BMW ownership??
- Thread starter Kleanride
- Start date
Is it expensive? I guess that depends on a few things.
First, New? or Used? For a new BMW, maintenance is next to nothing...new Bimmers offer full maintenance (FM) for 4 years or 50,000 miles over and above the warranty. I have not encountered anything this does not cover.
Used offers a CPO certified pre-owned plan that covers most major stuff. The unused portion of the full maintenance is also transferable to a new owner. I don't have first hand experience with pre-owned yet. I only keep my vehicles 1-3 years, usually only about two years. But I have heard good things.
Those two things (FM and CPO) mitigate your financial exposure. That said, once the car is out of full maintenance, expect to pay a *bit* more, but not a huge amount more, for routine stuff such as brakes, mufflers. I like my dealer's service department and under full maintenance have no reason to go elsewhere. But other owners find third party garages, often specialiing in BMW, MB, and Audi, that are considerably cheaper than dealers.
What model are you thinking of buying?
First, New? or Used? For a new BMW, maintenance is next to nothing...new Bimmers offer full maintenance (FM) for 4 years or 50,000 miles over and above the warranty. I have not encountered anything this does not cover.
Used offers a CPO certified pre-owned plan that covers most major stuff. The unused portion of the full maintenance is also transferable to a new owner. I don't have first hand experience with pre-owned yet. I only keep my vehicles 1-3 years, usually only about two years. But I have heard good things.
Those two things (FM and CPO) mitigate your financial exposure. That said, once the car is out of full maintenance, expect to pay a *bit* more, but not a huge amount more, for routine stuff such as brakes, mufflers. I like my dealer's service department and under full maintenance have no reason to go elsewhere. But other owners find third party garages, often specialiing in BMW, MB, and Audi, that are considerably cheaper than dealers.
What model are you thinking of buying?
Dale,
I owned a new BMW 330 CI. Ordered it new. I owned the car less than 6 months. I wasn't overly impressed with the car and much less so with my local dealership.
As LowTech pointed out, all scheduled maintenance for the first years is included in the purchase price. My problem was that the maintenance schedule had unacceptably long intervals between oil changes, etc. I ended up paying to have normal oil & filters changes done more often. And yes, it was more expensive than the cost at domestic or asian auto dealers. For specifics, call your local BMW dealers and ask for hourly mechanic rates along with 24,000 or 36,000 mile maintenance costs.
Before you buy a BMW I would strongly recommend you join BMW Car Club of America. The membership fee is nominal and you will receive their monthly publication of "Roundel". It is a great publication and you will find dozens and dozens of letters from BMW owner's, both praising and condeming the cars, and dealers. I'm not sure if you can purchase past issues, but if available, I'd recommend you buy three or four of the most recent issues and then read cover to cover.
Just my opinion.
Bill
I owned a new BMW 330 CI. Ordered it new. I owned the car less than 6 months. I wasn't overly impressed with the car and much less so with my local dealership.
As LowTech pointed out, all scheduled maintenance for the first years is included in the purchase price. My problem was that the maintenance schedule had unacceptably long intervals between oil changes, etc. I ended up paying to have normal oil & filters changes done more often. And yes, it was more expensive than the cost at domestic or asian auto dealers. For specifics, call your local BMW dealers and ask for hourly mechanic rates along with 24,000 or 36,000 mile maintenance costs.
Before you buy a BMW I would strongly recommend you join BMW Car Club of America. The membership fee is nominal and you will receive their monthly publication of "Roundel". It is a great publication and you will find dozens and dozens of letters from BMW owner's, both praising and condeming the cars, and dealers. I'm not sure if you can purchase past issues, but if available, I'd recommend you buy three or four of the most recent issues and then read cover to cover.
Just my opinion.
Bill
I have had two BMW's to date.
I was so impressed with the handling of the first I bought a newer one for more hp.
More expensive? Compared to what?
The BMW has a larger oil capacity so oil and filters are more expensive due to volume. I did know the numbers but I can't recall right now. Also, newer ones are synthetic so that also adds to the cost once off the maintenance warrenty.
Brakes pads are larger due to performance so they can be more expensive as well.
Parts are obviously imported mainly from Germany so that can add as well.
All in the cost aren't excessive but what one would expect from owning a high performance vehicle.
I haven't had ANY problems with the car at all and I love it.
It is hard to put a dollar factor on the fun of driving it.
Biggest thrill is taking what is typically a tedious daily commute and turning into something I actually look farward to now.
Good luck!:xyxthumbs
I was so impressed with the handling of the first I bought a newer one for more hp.
More expensive? Compared to what?
The BMW has a larger oil capacity so oil and filters are more expensive due to volume. I did know the numbers but I can't recall right now. Also, newer ones are synthetic so that also adds to the cost once off the maintenance warrenty.
Brakes pads are larger due to performance so they can be more expensive as well.
Parts are obviously imported mainly from Germany so that can add as well.
All in the cost aren't excessive but what one would expect from owning a high performance vehicle.
I haven't had ANY problems with the car at all and I love it.
It is hard to put a dollar factor on the fun of driving it.
Biggest thrill is taking what is typically a tedious daily commute and turning into something I actually look farward to now.
Good luck!:xyxthumbs
I own a 98 M3 which has very low miles on and I'm very pleased with the car. The handling, poise,comfort are wonderfull. The car has been very reliable so far changing only the necessary fluids etc. If you are looking at dealer service I'm afraid that you are going to have to pay for it. The solution is like I do take it to a good BMW mechanic for service and do some DIY maintenance. For example changing the oil on my bimmer is an easy job even for a ten year old kid...
My friend has a 98 (i think) 328i Coupe...
They bought it used two years ago and just this past weekend during the first snow storm, it broke down. I've yet to ask her what the problem was, but it was something big. (Not a dead bat...) I'll ask and get back to you.
You should join some Bimmer forums, they have everything you need there.
If you are worried about reliability. You should really consder a Lexus. A GS400 can be compared to the 5 Series. The Lexus is far more reliable than a Bimmer. I speak from JD Reports and from my own experience. (They just released a new report saying Lexus was on top again.) I'm sure if you test drive a GS, it will feel like new and you will love it.
They bought it used two years ago and just this past weekend during the first snow storm, it broke down. I've yet to ask her what the problem was, but it was something big. (Not a dead bat...) I'll ask and get back to you.
You should join some Bimmer forums, they have everything you need there.
If you are worried about reliability. You should really consder a Lexus. A GS400 can be compared to the 5 Series. The Lexus is far more reliable than a Bimmer. I speak from JD Reports and from my own experience. (They just released a new report saying Lexus was on top again.) I'm sure if you test drive a GS, it will feel like new and you will love it.
jcattarulla
New member
DALE-
I own a 325ci. I bought it CPO (cert pre-owned from Open Road BMW in Edison, NJ, who is the #1 BMW CPO dealer in North America).
I got mine with 4k miles on it, 4 months old. Cost me about $4,000 less than brand new. With the CPO warrantee, it's better than a new car: I am completely covered for 7 years or 100,000 miles. Original warrantee is 4 yrs, 50k.
And all SCHEDULED maintenance is covered: all oil changes, tire rotation, tune ups at 15k, 30k, 50k. For another $300 I can get all service covered for another 2 years.
So to me, no, it's less expensive to own than any car I've ever had. And my insurance is lower too because of all the safety features. Talk to your agent to see how that can save you money, too.
My recommendation: buy a CPO from an authorized BMW dealer. Look for one that's less than 1 yr. old with low miles. Go for it- I tend to think BMW offers the best value on the road.
Good Luck!
John
I own a 325ci. I bought it CPO (cert pre-owned from Open Road BMW in Edison, NJ, who is the #1 BMW CPO dealer in North America).
I got mine with 4k miles on it, 4 months old. Cost me about $4,000 less than brand new. With the CPO warrantee, it's better than a new car: I am completely covered for 7 years or 100,000 miles. Original warrantee is 4 yrs, 50k.
And all SCHEDULED maintenance is covered: all oil changes, tire rotation, tune ups at 15k, 30k, 50k. For another $300 I can get all service covered for another 2 years.
So to me, no, it's less expensive to own than any car I've ever had. And my insurance is lower too because of all the safety features. Talk to your agent to see how that can save you money, too.
My recommendation: buy a CPO from an authorized BMW dealer. Look for one that's less than 1 yr. old with low miles. Go for it- I tend to think BMW offers the best value on the road.
Good Luck!
John
DETAILKING
New member
2001 Steel Grey 325i
I have full maintainance for 3 yrs 36K miles. Basically this covers about 2-3 oil changes since BMW scheduled intervals are 12-15K miles. I have stuck to these intervals and so far so good. They use synthetic oil and quality filters so its lifetime is much longer than conventional oils. If you wanted to pay for an oil change on your own in between these long intervals, I think my dealership charges around 50-60 bucks.
Parts are expensive and Labor is even more expensive compared to american counterparts. BMW's are known to be reliable but still suffer from basic repairs like power window failures,etc,etc. These can add up quickly and be very expensive to repair. Brakes are expensive as well since they also change the rotors along with the pads on a typical brake job.
If you are buying new....go for it....with the included mainainance and long warranty it wont cost you much if anything out of pocket for a few years at least. If you are buying used, I would get a certifed car from a dealer. If you get one from a private sale that is out of warranty, it could potentially cost you a lot of bread....
Hope this helps.......
DK
<img src=http://www.fototime.com/13CD77BF4138434/standard.jpg>[/url]>
I have full maintainance for 3 yrs 36K miles. Basically this covers about 2-3 oil changes since BMW scheduled intervals are 12-15K miles. I have stuck to these intervals and so far so good. They use synthetic oil and quality filters so its lifetime is much longer than conventional oils. If you wanted to pay for an oil change on your own in between these long intervals, I think my dealership charges around 50-60 bucks.
Parts are expensive and Labor is even more expensive compared to american counterparts. BMW's are known to be reliable but still suffer from basic repairs like power window failures,etc,etc. These can add up quickly and be very expensive to repair. Brakes are expensive as well since they also change the rotors along with the pads on a typical brake job.
If you are buying new....go for it....with the included mainainance and long warranty it wont cost you much if anything out of pocket for a few years at least. If you are buying used, I would get a certifed car from a dealer. If you get one from a private sale that is out of warranty, it could potentially cost you a lot of bread....
Hope this helps.......
DK
<img src=http://www.fototime.com/13CD77BF4138434/standard.jpg>[/url]>
Thats kinda what I have been thinking lately now too. I have been around Toyotas my whole life and I know that they are all about reliablity. Bimmers are just so friggin' sporty tho. Who knows...I am trying to not think to seriously about it until spring (mostly to see what the economy is going to do---I am a recruiter, and if companies aren't hiring, I am not eating....!)
jcattarulla
New member
DALE:
I wanted a BMW all my life. But when it came time to buy a new car, I bought a Grand Cherokee, thinking it'd be more practical bcs of it's size, etc.
Every time I saw a BMW, I sighed. I made the wrong choice. So I traded the Grand Cherokee in for the BMW, and I've been happy as a clam ever since. I think a BMW is a helluva practival car.
Consumer Reports:
-3 Series: the "nearly ideal blend of sportiness, comfort, luxury, and safety."
-5 Series: "the highest rated car we have EVER tested"
Bottom line: If you buy a BMW, you will never regret it.
John
I wanted a BMW all my life. But when it came time to buy a new car, I bought a Grand Cherokee, thinking it'd be more practical bcs of it's size, etc.
Every time I saw a BMW, I sighed. I made the wrong choice. So I traded the Grand Cherokee in for the BMW, and I've been happy as a clam ever since. I think a BMW is a helluva practival car.
Consumer Reports:
-3 Series: the "nearly ideal blend of sportiness, comfort, luxury, and safety."
-5 Series: "the highest rated car we have EVER tested"
Bottom line: If you buy a BMW, you will never regret it.
John
What type of car are you looking for? BMWs are great if you want the ultimate driving machine. Lexuses are great if you want a reliable driving appliance. The problem is that nowadays, you can get more affordable vehicles (than Lexus) that serve the same purpose of a reliable driving appliance. Try a Toyota Corolla or a Hyundai Elantra... they shouldn't give you any problems.
All I can say is that my 528i has over 60,000 miles, and there have been no mechanical problems. Yes, it requires maintainance (more so than maybe a Toyota, Honda, or Lexus); the brake pads wear out, the tires wear out, the oil needs to be changed, but nothing mechanical has "officially" broken yet. No water pump failures, no oxygen sensor problems, no slipping clutch sensations...
The cup holders do break, and there are occasional rattles and creaks. But my point is, reliability shouldn't ever be a concern preventing you from owning (and enjoying) a Bimmer.
All I can say is that my 528i has over 60,000 miles, and there have been no mechanical problems. Yes, it requires maintainance (more so than maybe a Toyota, Honda, or Lexus); the brake pads wear out, the tires wear out, the oil needs to be changed, but nothing mechanical has "officially" broken yet. No water pump failures, no oxygen sensor problems, no slipping clutch sensations...
The cup holders do break, and there are occasional rattles and creaks. But my point is, reliability shouldn't ever be a concern preventing you from owning (and enjoying) a Bimmer.
I've been thinking of getting a BMW, too. I've been searching the net for information and today I just dropped $35 to join the national BMW car club. I hope the information available from the other members will help me pick a model or maybe pass on a BMW. You might give that some thought.
Also, the suggestion to get a "CPO" model is very interesting. The dealer here in Sacramento has quite a few of those cars. I was not interested in a used car, but it might be the best deal. :up
I'm in no hurry, so I will probably take a year to make a decision, but I'll sure have fun making it. :bounce
Also, the suggestion to get a "CPO" model is very interesting. The dealer here in Sacramento has quite a few of those cars. I was not interested in a used car, but it might be the best deal. :up
I'm in no hurry, so I will probably take a year to make a decision, but I'll sure have fun making it. :bounce
Having owned over 50 vehicles in my lifetime, some things that I have found to be very important;
1. Buy what you really want. You will regret getting anything else. Every time you look at the car you wanted, you will regret the car you bought.
2. Buy the equipment you want. Don't leave off anything you really want for accessories to save a few bucks. More regrets.
3. Buy the color you want.
If the car is not just what you want now, how do you think you will feel about it when you have had it a year or two?
You will look at your green ????, with cloth interior and think, "Boy that is a nice car, sure wish it was a Silver BMW with leather".
Since adopting that policy, I have yet to purchase a car that I wasn't happy with for however long I kept it.
Charles
And I don't own either a BMW or a Lexus
1. Buy what you really want. You will regret getting anything else. Every time you look at the car you wanted, you will regret the car you bought.
2. Buy the equipment you want. Don't leave off anything you really want for accessories to save a few bucks. More regrets.
3. Buy the color you want.
If the car is not just what you want now, how do you think you will feel about it when you have had it a year or two?
You will look at your green ????, with cloth interior and think, "Boy that is a nice car, sure wish it was a Silver BMW with leather".
Since adopting that policy, I have yet to purchase a car that I wasn't happy with for however long I kept it.
Charles
And I don't own either a BMW or a Lexus
I purchased my 1999 BMW 740iL July of 2001 with 28K miles. It was a certified pre-owned vehicle. It has been the most enjoyable car I have ever owned! I would suggest that you get an extended warranty when you buy any expensive car, (that is most cars today), that covers you for repairs for as long as you plan to own it.
That said, I would do it again if I was looking for another car!
Cheers,
My BMW Site
That said, I would do it again if I was looking for another car!
Cheers,
My BMW Site
It looks like you're looking for an E34 5 series. If it was me, I'd look for a '91 to '93 535i with a 5 speed. Start seriously looking now because finding a good one will take some time, but they do exist. I met a guy in Nashville that picked up a '91 535i 5 speed with around 40k miles back in 2000. He bought it locally from an airline pilot. I've seen the car and it was better than new. I think he paid around $16k for it but it was worth it. I'm not saying these kinds of cars can be found everywhere, but they do exist. The 3.5 liter 6 is bullet proof and should last 300k miles without any problems. Be careful with the early V8s, 530s & 540s, there were serious problems with the cylinder liners in these engines because of the sulfur content in the gasoline sold in the US. BMW offered to replace these engines and most cars were repaired, but there are some out there that fell through the cracks. Check out the E34 Forum on Roadfly.org, these guys will be very helpful.
In case you might be interested in a really nice wagon here's a 528iT owned by the same guy that bought the '91 535i.
Hello there.
I just picked up my 2003 325i that I had on order. This is my first BMW and I honestly didn't buy it for the name but for the safety and design features. This car is amazing. I didn't need the extra HP of the 330i and the 325i is plenty for me. Words can't describe my experience. It is amazing!
Brad
I just picked up my 2003 325i that I had on order. This is my first BMW and I honestly didn't buy it for the name but for the safety and design features. This car is amazing. I didn't need the extra HP of the 330i and the 325i is plenty for me. Words can't describe my experience. It is amazing!
Brad
jimmybuffit
That'll buff right out!
I guess the concept of "buyer's remorse" isn't relevant here.
Nothin' like a new car!!!!
Enjoy!
Jim
Nothin' like a new car!!!!
Enjoy!
Jim
Guys - I responded to Dale's question earlier, but after reviewing my response, I realized I didn't share an important observation.
After many years and numerous BMW's, I would say that if you're going to buy a BMW, get it for the fun and entertainment value.
But think twice if expense or reliability are paramount. If the BMW (new or used) is your sole means of transportation and/or represents 100% of your automobile budget, then you may be better off with something more affordable and reliable.
I remember years ago agonizing over the purchase of a $2,000 used car. A BMW at that time would not have been a good match for me. Believe me when I say that fun/entertainment did not remotely enter the picture. Reliability and affordability were the sole criteria. But for the grace of God, may find myself in that position in the future.
This is not to say that I have had any expensive issues with my BMW's. I have not. But, I know I will have to spend a hefty buck if a moderately important (un-covered) repair arises. So I take the view that the cost of the BMW's come primarily from the entertainment budget. (Perhaps that is just me rationalizing and justifying!
)That said, if you have a second vehicle to rely on (and an unplanned expense won't break your heart or wallet), then I know of no other marque that is as fun to drive.