Thinkiing of buying a 2000 323Ci

codex57

codex57

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Big time sticker shock on repairs. The major mechanicals are fine, they're real solid if maintained (cept for the water pump and related parts on the E36 that I know of). It's the electronics that you gotta watch out for. Germans can't do electronics. Not as bad as old Jaguars, but think of them and that's the apprehension you oughta feel cuz if something is gonna fail on a BMW, it likely will be something electronic (power windows, etc.).

Honda's not perfect either. The TL/CL has a MAJOR problem with their auto transmission.
 
carcus

carcus

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codex57 said:
Big time sticker shock on repairs. The major mechanicals are fine, they're real solid if maintained (cept for the water pump and related parts on the E36 that I know of). It's the electronics that you gotta watch out for. Germans can't do electronics. Not as bad as old Jaguars, but think of them and that's the apprehension you oughta feel cuz if something is gonna fail on a BMW, it likely will be something electronic (power windows, etc.).

Honda's not perfect either. The TL/CL has a MAJOR problem with their auto transmission.
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I go with codex57 on this one, the electrical gizmos will kill ya for repairs. Engine is pretty good though. Manual trans will be better in the long run on upkeep....the A4 tends to be expensive to repair. I have a A4...just glad all is OK so far. Actually, the only thing that has been bad on my BMW is the radiator went bad....what is this plastic aluminum thing....cost reduction, the HVAC vent is broke, few lights on the inerior are blown, the one on the headlight switch and the trans lever.....tail light glitches....not even bringing up the convert top problems.....a few leaks, guess is normal for a car its age. Just lots of gadget problems....to me, if the OBC display dies out, time to replace the space with a stereo component. Just my 2 cents.
[;)]

The 3 series is a nice car.....go for the 330 though.[thumb]
 
jrt67ss350

jrt67ss350

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My 1987 325 has 260,000 miles. Still runs fabulously and hasn't given me any problems since I bought it. It's a simpler car than the one's you are looking at, but if BMWs are well-maintained, then they are good, reliable cars. If they are not well-maintained, they'll cost you a fortune.
 
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