question from new buyer

[codymc12]

I'm giving serious consideration to stepping into the 'BMW world'. It's primarily an emotional decision, based on aesthetics and performance.

I do have reliability concerns. In less affluent days, I drove cars until they had to be towed away. The next step up from that was a car that was a bit more fun - but required a serious overhaul at 80,000 miles - which seemed okay to me.

That 80k in miles, btw, was put on in about 3 1/2 years.

I can deal with the occasional problem. What I can't deal with is the car just not driving. In my research, I've seen a post or two regarding something going wrong with the car and it just not driving, period. That's not an experience I've ever had in a car under 200,000 miles, or am interested in having, particulary with a 40,000 dollar purchase.

So it's clear - I understand this is not 'honda reliability', with first major service at 105k miles, etc, etc, etc. And I don't have a problem with that. Particularly with the 4 year/50k mile warranty.

But an overview of what to expect and plan for would be helpful. Is the car going to die on me? How is it going to be running after the 50k mark? I don't want to be in the shop once a month. Once every two to three months I could handle - is that a realistic expectation?

I'm looking at the 2006 325 or 330. I would be getting idrive - as I absolutely want the nav system.

As I said - it's an emotional decision - but I don't want to throw all reason to the winds.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Kirby]

From what I have observed, it seems as though there are few common "it just won't run" failures, but they receive alot of attention and stand out, perhaps more than they should. Most of those failures reported here seemed to be electrical/software related.

 

[codymc12]

Thanks. My guess was that this is the case (re: not running), and this being an anomaly.

Anyone have general feedback re: frequency in the shop and post 50k mileage expectations?

 

[Average Jae]

Hi Cody, welcome to the board.

picking out your next car is a really cool but somewhat stressful choice. as you are dropping hard earned cash, you want everything to be "perfect". you also have to consider the different brands offering different strengths and weaknesses, and cost so that's a choice to be had also.

i would say the chance of a new bimmer up and dying on you, or going down hill after 50k is highly unlikely, and i think such is just a "luck" of the draw. if it were to happen to you, it could be any brand.

one thing to consider when browsing different forums: no body starts a tread saying: "yay! my car's running great today!" or other fanboy things. people usually post about things that they have questions for or have issues with, so the opinions expressed on the forums, in regards to problems, maybe skewed.

good luck on the purchase. the look of the new e90 3ers are growing on me. but i'm sure there are also good deals to be had in the last generation 3. just let us know what you end up doing.

 

[Tom]

Welcome aboard, you will be very happy with your BMW purchase. I've owned my BMW for nearly 4 years and have never once experience any engine problems. Other than maintenance, I have only taken my car in for repairs 3 times since I've owned my car. All of which I was given a free loaner for my inconvenience.

 

[codymc12]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. Like I said, I don't mind a few quirks, and I'd plan to take very good care of the car.

Jae - regarding your point of good vs bad posts, sure, I understand that. I also think in general bmw drivers are going to be more apt to watch their cars like a hawk, simply because they'll tend to be enthusiasts. You also have the luxury car phenomenon. EG, things that a honda accord driver would never think twice about infuriate someone in the above 35k range.

Still thinking, and will do some test drives. Again, I appreciate the feedback.

 

[codex57]

Don't follow BMW's maintenance schedule. Do it more often. For example, BMW says to not change the oil until 15,000 miles or so. Unless you lease it and plan on returning it for sure, you do it every 5,000 -7,500 miles. Suff like that. You keep up proper maintenance, BMW's aren't known to die early. Neither are Mercedes even tho both suffer from reliability problems to their rep right now.

The reliability stuff tends to be electrical or other options. Not the powertrain. Mercedes had some weird problems with their electrical systems that actually did make the cars not run, but they were pretty rare. For BMW, the main quirks tend to be stuff like power windows or moonroofs going out.