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Buying a Used 3-Series

758 messages,  Last post on Dec 17, 2012 at 9:34 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW M3, BMW 3 Series, Motorsports, Engine, Suspension, Car Buying, Coupe

Messages Page 36 of 76

#350 of 758 Re: '07 BMW328i vs 06 Acura TL [lemmer] by srs_49

Jan 16, 2009 (8:20 am)

Replying to: lemmer (Jan 16, 2009 7:34 am)
I could buy a clutch for $250, but then I would just sit there and look at it much like a caveman would look at a microwave. The BMW places around here won't install parts that you bring it, so what's next? $1400 does seem a little high, but not idiot high.
 
Agreed.
 
When I bought my '87 back in 1999, the clutch was the one big ticket item I was worried about. I asked the shop I sometimes use what the price would be to replace it and they said (can't remember exactly) $750 or $950. Since I was getting a good deal on the car, I said "hey, i can live with that".
 
So, given that that was almost 10 years ago, and the fact that my '87 is probably easier to work on than the newer models (just guessing here), $1400 doesn't sound too bad.

#351 of 758 Re: '07 BMW328i vs 06 Acura TL [lemmer] by fedlawman

Jan 16, 2009 (8:26 am)

Replying to: lemmer (Jan 16, 2009 7:34 am)
Sorry, but $1400 is crazy high. A quality private shop will charge $80 to $100/hour.

#352 of 758 Re: '07 BMW328i vs 06 Acura TL [fedlawman] by backy

Jan 16, 2009 (9:42 am)

Replying to: fedlawman (Jan 15, 2009 10:21 pm)
In this case it was a car dealer who paid the $1400 for the new clutch. You'd think they'd know better than to throw their money out the window like that on a clutch repair!
 
I know it's hard for some people to believe that not everyone is willing or able to do their own major repairs on a BMW, or that emergency situations come up that leave little or no choice for course of action. But that is reality. If it makes those folks feel nice and smug and superior because they've never been in those kinds of situations, how wonderful for them.

#353 of 758 Re: '07 BMW328i vs 06 Acura TL [backy] by roadburner

Jan 16, 2009 (10:28 am)

Replying to: backy (Jan 16, 2009 9:42 am)
In this case it was a car dealer who paid the $1400 for the new clutch. You'd think they'd know better than to throw their money out the window like that on a clutch repair!
 
Not necessarily. It's also possible that they told you it cost $1400 so you'd think that you were getting a good deal on the car.
 
I know it's hard for some people to believe that not everyone is willing or able to do their own major repairs on a BMW
 
No, but it is hard to believe that some people aren't willing to seek out good dealers and shops that perform quality work at fair prices. For example, for just $40 per year you can join BMW CCA which will get you:
Significant discounts at many dealers and shops
The ability to obtain advice about your car and local shops from other CCA members in your area
Access to technical advisors
 
emergency situations come up that leave little or no choice for course of action
 
You called the $800 fuel pump dealer because you didn't know a local shop to call, correct?
 
But that is reality.
 
For you, maybe.
 
If it makes those folks feel nice and smug and superior because they've never been in those kinds of situations, how wonderful for them.
 
I've owned nine BMWs over the past 25 years, most of them over five years old. Currently I run a 2004, a 1995, and a 1975. It's not a question of being "smug and superior". It's a question of being prepared by doing your homework. You bought one seven year old BMW and had it serviced by a dealer who charges out the wazoo- then you sell it less than four months after you bought it. Based on that extensive experience you continue to post about expensive BMW repairs. I'm not saying BMWs are the cheapest cars to maintain, but a little due diligence and common sense goes a long way when running an older BMW. I'm sorry you got hosed by your dealer, but for about every horror story about expensive BMW service costs I can point you to someone who runs an older BMW for less than $600-$700 per year.

#354 of 758 Re: '07 BMW328i vs 06 Acura TL [backy] by fedlawman

Jan 16, 2009 (11:16 am)

Replying to: backy (Jan 16, 2009 9:42 am)
Last winter my clutch literally self destructed, punching 2 large holes through the bell housing. I wasn't about to replace my clutch on jackstands in my unheated garage, so I took it to a local shop that has done some work for me in the past.
 
They ordered me a Sachs HD clutch kit, and also took my bell housing to a welder they know who works on aluminum. They charged me $800 for everything - parts and labor.
 
My response about paying $1400 for a clutch was in the context of the original point, re: buying an extended warranty. It's just my personal opinion that paying $1500 in advance for something that may or may not happen doesn't make sense. Why not put that money in a savings account and if you need it, fine - if you don't, then you've got $1500 in your pocket.
 
If you are going to own any car out of warranty, it doesn't take a whole lot of effort to find out where the good shops are in your area. Whether it's a BMW, Acura, or whatever, there are dozens of enthusiast websites you can visit and do a search - you'll find out who the enthusiasts recommend and use.
 
If you're driving through BFE and you have a breakdown, all I can say is, buyer beware.

#355 of 758 Re: '07 BMW328i vs 06 Acura TL [roadburner] by backy

Jan 16, 2009 (11:41 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Jan 16, 2009 10:28 am)
You called the $800 fuel pump dealer because you didn't know a local shop to call, correct?
 
I had my BMW towed to the nearest dealer because I had to get to an appointment ASAP, my car was sitting in the middle of a drivelane in an airport parking ramp, it was bitterly cold, and my alternate shop (which I had done research on beforehand, btw) was 30 miles across town during Friday rush hour and not a practical alternative under the circumstances.
 
Maybe if I had 25 years of BMW ownership experience instead of a few weeks (at that time) I would have done something differently. Maybe not though.
 
Empathy can be useful. You might try it sometime.
 
... for about every horror story about expensive BMW service costs I can point you to someone who runs an older BMW for less than $600-$700 per year.
 
In other words, the odds of having an expensive BMW ownership experience vs. a lower-cost one is about 50-50. Not great odds, IMO. Glad I got rid of my nine year old (not seven, subtract 2009 - 2000) 3 Series when I did. Great car, just not the best car for me at this time.

#356 of 758 Re: '07 BMW328i vs 06 Acura TL [backy] by fedlawman

Jan 16, 2009 (12:40 pm)

Replying to: backy (Jan 16, 2009 11:41 am)
No need to be acerbic Backy.
 
BMW's aren't the only cars that suffer fuel pump failures. It doesn't matter if you've owned BMW's for 25 years or 25 minutes.

#357 of 758 Re: '07 BMW328i vs 06 Acura TL [fedlawman] by backy

Jan 16, 2009 (2:10 pm)

Replying to: fedlawman (Jan 16, 2009 12:40 pm)
No, and there's no need to talk about tossing people credit cards and bending over, is there?

#359 of 758 Re: '07 BMW328i vs 06 Acura TL [backy] by pat

Jan 17, 2009 (6:47 am)

Replying to: backy (Jan 16, 2009 2:10 pm)
There've been plenty of unnecessary comments all around. Let's move on, please.

Messages Page 36 of 76

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