BMW Questions (1994 325is) - Page 2

Dave N · 09-30-05, 07:49

After looking through the various bimmer for sale forums and autotrader, I'd really like to have one of these 10 year old 325/328's, but the maintenance factor just scares me off too much. It's amazing how good the interiors look on these cars though, for being 10 years old. The leather is so tight and crack/crease free on most of them, I just love it. Now check out the leather interior on a 4 year old Buick. It looks all creased and loose, like a 350 lb. man has been driving it (which may be the case...).

Oh well, I think I'll have to pass on the $6500 BMW and keep looking at the Regals and LeSabres.

awdirtdrifter · 09-30-05, 08:07

Like I asked in my previous post, do you mind wrenching a bit? Or do you just want worry-free driving in exchange for a little less performance/feel? You've really got to be honest with yourself about this. Otherwise, you'll pay. I used to drive just Hondas/Nissans and I just never had to think of anything. I got in the car, drive the heck out of it, go home, done. 275,000 miles later, more of the same. Now with the BMWs, it's like I'm always thinking (in the back of my head) about overheating, moneyshifting, rear subframe, etc. But I love the car, so it's worth it--barely. I may go Japanese again--who knows?

Dave N · 09-30-05, 08:40

I certainly don't mind a little wrenching. The last time I paid someone to change my oil was in 1996, when local shop overfilled my Nissan. I am happy doing other routine maintenance (plugs, tb cleaning, ATF, diff fluid, etc.), and have replaced water pumps, alternators, installed a supercharger and electric fan on my Tacoma. But on the other hand what I'm looking for in a car is a reliable daily driver for my 50 mile commute that I don't have to always be worrying about or tinkering with.

I kind of hate to buy an American car because that's what everyone else is driving. If I could find something a little different that is still reliable, that would be nice. If I could be sure that this $6500 BMW would go another 50K with general maintenance plus a minor repair or two, I would seriously consider it. But it sounds like that chance and maintenance commitment may be a bit more than I'm willing to take.

Picus · 09-30-05, 08:51

Nissan Altima, imo.

awdirtdrifter · 09-30-05, 08:52

Sorry, I just reread your original post that said you do your own maintenance. Sounds like you're pretty handy so this may not be a bad idea. Although i would go with a 5-speed--you'll really appreciate the car.

It certainly possible that the car will go another 50K or even 100k with just maintenance and minor repairs--it really depends on the how well it was maintained to this point. If you follow my list above, it will increase your chances of getting a good copy, as it addresses specific issues that e36 BMWs are known to encounter. You can find a lot more information from bimmerforums.com.