Is buying a BMW with 100,000-200,000 miles a bad idea?

Question

I'm looking in to buying a BMW 3 series years 1994-1999 with anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 miles.(More so in the 100-150 range) I have heard that BMW's are very reliable cars so is i were to buy one with say 120,000 miles on it would that be a bad decision? Especially if it's for basic commuting and just running around.

Answer 1

A lot would depend on how well the car was cared for. If the previous owner followed every service properly, used synthetic oil all the way, did not abuse the car and repaired the car properly when something needed repair, you should be safe.

Manual transmission cars would also be more reliable than autos.

You will need to check out the car in detail before committing, look at exhaust smoke, panel gaps, engine vibration, air conditioner, leaks, squeals...etc. An experienced mechanic should be able to help you out on this.

I have a 1995 318ti, babied the car from new, still runs great! Still love the car even though I also have a newer BMW now.

Answer 2

Besides my civic, i also drive an 83 bmw 320i, but i park it on winters, i don't like to drive it at 40 below 0. Therefore i only have 120000 kls on it. I don't think it is a mistake buyng a bemer with so many miles, they last, however the cost of a car with those miles...as 4 parts, i don't find the prices here in Canada so much more than other imports, but when do bmw's break down?

Answer 3

well u done heard wrong. they are average reliabilty cars right up there with most american cars. they are exceptionally expensive to repair. but if u got the bucks and it makes u happy go for it. if i had the bucks i would be drivign a z3. probably on the plus side, u might find one that the owner had lots of bucks and took it to dealership for everything and had repair maintenance records complete down to the windshield wipers. i think u are getting into headache land if u are going to have to depend on any car that old for commuting. dont forget bmw's are rear wheel drive adn not much fun on icy or snowy roads without snow tires. good luck.

Answer 4

Just realize that any car honda Toyota Chrysler or BMW 150,000 miles you will hve problems. CV Joints Shocks timing belts bearings idler pullies. etc. they go. thats what happens. BMW parts are not more then honda or toyota. its Service. BMW dealer will charge you 100$ and hour out my way. if your handy do it yourself. no problem. but after you fix all that junk that normally goes b/t 100 and 150 then your good for a while. bmw motor will not quit on you

Answer 5

YES!

At 75K lots of little things go wrong with these cars and on a bimmer that means lots of $$. I used to work in an auto shop in Los Angeles that specialized in German cars (Porsches were the specialty) and BMW's with 90-120K on them were our bread and butter. Easy work, lots of $$ in parts and by the book labor.

If you've got the $$ and patience to get little things fixed all the time go for it, if not get an upscale ricer and save yourself the hassle.

Answer 6

Well, it' not such a great ideea. If you plan to use it to your daily activities ... hmm, 1 years maximum 2 may go, no more. But if you are a long trip entusiast ... buy a Land Rover instead ... miles don't matter. Jeeps are pretty good too.

Answer 7

It depends on the price.
They are not as reliable as japanese or korean cars but they are more reliable than mercedes and most american cars.
If it cost more than $5000, then it's a bad idea.

Answer 8

"BMW" and "reliable" don't even belong in the same sentence. People who disagree are those who spent unreasonable amount of money and hate being stupid alone.

Answer 9

ask the seller for service records