Question From Carl: I am looking at offering on a 2007 Leased BMW 530xi with Premium and Cold weather packages. This car has 10,414 miles on it and is from the New Jersey/Penn area. Should I worry about rust?

Follow Up Comment:  Hi, this is an automatic, sedan, from a bmw dealer in PA. I don’t know about rust. Should there be rust in a year and a half old car? The carfax shows a leased vehicle with one owner and clean otherwise. Dark blue with leather. This has the premium and cold weather packages. The pictures they sent indicate a pretty nice looking car with no damage.

Queen of the Road: Hi Carl! Welcome to AutoBragBlog!

For a 2007 BMW 530XI Sedan Auto with 10,400 miles, wholesale prices range from $35,400 (being in above average condition) to $32,100 (being in average condition) and $28,700 (being in below average condition).

Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $31.1k to $38.4k.

Make sure to check carfax and do plenty of research on the history of the vehicle. You can even bring a mechanic for a brief inspection. Glance through this article before you decide to pull the trigger on the car.

I see no reason why you should worry about rust. It’s pretty much oxidation that sparks rust. Salt and moisture speeds up the rust. When metal is not protected or not cleaned properly before primer and paint is applied, then salt and minerals corrode the metal. A car that’s barely 2 years old shouldn’t have a rust issue unless it was poorly cared for. Visually inspect the car for rust. It should be fine.

Here’s some Rust Preventive tips:
1) Fix chips in your paint before your car or truck has a chance to rust.
2) Keep the proper coolant ratio in your car. Using too much water in your radiator increases the chances of corrosion in your cooling system.
3) Follow a routine washing/cleaning plan. Keep the doors partly open after a wash. This will ensure draining out of water.
4) Choose mild, safe cleansers that do not harm the protective paint covering.
5) Treat your car with regular polish and wax. This will protect the paint.
6) When in humid areas or in areas where a lot of salt is present give your car frequent washes.

This Is An Update To A Previous Question

Question From Scott: Hi, A friend of mine is looking to sell his 10 month old bBMW 328i with premium and iPod package, blk/blk. It appears to be well cared for and has 9k miles on it. I’m trying to figure out what would a fair price for both of us. When calculating the price of a used car, do options such as premium/sport pkgs get priced in?

Follow Up Comment: It’s a 4 dr sedan and I’m trying to buy it from him (a friend). he purchased it in oct ‘07 so am not 100% sure if it’s the ‘07 or ‘08 model. could you quote me prices for both?

Queen of the Road: Hi Scott! Welcome to AutoBragBlog! You’ve come to the right place. We have BMW wholesale prices available for that car.

For a 2007 BMW 328i with 9,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $28,100 (being in above average condition) to $26,300 (being in average condition) and $24,500 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $26,900 to $30,800.

For a 2008 BMW 328i with 9,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $35,600 (being in above average condition) to $34,100 (being in average condition) and $32,700 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $35,800 to $38,900.

Let us know if you need help with anything else and don’t forget to tell your friends about our free service.

Question From Siak:  Year: 2007
Make: BMW
Model: 550i
Trim: standard pkg
Mileage: 15k-25k
VIN:
Buying or Selling? Buying
From Private Party or From A Dealership? Dealership

in NYC.
It’s auto.BMW is Automatic.

Thank you

Queen of the Road:  Let’s see what BMW wholesale prices we’ve got. I’ll give you two difference ranges to you’ll know the minimum and maximum to pay.

For a 2007 BMW 550i Sedan Automatic with 15,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $38,500 (being in above average condition) to $35,800 (being in average condition) and $33,200 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $36,100 to $41,900. Private sellers generally sell for 5% to 10% above wholesale prices.

For a 2007 BMW 550i Sedan Automatic with 25,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $36,800 (being in above average condition) to $34,100 (being in average condition) and $31,400 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $34,400 to $40,200.

Be sure to do a carfax and bring a trusted mechanic for a quick inspection. If you, or any of your friends, have any further questions, don’t hesitate to ask us anything. Goodluck and keep us posted!

Question From Amrut:  What should I be paying for a 2007 BMW 328i 4 dr 6 cyl automatic transmission sedan with 15000 miles, pre-owned pre-certified with premium package. The dealer is asking for $31000. Is it a fair price? What is a good starting point for negotiations?

Also, what is a good price to pay today for a new 2008 BMW 328i 4 dr 6 cyl automatic transmission sedan? Dealer is asking for $34K to $36k. Can I negotiate and what is a good starting point for that?

Also, what is the depreciation in BMW’s? Buying a new 2008 BMW as compared to buying a depreiciated 1 year old pre-owned pre-certified BMW: which one of these options gives me more value for money? I want to keep the car for not more than 5 to 6 years.

Please advise. Thank you!

Thanks in advance!

Queen of the Road: Hi Amrut. Let’s see what wholesale and discounted BMW prices we have for you today.

Well start with the 2007. $31,000 is about $1,000 too high from what is considered a high fair price. Take a look…

For a 2007 BMW 328i Sedan with 15,000 miles, BMW wholesale prices range from $27,300 (being in above average condition) to $25,600 (being in average condition) and $23,800 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $26,200 to $30,000.

I would try to talk them down to the range between $26.2k - $30k but it depends on the car’s condition. I do not consider $31,000 a good deal. Personally, there is no good point to start a negotiation because I’m a ruthless haggler. I would begin at $24k and try to compromise around $26k.

For a 2008 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP: $40,960.00
MSRP: $44,025.00
ePrice: $40,960.00
Savings: $3,065.00
% OFF MSRP: 6.96%

2nd Largest Percentage Off MSRP: $37,040.00
MSRP: $39,575.00
ePrice: $37,040.00
Savings: $2,535.00
% OFF MSRP: 6.41%

So as you can see, it all depends on the MSRP in order to determine whether $34k to $36k is considered decent.

Regarding depreciation, it’s a good thing you asked because Car Depreciation is one very important variable in the grand scheme of car buying. Many people, when car shopping, don’t regard their new car’s sale price years later.

As soon as any new car rolls off the dealership’s parking lot, it depreciates 20% - 30%. Sad, but true. Cars depreciate at different rates, depending on a variety of factors, including the model’s popularity. Cars tend to depreciate most rapidly in the first few years, generally making pre-owned vehicles a better value.  Cars depreciates only about 5% - 10% a year afterwards.  Therefore, if you buy a 1 year old car, someone else has paid for that steep depreciation.

I always recommend people to buy pre-owned. The 2007 is only 1 year old and priced at the mid-twenties. Can’t really go wrong with saving almost $10k.

Question From Amrut: I spoke to a dealer in Austin, TX and he has on sale a BMW certified 328i which was a loaner car previously. Its a 4 dr sedan. It was never owned by an individual. It has 17.5k miles on it and he is asking $31000 for it. It has a premium package, memory seats, Sirius ready, bluetooth etc. Is it a good idea to buy a loaner car? What are the pros and cons? Is it a good deal? What is the price I should really be paying?

Queen of the Road: Hi Amrut. We can find the wholesale price of that BMW. But we must treat this decision carefully, and not overlook anything if it seems to be a great deal. While a car that has almost always been visually taken care of, you are opting for some risk in terms of actual engine mechanics and the like.

For a 2007 BMW 328i sedan with 17,500 miles, prices range from $27,000 (being in above average condition) to $25,200 (being in average condition) and $23,300 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $25,700 to $29,700.

First of all, $31,000 is high of an asking price for a regular 2007 BMW 328i. $31,000 waaay too high of an asking price for a loaner car. You should not hesitate to ask for wholesale prices. While the idea of buying a rental car can sound somewhat strange, if we actually look at the facts, and weigh the pro’s and con’s of the decision, then we can find that a rental car may not be that bad of a choice, and can actually be a good deal if one approaches the situation with caution and intelligence.

Pros of Buying A Loaner Car: Their engines are maintained better probably than most privately owned cars since constant care and maintenance are undertaken during their use. Another attractive factor for purchasing a rental car is low pricing. (That’s why I think $31k is ridiculous.)

Cons if Buying A Loaner Car:  The car may have suffered abuse by the other drivers. Though BMW inspects the car upon its return to their lot for ensuring that there has been no damage, it is still reported at that point that it is largely cosmetic and while aesthetics are also important, what is inside really counts.

If the dealer meets your wholesale price, then make sure to get a CarFax report. The most important thing you can do is to take the rental car to your usual mechanic (one which has no ties with the rental company), and ask the mechanic to check out the car and look it over, making sure that there are no major problems with the vehicle and that everything is in good running condition.

Follow Up Comment:  Thanks a lot for providing a very detailed answer to my query. I appreciate it. A very useful answer for me to make a decision regarding this car.
Thank you!

Question: I appreciate this thread!

I’m looking for this:

2007 or 2008 BMW 335i Coupe
manual transmission
< 20,000 miles

Around Dallas, Texas (you can use 75075 as a zip in the area).

Thanks!

Queen of the Road: Hi there. I’ll give you the wholesale prices with the mileage of 20k so you know the maximum price. Also, it doesn’t matter where you reside. These wholesale prices are nationwide.

For a 2007 BMW 335i coupe with 20,000 miles, prices range from $35,700 (being in above average condition) to $33,500 (being in average condition) and $31,300 (being in below average condition). If you are buying from a dealer you should expect to pay +12%-14% more than wholesale. A dealership’s estimated retail prices could range from $34.2k to $38.3k.

For a 2008 BMW 335i coupe with 20,000 miles, prices range from $42,500 (being in above average condition) to $39,800 (being in average condition) and $37,200 (being in below average condition). If you are buying from a dealer you should expect to pay +12%-14% more than wholesale. A dealership’s estimated retail prices could range from $40.7k to $46.4k.

Let us know if you or any of your friends have any questions. Good Luck with your negotiation and let us know how everything turns out.

Question: Year: 2007
Make: BMW
Model: 335i Coupe
Miles: 10-25k
Trim: Prem Package, sport package, cold package, satellite radio, navigation
Buying or Selling? Buying

Looking for an updated pricing on this car - trying to get one for $30k. A boy can dream.

Thanks

Queen of the Road: Hi there! The wholesale prices listed below don’t mention if there is a navigation/premium package/etc. included. So hopefully the numbers below give you a rough idea of what to pay.

For a 2007 BMW 335i Coupe with 10,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $37,100 (being in above average condition) to $35,200 (being in average condition) and $33,300 (being in below average condition). If you are buying from a dealer you should expect to pay +12%-14% more than wholesale. A dealership’s estimated retail prices could range from $36.4k to $40.5k.

For a 2007 BMW 335i Coupe with 25,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $34,900 (being in above average condition) to $33,000 (being in average condition) and $31,100 (being in below average condition). If you are buying from a dealer you should expect to pay +12%-14% more than wholesale. A dealership’s estimated retail prices could range from $34.2k to $38.3k.

Hmm… $30k is quite a stretch. Wholesale prices aren’t even that low. Possibly the one with 25k miles, but that’s still a really tough bargain. You’ll have to shop for private sellers who are desperate for the $$$ because a dealer won’t go that low unless there’s something salvaged in store for you. Goodluck with that and let us know if you have any friends who need access to car prices.

Question From Douglas: Hi,

Thanks in advance. I am considering buying a…

Year: 07
Make: BMW 328xi 2dr coupe
Mileage: 20K
Options: Auto trans, Metallic paint, Premium Pkg, Sports Pkg, Heated Seats
Buying from a non-BMW dealership. (i.e. Not certified)

They are asking $35.9K. Was thinking of offering $33.5K.

Your advise would be most appreciated…

Queen of the Road: Hi there. Welcome to AutoBragBlog! Yikes! That dealer listing is beyond high priced.

For a 2007 BMW 328XI Coupe with 20,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $33,600 (being in above average condition) to $31,100 (being in average condition) and $28,600 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices.

If you are buying from a dealer you should expect to pay +12%-14% more than wholesale.  A dealership’s estimated retail prices could range from $31.4k to $36.9k. You’re offering price is a good one. Let us know if you or any of your friends have any questions. Good Luck with your negotiation and let us know how everything turns out.

Question From Bryan:  I am looking at a 2006 BMW 325i.  I am also looking for a slightly used but inexpensive 2007 BMW 335i. Sedan, less than 30,000 miles (used).  2007 335i - I want cheap, doesn’t matter else

Thanks!
Bryan

Queen of the Road: Hi, Bryan! I’ll give you two quotes per car in case you come across a car with similar miles. The first is based on 15,000 miles and the second based on 30,000 miles. Something important to remember before reviewing these prices… All the figures below are estimated prices that a dealer paid. So keep in mind that these numbers are wholesale prices.

For a 2006 BMW 325i with 15,000 miles, prices can range from $23,900 (being in above average condition) to $22,600 (being in average condition) and $21,300 (being below average condition).

For a 2006 BMW 325i with 30,000 miles, prices can range from $22,900 (being in above average condition) to $21,600 (being in average condition) and $20,300 (being below average condition).

For a 2007 BMW 335i with 15,000 miles, prices can range from $37,500 (being in above average condition) to $35,700 (being in average condition) and $34,000 (being below average condition).

For a 2007 BMW 335i with 30,000 miles, prices can range from $36,900 (being in above average condition) to $35,100 (being in average condition) and $33,400 (being below average condition).

A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale. Be sure to do plenty of research on the car. Let us know if you have any further question. Good Luck!

Question: I really appreciate your kind help, would you please help me one more with the BMW X.3.? how about a 2007 brand new? thanks!

MuscleCarGuy: I am here to help, so feel free to ask as many questions as you want.

For a 2007 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 5A),

The Lowest Internet Price: $39,600.00
MSRP: $39,600.00
ePrice: $37,845.00
Savings: $1,755.00
% OFF MSRP: 4.43 %

2nd Lowest Internet Price: $47,260.00
MSRP: $47,260.00
ePrice $45,240.00
Savings: $2,020.00
% OFF MSRP: 4.27 %