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BMW 3-Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience

11912 messages,  Last post on May 15, 2013 at 7:44 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 980 of 1192

#9791 of 11912 3 Series Buying advice by sw113

Apr 18, 2009 (10:39 pm)

I've never owned a BMW before and I need some second opinions. I'd like to get a manual 3 series. I'm only able to look at used 2004 or older because of price.
 
I've got a 2004 325xi with 52,000 miles on it. Basic - not even power seats. It was listed at $16,000. I've gotten the guy down to $14,000 (plus D&H and tax). It's through an auto broker in Cherry Creek, CO.
 
The other car is a 2002 330xi with 85,000. This car has integrated radar, ipod, harmon kardon, carbon fiber dash inlay, heated power memory seats, auto dimming mirrors, and M steering wheel. This guy wants $13,000 (plus D&H and tax). This car is through an auto broker too.
 
Any advice if either of these cars are a good deal or not? Which car would you recommend? Thanks for helping out a newbie!
 

#9792 of 11912 Re: 3 Series Buying advice [sw113] by stunyccpa

Apr 19, 2009 (8:15 am)

Replying to: sw113 (Apr 18, 2009 10:39 pm)
bmwusa.com CPO
2004 325xi
52,384 miles
Jet Black on Black Leatherette
Cold Weather Package
& Moonroof
Manual Trans
Price: 18,333
 
Based on that asking price, 16k is probably a fair starting point. When I bought my CPO BMW 3 & a half years ago the sales man said basically whatever price you see take 2k off of it right off the top immediately than we go from there. Also I am in NYC so the volume is probably much greater here than in other dealerships which might explain that.

#9793 of 11912 Re: 3 Series Buying advice [stunyccpa] by sw113

Apr 19, 2009 (1:18 pm)

Replying to: stunyccpa (Apr 19, 2009 8:15 am)
Neither of these cars are CPO. Could that adjust the starting price down from $18,xxx (for the CPO you mentioned) to $16,xxx (for these used non CPO)?
 
I'm trying to understand if $14,000 is a deal worth moving on or if I should wait for something more/better?
 
If anybody can weigh in on which of my two choices is "better" I'd appreciate that. I don't know if newer/lower miles is better than older/more features. I'm not looking for bells and whistles on the car. Heated seats and premium sound don't matter much to me. Just a fun, reliable manual that can last me for another 6 years.

#9794 of 11912 Re: 3 Series Buying advice [sw113] by kyfdx HOST

Apr 19, 2009 (1:26 pm)

Replying to: sw113 (Apr 19, 2009 1:18 pm)
CPO cars are only warranted for up to six years from the original in-service date...
 
So, for the age and price range you are shopping, you won't find a CPO from a dealer.... If you find an '03 or '04 from a private seller, who purchased it CPO, then you would receive the remaining warranty, though that would likely be 1 year or less at this point.
 
Used 3-series that are six or more years old are all about condition and maintenance. You want to find one that's been well taken care of, with extensive maintenance records. Finding that car will be more important than the options or mileage..
 
regards,
kyfdx

#9795 of 11912 Re: 3 Series Buying advice [kyfdx] by stunyccpa

Apr 20, 2009 (10:38 am)

Replying to: kyfdx (Apr 19, 2009 1:26 pm)
What are your thoughts about buying a CPO now with navigation if you plan to keep the car for a long period of time, after the warranty expires? Is it too risky because if something goes wrong with the iDrive it could be very expensive to bring it in for repairs? Are you better stay away from navigation/iDrive if you are purchasing the BMW to keep for a long period of time?

#9796 of 11912 Re: 3 Series Buying advice [stunyccpa] by sw113

Apr 20, 2009 (10:50 am)

Replying to: stunyccpa (Apr 20, 2009 10:38 am)
Cost is the major issue. This is our second car and I want to keep cost low. Frankly, a car is not an asset and as much as I want to have the fun of driving, I'm trying to get a good, fun, yet reliable car. I'm hoping a used BMW 3 series can do it.
 
I do a lot of my own repairs (oil, brakes, general engine), but electronic issues are pretty much beyond the home garage repair.
 
I offered $13,000 on the 04 325xi with 50K on it. The guy hasn't responded to me. I'm thinking that means no deal?!
 
Now I'm considering an 01 330xi with 94K on it. However, the engine was replaced and only has about 50K on it (thermostat failure cause overheat and engine ruin). He also replaced the front control arms and bushings as well as the belts are new. The engine was also resealed for some small oil leaks.
 
Thoughts?

#9797 of 11912 Buying a 3 series by gluck

Apr 20, 2009 (11:51 am)

Replying to: sw113 (Apr 20, 2009 10:50 am)
I am looking for a 3 series 328 with very low mileage. I recently test drove a CPO - 2007 328 with 14K and I felt that the steering was very hard/heavy. The power was alright nothing special. I drive a lexus ES350 and wasn't very impressed. My question to all of you is - Is this normal for a BMW to be heavy? I plan to test drive a different car. Also should be I be looking for a CPO or from a private seller? The 2007 328's with less than 20K miles are going for close to 27K. How much low should I go?

#9798 of 11912 Re: Buying a 3 series [gluck] by blueguydotcom

Apr 20, 2009 (2:32 pm)

Replying to: gluck (Apr 20, 2009 11:51 am)
2007 328i CPO - lLook at trade-in value - and that's the selling price goal for a CPO.
 
A 2007 will probably be due for tires - that's a big CPO advantage right there as they'll replace the tires. Additionally, the longer warranty coverage adds some peace of mind. And BMW won't sell a car as CPO if it's been in an accident. Essentially a CPO'd BMW is going to be in good shape and have an extended warranty. If you are a BMWCCA member you'll also get a $500 rebate on CPO'd cars. Finally, you can often get better financing deals on CPOs.
 
Yes, all BMWs with ZSP (sport) will feel like the steering is heavy at slow speeds. At higher speeds throttle inputs do a better job of steering the car in corners.

#9799 of 11912 Run flats by beamer44

Apr 20, 2009 (3:01 pm)

I just ordered an 09' 328 convertible and wanted to know if it is worth getting the $5 a month tire insurance? Can these tires be fixed by BMW or another dealer? I checked into switching them out with non-run flats but BMW said little spare wont fit in trunk and you have to carry jack and 4-way lug wrench in trunk. Is there a spot to even put the jack under the car to jack it up & can you use 89 octane gasoline. Thanks for your help and answers.

#9800 of 11912 Re: Run flats [beamer44] by blueguydotcom

Apr 20, 2009 (5:15 pm)

Replying to: beamer44 (Apr 20, 2009 3:01 pm)
1. You can use go flats and just get a AAA card. No sense in carrying a spare. Never have with any of my cars I switched to go flats. Also BMW's 17s aren't that bad compared to the 18s.
 
$5 a month isn't worth it unless you live in an area with horrid roads. If you have roads that awful, consider going with it as i know some have mentioned bent/cracked rims as RFTs do not give over poor pavement.
 
Yes you can put a spare and jack in the trunk but that seems like an awful waste of space for what might happen.
 
2. Why buy a 40k car and then use cheap gasoline? If you believe the extra $2-3 a week is going to hurt you financially, maybe you should consider holding off on the purchase for awhile?

Messages Page 980 of 1192

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