Life of BMW?

Question

Iam Planning to Buy a BMW. 1998 328i iam getting it for 8900 (single owner) is it a good deal? it has 90K miles on it. How long do u think i can use the car without facing major issues

Answer 1

BMW cars are well built and well engineered. They will run for 200,000 to 300,00 miles, however they will need maintenance. The cost of maintenance is quite a bit higher than other cars.

The 3 series is the most reliable BMW and the 328 is a fun car. The car has a great driving feel, strong performance and quality feel.

Here are things to keep in mind with your purchase. Find out why the seller is selling? Are they buying a new car? Did they outgrow this car? Are they tired of the car and they want something new/different? OR Did they take the car to the mechanics and they found something wrong with the car? I would ask for all their records (repairs and maintenance). I would take the car to a mechanic to find out if there are any problems. If the car was ever in an accident, avoid it!
An accident can cause damage other than just to the body.

BMW cars are known to have problems with the radiator, water pump, electrical, leaks, sensor and broken plastic.

Good luck and make a non-emotional decision to either buy or pass on the car.

Greg

Answer 2

Like all things mechanical, especially vehicles, they occasionally break down and require constant attention to good quality maintenance to perform the service that they were built for. BMW repairs and parts are generally not available from the local automotive chain vendors. Therefore, expect to pay more for services and parts when they are needed as you will more than likely be sourcing them from a BMW dealership or a specialized european shop.
My 740i has over 125K on the meter and still going strong. It's needed a few repairs along the way, and they were not cheap! The parts were genuine new parts from BMW, not recycled parts as another guest suggests, and I expect to keep the car on the road for many, many more miles.
If the price and the product is what you expect, and you arent deterred by the higher costs of services and repairs, consider it all to be part of BMW ownership.
Good luck

Answer 3

The first thing you will need to know is whether or not the previous owner changed the timing belt. If not then it will need changing. BMW's are typically well built cars and can be driven for 300K mile easily. Within the first 6 months I'd take it to be tuned up. Remember one thing though. BMW's like Volvos can not be worked on by just any mechanic. If you treat the vehicle well, you should be able to get another 10 years out of it.

Answer 4

I bought a 97 BMW 328is 2 years ago and it's well worth it, my 97 books for $14,000 so I'd say it's a good deal. Make sure you take it to someone who knows how to work on them. I know with proper care you can get at least 300,000 miles out of them.

Answer 5

Have a 1993 BMW325i. throughout the years have been basic upkeep. Replaced the clutch at 175,000 miles, and the water pump at 212,000 miles. Oil is changed every 4000 miles. Leaving on a trip to Chicago soon (850 miles) and it will still avg. 29 to 30 mpg between 80-90 mph. Car now has 289,500 miles.Friend has one with over 500,000 miles.Biggest problem-----starting to rust after 13 years.

Answer 6

It would depend on the overall condition of the vehicle. Even though the year and milage are factors to consider, I would ask the owner if they have any maintenence records for the car. If he has every single service and repair document in one form or another, then I would suggest that it is a good car.

Answer 7

It's good deal. BMW is relaible cas. My friend has a BMW and there are no problems with his car.

Answer 8

my german teacher read us this article about how BMWs are made to NOT lats very long, that way when people give them back to like, car places, the car places give the parts back to BMW, then they put them back in new cars. so that way, they make money by reusing the same stuff rather than making new parts. he said theyre made to last 7-8 years max.