Just a quick note to introduce myself to the forum...I've always been enthralled with BMW's, but always talked myself out of them due to financial or potential reliability issues. Last week, I experienced a co-workers 2002 M5 & believe that I am now hooked on them for life. I like the looks of the new 3 series, but find them a bit too $$ & would like something with a bit more room (I currently drive a Subaru WRX). Additionally, I'm a big guy & would like something with a bit more headroom & legroom. Consequently, I'm thinking that a used 530 or 540 might be a bit more apropos for someone my size. My primary concern is that I am not terribly skilled when it comes to maintaining cars...I drive them & take them to the dealerships (when service is needed) & that is about it. Is this something I need to be concerned with? Thank you in advance, Rick
Yet Another Newbie
- Thread starter RickH
- Start date
Welcome!
My 1st 2 Bimmers were neither a CPO or bought right from the owner. One of them was below 50,000 mile, when I got her. I brought them back to the closest BMW dealers, they were able to check and inspect the entire car for me. 2 out of 3 dealers have been able to send snail mail and remind me of time for oil change, inspections, maintainance coupons, & recalls, even I didn't buy my 325i & 318ti there or extensive waranty. Before I knew this website, I had the oil change done somewhere & went to the dealer just have the computer reset free of charge. So ask your 02' M3 friend, if his dealership has snail mails to remind him of services.
My 1st 2 Bimmers were neither a CPO or bought right from the owner. One of them was below 50,000 mile, when I got her. I brought them back to the closest BMW dealers, they were able to check and inspect the entire car for me. 2 out of 3 dealers have been able to send snail mail and remind me of time for oil change, inspections, maintainance coupons, & recalls, even I didn't buy my 325i & 318ti there or extensive waranty. Before I knew this website, I had the oil change done somewhere & went to the dealer just have the computer reset free of charge. So ask your 02' M3 friend, if his dealership has snail mails to remind him of services.
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Independent BMW repair shops are cheaper than dealers. Depending on the dealer, the independents might have more skill in workign on your car than the dealer's people. Around here, there are tons of BMW dealers and some of them hire absolute morons who know basically nothing about BMWs. I'd only trust them to change my oil and air filter and check on my tire pressure. That's about it.