This Is An Update To A Previous Question

Follow Up Comment From Manish: I mistyped, it is a sedan with the winter pkg and premium pkg. Brand new would be a MSRP of $55225.

Queen of the Road: Hi Manish. Welcome to AutoBragBlog! For a 2008 BMW 535XI Sedan with 10,000 miles, prices range from $57,400 (being in above average condition) to $52,800 (being in average condition) and $48,200 (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 $52,500 to $62,000. If the car was sold via private party the price would be about 5%-10% higher than wholesale.

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.

Goodluck, Manish!

Question From Manish: Hello, What should I expect to pay for a loaner \’08 535xi with 10k miles with an MSRP of $55000.

Follow Up Comment:  A wagon.

Queen of the Road: Hi Manish. Welcome to AutoBragBlog! For a 2008 BMW 535XI with 10,000 miles, prices range from $56,300 (being in above average condition) to $52,800 (being in average condition) and $49,300 (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 $53,800 to $61,000. If the car was sold via private party the price would be about 5%-10% higher than wholesale.

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.

Goodluck, Manish!

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 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 Ami:  I want to buy a black 2008 BMW X5 3.0 SI.

How much should I pay for one with: 1)premium package; 2)technology package; 3) active ventilated seat package; 4) comfort access; 5) running boards; and 6) Ipod and USB adaptor? I would like to buy one before the .9% financing deal is over but I want to know what dealer may have it and at a good price. Thanks!!!

Queen of the Road:  Hi Ami. Welcome to our blog.

What I’ll list may not have all the options you listed, but in order to see the best deals, some of those option will not be included. The two deals below will give you an idea of the types of discounts offered by other dealerships. Both were rated Thumbs Up deals by AutoBrag. The average discount for this car is 6.97% off MSRP and the maximum discount is 13.10% off MSRP.

For a 2008 BMW X5 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $50,855.00
MSRP: $56,970.00
ePrice: $50,855.00
Savings: $6,115.00
% OFF MSRP: 10.73%

2nd Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $49,060.00
MSRP: $54,225.00
ePrice: $49,060.00
Savings: $5,165.00
% OFF MSRP: 9.53%

What are all these blue links for? The first blue link breaks down the numbers so that you don’t have to do any math or researching. You’ll see exactly how much money you’re saving if you pay the “Internet Price”. It also lists the National Average Discount, the National Maximum Discount and the National Average Price for each vehicle. We also provide our personal opinion to whether we think the deal is good or not.

If we approve the deal, we’ll show a thumbs up and “Bring Your Checkbook“.

If we think the deal is ok, we’ll show a thumb tilted sideways and “Fair Market“.

If we disapprove the deal, we’ll show a thumbs down and “Keep Shopping“.

The second blue link is the proof you’ll need when you step foot onto the dealership. Don’t leave home without it! It’s the page that shows the price which you’ll be asking for. It’s basically what you need to pull up on their computers if they don’t believe you found that price online form that dealer’s inventory.

So now what? Print out all the blue links above and take them to your local dealerships. But before you go, we highly recommend you call and make an appointment to see the Internet Fleet Manager because he/she should know exactly what you’re talking about. Avoid the floor salesmen, head straight to the Internet Sales Manager.

If they don’t believe your prices, ask to use one of their computers so they can see where these figures came from. It’ll be impossible for them to doubt you because you’re pulling up dealership’s website and checking their inventory. Remember, cars are a commodity so these prices apply everywhere in the U.S. If you want to research more new car prices, poke around on www.AutoBrag.com.

Is there any other cars you’d like me to look into? Keep us posted with how everything goes!

Question From Vince:  How much should I pay: 2008 Used CPO BMW 335xi Coupe
Loaded, Premium, Sports, Cold Weather packages with Auto, Paddles, rear sunshade, Parking Distance, Nav, Comfort Access

Queen of the Road: Hi Vince. Welcome to AutoBragBlog! We can definitely look up BMW wholesale prices for you. What’s the mileage of that car?

Question From Josh:  I want to buy a 2008 BMW 328i, white, auto transmission and ipod adapter. My dealer was able to locate one.. The problem is currently there is a .9% rate and a credit for auto transmission (free auto trans) and it ends on Sept 2. The dealer won’t be able to get the car until Sept 6th. Of course I want the dealer to honor the credit but not sure I can get him to.

Queen of the Road: Hi Josh. We have a few 325i deals.

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

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price:  $40,960.00
MSRP: $44,025.00
ePrice: $40,960.00
Savings: $3,065.00
% OFF MSRP: 6.96%
AutoBrag rated this deal a Thumbs Up.

2nd Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $37,700.00
MSRP: $40,300.00
ePrice: $37,700.00
Savings: $2,600.00
% OFF MSRP: 6.45%
Another Thumbs Up deal.

The Lowest Internet Price: $31,565.00
MSRP: $33,175.00
ePrice: $31,565.00
Savings: $1,610.00
% OFF MSRP: 4.85%
This deal isn’t a keeper.

What are all these blue links for? The first blue link breaks down the numbers so that you don’t have to do any math or researching. You’ll see exactly how much money you’re saving if you pay the “Internet Price”. It also lists the National Average Discount, the National Maximum Discount and the National Average Price for each vehicle. We also provide our personal opinion to whether we think the deal is good or not.

If we approve the deal, we’ll show a thumbs up and “Bring Your Checkbook“.

If we think the deal is ok, we’ll show a thumb tilted sideways and “Fair Market“.

If we disapprove the deal, we’ll show a thumbs down and “Keep Shopping“.

The second blue link is the proof you’ll need when you step foot onto the dealership. Don’t leave home without it! It’s the page that shows the price which you’ll be asking for. It’s basically what you need to pull up on their computers if they don’t believe you found that price online form that dealer’s inventory.

So now what? Print out all the blue links above and take them to your local dealerships. But before you go, we highly recommend you call and make an appointment to see the Internet Fleet Manager because he/she should know exactly what you’re talking about. Avoid the floor salesmen, head straight to the Internet Sales Manager.

If they don’t believe your prices, ask to use one of their computers so they can see where these figures came from. It’ll be impossible for them to doubt you because you’re pulling up dealership’s website and checking their inventory. Remember, cars are a commodity so these prices apply everywhere in the U.S. If you want to research more new car prices, poke around on www.AutoBrag.com.

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 From Bob: How much should I pay for:

2008 335xi 4dr Sedan
Premium Pkg
Cold Weather Pkg
Sport Pkg
Navigation System
Automatic Transmission w/ paddle shifters
Metallic Paint
HD Radio
Comfort Access

MSRP: $49,900
Invoice: $45,860
Tax: 2%? (Delaware)
Zip: 19801

When I ask for a discount, 2 competing dealers say the same thing: “Our markup off invoice is 6%, we’ll give you 3% back.” Is this a good deal? Also note based on the numbers above the markup seems to be 8%.

Queen of the Road: Hi Bob. Apologies. We are currently working very hard with BMW dealerships to obtain 335i prices for our system. We should have some 335i deals in the near future. In the meantime, are you considering only te 335i because we do have 328i deals available.

You should contact different dealerships again, but this time ask only to speak with the “Internet Fleet Manager” or “Internet Sales Manager”. Give it a shot and let me know what they tell you.

Question:

2008 BMW 335i Coupe
Sports Package
Comfort Access

MSRP: $44625
Invoice: $41085
Tax: 8.375%
Zip Code: 11355

I’ve been looking around and looks like the best deal that I got was Invoice + $1200, and this was if I became a AAA member. Do you have information on this particular car/trim and do you think I can use your data/evidence to show to dealers so that they can try to match it? Do you have any advice or additional info to provide? Thanks.

MuscleCarGuy: It is difficult to say when you are getting a good deal on BMW, especially in one that just came out with a new body style. This new 3-Series Coupe is so nice that any discount you can get is a good discount. Always try to contact the online department for each dealer you check. They usually give you a better discount. I have only one price for this specific trim, and the price you have is better than the one I am giving you. Good Luck!!!

For a 2008 BMW 3 Series 335i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6A),

The lowest Internet Price: $49,875.00
MSRP: $50,375.00
ePrice: $49,875.00
Savings: $500.00
% OFF MSRP: 0.99 %