[HiFi]

Hi Guys

After an extensive look at everything that i am interested in, i have settled on a 328 or 335 M-Sport, but heavily leaning toward 328. I dont think the 335 is that much better to justify the extra $$$.

Anyways, I was hoping some existing owners could share some tips on how to get the best possible price for my purchase, as reading through the price threads, there seems to be a big disparity in what people have paid.

This is the spec i am going for:
- 328i M-Sport
- Sunroof
- Heated Front Seats

Connected Drive? Is it worth it - can i get it later?

Any tips and recommendations on dealers to talk to would be appreciated - i dont mind buying country wide even though im in Melbourne.

Cheers
Harry

[feng]

Hi.

A few comments:

- Is Adaptive suspension standard now? I know M-Sport Suspension is standard, but I wasn't sure whether adaptive was.
- if Innovations is standard, comfort access comes with that. (it did for my MY14).

That's it Hope the other queries you have can be cleared up.

[Sephanite]

Well I guess everything I paid extra for is now standard. Add heads up display. Connected drive was not an option when I got my car but I would have gotten it if it was available. Something I regret once or twice a month is active cruise contol but can live without it

[HiFi]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Yes its very hard to tell whats standard now or not - there is nothing clear in terms of MY changes with the 3 series - even BMW reps are telling me there are up to 4 changes in spec WITHIN an MY year. So far from what ive lerned, the RRP is up $1000 but now includes (on the 328 specifically) xenons, DAB, innovations pack EXCLUDING PARKING ASSISTANT, M Adaptive suspension.

HUD is now standard too.
Thanks for clarifying comfort access Feng.

[Aapparition90]

My innovations has parking assistant :S .It sure is confusing nowdays anyway if i was you i would get real time traffic update option ( does not cost much ) , one of the connected drive options and harmon kardon audio but the last one is purely subjective. Happy hunting!

[KT_F31_EBII]

I spent extra money on lighting system for my MY13.5 F31 328i, back in 2013, nothing is standard :-( I opt for adaptive lighting with xenon and auto high beam.

It's useful for lots of highway driving and though sometimes people think i high beam them all the time from the front car point of view but i have tested as a front car while my friend drove my F31, don't blind me at all. the high beam basically splits and only shine on the gutter sides. front seat heating is useful as always in winter. H&K system is ok but not spectacular.

add bluetooth streaming (extended telephony) if not standard.

[feng]

I'm pretty sure EBT is standard. It was in my MY14.

My innovations also had HUD and Park Assist. Can't live without HUD anymore, and Park Assist is handy in tight spots. Use it occasionally.

I had:
- 328 M-Sport
- Xenon
- Pano Roof
- Innovations - Adds Lane departure, collision control, blind spot, top down camera, HUD, Comfort Access, self park... blah blah... not sure what was standard already.

On my spec, I would add:
- Adaptive Suspension
- Adaptive Lighting
- RTTI (but I'll probably code it, along with Apps (and Office etc which for some reason wasn't on mine))

For me, Standard stuff which was an option before:
- Pro Nav incl Connected Drive Combox
- EBT.

[ontheway]

Originally Posted by bigblueit

EXCLUDING PARKING ASSISTANT, M Adaptive suspension.
.

Parking assistant - nice but once you have surround view, parking is dead set easy.

The comment about the adaptive lights is correct - I missed that - error!

Active cruise control gives you autonomous braking both whilst in cruise mode and also in traffic. Without it, you only get a warning but no braking.

RTTI is very good as well. The other connected drive things don't really make much difference - have used the google maps send to car feature a few times. Never have used the concierge.

EDIT: The bigger brakes also look good if you can get them.

[feng]

Originally Posted by ontheway

Without it, you only get a warning but no braking.

from what i read, it does brake. Just badly

I definitely know it primes the brakes and attempts to intervene. I sometimes get it with parked cars on the corner.

[Chuckbuster]

Hi there, my car is pretty much what you want except for the HEated seats and DAB.
You should also read the very length F30 AU Pricing thread which has tonnes of tips.
I got a 2014 demo with innovations package, which in turn seemed to also have lighting and comfort. I therefore got all of the options included.

4 months later I can tell you I never use the HUD except when using navigation (when it's great). Usual driving however, I find digital speedo annoying.
I've used parking assist a couple of times only, but (as said above) the surround view is awesome and you can't go wrong when using that.
Also, may be standard now, but make sure you get EBT. I thought mine had it, but it didn't so ended up having to code it in.

Oh, and the most important thing is you're getting the right colour

[ontheway]

Originally Posted by feng

from what i read, it does brake. Just badly

I definitely know it primes the brakes and attempts to intervene. I sometimes get it with parked cars on the corner.

With Emergency: I find it pretty good. Of course, you can see further than the radar... I don't get it with parked cars at all - but this may be the difference between the KAFAS2 Camera and the addition of the radar... The whole point is that it is a driver aid.

What is more impressive is that when it does trigger - you are very much still in control - as written (?) the BMW system will not bring you to a complete halt (except cruise+stop/go).

I think this is a no brainer - all cars should have it and will in the next few years. Many cars have a version with just the camera now days.

With Active Cruise: Drove across the harbour bridge and anzac bridge tonight - touched the throttle/brake twice including 3 lane changes. Most relaxing. (Though there is a human supervising automation issue here)

[dcg71]

Personally I'd be waiting for the LCI if I was in the market for a new 3 series. It sounds like production will begin in June??? I'd also expect some better deals for the current pre-facelift model nearer the release date and closer to the EOFY.

[HiFi]

Originally Posted by dcg71

Personally I'd be waiting for the LCI if I was in the market for a new 3 series. It sounds like production will begin in June??? I'd also expect some better deals for the current pre-facelift model nearer the release date and closer to the EOFY.

Thanks for all the feedback guys - some good guidance there.

Yes i think waiting a few more months till end of FY might be the best option. What ive established is that on a new car, low 70's is the current achievable price with the options i am looking at.

On a demo with the same or similar options, low 60's.

[HiFi]

Also, what i have learned regarding the LCI below:

- 328i will go to a 330i (335i to a 340i)
- 5kw increase with the B motor (Torque remains same)
- more interior leather options across all "lines" rather than the current restrictive approach
- Option for LED headlights (xenons will prob go standard)
- revised LED Tailight design
- very mild revised bumpers but not guaranteed for all lines, for example, MSport is unlikely to change

[MikeVictor]

Originally Posted by bigblueit

Also, what i have learned regarding the LCI below:

- 328i will go to a 330i (335i to a 340i)
- 5kw increase with the B motor (Torque remains same)
- more interior leather options across all "lines" rather than the current restrictive approach
- Option for LED headlights (xenons will prob go standard)
- revised LED Tailight design
- very mild revised bumpers but not guaranteed for all lines, for example, MSport is unlikely to change

Not until next year for the new engine and power bump for the 28i/30i AFAIK.

[texter]

Do you think you would get a better deal if you buy now vs waiting for the LCI?
How much?

[MikeVictor]

Originally Posted by texter

Do you think you would get a better deal if you buy now vs waiting for the LCI?
How much?

Who cares. Wait for the LCI and by the time it's here you might as well wait a couple more years for the G series 3....

[HiFi]

Originally Posted by texter

Do you think you would get a better deal if you buy now vs waiting for the LCI?
How much?

Definately - there will be little dealer rebates when the LCI comes out for the first while, and while supply is tight there will be no need for BMW to move them.

There is also expected to be a price increase along with the model jump to 330 so who knows how much but thats a factor too.

At the end of the day, there is always something new round the corner these days, as the previous poster said, if i wait for the LCI, then im 1 year closer to the new Gxx model in 2019 so you cant really win.

I think im going to go ahead now, knowing ive secured an 18% discount off RRP.

[texter]

Yeah, I'm thinking along the same lines as you - re not waiting.

I wasn't going to be that game to ask for 18% off RRP, how much negotiation did it take to get there?

[HiFi]

Originally Posted by texter

Yeah, I'm thinking along the same lines as you - re not waiting.

I wasn't going to be that game to ask for 18% off RRP, how much negotiation did it take to get there?

Im not quite there yet but i am thereabouts - it hasnt taken too much - i have just cited other examples of sales and I have a good connection within BMW as well, which is helping.

Just go in firm and upfront no BS, this is what im after, and this is what i want to pay. If they cant do it be patient they may come back to you, and in the meantime try another dealer.
If i bought off the first dealer i spoke with (my local) i would have paid a "discounted" price of $82k...

I think reps hate their time being wasted as much as we as buyers do so I have found this to be effective in previous big ticket purchases.

[motlking]

Anyone have a copy of the most current RRP options price list they can upload?

[texter]

Originally Posted by motlking

Anyone have a copy of the most current RRP options price list they can upload?

Redbook has a list/$ of options, not sure if they are up to date though..