buying our first 3 series

[keymac991]

wife and i just test drove a 325i and really was impressed with it. also considering a saab, and audi. my question is any thoughts on the 2001 325i compared to similar models and since weve only bought domestic cars in the past what kind of deal can we expect if any. thanks

[bmwworld]

Depending on the dealer and the inventory, don't expect much in the way of wheeling and dealing. Typically, a BMW dealer's biggest competition is for product. Try buying an M3 or an X5--in most markets you can't find these vehicles.

The new 2002 models will be available soon, so you might find some bargains on 2001 models. But again, I wouldn't expect much, and nothing like what you'll find on closeout American models.

Audi and Saab make great products, but I am partial to BMW's for a number of reasons. Just surf the BMW World website and you'll see why!

[gang$tarr]

Could choice, it's a really refined car..... It's a really good price compared to competitors.... and IMO it's much better than saab and audi

[F20C]

Nah it's not a good price if you compare similar equiped cars. A fully loaded 325i is about the price of a fully loaded minus wood trim IS300. The catch here is 325i isn't as powerful as IS300. Audi would probaly be a better choice. The new Audi A4 3.0L CVT equiped car looks wonderful. CVT has better gas mileage and performance than previous automatic/tiptronic applications. It's just as powerful as a IS300.

[gang$tarr]

I don't like Audi now, the new ones share too much... they all look the same and the bmw has alot more experience with the entry level cars (3-series) so IMO it's a much better choice

MSRP for the 325i is: $26,990
MSRP for the IS-300 is: $30,805

that's a $4 thousand difference.... it would be closer comparing the IS to the 330i

but it all comes down to the buyer, it's just my opinion that I'd take the bmw, maybe since i own one i'm a little biased

[F20C]

Originally posted by gang$tarr

MSRP for the 325i is: $26,990
MSRP for the IS-300 is: $30,805

Do you know what MSRP means for BMW? It means a basic car without all the luxury equipement.

This is what's call a comparable equiped comparision.

IS300 5 Speed MSRP $29,435

Destination Charge $545

Leather/Escaine Trim Interior with Piping Package $3,575

- Power Adjustable Driver and Passenger Seats
- Home Link System
- Heated Front Seats
- Limited Slip Differential (Lsd)
- Rear Spoiler
- Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof with Sunshade and Pinch

Total MSRP $33,555

3.0L inline 6 (Supra block) producing 215hp and 218lb-ft torque.

325i 5 Speed MSRP $26,990

Destination Charge $645

Sports package $1,400

- Leather and high-gloss interior trim $1,450
- Power glass moonroof $1,050
- Power front seats with driver memory $945
- Heated front seats $500
- Xenon low-beam headlights $500
- Harman Kardon premium sound system $675

Total MSRP $34,155

2.5L inline 6 producing 184hp and 175lb-ft torque.

If you want 330i comparble equiped it will run you $39,810.

That will give you 3.0L inline 6 225hp and 214 lb-ft torque.

[gang$tarr]

all my prices are courtesy of excite.com

and the 330i comes with more standard featurs, does it not? so you don't have to spend $7000 on options.

[F20C]

Well that's why I said you didn't look at the whole picture. All my price are curtesy of BMW and Lexus. I only pick options that will match a 330i with a IS300. The options itself cost $5,175 not $7,000. I didn't even pick a metallic color either. So I save BMW another $500 dollar.

Yes 330i does come with more items. The Harmon kardon sound system is standard. But the main upgrade is in the engine.

2001 330i sedan $33,990
Destination Charge $645
Black Leather and Aluminum-finish trim $1,450
Sport Package $1,200
Xenon low-beam headlights $ 500
Fold-down rear seats $ 475
Power glass moonroof $ 1,050
Heated front seats $ 500

Total MSRP $39,810

[F20C]

gang$tarr I am suprise you didn't know BMW's famous options. Afterall you did spend a lot of money loading up your 328ci.

[gang$tarr]

i didn't buy it, my dad did, it was a surprise to me..... on my birthday he's just like go into the garage and get my briefcase from the car, i was like aright..... then when i open the door to go into the garage beside his car a see a new 328ci that said happy birthday on it... i was like HOLY SHIT!!!

but it has beige leather, not leatherette, harmon-kardon, sunroof, heated seats, power seats and xenon lights.... i think those are all options, it's pretty much fully loaded

[F20C]

That sounds pretty loaded up to me as well. The price I quoted had leather as well. Anyways BMW did everyone a good job when the up the displacement from 2.8 to 3.0L without increasing the MSRP on the coupe.

[328isRob]

It is quite simple, actually you shouldn't even compare the IS300 in the selection. I'm not saying that because I don't care for the Lexus and that it doesn't perform quite as well as the BMW, close but not quite there. The main reason for not looking at the Lexus is because this the Lexus' first entry into this market, this is the first year of the IS300, and along with the first model of ANYTHING, not just cars, there will be problems that won't be completely refined until the end of the 2nd year or 3rd year.

In my opinion I would pass over the 325 as well, it appears that you are looking for someting more than the base model of BMW and want a little more muscle under the hood, go for the 330. It may cost a little more but your overall enjoyment of the car over time will outweigh the cost. If you get the 325 you will be happy with it for a while but you will see those 330's driving around and always with you had gotten one instead.

[gang$tarr]

Originally posted by F20C
That sounds pretty loaded up to me as well. The price I quoted had leather as well. Anyways BMW did everyone a good job when the up the displacement from 2.8 to 3.0L without increasing the MSRP on the coupe.

they didn't change the MSRP?!?! well i guess i got ripped off

[F20C]

Yes IS300 had just been introduce last year but it had been introduce 2 years earlier as Toyota Altezza. I am sure Lexus work out some flaws in that car before importing to American market. IS300 walks over 325 no matter what way you look at it. Even though it is priced competitively.

[lipertz]

Hi,
Well, I've just ordered my second BMW 3 series. A 2002 325i. I currently have a 1999 323i. I also looked at the Saab and the Audi. Incidently, my fiance drives a 2000 Saab 93. Love the Saab and the Audi. Both super cars. I have to be honest though, I would never be happy NOT driving a BMW. There is no comparison in my mind. Especially in the body style. Nothing looks as beautiful to me. As far as deals go, you will most likely pay considerably less for the Sabb. The Audi will probably be close the the BMW payment.

You may be able to get about $1000.00 off a 2001 at this point. I considered the 2001, however learned that the body was being updated on the 2002 and chose that option instead.

Hope this helps! Good luck.