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BMW 5-Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience

3016 messages,  Last post on Jul 20, 2008 at 10:54 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan, Wagon


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#2911 of 3016
Re: My First BMW-Did I do OK? [smithsonga] by myfirstbmw
Mar 28, 2008 (6:56 pm)
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Replying to: smithsonga (Mar 28, 2008 8:02 am)

Yes, I had to roll it in or sell it myself, not worth the hassle to me to sell a damaged vehicle.
 
It really wasn't that hard to get an "at invoice" type of deal. As long as our economy is soft, and the dealers have a stronger desire to sell there cars than we as consumers have to purchase them, I think the "deals" can be had.
 
One of the cars I test drove was the new Jaguar XF, They were only willing to give 1K off MSRP ( a markup of 5.5K from invoice ). My desire went down the hopper.
 
The Jag salesman called me tonite to check my interest again, they have only sold one since it came out 3 weeks ago.
#2912 of 3016
Re: BMW, Lexus GS, other points [asteinberg] by newtonguy1
Mar 29, 2008 (7:11 am)
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Replying to: asteinberg (Mar 28, 2008 4:53 pm)

If you are considering the 535xi and like the G35, consider the M35, which is a more comparable vehicle. I am still torn between the two but leaning to the 535xi for the driving experience. Good luck.
#2913 of 3016
Re: BMW, Lexus GS, other points [newtonguy1] by asteinberg
Mar 29, 2008 (7:54 am)
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Replying to: newtonguy1 (Mar 29, 2008 7:11 am)

I've had all wheel drives but reluctant to spend more on the car or even a little more on gas to get 535xi rather than 535i. Trying to reconcile good car performance with absurd I-drive, and substandard BMW service and problem dealer attitudes.
I either pay inflated price at my local dealership or get it elsewhere.
But BMW, unlike other brands, does NOT provide loaner for warranty service, but lets dealer decide, meaning dealrs don't provide loaner unless you bought it there.
You're right about M35-- if I did that, I'd get the BMW.
G35 -- main argument for it is that it has all the features and is very, very cost-effective. But it's sightly smaller than the others and not a much car.
I'm really conflicted, because the last two years in my BMW I've had to deal with excess air conditioning that is noisy, stupid I-drive, substandard navigation, and burdensome changing of radio stations between satellite and AM. The latter corrected somewhat; the nav still archaic but with real traffic. 535i more powerful, but gas mileage down. I would have preferred a bit more powerful, and not quite the loss in mpg. G35 mileage is quite disappointing.
Also, my lease turn in experience for BMW was very disappointing.
Again, I feel I was treated poorly because I did not get the car at my local dealership where I imprudently turned it in.
--
If I go BMW again, does anyone reading this now any dealership in So Calif that would sell one at invoice, then lease it with net money factor, without markup?
There is not enough value in the BMW without trying to get a deal, because the MSRP is too inflated.
Also, my last one -- 530i -- was in the shop twice for 2 weeks+, for the same safety problem-- passenger air bag sensor.
BMW sells too many cars and cannot adequately service them. The service writers are insensitive yuppies.
Problem is I want a rear wheel drive car and don't see much in the way of alternatives.
But the I-drive shows a culture of arrogance at BMW that extends to dealerships.
I do want to praise the Internet folks at Pacific BMW in Glendale.
#2914 of 3016
Re: BMW, Lexus GS, other points [asteinberg] by carnaught
Mar 29, 2008 (8:07 am)
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Replying to: asteinberg (Mar 29, 2008 7:54 am)

BMW sells too many cars and cannot adequately service them. The service writers are insensitive yuppies.
Problem is I want a rear wheel drive car and don't see much in the way of alternatives.

 
Man, you've sure been dealing with the wrong BMW dealer. Now on my third BMW, the service is comparable to my service experience with Lexus, having previously owned six of them. Maybe I've been lucky but I actually had my Lexi' in more frequently for problems.
 
BTW, I'm getting 27.3 mpg in mixed city/highway driving which for the performance level I'm enjoying with my '08 535, is fantastic. In contrast, with my '06 M35, I achieved only 20-21 mpg at best. Yes, the Nav. ergonomics were better than iDrive, but iDrive is improving with each generation and I have no issue with it.
 
If you don't want to try a different make car (than a BMW), at least find a good (BMW) dealer to enhance your experience.
#2915 of 3016
Re: BMW, Lexus GS, other points [carnaught] by socal59
Mar 29, 2008 (8:15 am)
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Replying to: carnaught (Mar 29, 2008 8:07 am)

Wow.... I'm on my 3rd BMW with my lease ending on my X5. I've never had any problems with dealers here in the southern California area. As far as reliability is concerned I can't complain, not any problems at all. My X5 has been literally 100 perfect for the 3 years, not a single problem plus the dealer in Orange County has been more than excellent in service and YES THEY DO provide loaner cars, BMW's.
#2916 of 3016
Possibly BMW again by asteinberg
Mar 29, 2008 (6:55 pm)
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Thanks for your comments. Nice to hear of your good experiences.
But I know I'm not alone with my problem experiences -- I have friends and a cousin who have had some hassles, especially with the dealership in my area.
I'm actually considering 535i, because it resolved some key 530i problems (somewhat better NAV w/integrated live traffic; memory buttons for radio and AM-FM-satellite band-switching; voice recognition that actually works). Mileage worse than Lexus GS350 with more value, but lease terms not so great, and BMW has free maintenance (w/brakes!). Still prefer NAV and other user friendly items on Lexus, Infiniti and other alternatives I'm exploring.
As long as I can avoid my local dealer, Bob Smith BMW, I may give BMW another chance!
Questions--
(1) Given the slowness of the auto market, how close to invoice does 530i go?
(2) Does BMW offer financing deals, or just leasing deals?
(3) Other than premium, sports, comfort access, navigation, sirius satellite radio, does anyone reading this recommend any options ...especially if they are perosonally familiar with them? If I go beyond the above, I must special order:
(4) Are head-up display and night vision use mere toys or useful? (Seems odd that night vision visible only in NAV system.)
(5) Is rear door side impact airbag safe, or a threat to kids?
(6) power rear &manual side sunshades worth the money to keep the kids happy?
(7) any other options truly worthwhile and worth the money?
(8) Last time, I did 24 mo, cheaper per mo than 36. Now, 36 slightly higher. I still think 24 mo, to save buying 4 costly fun-flat tires.
(8a) FINALLY -- does anyone know what the Money Factor will be for 535i for APRIL for 12000, 24mo, 36 mo, and, possibly for 15000. If I go BMW, I could buy/lease Mon/3-31 or wait until Tues/4-1, if MF different.
(8b) IF I special order, due to other items, I'd use March MF or June MF, whichever is lower. My guess is June MF would be lower. Thoughts?
#2917 of 3016
Re: My First BMW-Did I do OK? [myfirstbmw] by dja212
Apr 01, 2008 (11:25 am)
Reply

Replying to: myfirstbmw (Mar 28, 2008 7:26 am)

$750 a month for 36 months?
#2918 of 3016
Re: Possibly BMW again [asteinberg] by spainhour66
Apr 01, 2008 (2:36 pm)
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Replying to: asteinberg (Mar 29, 2008 6:55 pm)

Not sure why you haven't at least mentioned Mercedes-Benz as one of your choices. It wouldnt hurt to saunter over to the MB dealership and check out the new E 550. Chrysler is gone. MB dealerships are the equal if not superior to Lexus lots in terms of service (and service).
 
If you're having to talk yourself into the Bimmer, you may as well look at MB (and Audi for that matter). If you are taking your time as you say you are -- why not give the other Germans a serious consideration?
 
Good luck!
#2919 of 3016
Re: Possibly BMW again [spainhour66] by asteinberg
Apr 01, 2008 (6:49 pm)
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Replying to: spainhour66 (Apr 01, 2008 2:36 pm)

Thanks for your suggestions.
I ended up with the 535i for performance, a marginal improvement in the NAV, which I don't use that often; 6 preset memory buttons which help resolve the stupid Idriveaccess for different audio bands and stations.
I had a Mercedes briefly between the old Infiniti Q45 and anAudi A6.
I wasn't that impressed.
I test drove an Audi and it seemed under-powered, unless I went to a V8.
#2920 of 3016
528Xi lease deals? by 1985mb
Apr 02, 2008 (9:55 am)
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In NY/CT, relatively new to leasing so still reading up on things like reducing the MF with MSDs, etc.
  
Curious what lease deals you guys have got recently on 528Xi's and how to decide/evaluate 'how good' the deal is.
  
I know the Boston papers have the following:
  
* 328i Convertible: $368/month with $3,800 down
* 528Xi: $378/month with $3,800 down
  
Though the ad said "nicely equipped" I called to find out they are base models with stick shift (stick is fine, btw). They also said the various fees would run to around $1,100-$1,500
  
*All leases 24 months, 10,000 miles per year with $3,800 down as cap cost reduction, plus all start up fees and taxes including 1st payment, security deposit, bank fee, documentation and registration fees. Some in stock vehicles may contain additional equipment at additional cost. Quantities are limited. Geographic restrictions apply. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. Prices subject to change in accordance with BMW factory programs. See dealer for details.

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