Question: Hi

I’ve narrowed down to 2 cars:

Year: 2004
Make: Audi
Model: 2WD or 4WD, 1.8T or 3.0, Auto
Trim: convertible
Mileage: ~40,000
VIN:
Buying or Selling? Buying
From Private Party or From A Dealership? Dealership

I’ve seen prices ranging from $18K to $27K

Year: 2004
Make: BMW
Model: 2WD, Auto or Manual
Trim: convertible
Mileage: ~50,000
VIN:
Buying or Selling? Buying
From Private Party or From A Dealership? Dealership

Thanks very much for your time.

Queen of the Road: Hello there. For the Audi, what is model is it? A4, A6, A8, S4 or TT?
Same with the BMW, which model?

For the fastest response, leave your chosen models in the comment box and I’ll do my best to to get you an answer by the end of the day.

Dealers of imported luxury cars with big engine capacities are halting their sales and seeking higher prices before the passenger car tax rise is to finally start on Sept. 1.

Import price of cars with engine capacities of 3 to 4 liters would be increased by 13%, and 33% for those above 4 liters, as a result of the new tax, brought in to promote oil-friendly cars and reduce oil consumption.

Luxury car dealers of brands like BMW temporarily halted their sales until the tax comes into force. The tax rise would have the biggest impact on auto producers from the European Union (EU) and Japan as luxury cars mainly came from those two regions.

The front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash

BMW, the world’s largest premium car maker, is recalling approximately 150,000 of its vehicles in North America about a defect in an airbag activation system, and extended warranty coverage even on some vehicles not affected by the recall.

BMW models impacted by this recall include certain 2006 3-Series, 2004 through 2006 5-Series, and 2004 through 2006 X3 vehicles.  BMW said it would begin sending letters to its customers beginning late next month, in September.  In addition to the recall, BMW is extending warranty protection on some vehicles. The 2006 6-Series, 2006 3-Series with standard seat, 2004-2005 Z4, 2004-2006 7 Series, 2006 X5, and 2004-2006 5-Series with comfort seats will all now receive additional warranty coverage for ten years with no mileage limit.

BMW also said that affected owners could continue to drive their vehicles unless the airbag warning lamp and the passenger airbag “on-off” lamp illuminated at the same time. Should this occur, BMW suggests, “Customers not to use the front passenger seat and have the vehicle serviced immediately.”

Spread the word to your BMW-driving friends.

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.

With gasoline prices hitting record highs almost daily, you might be wondering if you can get away with filling up your expensive car with regular instead of the expensive premium gas your manufacturer recommends. The answer: Regular’s fine in most cases, but it’s best to check your owner’s manual.

There are three basic provisos for gasoline usage in owner’s manuals: when only regular gas is required, when premium is “recommended” and when premium gas is “required.” Only in the third instance will deviating from the manufacturer’s requirements potentially harm your car.

If premium gas is required, those cars are designed to run only on premium and could possibly be damaged if you use regular over a prolonged period. Cars that require premium gas are typically made by luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, VW and Audi, and some Acuras are also on that list.

Another effective way to save on gas is to drive like your grandmother. That means gentle acceleration, gradual braking and avoiding hard stops. Accelerating too quickly can mean you have to brake harder and that can waste gas.

Question: Hi,

First of all, thanks for your help with this.

Here are my inquiries:

2002 BMW 530I , 127,000 miles
2001 BMW 330CI, 89,000 miles

Thank you!

Queen of the Road: Hello there. Is the 530I an automatic or 5Spd? Is the 330CI a coupe or a convertible?

Question From Brian: Hello,

What do you think?

MuscleCarGuy: Hi Brian. Welcome to AutoBragBlog, where we do all the car price researching for you.

For a 2002 BMW 530i with 127,000 miles, prices range from $9,100 (being in above average condition) to $6,900 (being in average condition) and $4,600 (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 $5,000 to $10,400.

What is the condition of the car? The $10,000.00 that they are asking for the BMW would be a fair price if it was from a dealer and in perfect condition. If the car is in good condition you shouldn’t pay more then $9K for it. Make sure to check carfax and do plenty of research on the history of the vehicle. Ask for their maintenance records. You can even bring a mechanic for a brief inspection. Good luck and keep us posted on how the purchase goes! Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service.

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 Kynan: What is the going rate for a 2004 BMW 525i at an auction if it is in good condition? Is it worth the price?

MuscleCarGuy: Hi Kynan. Welcome back to AutoBragBlog, where we do all the car price researching for you.

For a 2004 BMW 525i with 50,000 miles (Average), prices range from $22,400 (being in above average condition) to $19,450 (being in average condition) and $16,600 (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 $18,600 to $25,500.

For 2009 the BMW 5-Series will be redesign, and with that the price for the older model will depreciate substantially. I would suggest you to buy the 2006 BMW 3-Series. It is about the same price for a newer car with less mileage and still under factory warranty. Good luck and keep us posted on how the purchase goes! Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service.

Question From Kynan:   What is the Cheapest price I can get on a Used 2006 BMW 325i at an auto auction in Fair condition with 40,000 mile?

MuscleCarGuy: Hi Kynan. Welcome to AutoBragBlog, where we do all the car price researching for you.

For a 2006 BMW 325i with 40,000 miles, prices range from $22,300 (being in above average condition) to $20,300 (being in average condition) and $18,200 (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 $20,300 to $25,400.

Do you have a friend with a dealer license to buy a car for you at the auction? That will probably save you some money.

Good luck and keep us posted on how the purchase goes! Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service.

Here’s the 2006 BMW 3-Series 4 door Sedan Crash Test & Rollover Results.