Doc Fee in NJ?

[Fuenfer]

I went to close a deal on a 335i today, and was told that the dealership (in northern NJ) charged a $249.00 documentation fee. This seems a bit high to me -- is this what I should expect to pay in NJ? I don't remember the doc fee being more than a $100 the last couple of times I bought a car. Not that it really matters at the end of the day -- just curious. Thanks.

[2002 tii]

In my recent experience ordering my '08, I found NJ dealer doc fees varied from $149 -249, while NY dealers are limited by law to $45. When the toatal price was factored in, however, I went with a NJ dealer.

FWIW, while helping my daughter replace her Audi, I contacted the CT dealer where I had previously been a customer. While their price for the car was very competitive, the high doc fee was not. So I asked the sales rep what that fee covered, and one of the responses, was "our service loaner car program". Since we now lived in NYC, and used a local dealer for service, I was able to negotiate the doc fee down to $45 by agreeing to waive the dealer service loaner.

[Fuenfer]

Well, I like the CA I was talking to, who seemed to really know his stuff. He was almost apologetic about the fee, but said that there was no way he could waive it. He offered to sell a 335i at $800 over ED invoice, so the only option for him would be to drop the sales price down another $249, which would leave little for him.

I like this guy, and there's a good chance I'm going to go ahead and sign with him tomorrow, but having said that, something about $249 added as a "documentation" fee smacks me of a Toyota or Honda dealership tactic, and not one I'd expect to see at a BMW dealership. Then again, I am doing ED and I'm going to figure that there will be plenty of paperwork involved ... perhaps they do deserve the $249.

[caswcu]

since this is a NJ thread. what are the costs to register for 4 years, plates and title ?

[shabbaman]

Well, I like the CA I was talking to, who seemed to really know his stuff. He was almost apologetic about the fee, but said that there was no way he could waive it. He offered to sell a 335i at $800 over ED invoice, so the only option for him would be to drop the sales price down another $249, which would leave little for him.

I like this guy, and there's a good chance I'm going to go ahead and sign with him tomorrow, but having said that, something about $249 added as a "documentation" fee smacks me of a Toyota or Honda dealership tactic, and not one I'd expect to see at a BMW dealership. Then again, I am doing ED and I'm going to figure that there will be plenty of paperwork involved ... perhaps they do deserve the $249.

Sounds like Park Ave BMW. I think they have that fee. Are you buying or leasing?

I don't think you'll find any BMW dealers in NJ that carry a low Doc fee. You can call around to other dealers but I think they will be in the same ball park.

In NJ you also pay $1.50 tax per tire, $6.00 or $7.50, depending on whether or not you have a spare and the new one is a 0.4% luxury tax if your negotiated price is above $45000. This is an all or nothing tax.

It sounds like you're getting a fantastic deal on the car, good luck.

[Fuenfer]

since this is a NJ thread. what are the costs to register for 4 years, plates and title ?

My dealer estimated $366 for the four year registration. That's not what I'm talking about here, though, it's that infernal $249 documentation fee for the dealership, not for the state.

[Kamdog]

Well, I like the CA I was talking to, who seemed to really know his stuff. He was almost apologetic about the fee, but said that there was no way he could waive it. He offered to sell a 335i at $800 over ED invoice, so the only option for him would be to drop the sales price down another $249, which would leave little for him.

I like this guy, and there's a good chance I'm going to go ahead and sign with him tomorrow, but having said that, something about $249 added as a "documentation" fee smacks me of a Toyota or Honda dealership tactic, and not one I'd expect to see at a BMW dealership. Then again, I am doing ED and I'm going to figure that there will be plenty of paperwork involved ... perhaps they do deserve the $249.

It's Jersey, don't worry. Worry if they start charging a 'cement shoe' fee.

[Fuenfer]

It's Jersey, don't worry. Worry if they start charging a 'cement shoe' fee.

Good point -- I thought they already charged that fee in New York, which is why I'm sticking to my side of the river. :rofl:

[caswcu]

My dealer estimated $366 for the four year registration. That's not what I'm talking about here, though, it's that infernal $249 documentation fee for the dealership, not for the state.

i know I just was checking what the fee was

[chrisusnret]

Ha.....you oughta see the doc fee here in Florida - it can be as high as $599.00!!!! That DOES NOT include registration fees.

Anyone remember the old days of $25-40 doc fees?

[mclaren]

Ha.....you oughta see the doc fee here in Florida - it can be as high as $599.00!!!! That DOES NOT include registration fees.

Anyone remember the old days of $25-40 doc fees?

I have leased several BMWs in Florida and never paid any doc fee. ;)