Honest car question

[Mecca]

Considering buying a used BMW, I've driven several and love how they feel and all the features they have. I've read the motors are suppose to last a really long time.

Was just curious if anyone here has any long term experience and if the things I've read about them easily making it over 300k miles are the truth.

[scho63]

I wanted to buy a used BMW until I tried to get it. The roof too low, the seats are too tight, and I hit my head every time on the door frame. I'm well under six feet and unless you are a skinny Eurotrash guy or have a swimmers build, those cars aint for you.

[Miles]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Be very careful with a German out of warranty.

The motors can last awhile, yes, but they're also built towards performance which means higher precision, lower tolerances and an increased chance of something small going wrong. And when something small goes wrong, it's a big problem in a German.

They're expensive as hell to have worked on and they can just be finnicky. Again - think of them as thoroughbreds. When they're running, they're fantastic. But it doesn't take a hell of a lot to convince them not to run that day.

I'd almost always steer clear of extended warranties but if you're looking at one that you can get another couple of years added to it for a reasonable cost, I'd do it. There's a reason so many people lease those cars AND there are so many available right at/after their warranty periods. The folks that have owned several of them are understandably wary of their records after the warranty expires.

Worse still, they just made their no-cost warranty worse; from 4/50k to 3/36. Why? Because they were losing their ass on basic maintenance costs because again, it's just expensive to own one of those damn things.

Just be very very prepared to deal with the cost of ownership. You're right - there's just about nothing more enjoyable to drive on the road. I LOVED the X5 I tooled around in for a bit and every time I end up in a rental sedan or something it's a dream. I've just never convinced myself to own one because I've known too many people that have. At worst, I'd find a year old model with plenty of warranty left that's already taken the 'new car' depreciation hit.

This covers it well but think the no cost warranty is still 4/50 with the maintenance plan the one being reduced.

Cost of ownership may not be all that bad but something you have to certainly be prepared for. This includes whether a large repair bill of say $2k will have any greater impact other than pissing you off.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by Miles

I have about 54k on my 2012 M3 and haven't encountered either of those issues. I got the feeling the rod bearings were not as common as the message boards made it seem but has been over 3 years since I last checked in on the issue.

I think it had a lot to do with how you drive (i.e. not letting the oil warm up before hitting the high RPMs).

Oh well, that particular car is gone. Maybe I'll spurge for a newer one that still has warranty left in a few years.

[El Jefe]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

And a three day beard you don't plan to shave?

I'd say you're doing alright

Classic song

[MIAdragon]

Originally Posted by Mecca

Considering buying a used BMW, I've driven several and love how they feel and all the features they have. I've read the motors are suppose to last a really long time.

Was just curious if anyone here has any long term experience and if the things I've read about them easily making it over 300k miles are the truth.

300K on a BMW?

[BryanBusby]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

My wife is back wanting a larger car again, which frightens me. She's got access to an Acura crossover right now that her elderly dad owns, and he's likely not going to be a driver in the future. She's making noises about selling the BMW and just taking over the Acura. It's a very nice vehicle, but man oh man, I haven't owned a back seat in 20 years on my main driver.

I got rid of my Acura TL about a year ago for a family vehicle.

I've kicked the idea of getting another Acura in a few years, but I can't say I like much of what Acura is doing anymore.

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

300K on a BMW?

Very possible.

As for the OP, only invest in a older BMW if you're able to do repairs yourself. If you're paying for it to be done, be ready to have a money pit.