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Sedans BMW 3-Series Buying a Used 3-Series
465 messages, Last post on Dec 02, 2009 at 9:58 PM
You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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Replying to: ivan_99 (Feb 08, 2009 6:38 pm) Go with the Lexus. I love my BMW's, but even if you have no unusual problems with the turbos, the maintenance is going to be expensive.... You're going to need both brakes and run-flats in 25k miles and remember that: a. It's both pads AND rotors for the BMW b. The run-flats are more expensive than go-flats. It's also possible that you'll need shocks and struts around 75K as well. I've owned 4 3-Series over the past 10 years and I've loved them all, but I confess that I'm somewhat reluctant to own one out of warranty. No problems on my 2008 so far, but my 2003 required 4 window regulators, 4 coils, and a windshield wiper fluid tank. All under warranty, of course, but after 50k miles, it cost one of my friends $500 for one window regulator. In short, BMW's are expensive indulgences, and I don't think that you're going to be unhappy with the IS350... The heart says: On the other hand, life is short and love doesn't come often or cheap, so....
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Replying to: lokki (Feb 10, 2009 1:30 pm) b. The run-flats are more expensive than go-flats. It's also possible that you'll need shocks and struts around 75K as well." A couple of counterpoints: A: BMWs are some of the easiest cars I've ever worked on from a "brake job" perspective. It typically costs me about $120 per axle for Pads, Rotors and the sensor (should it be needed). Geez, the parts for our Dodge Grand Caravans aren't even that cheap. B: I see absolutely no reason to use RFTs on a late model BMW. If the car is purchased, drive'em till they drop and replace them with GFTs. If the car is leased, drive SP tires for 10,000 and non-SP tires for 20,000 miles, replace them with GFTs, and then put the factory rubber back on just prior to lease end. C: I cannot say that I've ever seen any evidence that suggests that struts on BMWs go any sooner than other similar cars, those from Lexus included. Personally I wouldn't hesitate to own a BMW out of warranty. Will maintenance be more expensive than our minivans? Probably. Will said maintenance be as expensive as some folks seem to think? I kind of doubt it.  The heart says: On the other hand, life is short and love doesn't come often or cheap, so.... I couldn't have said it better.  Best regards, Shipo
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Replying to: shipo (Feb 10, 2009 2:18 pm) I've never replaced a strut on one of my Bimmers before they hit 100,000 miles. |
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I'm looking at purchasing a 98 to 03 BMW 3 Series sedan or Z3 as a second vehicle. What are the common issues of these vehicles that would want an owner to sell or try and dump on the market? I know maintenance thru a BMW dealer can get expensive, but a quick peruse thru CraigsList showed a number of mechanics willing to work on BMW's.
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Replying to: joe05 (Feb 14, 2009 4:38 pm) The E36/E46 BMWs don't have all that many chronic problems. Water pumps fail at around 60K miles but they are not expensive or difficult to replace. Automatics can be problematic. Almost everything else is pretty simple and straightforward. If you don't know BMWs it is essential that you have a potential purchase inspected by a qualified BMW tech. Don't automatically rule out using a dealer; some offer quality work at very reasonable prices. You also should join the BMW Car Club of America.
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Replying to: roadburner (Feb 14, 2009 9:00 pm) Don't forget to add control arm bushings, ball joints, rear shock mounts, subframes, radiators, power window regulators, and lifetime automatic transmissions. 
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Replying to: roadburner (Feb 14, 2009 9:00 pm) |
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Replying to: fedlawman (Feb 14, 2009 9:19 pm) Yikes! You would prefer a 5 speed tranny, or anything but a BMW?
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Replying to: joe05 (Feb 14, 2009 10:06 pm) All cars have their problem areas (yes, even the Japanese). BMW's aren't any worse than any other car. If you maintain it, it'll last forever. |
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Replying to: fedlawman (Feb 14, 2009 9:19 pm) I tend to forget about those items as my 1995 3er hasn't required any of those items in over 114,000 miles. And der slushbox ist verboten in any of my daily drivers. As for my 3er, I think it's going to end up serving as my primary track toy once more; the 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 is very close to being traded for a 2003 540i 6 speed. The 2003 540i SPs all have the European M Sport package with an even more aggressive sport suspension as well as a very sharp M Technic bodykit. I figure that at 52 I need at least one geezermobile in the garage... 
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