Speedy Auto > Auto FAQ > Cars > BMW

BMW: 2003 745 Li, window regulators, depriciation


Question
Thanks, Dan!  I am going to buy the `03; however, it`s a dealer here in Nashville and the car is owned by a friend of his family, a CEO of a big company.  The price is equal or lower than most of the similar vehicles I found on line or in Nashville.  Do you think $44,500 is reasonable and, can I live with the less than wonderful service from the BMW dealer in Nashville because I purchased privately...thanks! Randy
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
I am thinking about buying a 2003 with 38,000 miles for my wife to drive as well as for trips.  Are these reliable automobiles and is it smarter to buy a used one that has already largely depreciated?

Answer -
Randy,
Please buy the car, but buy a 04' if your budget permits. You will find the I-Drive to be much more user friendly. Next, definately buy used. People who buy new cars aren't the smartest, or they just have money to waste. Either way I don't have money to waste so let someone else eat the depriciation and have all the new car bugs worked out then you take the car from them. Now that we have that agreed, buy a CPO from a BMW dealer. You will get 100,000 mile warranty that covers the whole drivetrain, most of the electrical system, and a bit of body stuff like window regulators. There is no price haggling with extended warranty companies because CPO claims are all handled at the tech's and service advisor's discretion. Just beware you will have to be patient with service. About every 2-3 months
there will be some emission or safety update that will need the car to be programmed. That means 10-60 fiberoptic modules need to be programmed and screw what all of the snap-on brick car x mechanics say, this takes anywhere from 1-5 hours a car. Luckily this will be covered by the warranty and if you bought the car at the servicing dealer they will give you at least a 3 or 5 series loaner car to drive while yours is in service. Otherwise they are great cars and since my wife figured out how to change the radio station she loves her 04' 745 sport.  Have fun test driving.

Answer
Randy,
Glad to hear you found one you like. Before you commit to anything get with a service advisor at your local dealer and check the existing warranty to see what is left. Also they can give you a rough idea of what services and repairs have been done to this car already. As for the price I am in service so I don't really have a clue. Being an employee of a dealer I have different off lease or trade assist programs that allow me to get a car signifigantly below market so I never really look at market prices. The dealer in Nashville is roadshow right? If it is they are nice to deal with. I have a couple of friends there in service. Just get off to a good relationship and remember that this car is not their responsibility as they did not sell it to you. If you have a problem with it don't assume that they will jump through hoops to help you because they are BMW. They are not BMW, a guy just like you or me owns that building and if there is something warranty won't cover that guy has little to say about it. Your best bet is let them know you are patient and willing to spend money with them for out of warranty maintnence and in exchange you will find polite service people who will help you when they can. Enjoy the new car.