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Sedans BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair
4452 messages, Last post on Dec 07, 2009 at 8:40 PM
You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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Replying to: birdrules (Oct 09, 2008 9:05 pm) I'm still not sure I'd recommend it. But, you have to decide. Once you are out of warranty, will you be taking it to the dealer for repairs? Or, will you look for an independent? If you are going to the dealer for all service, then it might pay off. Going from 60K to 80K is just one more oil service on the schedule, though ($125?). That's a big chunk of change to put upfront... to not gain any sort of warranty coverage. I'd be inclined to leave it in the bank and draw it down, as needed. regards, kyfdx |
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Im looking to buy a used BMW(first car) but i have concerns about the reliability, life and cost of maintanence and repairs. Im looking at the following(all have clean autocheck): 2000 BMW 328i - 95k miles 2001 BMW 325i - 134k miles 1999 BMW 328i - 140k miles looking at between 7k to 9.5k for these.im a college student in Orlando, Fl. and i will atleast on a vehicle another 3 years/30miles. 1). At this mileage is it even a wise idea to buy one of these? 2). when do the major things get replaced by on average in the 3 series? In other words, is buying the BMW around 95 - 100k better than one at 133. From what i have read, most problems that need costly replacements happen around 95 - 110k. So is better to go with something with more miles? 3). im willing to pay premium fuel, and do maintainence, but i dont have money for repairs or replacements of major parts. at this mileage/age what issues should i look out for? if i take it to a good mechanic and have them check it out, will he be able to accurately tell me when the different parts are gonna need to be replaced/die or will it happen randomly. 4) i heard that the transmission gets shot up on these cars at 100k. how do i check , to see the car im gonna buy doesnt have that happen. 3) is it better to actually buy a 1997 or 1994 at half the price at around 160k, knowing that probably all major things would have been replaced hence the car will atleast give life for another 25k/3years? are the 3 series <1999 more reliable. I have talked to BMW owners. and i always get mixed answers. all love their cars, but some have no issues and others have problems all the times. How do i make sure that i buy a car that is in the former group. Anyhelp will be greatly appreciated... I have tried my best to read and get educated. but i feel that i need someones real ADVICE! 
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I have 06 325i BMW bought in the middle of 2005. How many years the battery should last? I have only 4000 miles. Best regards, Lehrer |
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Replying to: lehrer1 (Oct 15, 2008 9:20 pm) Best regards, Shipo
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Replying to: kapitanraider (Oct 10, 2008 4:42 pm) It sounds like your desire exceeds your finances at this point, which is okay, as you can get yourself the car of your dreams once you're making a good living. I see your point about buying a beater BMW for cheap as an alternative, but this is also risky and you don't get any status points. So I'd say unless you can spend $150 a month on average over three years to keep a high miles BMW in tip-top shape, then don't do it. |
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Replying to: lehrer1 (Oct 15, 2008 9:20 pm) Based on your mileage, it sounds like the opposite is true for you... short or infrequent drives. I would do as Shipo states if you can de-cap your battery (are they sealed?). Might not hurt to throw it on a charger also to see if it still takes a charge.
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Replying to: shipo (Oct 16, 2008 1:55 am) I went today to the bmw service for oil change and asked them to check my battery. They said that the battery is OK. I finished my 3d year in BMW and had no problems, but RFT was a bad decision. RFT is OK for densly populated western Europe but what about US South-West? Best regards, Lehrer |
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Replying to: kominsky (Oct 16, 2008 12:41 pm) Your battery life is impressive. Best regards, Lehrer |
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I'm thinking about helping out my 16 yr old niece with her first car. She just turned 16 and was able to get her license on the first try (very happy). My brother and SIL are divorced so they split the time with her. I told them about a car my coworker has and is thinking about selling. She has a 1992 BMW 318i 5spd sedan. car has about 150k on it and only has 3 issues (which I don't think are biggies). #1 - A/C needs either recharged or new motor, #2 - Rear DS window does not work, only clicks, & #3 - Power moon roof does not work. I'm thinking the 2 windows also might only be motors. Other than that the car runs unbelievable. It's Hunter Green with Beige Leather. My co-worker only wants $1200 because of the 3 issues. Does this sound like a good deal for a 1st car for a 16 yr old. Odie Odie's Carspace P.S. - My SIL think my niece should have an AT instead.
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Replying to: odie6l (Oct 18, 2008 12:21 pm) I'd say worst case scenario to fix all three items about $2,000 bucks. Best case scenario with all the luck in the world $750. Also there normal high-miles BMW maintenance to consider...unless the teenager is doing DIY a lot and is motivated to seek out bargain parts, (as some folks on this board do so successfully) you have to figure $100/$150 a month to keep this car safe and reliable. You could spend less but you'll just be deferring the inevitable. If the parents think a BMW is a good car for the kid, then I'd pick a lower miles 325--I think it's a much better car. Visiting Host
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