I’m interested in getting an i3 REX, and when I looked a year or so ago I saw people were getting crazy deals. Are people still getting good sub-$300 deals on these cars for 17MY? When are specials strong for BMW FS?
Thanks everyone.
Oh, I’m in Texas, in case that makes a difference.
For the past 2 years- it seems the best deals happen during the winter event. But you never know- this year is an awkward year considering the upcoming release of the Tesla Model 3. I personally know a good lot of people who are patient/ holding off on getting a car until the Model 3. Given that- and perhaps a release of a newer 2018 BMW i3 by the end of the year- inventories could potentially pile up and dealers could be pressured on the anticipated Model 3.
Thanks for the reply, this is good info. Do you know of any specials that may be coming up in the next 4-6 months? Perhaps I should just check what the BMW FS specials are at the beginning of each month.
I generally shop for cars during month end. Most dealership have monthly or quarterly goals they want to hit.
I’m wondering the same thing, Alex. I’m in Southern CA and want to take advantage of the federal tax credit and CA rebate for electric vehicles. Can someone confirm if this calculator is still accurate? https://leasehackr.com/blog/2015/11/8/californians-lease-a-bmw-i3-for-about-100month-0-down-yes-really?rq=i3
Residuals have changed (become more realistic) since then. In addition, that post was before the 94Mah betteries were made available.
I think more importantly, are people still getting 13% off MSRP on these for '17? It looks like an invoice + $0 deal ends up being about 8% off MSRP.
I don’t think 13% off is very feasible in the near future. I was lucky to one w 11.5% off from a socal dealer at end of Jan. while other dealers were only willing to go as low as 9% off. But the numbers probably will get better towards to the summer with Model 3 hitting the market and Bolt grows its popularity. Plus, the 2018 i3 will likely get a face lift so I would still expect some good deals coming in Jul./Aug.
Yeah that makes sense that residuals have normalized. Do you know if the federal lease credit ($7500) and CVRP ($2500) still work the same? If so, are they subtracted from the sale price of the car to calculate gross cap cost or adjusted cap cost?
For a lease, the federal credit will go to the lease finance company, and generally they will pass the credit down to you (the lessee) through a rebate. The CVRP is outside the transaction of a lease and is applied for after you’ve leased the car.
Thanks for explaining, @hurijo!
I agree with @Alex. In order to get a great deal, you have to wait for an event to occur (new model release, competition, too much inventory, and etc) that sparks heavy discounts, rebates, low MF, and high RV).
You can also shop at certain times where the dealer will take a loser deal to make bonus numbers. I got my 2017 Rex on the last day of the year (12/31/16). Dealer was willing to take a loser deal for $132 month incl tax with a net of $0 driveoff after MSD and CA EV rebate refunds. This was for a 36/10K lease thru BMWFS.
Back when they were blowing out the '16 i3, BMW was offering Emp deals for $59 a month on the i3. Regular retail customers were getting them for a little over a $100. That was a great deal because of too much inventory and the pending release of the 2017 model with the increased battery capacity.
My advise… start shopping mid December 2017 and sign the deal on 12/31/17. That’s if you can wait.
@hurijo On the subject of federal credit for the i3, do you know if this credit is taxable? If so, can the customer choose to pay the tax upfront?
Hi all. I have good news to add to this thread.I just signed a lease on a '17 BMW i3 in SoCal for $231/month. The dealership is BMW of Ontario (60 miles east of Los Angeles). They are giving deep discounts on i3’s to meet quotas. Details below. Feel free to ask for Mike Scholz and tell him Lisa referred you!
Vehicle: '17 BMW i3 RE, White exterior, Giga trim, light eucalyptus interior, moonroof, parking assist.
MSRP: $52,245.00
Selling price: $45,000.00 (13.87% off MSRP!!!)
Cap Reductions: $7,500.00 Fed Tax Rebate + $2,500.00 Down (CA CVRP rebate) + $1,500.00 AARP discount (Age is not a requirement for AARP membership).
Residual Value: 58%
MSD 7: $1,750.00
MF after MSD 7: .00091
Lease: 36 mon, 10k/yr
Tax: LA county 8.75%
Due at signing: $6,000.00 (paid on credit card)
Base payment: $212.58/mo
Total monthly payment: $231.18/mo
Isn’t the AARP discount on i3 $1500?
Yes it is! Thanks for catching that typo!