Questions, questions!

[Ravendog]

Maybe this should be posted in the newbie section, but what the heck. I am strongly considering getting a '06 330ci, and since I have never owned a BMW, I would appreciate any answers or insights into the following questions:

1. Lease or purchase? I will probably drive around 15K a year, so I'm not sure which is better. I also don't mind keeping cars a long time.

2. With the above in mind, how long do these cars stay reliable? 8 year, 120K?

3. Do BMW dealers negotiate the same as others? Things like buying with cash on the last day of the month; setting a price and then walking out if they don't match, etc.

4. Does anyone know how much the 4 yr maintenance deal is worth compared to other cars? It seems like this would be worth around $600 a year. Agree?

5. Are the 18" tires worth the extra $1,200+ per set? How many miles do you get out of them?

I really appreciate any input that you may have on any of this. Thanks!!!

 

[Jmead1]

Geez. I can't believe no one has responded to you. If you drive less than 15000 per year and do like to get new cars, lease is the way to go. I actually do an 18000 per year lease and keep for 3 years and come out way ahead of owning. But....if you keep for 5+, I would recommend a purchase. I am a bit of a car ho...so there you go. I have always kept my BMW's in good shape and sold 2 to friends and typically, IF you take good care of the (regular service, oil changes, general good maintenance) they should last well beyond 120,000K. I love the fact that if you lease, you are always under warrantly, but I have a lifetime commitment to BMW's and would never forsee a day that I would not have a car payment (would not pay one off, they can be expensive to fix if for any reason something major goes wrong after warrant..which is unlikely, but can always happen). I got a pretty good deal on a brand new 2006 that I custom ordered. I got them to come down $2600 on the the price. This might be unusual, but I am in sales, so I used some tactics. Most people say you can't get them to come down on a brand new year model...but I did. Y

 

[Jmead1]

Yes..the extra money for the 18" tires is totally worth it. The look is hard to beat.I had a 2003 330 with 17 inch wheels and the 1 extra inch make a HUGE difference and looks very sporty.

Hope this helps. You cannot go wrong with this car. I promise you!

 

[Kirby]

Somehow I missed this post the first time around, yeah, it's odd there were no responses.

I always believe that for private individuals, unless you NEED a NEW vehicle every 3 or 4 years, leases are a loss of equity. After 4 years you have nothing for your cash outlay, especially if you are going to keep the car. However, some people have done an analysis on this and claim that with BMW's high residual values, the lease amount is lower, and in the end you just about break even on a lease/buyout deal.

Bimmers last easily 8 yrs/120K and much more if maintained properly.

Some dealers deal, others refuse. Depends on competition. It seems like if you are in a big city area, they will deal.

 

[deutsch100]

Sorry for the late reply. We personally lease, because as most of you know.....cars come and go here Leasing a BMW (and most German) cars is usually a safe, and good idea. If you like a new car ever 2-4 years, and drive 15k or less a year...the leasing is the way to go. With BMW's residual value and very competitive lease rates, sometimes a lease payment and finance payment can be almost a 50% difference.

Right now (11/2005) the 2006 3 Series ci and cic are dirt cheap to lease. Our dealer said the BMW is drastically discounting them, and offering Amazing lease rates.

I personally think the E46 coupe and cabrios are one of the best looking cars on the road. They are time tested, and almost flawless. Can't go wrong with an E46...unless if you will be bothered when the new E90 2 doors come out. Now having the new E90, the E46 does look a little long in the tooth...but I still love the E46. Good Luck

 

[deutsch100]

Geez. I can't believe no one has responded to you. If you drive less than 15000 per year and do like to get new cars, lease is the way to go. I actually do an 18000 per year lease and keep for 3 years and come out way ahead of owning. But....if you keep for 5+, I would recommend a purchase. I am a bit of a car ho...so there you go. I have always kept my BMW's in good shape and sold 2 to friends and typically, IF you take good care of the (regular service, oil changes, general good maintenance) they should last well beyond 120,000K. I love the fact that if you lease, you are always under warrantly, but I have a lifetime commitment to BMW's and would never forsee a day that I would not have a car payment (would not pay one off, they can be expensive to fix if for any reason something major goes wrong after warrant..which is unlikely, but can always happen). I got a pretty good deal on a brand new 2006 that I custom ordered. I got them to come down $2600 on the the price. This might be unusual, but I am in sales, so I used some tactics. Most people say you can't get them to come down on a brand new year model...but I did. Y

I got them to discount the new E90 too. Buying and leasing cars is not a new thing for me I negotiated for almost 1.5 hours on my 330i, and got them to discount $2500, and pay for the Satellite radio!! It can be done!!

 

[jaime-330]

I got them to discount the new E90 too. Buying and leasing cars is not a new thing for me I negotiated for almost 1.5 hours on my 330i, and got them to discount $2500, and pay for the Satellite radio!! It can be done!!

Did I miss something here?? Where is the M3??

 

[deutsch100]

Did I miss something here?? Where is the M3??

Hey Jaime. Look under our The Showroom Forum, and read my Bittersweet, Auf Wiedersehen E46, Hallo E90 post

 

[Big Daddy]

Kirby I concur. I keep my cars for a long time and leasing would cost me a lot more than I am paying now. When I was using one for my busiess I leased it, exchanged it every four years and wrote it off on my taxes. Now I just buy!

 

[jaime-330]

Hey Jaime. Look under our The Showroom Forum, and read my Bittersweet, Auf Wiedersehen E46, Hallo E90 post

They funny part is that after seeing yours this long I could no longer be happy with my 2002 - 330I and since this is the last year of E-46 M3 and still the E-90 design does not grow on me, I ordered a carbon blk SMG and I should be getting it towards the end of december. Just a small Xsmas present for me and good bye to my 330i and my piggy-bag of course

 

[deutsch100]

They funny part is that after seeing yours this long I could no longer be happy with my 2002 - 330I and since this is the last year of E-46 M3 and still the E-90 design does not grow on me, I ordered a carbon blk SMG and I should be getting it towards the end of december. Just a small Xsmas present for me and good bye to my 330i and my piggy-bag of course

CONGRATS. You will love the M3. Once you get used to the SMG, it is a fine piece of technology. I never thought I would like the E90, but I do a lot. It drives so great, handles amazing and feels so tight and solid (especially the interior).

Carbon Black is a hot colour....have it on the K1200RS Motorrad!! Don't forget to post lots of pics of your new ///M3.