 models arriving in September
- Strike in Germany? (I heard something about the production line being shut down???)
- Is there a surplus of 3-series out there?
- 5-series just has a nice incentive program that worked.

Thanks in advance!

memphis10 · July 2003

Looking to buy this car
330i, 2003, 6 speed, premium pkg
Invoice - $ 35,165
MSRP - $ 38,395
what would be a good deal. Also, any idea on the lease deal with $ 3000 down. Car_man your input would be appreciated.

sj9197 · July 2003

Hi

I am in the process of ordering a 2003 330XI (in Jet Black) with the following options:

Premium Package; Auto Transmission; Rear Side Air bags, Parktronic Distance Control and Run Flat Tires.

Total price that I have been quoted is $40,345 and the invoice is $38,730 Is it a good price or I can bargain a little more? Another dealer has also quoted me $39,500 for the same configuration but he is a little farther away.

Is this a good price?

Thanks.

bmwj · July 2003

Hi:

I am new to this discussion. I am planning to buy a new 2003 BMW 325 xi in next weeks with Premium Pkg, Leather, Auto trasnmission, Xenon headlights and heated seats.

My biggest concern is although the car is new but it is already 8 months gone in 2003 so if I want to sell the car in 4 years, I have already lost 1 year. How does one account for the depreciation?

The dealer tells me 2004 325Xi will be arriving by Sep and will cost 700 - 800 dollars more.

My question is in this situation what is the best price to offer for anew 2003 model?

Thanks in advance for any help.

bmwdriver02 · July 2003

Reposted from 3-Series Board:

My wife and I are looking into a replacement for her 1999 Accord EX Sedan. At first we were considering an A4 3.0 but have settled on a 325i with Silver Gray Metallic, Black Leather, Premium Package, Sport Package, Xenons, and the STEPTRONIC transmission. We will go to the dealer soon to look at the lot but what price should we expect? MSRP for the vehicle is $36,495. Which price is more reasonable? $1500 off or $2000 off?

gardyloo · July 2003

Like I mentioned, we just got home last night with our new 325xi (very similar spec to yours - cold weather pkg instead of just heated seats) for which we paid $500 over invoice, thereby saving $2640 compared to MSRP. If the 2004s are $700-$800 more, and presuming the dealers will be less likely to discount as much for the current year compared to the outgoing year, then it sounds like your drive-away price may well be quite a bit higher than if you buy a new 2003 now, striking your best deal. Of course, you might want to wait till the 04s are on the lot, when they'll probably be even more aggressive in getting rid of remaining 03s. You might easily save the first year's depreciation for essentially the same car.

mxpro738 · July 2003

Hello folks!

I am in the middle of a lease negotiation on a 330i. I am being told that as of July 7th, BMW increased it's lease acquisition fee from $500 to $1,000. Ouch! Is this valid? For what it's worth, I am in New York State.

If anyone here knows the answer, I would greatly appreciate your help.

Best regards!

msinghv · July 2003

msinghv · July 2003

OOPs!, Sorry about that last post.

What do you think is the lowest dealers will go on a 2003 325xi when the 2004's arrive on the lot? Do you think they'd ever go below invoice, or is invoice the best you can ever expect to get from BMW? Anyone have previous experience?

Karen_S · July 2003

Beep-beep-beep! The moving truck is here to take this discussion to our new What Did You Pay? board.

If you have subscribed to this discussion, the move should not interfere with your subscriptions.

Sorry for any confusion or inconvenience! Any questions can be emailed to me.

Thanks!

kcowan2000 · July 2003

I am selling my 318i Convertible privately and was wondering if there is a good place online to advertise. I live in Vancouver Canada, so most of the classified boards including this one do not apply.

I have it in a local BuySell Classified online but was wondering about broader exposure? Thanks for any tips! Regards... Keith

blueguydotcom · July 2003

Do you think they'd ever go below invoice, or is invoice the best you can ever expect to get from BMW?

invoice should be do-able. I picked up my 330i months ago for $400 over invoice and no bogus Maco/training/processing fees.

gardyloo · July 2003

My understanding is that BMWUSA doesn't offer "holdback" deals to the dealers, so I'd expect actual invoice would be the lowest they'd go, probably a few bucks over in practice. Like I said, we got ours the week before last at $500 over. I don't know that I'd wait until the '04s are present before trying for an invoice+zilch deal on an '03 - the pickings might be pretty slim and you might end up getting more or fewer bells and whistles than you wanted. Plus, you'll lose a fine summer's driving season.

bmwx5 · July 2003

http://www.edmunds.com/future/2005/bmw/3series/

The new model info as in 2005 is deatiled at the above link itself.

msinghv · July 2003

Thanks for the input on car prices.

In my car hunt, I came across a used 3-series and wanted to see what you all think about it. It's a 2002 325xi with 12k miles, PP, auto, leather, heated seats and xenons. It is a certified pre-owned and was used as a service loaner. The dealer is asking $31900. The car is in "excellent" condition (so they say...I haven't seen it yet). Do you think it's unreasonable for me to offer $29K? The car has been on sale for a couple of months. I asked the dealer why no one has bought it and he says it's likely due to the fact that its an AWD car and they don't do well in the south, hot climates. Since I am in the snow belt, I was thinking of flying down there and offering a low price to move the car off his lot.

Any recommendations?

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

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