Non-M BMW regular maintenance are affordable to repair and the parts last 30k-70k miles each. You did not specify what that $2k repair bill is? But it is likely oil leaks on the subsystems eg under the engine or transmission pan. These are likely 10 year cycle repairs you need to make anyways. Definitely do it if you love your car and drive the car to 400,000 miles. What do you get for that $2k repair bill? You get no car payments for 10 years.
I have a 2009 328i and before I bought it I made sure I had enough money aside to repair any problems that might pop up, like the water pump, ac compressor, starter, power steering pump, radiator and thermostat. I have at least $1000 aside to cover any parts that might brake and that's enough for me because I am not thinking to pay labor because I can do most of the repairs myself. I have seen that working on my bmw is easier than a 99 nissan altima I had. Again that's my opinion and my plan, of course that would work on any car brand but I am just a very preventive, cost effective guy
My starter is out on the e90, if you're young and you get this car the only way you can afford it is if you turn your own wrenches. If you DIY you'll save huge!
For those of us who don't have a stellar income or those who are investing into something other than their vehicle, I think a second hand German car can provide a car with that certain something that's really a personal taste thing. You know, that driving dynamic or character that my Toyota completely lacks! Quality leather will always be just that. Quality. You're right when you say that these cars are quite complex (no, I'm not trying to justify some of the annoyingly dumb things BMW did in my car) and that expensive maintenance can, and does, occur. Consequently, the classic foil to this problem (at least, where I live) has been to buy a Toyota Corolla. However, I suspect Jap manufacturers might now find themselves with a similar problem to the one faced by the premium Euro brands for some time now. That is, having to offer an increasingly complex product in an effort to appear to stay ahead of the pack of more budget orientated manufacturers who can produce fairly good vehicles at a very competitive price. Sadly, complexity/innovation and reliability seem to be inversely proportional (just ask Honda about how their latest Formula 1 campaign has gone to date!) so, as far as I can see, the cars that established Japanese car manufacturers (justified) reputation for reliability often used tech that was just off leading edge but had proven to be reliable. With the new situation where they are battling to maintain market share, perhaps this has become a less viable option for them.
Just spent $3000 on my Bimmer 2007 335xI (137,000 MILES), Thought about selling it BUT i just spent the money & cut back on other things, BUT I SMILE EVERY TIME I PRESS THAT PUSH TOO START BUTTON....
I just bought a 2000 Mercury Sable with 80,000. For $1,500. Wow!! It needs a power steering hose. AMMCO will put on new one in for $550!! I might just do it. But that's 1/3 of the car.
When it comes to how long to keep a car it all depends on the person & how much his/her's relationship with the car. If you're the guy that always wants a new car than I'd lease it so you don't have to deal with repairs & old car maintenance. If you're attached to your car than I'd say fix it. If you're driving a car to the ground I'd maintain it & if it has small problems fix it but if the repair costs as much or more than the car I'd let go because it's already at the ground.
I got a 2013 128i convertible with 4000 miles (thank you airbag recall)....now I got the car with 1 year bmw warentee, three years of my local bmw warentee as it s certified and for $3500 got 5 years after that or to 80,000 miles...immaculate condition, now I just have to get the wife out of it and let me drive it...lol.
Just had my thermostat and electric water pump go on my e90 a few days ago. This question popped into my head. Ended up getting it fixed. $1400! And to top it off, when I picked up my car they curb rashed the shit out of my rim that has a painted lip.
my sad story. my 2002 325ci was falling apart. not matter what i fixed something else went wrong. after 4 yrs finally straw was when i broke down due to failed fuel pump at 160k. ok fine fixed it for 1200! only 2 weeks later to be told i needed another 2500.00 in repairs just to pass state inspection. went ahead and sold her and upgraded to a 2013 328i. i have a nice lil cushion for repairs but hope to get a few years before something major. im already happy after putting 1500 miles on it and no repairs lol
I went from a 4g63 and fd3 to the BMW world about 10 years ago. Biggest mistake of my life, you realize how pathetically poor these German vehicles are built very quickly. Everything goes wrong and if you try to push more power you have to spend 10 fold the money. Get out while you still can and go with American muscle or a good jdm vehicle. I don't care if you are riding in an e55 amg or a m5 at the end of the day all they do is suck you dry.
14 Answers
Aamir
Upvotes from: jason 、maher
Tom
Upvotes from: jason
karin
Upvotes from: Alex
jack
Upvotes from:
Sharun - be myself
Upvotes from:
kleros
Upvotes from:
tim - back-end
Upvotes from:
alexada
Upvotes from:
Martin
Upvotes from:
Cyrus
Upvotes from:
evan
Upvotes from:
dacre
Upvotes from:
jason
Upvotes from:
maher
Upvotes from: