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

heartone · November 2005

I just got my 2006 330xi. To connect my iPod to 330xi, a cable with one end for iPod and the other end for AUX should be needed. Then you can "shuffle" with your steering wheel as you would expect.

I have the same question as you have. I went to Best Buy, Radio Shack, Apple store,...for solution, they don't sell this type of adapter. I don't understand. I left message to my dealer. Hopefully I will get answer Monday morning. This is lame. Have you got any solution?

heartone · November 2005

Really? Can you "shuffle" with your steering wheel? Much much appreciated.

dl7265 · November 2005

This was just covered on the 2006 board, and No shuffling allowed sorry...

DL

heartone · November 2005

If no shuffling allowed, why do I need to get a iPod? I can connect any MP3 device to my BMW through this AUX. Am I right?

Thanks!

dl7265 · November 2005

Yup, its just an AUX,not integrated. Hopefully someday that will occur.

DL

msheridan · November 2005

The best deal I found in SoCal was down in SD. Cunningham BMW beat the deal I had gotten in LA. The sales person was pretty agreeable and didn't pressure my wife.

heartone · November 2005

Thank you, DL.

(If it is just an AUX, why did BMW and Apple make that announcement?) :confuse:

blueguydotcom · November 2005

That's where I bought too. If I buy again, it will certainly be from cunningham. I've helped others buy there too.

dl7265 · November 2005

I didn't see it, but its kinda like the Oil cap says Castrol and the Manual says Mobil 1....

Dl

heartone · November 2005

Exactly.

Thank you, DL

aphall · November 2005

A few questions about the buying experience for the BMW:

1. If they do not have the car I'm looking for in stock and I order a car, do I lose some negotiating power than just buying it straight off the lot?

2. The saleslady at BMW South Bay said deposit is $1,000 down, but refundable. Do I have to negotiate the price at the time I order the car or do I negotiate when it comes into the lot?

3. How long does my deposit normally hold the car for?

4. Should I really consider buying from a dealership that offers specials for their customers/clients (i.e. free drop off of a loaner/pick up of your car for service)? Or should I really drive down to San Diego (I live in L.A.) for the best deal possible?

Thanks for the help folks! Great forum!

arache97 · November 2005

KYFDX - What do you think of this deal?

2006 325i
Black Sapphire Metallic ($475)
STEPTRONIC Automatic Transmission ($1,275)
Sport Package ($1,600)
$2500 Down Payment
36mths/12k p/year
MSRP $30,900
Mth payment of $459

I got this off the BMWUSA.com page. Should I contact various dealers in my area to compare ( I know I should but wanted to double check here first).

I currently own a 2002 Acura TL ( financed)with 22K miles on it. Still have great value in it and want to trade up to a BMW while the value is still there. Any thoughts?

Thanks

oxford9 · November 2005

Sounds like a good deal to me too. Who is the dealer?

selm · November 2005

That MSRP is the base MSRP. What does the price as configured say? $34,945?

kyfdx · November 2005

1) I always feel you can make a better deal on a car that is in stock... The dealer is more motivated to make a sale "right now".. and may feel that you will walk away, if the price isn't right.. Also, once you consider ordering a car, the dealer may sense you are already committed, and have less incentive to offer you a great deal.. Many people have the opposite opinion of this, however.. This is just mine..

2) Definitely negotiate the price before the car is ordered...

3) Your deposit should hold the car until it arrives at the dealership.. If your deposit is on a car that is in stock, be prepared to take delivery within a couple of days... they won't hold a car while you shop around.

4) Buying from the local dealer is always preferable.. it depends on how much your time is worth... and how much cheaper you can buy it out of town.. Only you can make that judgement for yourself..

regards,
kyfdx
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kyfdx · November 2005

The current deal on the website for the car you list has an MSRP around $35K...

The BMW advertised deals usually assume a selling price of about $1000 off MSRP... So, just an average deal on that car... The lease program itself is not that great either, this month...

If you shopped around, you could probably beat that advertised deal by $500 or so.. ($15/mo.).. Unless you have to get a new car, and it doesn't seem like you do.. I'd wait for a better lease program..

regards,
kyfdx
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aphall · November 2005

Ok, so how does the following quote sound?

'06 330i ($36,600 / $33,485)
Metallic paint ($475 / $430)
(205) Automatic ($1,275 / $1,210)
(ZPP) Premium Package ($2,200 / $2,000)
(ZSP) Sport Package ($1,600 / $1,455)
(322) Comfort Access ($500 / $455)
Destination ($695 / $695)

(MSRP / Invoice) = $43,345 / $39,730
Internet Price = $39,730 + $330 advertising + $900 premium over invoice = $40,960

This is $1,230 over invoice, or $2,385 off MSRP.

Thoughts/opinions appreciated. Think I can swing free floor mats and a cargo liner too? Thanks!

kyfdx · November 2005

That looks like a great price...

regards,
kyfdx
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arache97 · November 2005

Yeah, the price as configured is $34,945. Sorry about that.

arache97 · November 2005

So I should be on the lookut for a lower MSRP on thier lease deals? Do you happen to know what time of the year they typically offer the best deals? Assuming they need to move inventory, etc. Thanks for your insight.

kyfdx · November 2005

Not a lower MSRP.... better lease terms..

Right now, the money factor is .0025.. that equates to about 6%.. market-rate.. When it gets cold this winter, and they need to stimulate sales, I'd bet that they will cut that money factor... and, the lease prices should come down...

regards,
kyfdx
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arache97 · November 2005

Wow, quick response. Might be a dumb question, but how do you determined the money factor? Does the dealer tell you? Am not that experienced yet..LOL

kyfdx · November 2005

Usually, the dealer won't tell you... you have to come here and ask us..

But, just keep watching the website.. when the advertised deals start getting cheaper (right after the 1st of each month), you'll see it there..

regards,
kyfdx
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rhmass · November 2005

You got a very good price. The floor mats are really a given even though they never mention during negotiations. So consider floor mata will come with the car and tell the dealer so. if you can get the liner, that will be fantastic. May be you can negotiate from the point to reduce the ad fee or get the cargo liner. At least get the touch-up paint which will come in handy during your car ownership. No harm trying. Overall you got a very good deal (with the floor mats).

parava · November 2005

Got the following quote from a dealer. Im new to leasing so not sure if its good, don't really understand the money and residual factor:

2006 330i
Sparkling Graphite
Gray Leather
Premium Package
Sport Package
Automatic
Heated Seated
Satellite Radio Prep
MSRP: $43,120

Selling Price: $41,770
Term: 36 mths
Mileage: 10k
Money Factor: 2.35
Residual Factor: 65%
Monthly Pymt: $624

First Pymt: $624
Security Deposit: $650
Money down: $1,274 (this amount is comprised of first payment and security deposit)

Thanks, let me know what you guys think.

kyfdx · November 2005

Frankly.. it isn't very good...

This discount is about average.. $1350 off MSRP... but, the money factor is bumped up the maximum... assume that the acquisition fee, which is added into the cap cost is bumped up to $825 as well.. Even with all that, I get $571/mo.+tax.. There have to be some other fees added into the cap cost, or your tax rate is sky high to get to $624/mo..

If they used the base money factor and $625 acquisition fee, it would knock about $35/mo.+tax off of the lease payment..

regards,
kyfdx
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06bmr · November 2005

There is a 2006 325 BMW with only 2000 miles purchase only 5 months ago. Dealer says the owner traded it in for a 5 series. The original MSRP is $33,700. Color: Silver. Options: Power seats w/memory & automatic transmission. I've negotiated down to $30,500. Is this a good deal.

sr4b1 · November 2005

Potential 330i owners: Shopping Tips

I live in Texas, which is a generally uncompetitive market for BMW's. Most dealers (by both email and phone survey) only want to discount $500 to $1k off sticker. I ended up getting $2,800 off sticker ($1k over invoice).

I tried calling a few dealers in CA and got quotes of $1,200-1,400 over invoice. (The ones that seem to get mentioned in these boards: bmw of mountain view, fremont, south bay, and pacific). And I tried Difeo bmw in NJ who gave me a written offer (email) of $1k over invoice.

Normally, if you buy from someone other than your local dealer, even if you want to order, you're supposed to be able to take advantage of "courtesy delivery." (If you order the car, instead of having it shipped, it'll just be delivered to the BMW dealer of your choice.) But from what I've seen, no BMW dealer wants to extend the courtesy. They just want the sale. But I bet that they'd take delivery of your car for a few hundred.

What's interesting is that Difeo has a sister dealership in Austin. So suddenly I have leverage b/c I can ask my local dealer (San Antonio) to price match against Austin. If I was in NJ, I know I could have gotten $500 over invoice b/c he mentioned that he would have to pay the Austin store $500.

abarr566 · November 2005

This is a GREAT deal. I'm in the market for a 330i with the same options; can you tell me which dealership you received this offer from?

abarr566 · November 2005

Can anyone tell me if there is a significant difference in the 2006 330i sports package vs non-sports package? Dealers I've spoken with have actually tried to convince me that there's not much noticeable difference (unless you drive w/NASCAR). I've test driven both cars and really can't feel a difference. Am I missing something?? Thanks!!

kyfdx · November 2005

You can give dealership names, city and state... but, not contact information or anything that would identify a salesperson....

See "Rules of the Road"..

regards,
kyfdx
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saigonboi21 · November 2005

With the sport package, the ride is more firm - not rough. IT's actually smoother when you drive on bumpy roads or if you carry 4 or 5 passengers. I couldnt feel the difference til i test drove it with 5 ppl in the car. I would have gotten it but i heard that you have to change the tires every 10,000 miles or so. Thats like $1300 every year???

abarr566 · November 2005

Thanks; that brings me to another question: has anyone considered buying the run flat insurance being offered by BMW dealerships? One dealership offers it at $499, while another says $699. Supposedly, it offers unlimated replacement coverage for the runflats and wheels for a three year period, in the event of damage due to road hazards. Good option or rip off?

gottschalk · November 2005

kyfdx you seem very knowledgeable about leasing offers and I wanted your assessment on my current offer.
'06 330i with destination and options: $44,320.
My price $42,410
Lease: 36mos
12,000 miles/yr
2.35 money factor
64% residual
$725 bank fee
$297 document fee
$43,432 total capitalized cost
$28,364 residual value
$15,067 total depreciation
$418 monthly depreciation
$168 monthly rent
$587 monthly payment
$17 tax (3%)
$604 Total monthly payment incl tax.
$1,254 due at signing ($604+$650 sec deposit)

I have read that this money factor is high and I have read that others were getting a residual factor of 65%. I also think the bank fee and doc fee are extremely high but the dealership is not budging on these. I appreciate input from all.
Thanks,
Doug

rzr1 · November 2005

hi

Am new to leasing - Does this sound ok?

MSRP - 32645
Cash Price - 31276
Lease - 10,000 miles /yr for 24 months

.0025 money factor
77% residual
825 acquisition fee
195 document fee
25136 residual value
317 monthly payment
1800 cash down
$3487 due at signing (1800 + 825 + 195 + 350 + 317)

please advice
thanks

gottschalk · November 2005

A few dealerships have listed the 325xi wagon in stock. Has anyone seen the wagon in person? It seems they just may be rolling into dealerships.

Thanks,
DJ

acorvine · November 2005

My father in-law seems to think that you can't negotiate with BMW dealers on the MSRP. He said that they don't have to negotiate since the cars sell themselves. Is this true?

Thanks

acorvine · November 2005

How were you able to find all these dealers?

saigonboi21 · November 2005

i bought it for my 330i. I think it's an excellent piece of mind. It only costed me $450 for 5 years. You should also check whether it's unlimited replacements. Mine only covers up to $5000 worth of tires and wheels. It used to be unlimited but they changed it about 4 months ago. A nail punctured one tire 2 weeks after i picked up the car. Considering each tire costs about $300, i would say it's a good deal. Of course there are rumors saying that you can repair the tires though it's not recommended.

kyfdx · November 2005

All of the calculations are correct.. the 65% residual you've seen on other leases is probably for a lower mileage allowance. (10K/yr).

1) The money factor is bumped up from the base rate... the base rate is .00195.. versus your .00235...

2) The bank (acquisition) fee is bumped up from the base fee of $625.

3) $297 document fee? Just profit padding.

Your selling price looks pretty good..

If we use the base money factor and bank fee, and knock $200 off the document fee, the payment would only be $550/mo, instead of $587/mo.. If they won't change the bank fee or document fee, but used the base money factor, then the payment would be $559/mo..

regards,
kyfdx
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kyfdx · November 2005

Using your numbers, I come up with that exact payment.. However, I show the residual to be 74%, not 77%.. At 74%, the payment would be $355/mo, instead of $317/mo.. All of these prices are without tax..

The acquisition fee is bumped up from the base fee of $625, but the rest of your deal looks great... I'd be interested to hear if it actually turns out that way..

regards,
kyfdx
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kyfdx · November 2005

I know of a negotiation just this weekend, that resulted in a selling price of around $4200 under MSRP...

So, in some case your FIL may be correct.... In others, he would be way off base..

regards,
kyfdx
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aphall · November 2005

Well, honestly... this was a quote that I found here on the Edmunds board. The person had gotten the quote from South Bay BMW in California. My sales rep at South Bay BMW has confirmed that they will match the offer, and that it still needs to be approved by the sales manager, but that it should be ok. I was going to go this weekend and seal the deal, but I had to first settle on a color.

Next weekend I'll put in the order and confirm the quote for everyone.

dl7265 · November 2005

So who are you buying from ?

acorvine · November 2005

KYFDX

I'm really not experianced with negotiating. Can you give me some pointers? I'm assuming I begin by emailing various dealers in my area to see what they are offering on the 325XI with the options that I'm interested in. Then campare. Am I on the right track?

Thanks
A. Corvine

groundxzero · November 2005

Hi All,
I'm new to the forum and just wanted to get some opinions on what is a good price for a 330xi in northern california. I've listed the specs below and I'm talking to a dealer in Fremont and they're quoting me 50k plus tax & license (which I think is insane). Let me know what you all think and if you purchased a 330xi let me know what prices you paid for it. Thanks.

BMW 330xi Sedan:
- Alpine White
- Black Dakota Leather
- Aluminum Trim
- Premium Package
- STEPTRONIC Automatic Transmission
- Comfort Access
- Power Rear Sunshade/Rear Manual Side Window Shades
- Active Cruise Control
- Fold Down Rear Seats w/Ski Bag
- On-Board Navigation System w/iDrive
- Aluminum Pedals
- Carbon Fiber Front Lower Lip
- Rear Deck Spoiler

sr4b1 · November 2005

I ended up buying from San Antonio (a 1 dealer town). They ultimately offered me $1k over invoice plus $380 in fees (Maco + training, which unfortunately, seem unavoidable). But they did throw in floor mats.

dl7265 · November 2005

Best price ive seen in TX. Good work .

DL

midriver325 · November 2005

I drove the new 325i and it was awsome. This would be my first luxery car purchase so want to get it right without emotion taking over.

I want the Alpine white or jet black with beige leatherette. only options I care about are the automatic trans, heated seats, xenon lights & satelite prewire (they were all set this way at my dealer). total MSRP is about $34,245, invoice price about $31,460 I was able to get the dealer to move $1200 off the MSRP. Is that good? Seems like it until I compare to my brother in law's deal.

This summer my brother-in-law negotiated at a dealer in DC a 325CI loaded to just $600 over invoice which I was shocked about.

also are the xenon lights worth it? $800?

thanks
D

ckm1515 · November 2005

kyfdx

What do you make of this deal?

06 330xi
MSRP - $44,495
Price Negotiated - $42,595
36 months/15K per
LRF - .00245 (split difference of buy rate of .00225 and marked up rate of .00265)
monthly payment - $657.36, includes NJ tax
Sparkling Graphite
Terra Interior
Aluminum Trim
Prem Package
Cold Weather
Comfort Access
Automatic Tranny
Standard doc & acquistion fees

Your help is appreciated!

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

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