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

kyfdx · March 2006

Bluewater metallic

Sort of a lighter silvery blue..

mattr82 · March 2006

This price looks pretty good, now that you added the 100+ heated steering wheel (wish that option was available for the 3 series!). This looks to be around 650 over invoice. Try to get them to throw in wheel locks/mats or anything you can think of.
Matt

mattr82 · March 2006

I assume you are from NJ as per your other post. I purchased from Denville BMW for $488 over invoice. I did your car in edmunds and came out to: $35,820 MSRP (you are $10 off w/ the metallic paint) $32,890 invoice.
Your price is 510 over invoice, but waiving docu fees (I paid 197) you are at 313 over invoice. Take this deal and run, its excellent.
Your price should be
33400
2004 (6%)
6 (Tire Tax)
319 (Registration 4 yrs)
$35,729 OTD (Make sure they aren't tacking on any more fees, and get them to throw in wheel locks too if you can. The 2.9% is NOT being offered in NJ/NY/CT/MA, I think its a Midwest thing.

Good luck,
Matt

lahermano · March 2006

Thanks for answering.
well I am in boston.
What is that tire tax ?
the additional costs that i would incur are
5% sales tax (around $1650) title/registration ($85) +flour mats
and don't know what is that wheel locks thing ? and what is that used for ?

lahermano · March 2006

Guys,
what is the popular color to choose in 325 xi ?

well i was leaning to the silver metallic one. Is that a good choice.

i had seen posts about the Jet black / black saphire colors to have more maintenance of getting dirty and cleaning is more essential and pain to look good.

Any comments ?

lahermano · March 2006

what are the best finance rates available, planning to buy 325xi assuming very good credit though

drmdad · March 2006

sorry, i forgot to mention..the price i paid for is BMW x3 3.0 SAV.

So my question is, is the price i paid still a good deal?

Thanks

mattr82 · March 2006

I don't know if you have a tire tax ($1.50/tire) in Mass. Wheel locks are to basically insure that you won't walk out to find your car sitting on 4 cinder blocks. As far as color, it is really difficult to ask people's opinions on it as it is purely subjective. I love black cars, so I opted for the Jet Black, even though it is one of the highest maintenance colors. The silver metallic should be a safe bet when it comes to maintenance, but I think it looks rather bland. You may want to consider sparkling graphite, which appears to be one of the most popular colors. It is the midpoint between silver and black, and won't get as dirty as the black. In my opinion, I would rather save the $470 from the metallic paint and get a usable option, such as comfort access or rear park assist.

Your car
33400
1670 (5%)
85 (DMV)
$35,155 OTD

Matt

mattr82 · March 2006

There appears to be only one trim for the 06 x3 according to the BMW site, so unless you bought an 05, I don't know the difference.

drmdad · March 2006

sorry, not understood.. what do u mean by only one trim?

sporting · March 2006

That price sounds like Difeo in Tenafly, they quoted me a similar price for almost similar options,however, their tire insurance is$699.00 which is over Park ave (519) and Prestige (495). The price is excellent!!!

mattr82 · March 2006

The 06 x3 only comes in the 3.0 SAV model. I believe in previous years there was a 2.5l engine model.

mattr82 · March 2006

I am curious how much you ended up paying for tire insurance. I am almost certainly getting it due to the runflats and Jersey potholes. They quoted me $495 for 5 yrs at Denville, but this price seems high compared to what I have read people getting it for. The lowest figure seems to be around 300 for 5 years. I am pretty sure it costs them around 200 for the service.

sporting · March 2006

Well I am still shopping around. I will be buying the 325 xi end of April.The lowest I saw was $495.00 for road hazard.

mattr82 · March 2006

Good luck, I'll let you know what I end up paying.

lahermano · March 2006

I have seen discussions about tire insurance.
I am planning to buy 325xi and do i need to get that insurance ?

why and what does it do for me ?
Also, some people suggested taking gap insurance
Any ideas on this ?

thanks ya all, you have been of great help

mattr82 · March 2006

You don't *NEED* to get it, but since you are from Mass (pothole city), I would recommend it. I am probably the last person to buy insurance on any item as I generally feel it is a waste of money, but with these run flat tires, which cannot be repaired without replacement, I think it might be a worthwhile investment. The insurance covers between 4-4500 worth of damage I believe. There is also no deductible. It covers the tire as well as the wheel. If your tire gets a nail in it or such they will replace it with installion/rotation under the policy. The run flat tires are expensive, so 1 fix could nearly pay off the policy.

I believe gap insurance is for leases, but you can ask someone else on here, there are many lease experts. I think most insurance providers give you gap insurance where you would not also have to purchase additional through BMW.

edward23 · March 2006

On MSRP on a 330i, the car was 41645 (includes dest charge). The selling price offered by a dealer was 39,415 and the residual on a 12K 3 year lease was 26,652. If use that number against the selling price, the RV is 67%, which I think is very good.

Opinions?

lahermano · March 2006

Guys,
you have been helpful.
Here's what the final deal is

base + auto + metallic + dest + hSeats + sat prep
MSRP = $32800 + $1275 + $475 + $695 + $500 + $75
= $35,820

Invoice = $32,890 (according to Edmunds, not sure this is what dealer actually paid for ?)

selling = $33140

OTD Extras = $1657(5% tax) + $85(DMV reg) + $249(docfee)
= $1991

I am getting Mats, but couldn't get the wheel locks, though tried my best.
BTW, what would it cost for Wheel locks ?

Anything to look for, be aware off, anything that i need to worry about before signing up.

Obviously, i am gonna look in detail of the entire car for any issues caused in transportation, do a test drive, make sure that all what is mentioned are there. Then only i am gonna sign up on any paper or deposit.

This is an entire new experience for a new car, an upgrade from Civic. First car was a brand new 1997 Honda civic, drove out of showroom (loved it, until few weeks before got totalled)

All suggestions are appreciated.

mattr82 · March 2006

Looks good, I guess they can save you on taxes by adding the DOC fee seperately, but still coming to the same amount over invoice. The wheel locks shouldn't be over $90 installed, or $45 and you can prob put them on with the proper equipment. Make sure all the numbers add up (do on a calculator) and they put your mats on the sales slip too. Push every button, turn on every light. Make sure the car is in alignment, not pulling to one side. Make sure there is no vibration. Check for bumps, scuffs, dents. Do all of this in the morning, when there is sufficient light. Check the engine bay, make sure there are no obvious leaks or imperfections. Take the car on a 10 minute test drive. Have the person going over the car with you, set you personal perferences for seat/mirror/radio/climate control memory. Bring an mp3/regular cd. These are all the things I can think of off the top of my head.
Matt

mattress1 · March 2006

Thanks to the info on this board I was able to negotiate a lease (in Pittsburgh, Pa) for a 330i with auto, premium pkg., sport pkg., and sat.prep (MSRP $42,455)for 36 months, 10K/yr. $490 plus tax. Only payment at delivery is first payment and plate. Negotiated with 3 local dealers. Found that internet sales quotes were not the dealers' bottom line. Quite a bit of additional haggling required to get a fair price.

blueguydotcom · March 2006

Quite a bit of additional haggling required to get a fair price.

There's a headscratcher. A fair price? Does that mean a price you're willing to pay? Honestly, one man's fair price is another man's outrageous ripoff.

lahermano · March 2006

Well,
one more issue. Wheather to go with the default leatherette or spend extra for leather ?

There are only 2 choices in leatherette black and beige

what did most people choose ?
some comments on beige was that it had sort of cheap and fake look. Any comments ?

I have seen Matt bought 325xi a Jet black, did you choose black interior ?.
Black and inside Black ? how does it feel/look ?

I am having 2nd opinion about the whole leatherette with black/beige interior.

mattr82 · March 2006

My car is a 330xi, and I went with the terra interior w/ poplar (lighter wood). I am picking it up next Wednesday. After seeing terra in person, I really liked it. It was very unique, and I was already a fan of the e46's natural brown. I generally try to stay away from lighter colored interiors, as they will show dirt/imperfections, as well as color rubbing off from a belt or something along those lines. My previous cars were black/black which got to be somewhat boring. My 00 323i was Black w/ Black Leatherette. I wasn't that impressed with it, besides the fact that it showed wear very well, looking like brand new seats after over 60k miles. If you are concerned w/ cheap, most people probably won't know the difference looking at it. Sit in both and decide if you want it. You can get the leather as a standalone option if you don't want the rest of the premium package. I ended up opting to spend a little more for the 330xi and the premium package, since after optioning them out similarly, the price difference between the 325xi was around 4k, 2k or so of which I believe I can recoup when I sell the car anyway. It also looks like your deal is based on an in stock car. The dealer may charge you additional to order or do a dealer swap.

lahermano · March 2006

Matt,
thanks for answering.
I think i am not clear of what i really want at this moment. Just because i was in need of a car ,(after my totalled car), I guess i am in a rush to get one and was considering the dealer stock. which i realize is a bad thing and i guess i need to learn a bit more and do some more research.

You seem to have more experience with BMW. please clarify my concerns if you can.

Well This is a huge investment/spending i guess first time. It is not that i cannot afford, i make good income but still little scared/chills cause i owned new Honda civic 1997 (loaned $13k and paid rest d/w).

I see Matt mentioning about recouping value ?

How is the resale value if i ever have to ? 1 yr/2yr/3yr's time. In general i am a type of person who keeps car for a long term (just as example of my previous car Honda
for 8 yrs).

So i also want to make a right choice, so that i am happy for the coming years.

Give me some boost folks. pros and cons of owning a BMW.
I am 30 yrs old.

How long it takes if one orders by choice of exterior/interior and personalize etc.,

mattr82 · March 2006

It is really important not to make a hasty decision with such a large purchase. You will be living in this car for hopefully many years to come. BMWS have one of the highest residual values of any car, so they generally will hold their value favorably over comparable vehicles. I also intend to own the car for a long term. I am planning to extend the warranty on the car to 100k once the 50k factory warranty is up. I really would not keep a BMW out of warranty, from previous experience it turned into quite the money pit, even though I absolutely loved the car. Pros: Handling, Looks, Quality, Solidity that I have never experienced in a Japanese Car, Badge appeal. The driving experience in a BMW is just something you have to do to experience. It is hard to explain, but it is just everything working in harmony to create one superb ride. Cons: Badge/Snob/Pretentious Appeal-Everyone wants to make a comment that "You own a BMW." Reliability-German cars lag behind the Japanese in electronics, which generally leads to more expensive and generally more repairs over time.

An order from the factory takes between 6-8 weeks from order to pick up. You put down a 1k non-refundable deposit, and pay the rest on delivery.

lahermano · March 2006

Have seen this car available at one dealer.

http://www.bmwpeabody.com/sales/newcars/car.php?id=3393

2006 325XiA Titanium Silver Metallic, Gray Leather +

Automatic Transmission, Heated steering wheel, Satellite Radio Preparation

Price listed is $37,270

Don't know how this fig is broken into
What can i pay for this combo ?

What i like about is the silver with gray interior

mattr82 · March 2006

Ok, did it in edmunds. It is heated seats, not heated steering wheel. There is no heated steering wheel offered on the 3 series. MSRP $37,270 INVOICE $34,210
As this is also an in stock car, tally it up the same as you did the other car.

edward23 · March 2006

I live in southern california, so I dont' know if it's my area, but so far, 3 out of the 4 dealerships I've spoken to via email or over the phone have IMMEDIATELY given me an offer close to what I would consider optimum. Basically, on a 330i with sport and auto, they are quoting me 1100-1200 over invoice right off the bat with a MF of .00195, with no down and drive off of 1500...and so far, no surprises. I know I can probably negotiate another hundred bucks here and there, but for someone who's had to deal with a LOT of bs when it came to buying a car, I have to say this is somewhat surprising.

I'm going to a dealer tomorrow to hopefully close. Is there anything I should watch out for before I sign? I'm getting the alarm and acq fee rolled into the cap and I'm hoping to snag free floor mats in the process.

For now, it seems like everything is cut and dry. But, like I said...it's almost TOO easy to the point where I'm wary.

Should I be?

kyfdx · March 2006

The only thing I would recommend..

Check their prices against the invoice prices here on Edmunds... And, get all of those prices in actual dollars.. "$1100 over invoice" is a nebulous number that could turn out to be almost anything...

And.. they can say the MF is .00195, but that number won't appear on your lease paperwork.. Make sure that the final monthly payment reflects those numbers..

I'm not surprised you found good deals right away... SoCal is a very competitive market... Just make sure it all adds up..

On another note... I wouldn't pay extra for the alarm.. Unless you plan on running outdoors to confront a car thief.. The car is leased.. if they steal it, let the insurance take care of it..

regards,
kyfdx

pluto168 · March 2006

Is this a good deal from www.bmwusa.com;
http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/3/2006325iSedan/Programs.htm?PanelID=4&duration=3- 6

2006 BMW 325i Sedan Lease Offer (with auto transmission)

$389/month for 36 months

$389 First month's payment
$2,500 Down payment
$400 Security deposit
$3,289 Cash due at signing
10000 miles per year

thanks

omrster · March 2006

Looking for help dealing on a 325ci. Car is 2004 325ci with 13,800 miles on it, white with black top in MD. Was an executive lease now being sold CPO by the dealer. Car has:
Premium pkg
Sports Pkg
Cold weather Pkg
Leather seats
Xenon headlights
HK audio
Park dist control
Read air bags
Brushed aluminum interior
Mfg warranty ends in 2 yrs

Car offered at $39,000.

Price lower than Edmunds lists.

How much lower might the dlr go with this?

330blast · March 2006

Hi there,

I have a few lease questions:
1. How to you determine/negotiate the selling price on a lease? Pretty much the same as you buy a car?
2. If there is incentive from BMW (like we have seen in the last couple years of E46 model), does it apply to lease as well or just for purchasing?
3. Is MSD an uncommon practice for most dealers?
4. Is there any limitation on MSD, such as how low you can knock down the MF?

Thanks.

kyfdx · April 2006

1) No different from a purchase

2) It can vary... sometimes the lease has a different set of incentives, but in the past.. since the incentive is to the dealer, not the consumer, it applies equally.. Ergo, you have to negotiate it into your selling price.

3) The program wasn't very good for the last couple of years.. it has recently been enhanced. Depending on the dealer, they may not have much experience with it.

4) 7 extra deposits, with a reduction of .00007 for each one, resulting in a total reduction of .00049 for each one..

regards,
kyfdx

raln48 · April 2006

kyfdx - if you're available to reply, I could use your help again. The new 330xi that I ordered about 6 weeks ago will be arriving at the dealership for delivery this week.
I would like to confirm whether or not there have been any changes in the BMWFS lease specs that could influence my deal at final closing.
Here's what was negotiated with the dealer 6 weeks ago:

3yr/45K lease
Residual 61%
Base money factor .00225
$625 acquisition fee

Has any of the above changed one way or the other?

Thanks again for all of your help.
raln48

ak432 · April 2006

Signed with these numbers today on 330i spt/auto/sat/leather.

invoice (even lower #s than edmunds') + 1000 (this could have been negotiated further- I would estimate by another 300-500)

.00195
3 yr/45K
Base money factor .00195
62% resid. These are 4/1/06 new updated numbers.

Good luck.
ak

raln48 · April 2006

Thanks for your reply.
My sense is that the 330xi will have a different money factor.
I'm still hoping for confirmation on this from kyfdx.

Thanks again.

irvine_avalon · April 2006

Check this out.
www.centurywestbmw.com

I just bought a CPO 2005 325ci last Fri. w/ 9800 miles on it(1 yr lease return) for $30850 before tax and fees. Your price is definitely too high. You can check many other BMW dealerships in LA. I think for 2004 325ci CPO the price is around $28000 and $30000.

lahermano · April 2006

This week-end i had seen this car
http://www.bmwpeabody.com/sales/newcars/car.php?id=3393
at the dealer. Exactly the combination that i wanted.

1. First look of the car itself turned me off. Looked old, No sticker on the car. 378 miles on it, it was dirty interior and exterior as well.
2. They wanted to push me buy the car. But i didnot even feel like talking any numbers and walked out from there.
3. Got the exact invoice date 11/5/2005 on demanding. This car was sitting outside in the lot all the while and used as a loaner car.

Another dealer close to home, looked to find the similar car for me and itseems he found and told me that it is coming from germany to a dealer in NJ and he said he is going to get it for me this thursday.

I just want to make sure that he is not getting this same old car, detailed very well as new. Hope not!. Though i can demand the invoice date ? and check the mileage as well. Can they manipulate any of these ? because other dealers couldn't find this combo anywhere and suggested me to order and wondering how this guy could get me one. If it was new it must have 0 miles definetly right.

Well, I am getting crazy searching and several thoughts coming to my mind.

I told the dealer, i need to see the car then only anything to be talked. I am just wondering if i can negotiatiate the same good deal that i got before, because the dealer is at a good advantage as he has my car and knows my desperation.

I have the following things bothering me how to handle.

1. Should i just be upfront and tell about my good deal or ask him to offer the best he can and then tell my deal.

2. What are the financing rates for BMW now ? i am getting around 7.5 % from my bank, The dealer keeps asking me what is the best i got that he need to match. Should i tell him openly.

3. The CAR specs are
325XI + gray Leather + metallic + sat prep + heated seats = $37250

The best deal non-leather i got was $33140 + 249 Doc + 5% tax + $85 reg

How can i negotiate the same deal with + leather $1450

The negotiation begins on friday.

All responses are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for sharing, yaa all are of great help

mattr82 · April 2006

Hey Lahermano,
Sorry the car did not turn out to be what you were looking for. As far as another dealer giving you the exact same car, seems unlikely. The only way you could probably be certain however is through the VIN #. It is totally illegal to roll back mileage as I am sure you know. I doubt they would risk it on a new car. I would never purchase a loaner car, most are never properly broken in, people treat them like garbage, and I doubt that the car was getting filled up with premium gas. Again, I recommend doing everything through e-mail. Just send out a mass e-mail to dealers in Mass/CT/NJ, asking if they have something around the specs you are looking for, but you are flexible, and will purchase immediately given the right price. I would also forward the quote you received from the dealer on your non-leather vehicle to this dealer/others and see if they can match it accordingly. I would try to create the sense that you don't need to buy the car this second and you are flexible on the color/options, even though you are not. The more information a dealer knows, the more they will use it against you. Also, why not contact the original dealer offering you the good deal on the leatherette car and see if he can get you this car?

I am not sure on financing the car, I would imagine you should get the rates from various credit unions. 7.5% seems quite high, I don't know how good your credit is.

Matt

lahermano · April 2006

Matt,
Thanks for the reply.

Well, I guess i will maintain my poise at the dealer.
Though needed immediately I would wait for the right car and right price.

The reason i didnot go with the original dealer who gave me good deal is that he wanted me to sign the papers with out seeing the car. I am glad i didn't and demanded to see the car (He probable found the same loaner car that i saw). He was sort of pissed off with me because he wanted me to buy before March 31st. Dosen't matter, he wants to sell no matter what and any day. I can call him again and see too. But i will wait and see this week.

Thanks again for the responses.
I am sure this is all worth it to get a Bimmer

Can you tell me about the ordering experience, I guess you did.
1. The delivery date is is accurate ? 6-8 weeks ? or can it slip by ?
2. Do you get the same deal/negotiating power for ordering as opposed to buying one available in the lot ?

As far as the credit goes, I was not monitoring it for few years and i am at 650+ or so. Though i don't owe any one a single penny. I looked at the credit report and notice that this low score is a result of an unresolved medical bill that was supposed to be paid by med insurance, but they treated that as an out of network and that resulted in collection for $300. I am in the process of resolving it but may take few months. It was only reported in Experian. What bureau does BMW look at for score (all 3) ?

It is so pathetic in America, that everything resolves around Credit history. Though a person like me can pay this huge amount as cash still i may not be of good credit. Cancel unowed/unused credit cards could also lower your credit score and i commited that mistake and got even less score. I learnt my lesson and will keep an eye on credit history religeously.
At the same time i don't want to pay cash, because cash in hand is always good and could be used better.

Thanks again

mattr82 · April 2006

I am not too sure about the credit bureau information, I am sure your dealer can provide you that information. I ordered my car on Feb 18th. It was delivered to the dealer March 29th. Basically you pick out the color/options and get everything in writting. You give them a 1k non-refundable deposit, and they submit the vehicle to the factory. This is detailed directs on the tracking, and also a great site for information. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=828

I agree with you, I would never purchase a vehicle without seeing it and driving it first. They have some nerve trying to pass off a loaner vehicle w/ 300+ miles on it as a "new car." I would say the minimum discount on a car like this I would want is 2k UNDER invoice. Don't be pressured, they have to sell the cars, you dont have to buy them, so don't ever forgot this.

The one dealer I actually spoke price with in person, initially was saying he could cut me a better deal on a car on the lot. In the end, after 2 hours of wasting my time, it ended up being the exact same price as a car to be ordered. If you are trying to get the most aggressive deal possible, a car on the lot at the end of any given month will probably give you a bit more negotiating power. I thought my $488 over invoice was fair to both parties, and decided that it was not worth my time to fight any more.

Matt

lahermano · April 2006

Thanks Matt.

Few more :

1. What are these E?? numbers ? i see they are most often referred. I am still learning more about Bimmer's
2. Did you do the financing from BMW ? or your own or cash ? What are the rates that you got, if financed ?

Thanks a bunch

mattr82 · April 2006

Exx is just the "code name" for the car. So the 99-05 3 series was the E46. The 06 coupe and m3 still share the same body style, so they would still be considered E46 too. Now the 06+ will be known as the E90. E30 (1983 - 1991), E36 (1991 - 1999)

I did not finance the car, just cash, as New Jersey was not being offered the 2.9% financing rate that others were given.

jlf1 · April 2006

Trying to make a decision between a 2003 M3 with 12k miles or a new 330I. M3 $42K and the 330I $43k. Thanks.

bdr127 · April 2006

Trying to make a decision between a 2003 M3 with 12k miles or a new 330I. M3 $42K and the 330I $43k. Thanks.

They are two totally different cars... different body style, different engine, different driving dynamics. The best thing to do is to drive both for yourself.

hull22 · April 2006

Originally tried to lease a Sparkling Graphite Metallic/gray interior 330i with:
steptronic
comfort access
premium pkg
nav
heated front seats
sat radio

MSRP 44840
Invoice 41440(with 350 MACO fee)
cap cost 42900

24K lease with locked in feb residual 74%, 0.00195 MF, monthly 550 + 27 tax(MA)=580

Unfortunately, they didn't think the car would make it's way over from Germany by the end of the 60day window for the locked rates. So today I went for a deal on:
330i Titanium Silver Metallic/gray interior
Premium pkg
Cold weather pkg
Nav
Rear PDC
Sat ratio

MSRP 45190
invoice 41790(with 350 MACO)
cap cost 43150
same rates, monthly just a few dollars more
They were only able to toss in wheel locks. Floor mats at employee cost. Should be arriving next week.

mattr82 · April 2006

Congrats Man. I am sorry that I cannot help in telling you if you got a good deal or not, as I suck with leases. I purchase all my vehicles, as I drive a lot.

Matt

mattr82 · April 2006

As the other response to this thread noted, these are completely different vehicles. The M3 will be a higher maintenence car than a standard 3 series. I was considering a used M3 for a bit before I purchased my 330xi, but in the end it was not too practical for poor New Jersey weather and bad roads (potholes). I do think the e46 M3 is one of the nicest looking cars on the road. A few questions: Will the m3 be a CPO to 100k miles? This is key. How many owners, service records, driven both cars? I initially did not warm up to the 05 e90 facelift, but it grew on me substantially. Now whenever I see an e46, I feel they look somewhat dated. Good luck in whatever you decide, you really can't go wrong with either vehicle.

Matt

never_lease · April 2006

hi,

i'm looking to buy a new or CPO BMW. i'm considering 3/5/7/X5.

i have only 1 criteria: best APR.

does anyone know what's the current best APR on BMWFS (assuming A+ credit of course).
thanks.

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

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