Experience With Used? Problems?

[William330]

Been thinking about getting a second BMW with about 50,000+ miles
as an alternative to a new Honda Accord (similar price range).

How do BMWs fare once they get a few years on them, lots of repair
issues?

I've also seen some some of the bigger models that are tempting, such
as a 1998 740i with 65,000 miles. Price was just over $20,000.

That's a nice ride, much nicer than an Accord.

Would a vehicle like this be a maintenance headache?

Any feedback on older beemers appreciated!

 

[Wadula]

just recently i bought a 01 325 with 30k miles. no problems and not expecting any. before this new bimmer, i had a 98 323. no propblems there either. sure, i set of brakes and the climate control unit...but that´s it.

i think that in general bimmers are quite reliable even in age.

but honestly, if you can afford a new car (though not a bimmer) i would go for the new one. it makes more sense moneywise i believe.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

BMW's are really reliable...they have lots less problems at higher miles than most other cars

 

[archang3l378]

got my 00' 328i w/ 1790 miles on it.. i'm at 45k and only major problem i've had was a fault with the pulse generator. Had to replace front rotors and brakes once. So far so good. During my next oil change, I'm replacing the air filters also.

 

[pandrel]

I bought a 2001 740i with only 11,000 miles on it (from the dealer.) I've had all regular maintenance, but just brought the car in for a state inspection and was told the car needs $6500 in repair work, with the most costly repairs having to do with multiple oil leaks. (also needs a new radiator) I've loved this car, but I've also loved my Honda accords and the engines on the honda never had any problems like this. (I've owned only Hondas and Volvos prior to this car, and never had any problems like this with Volvos either.) I wouldn't buy a used BMW without an extended warranty!

 

[William330]

I bought a 2001 740i with only 11,000 miles on it (from the dealer.) I've had all regular maintenance, but just brought the car in for a state inspection and was told the car needs $6500 in repair work, with the most costly repairs having to do with multiple oil leaks. (also needs a new radiator) I've loved this car, but I've also loved my Honda accords and the engines on the honda never had any problems like this. (I've owned only Hondas and Volvos prior to this car, and never had any problems like this with Volvos either.) I wouldn't buy a used BMW without an extended warranty!

Thanks for the update (we've actually bought a used BMW since this posting,
and so far so good...).

Did you get maintenance done at a dealer, or a shop? I wonder if the dealer
would have noticed those issues earlier, or perhaps it wouldn't have mattered.

$6K is a hefty repair bill.

If you don't mind, what exactly 'broke' that caused the leaks? Bad gaskets, or
did something break?

 

[pissedpuppy]

BMWs handle the mailes very well. not quite as good as Porsche, but very well indeed

 

[Big Daddy]

BMWs handle the mailes very well. not quite as good as Porsche, but very well indeed

Did you mean "miles"? Yes most do, however the V12 and the V8 can be quite bothersome if they need major repairs. MY 750 was leaking oil from the "upper pan" gasket, a $2,000.00 repair as they have to remove the engine. Not sure how oil leaks can add up to $6,500.00?

 

[Detrich]

i have close to 100k miles and have owned my 323i for almost 10 years. and, it's been very reliable. -BUT- ALL of this has been contingent on the fact that i do routine maintenance RELIGIOUSLY. if u skip on maintenance, BE PREPARED TO PAY DEARLY- EVEN MORE SO than any japanese car (honda accord or civic etc.) ppl say BMW = Bring My Wallet for a good reason, afterall...

bmw's oem parts are much more expensive, and all the little things add up very quickly. mechanically, my car's been very reliable. but, i have had my share of stupid things break- presumably cuz of the just wear and tear.

new oil pan $600
moonroof slider clip housing $550
ignition coils
clogged & burned out windshield wiper fluid pumps (broken multiple times)
burned out light bulbs and sockets (go through half a dozen ever year or two)

i go to a reliable independent service shop that charges very reasonable labor rates. and, even then i think the range from 60k to 100k has been the most taxing on the wallet so far.

my past couple of maintenance visits have averaged $500-$1k easily for little shit here and there. and, keep in mind that's not even at the dealer. (the dealer wanted $1,250+ to change my goddamn moonroof slider clip housing. freaking bastards.)

if you don't mind paying for it, then go for it. it is afterall- the ultimate driving machine. but, if u want an econo beater to get from point a to point b, it might not be the best choice.

 

[William330]

Detrich, why didn't you pick up a new(er) one as the miles got higher? Might have been cheaper than the repairs?

 

[Detrich]

the harsh reality that most leasers don't realize is that bmw's are really not a cheap car to buy or own. and, i'm kinda old school and believe in the pride of ownership. i like working hard to save up to buy the car i want, pay it off early, and then own it for at least 10 years.

i think i've bitched on the forum before about how i hate the leasing options all the luxury car manufactures offer these days. $3k down and $600/ month and any teenager or grandma can putz around in a german luxury car that they REALLY CANNOT AFFORD TO OWN.

it's diluted the cache & name brand of these cars by flooding the streets with them everywhere. i mean, if i wanted something as common as an accord or camry like the 30 dozen i see on the way to work everyday, i would've gotten one. but, i wanted a bmw because of the bmw brand name and everything that makes it a great car. but, the leasing game has taken away all the exclusivity and pride of OWNING this type of car.

this is partially what drove me to buying the mazda rx-8 instead of the z4 that i originally was looking at. since name brand means shit- in so cali at least- why not save 10 grand and get a car that's just as fun if not better than the z. there are 30 dozen z4's on the road anyways and no one even gives them a second glance. but, whenever i take the 8 out, people sometimes check out this car like it's an exotic. and, i get a good laugh outta that.