I've always wanted a BMW, but couldn't afford a new one. Is a used beemer a reliable alternative?

Question

How do older BMWs hold up mechanically? What about repair costs?

Answer 1

I bought a 97 BMW z3 2.8L with 95K miles a little over a year ago. I would NEVER take back that decision. The thing is a wonderful driving machine. (to note: I got it for 11,500... which was about 1,500 under blue book, and then immediately spent 800 getting the 8 year old clutch replaced. That was on recommendation of the dealership and for a performance car 8 yrs and 100k miles is pretty decent for a stock part) As to some items of interest:

Don't buy from the BMW Dealer. You're going to pay WAY too much.

Buy from a private party or competing dealership, but after haggling price, take it to BMW to have them do a pre-purchase inspection for around $75. It's worth it, because they want to sell you one of THEIR cars so they're sure to tell you every single minor problem wrong with the car. You can then take this info back and use it as a bargaining tool to get an even lower price.

The average repair cost PER VISIT is more expensive than japanese or american cars. However, a BMW is actually more reliable on average and so the average lifetime repair cost is about equivalent between a BMW and a Japanese vehicle.

Do your standard maintenance. Change your oil every 3-4 months (or 3000-4000 Miles). Check your fluids. Rotate your tires. Have your engine checked regularly. You'd be amazed at how fixing minor problems will prevent major ones from coming up and will save you ALOT of money in the long run. Letting problems pile up often makes them worse.

In the long run, BMWs are great. I love mine like you wouldn't believe. I'd spring for something with a bigger engine, but it'll be a joy to drive either way. Just make sure to test drive and mechanic check before you buy... if it's in decent condition, it should drive and shift as smooth as butter.

Answer 2

A used BMW can be very reliable, they can also be a money pit. I am assuming that your budget would be more toward a 3 series. No matter what your budget you can find a BMW to fit it. If its older model I would definately be prepared to make an investment in the car once you get it. Just dont spend your entire budget to buy the car, save a bit in case you need repairs. Done properly your car will go 200 to 250k miles.

BMW has an extremely good certified program, the cars will have a 6 year 100k warranty. Another advantage is that BMW usually has very attractive financing availble for the CPO cars.

The other item that you would consider is the free maintenance that all BMWs come with. All standard maintenance(including brakes) is covered up to 4 years and 50k miles. You can extend the maintenance to 6/100 for less than $1,500.00( a complete no brainer).

I would definately have a good mechanic look at any non CPO cars before you buy.

Answer 3

They aren't horrible reliablity-wise, but not nearly as good as Japanese brands honestly. Repair costs are very high, it's a premium/luxury car.

If it's the BMW's character that appeals to you, there are other less expensive cars that offer a similar experience.

I suggest looking at the Mazda3, for one example. Seriously, a test drive would probably surprise you. The Volkswagen Jetta also has some of the same characteristics.

If it's BMW's specifically that interest you and you can turn a wrench, then you might consider buying a (much) older one in good condition as a project car.

Answer 4

Repair costs for any BMW is higher than average, so whatever you buy in the BMW line is going to cost you more to repair. If you buy a used one, buy it with the condition that it is checked by a certified BMW mechanic prior to the sell. Certified re-sale BMW's are a good way to go, but you will not save much money. Buying used from a private seller usually results in some need of repair. That is why they are selling it in the first place. We race a 325i, and the reliability is good, but parts are a premium, and brakes cost a bunch.

Answer 5

If you buy a BMW, you really have to be prepared to support the car financially. It is neither cheap to fix, nor simple. If you are on a budget and can't afford the cost of a new one, odds are that you won't want to buy a used one only to find that repair bills you once saw at $300 are now $800.

Do yourself a favor and stay away from BMW until you don't have to worry about the price tag too much. If you really have to get one, lease it with a full warranty. Good luck.

Answer 6

I've had several BMWs - both new and used. I would look for one from a dealer that is certified. It gives you a warranty up to 100,000 miles. Quite frankly, I looked at several other makes of cars and haven't found anything that compares to the BMW. I have had no realiability issues with the cars and have driven various models since 1989. Since 2000 - it is the only make I have driven except for 3 months in a Lexus RX300.

Answer 7

I have an 89 model that is very reliable but it costs a lot money to keep it on the road. The tradeoff, however, is AWESOME! I like the way it rides, I like the performance, and its a nice looking car. Mechanically it seems to be holding up very well but when it needs something, you have to be prepared to pay to the piper.

You can save a ton of money on repairs if you can turn a wrench and compared to other cars that I have worked on, this car is about the easiest car to do repairs on.

Answer 8

I am buying a used one this week. I've been pricing and looking at the 2005 (or 2006) 325ci 2-door coupe. Certified Pre-Owned is the best way to go. The car is completely covered up to 50,000 miles (brakes, oil changes, windshield wipers, etc.). You can also purchase an extended warranty to go along with your financing plan. For the price (under $30K), it's the best way to go.

PS: This will be my second 3-series. My first one was a 1989 and it was a POS. They've come a long way in 15+ years.

Answer 9

The BMW 3 sequence is an surprising motor vehicle. relaxing to stress, perfect to look at and surely complete of each and all of the concepts we desire in a luxury game sedan. yet they do get costly to repair while they start to break so what you should do is purchase a qualified pre-owned BMW with an entire production unit guarantee. loads of those concerns will disappear in case you are trying this. it somewhat is going to fee somewhat greater and the only place you will get one is a BMW broker yet those are not precisely negatives pondering you would be spending loads of money besides for a 2-3 12 months previous BMW and you'll have confidence the broker. in case you will have the money for the motor vehicle savour it. in case you could not you should purchase an extremely superb Mazda6, Accord v6, Volvo S60 or VW Passat for hundreds much less and nonetheless have an surprising motor vehicle to stress.

Answer 10

Lord no. Pick up a Consumer Reports magazine and check out BMW's reliability. Your loan will outlive that car. The only way to effectively drive a BMW is to buy or lease it new and offload it when it runs out of warranty.