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Thanks for sharing. I owned a 2008 bmw 335 convertible for about 6 years and after the warranty expired had multiple mechanical failures. I used to call her my expensive german mistress. The car had 80k and the cost of fixing these failures finally got to me after the latest clutch failed. Cost to replace etc about $4K. I traded the old Fraulein for a new 2016 honda accord v6 with more safety and bells whistles than even the newer bmw's have. I got over the ultimate driving machine fixation very quickly...no more bmw's for me.
I took my wife's 2007 328xi to my independent mechanic because I saw an oil leak under the engine when I was underneath the car changing the oil. They put in on the rack and found that the leak was from the head gasket, the oil filter housing, etc. While there and the car was there it was recommended that he transfer case fluid be replaced. Total cost for all was $2800. I'm not complaining. That is the only major service the car has needed after 112K miles.
I drove a 2004 325.i bought new until July 2016.before that a 3series year 2000 for four years..
now driving a Zed-4.
other than the cheap plastic interior parts failing, and the outside window moldings/ rain gutters failing..again, cheap plastic parts ... both cars were exemplary in handling and looks.
I found a good independent BMW specialists tune ups etc.
Other than normal brakes, batteries and tire replacement I had no issues other than lower ball joint and bushings replacement this past April.
A common fail issue.
I have a 2011 328xi. It's at 75k miles now. I spend more money on it than my previous cars (just had a bunch of things replaced) but it's also night and day in terms of driving experience compared to my previous cars. I had a super reliable Mazda before my bimmer. Wouldn't go back. It comes down to what your preferences are really. BMWs are reliable, you just have to treat them differently than you would a Toyota or a Honda. "You get what you pay for" very much applies in this case.
That said, I never go to BMW dealerships for any repairs. Find a good independent BMW tech in your area and you're good.
So even the positive posters agree that the BMW's need more TLC and are more expensive to maintain & fix. It is just the "experience" that makes it worthwhile.
I think it would also come down to one's needs. I drive anywhere from 20-25K miles a year. The difference in $ between an economy commuter vs a BMW gets to be much more pronounced at that level.
I have a 2011 328xi. It's at 75k miles now. I spend more money on it than my previous cars (just had a bunch of things replaced) but it's also night and day in terms of driving experience compared to my previous cars. I had a super reliable Mazda before my bimmer. Wouldn't go back. It comes down to what your preferences are really. BMWs are reliable, you just have to treat them differently than you would a Toyota or a Honda. "You get what you pay for" very much applies in this case.
That said, I never go to BMW dealerships for any repairs. Find a good independent BMW tech in your area and you're good.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 00molavi
So even the positive posters agree that the BMW's need more TLC and are more expensive to maintain & fix. It is just the "experience" that makes it worthwhile.
I think it would also come down to one's needs. I drive anywhere from 20-25K miles a year. The difference in $ between an economy commuter vs a BMW gets to be much more pronounced at that level.
1) Can you explain: "you have to treat them differently than a Toyota or Honda"? What exactly it means?
2) 20 years ago the 5 series was the mid sized king on the roads. With time, they vanished away. What happened? Now they seem slowly making a comeback, but nowhere like in the 2000s.
3) Are the 3 series not as sporty as they used to be? Again less of them on the roads.
1) Can you explain: "you have to treat them differently than a Toyota or Honda"? What exactly it means?
2) 20 years ago the 5 series was the mid sized king on the roads. With time, they vanished away. What happened? Now they seem slowly making a comeback, but nowhere like in the 2000s.
3) Are the 3 series not as sporty as they used to be? Again less of them on the roads.
1. You can drive a Toyota into the ground and just do oil changes and nothing else and probably never have problems (or just little problems) under 200,000 miles. With a BMW you need to actually pay attention to the maintenance schedule, and baby the engine a bit.
2. Never been a 5 series person, dunno.
3. The newer lower models have four cylinders, which I hate. So people are moving up to the 4 and 5 series to compensate. A lot of 3 series enthusiasts have cars from the last era rather than the current one (myself included).
1. You can drive a Toyota into the ground and just do oil changes and nothing else and probably never have problems (or just little problems) under 200,000 miles. With a BMW you need to actually pay attention to the maintenance schedule, and baby the engine a bit.
2. Never been a 5 series person, dunno.
3. The newer lower models have four cylinders, which I hate. So people are moving up to the 4 and 5 series to compensate. A lot of 3 series enthusiasts have cars from the last era rather than the current one (myself included).
I once drove an M3 which was a blast. The current model (didn't notice even one on the road) comes a$70K +.
Most Europeans downsized to turbo charged 4cylinder engines.
I have a 08 328i convertible for a little over 4 years now. While it's a blast to drive there's always been a few hiccups here and there that never gives me piece of mind or satisfaction. There's always that nagging feeling of when it'll need a new repair or expensive maintenance or leave me stranded again. At this point the novelty of a convert has pretty much worn off.
Here are some things I had to deal with on mine. Mine you some of these are what I personally experience and may not apply to other 3 series.
-battery dead about 1 yr in. Replaced it myself for $250 with aftermarket batter. $100 autozone battery won't work. Dealer wants about $400.
-finicky coil packs. Had 2 bouts of multiple misfires, conveniently right after an oil change. I get nervous whenever it's due for an oil change.
-leaky oil filter housing gasket. Just about all 3 series in our yr range will have to deal with this. Diy with $14 gasket.
-faulty fuel pump and regulator. This gave me the most headache and expense. Multiple towings after being stranded. Still had engine cutting out after indy shop replaced fuel pump. They suggested regulator next but informed me that the car may still be covered under extended SULEV warranty. Oh now you tell me. Took it to dealer and sure enough it was still covered. They also replaced leaking valve cover and another gasket under warranty.
-plastic bracket for hardtop. This is second time it has broke. Use to be a $3 part, now $15.
-leaky hardtop at driver side A pillar
-replaced faulty 02 sensor (diy)
-Chews through rear tires. Rear tires lasting only 1yr even with alignment before new sets
-gas nozzle clicks off every 5 secs while refueling. Still dealing with this weekly.
-leaky power steering reservoir
-replaced water pump and thermostat at about 120K. Many owners have this go out between 60-80k so I guess I got lucky.
I owned a 98 Lexus GS400 before this and that thing was bullet proof. Only thing I had to replace on it was the starter. I regret selling it and should've kept as my daily driver and the bimmer as a weekend car.
I have a 08 328i convertible for a little over 4 years now. While it's a blast to drive there's always been a few hiccups here and there that never gives me piece of mind or satisfaction. There's always that nagging feeling of when it'll need a new repair or expensive maintenance or leave me stranded again. At this point the novelty of a convert has pretty much worn off.
Here are some things I had to deal with on mine. Mine you some of these are what I personally experience and may not apply to other 3 series.
-battery dead about 1 yr in. Replaced it myself for $250 with aftermarket batter. $100 autozone battery won't work. Dealer wants about $400.
-finicky coil packs. Had 2 bouts of multiple misfires, conveniently right after an oil change. I get nervous whenever it's due for an oil change.
-leaky oil filter housing gasket. Just about all 3 series in our yr range will have to deal with this. Diy with $14 gasket.
-faulty fuel pump and regulator. This gave me the most headache and expense. Multiple towings after being stranded. Still had engine cutting out after indy shop replaced fuel pump. They suggested regulator next but informed me that the car may still be covered under extended SULEV warranty. Oh now you tell me. Took it to dealer and sure enough it was still covered. They also replaced leaking valve cover and another gasket under warranty.
-plastic bracket for hardtop. This is second time it has broke. Use to be a $3 part, now $15.
-leaky hardtop at driver side A pillar
-replaced faulty 02 sensor (diy)
-Chews through rear tires. Rear tires lasting only 1yr even with alignment before new sets
-gas nozzle clicks off every 5 secs while refueling. Still dealing with this weekly.
-leaky power steering reservoir
-replaced water pump and thermostat at about 120K. Many owners have this go out between 60-80k so I guess I got lucky.
I owned a 98 Lexus GS400 before this and that thing was bullet proof. Only thing I had to replace on it was the starter. I regret selling it and should've kept as my daily driver and the bimmer as a weekend car.
The water pump failed on my 535xi yesterday after 83K miles. New pump, thermostat, hoses, fluid set me back $1500 including 5 hours labor. My wife's 328xi still has the original after 118K miles.
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