When buying a used BMW what mileage is to high?

Question

Wont be driving far and not spending alot of money on the car.

Answer 1

I'm assuming you're asking this question to gauge how many miles can a BMW run before requiring major maintenance or repairs. We engineers have a term for this - MTBF (mean time between failure).

You need to tell us which model (series) BMW you are looking at.

For example, early E46 3-series has reliability problems with it's auto-transmission. On those cars, their transmissions only have a lifespan of 60,000 - 100,000miles before you need to plop down $4 grand for a new one.

On a manual 3-series, even 100,000 miles or more would not be a problem as long as the car is in decent shape and has been properly cared for.

5-series and 7-series do not appear to have this same issue.

Answer 2

I own a 1997 540ia (black with beige interior) with only 74,400 original miles and it runs great!

1997 and newer BMWs do not have the famous nikisil/anisil engine problem as the one you are referencing may/may not have. Do some additional research and read about it and you will see why.

If you like the V8 5 series, do like I did and get a 1997 540i with VERY low miles.

I keep track of my maintenance and can assist you in what to specifically look for as you car ages.

15,000 per year seems to be the average annual amount.

As an additional FYI, I would recommend using Chevron mid-grade gasoline at the very least. High grade is great, but no significant difference in MPG. Texaco mid-grade as a last resort.

I would not recommend, Shell, Exxon, Citgo, nor Diamond Shamrock. IF you can not locate a Chevron or a Texaco in your immediate area, use the High Grade versions of Shell, Exxon, Citgo or Diamond Shamrock and put enough in your tank to get you to a Chevron.

DO NOT put fuel additives in your tank.

Best wishes.

Answer 3

Depends on the engine. M20 Eta engines can go up to 400,000 miles if not pushed. If not maintained well, you may need to rebuild the cylinder head around 150,000.

M30 engine is similar design and BMW used this engine for about 20 years and is also very reliable. Common problem with this engine is for cylinder head to crack and that annoying oil bolt to pop out and damage the cylinder head. but if you maintain it, it should go well into 200,000 miles.

M50 engine, is solid, but reliability is questionable. So far, I have not seen any major failure with these engines except head gasket problems here & there. The cylinder head is made of aluminum so if you over heat the engine, it is easy to warp the head.

M60, M70 engines share similar design. Early versions had some problem (BMW would fix it under warranty if fails under 100,000 miles) but later versions are rock solid.

I would avoid S-series engines (used in M-cars) because of the performance, most of these engines are pushed hard. I've been many of these engines fail around 150,000 miles.

As for the common problems are:
use of Bahr Plastic radiator - it gets brittle and snaps off. Replace radiator every 8 years
Plastic Water pump - same problem as above - used in most of the modern engines
Plastic thermostat housing - the same problem as above.
Alternator brush should be replaced every 120,000 miles
major suspension replacement is required every 100,000 miles (replace shocks, control arms, tie rod,...)

if you know the car, and can do the work yourself, BMW is one of the cheapest car to own. If not, it will financially drain you.

Answer 4

I have 85k on my 02 325i.. runs great.. although things have gone wrong, the infamous window regulators, it still runs great... if you take care of your bimmer and perform little preventive maintenence tasks it should run well into the upper 100's if not the 200's..... i dont know about you but i always see tons of older BMWs on the road

Answer 5

My 1987 325ic has 150k miles on it. It still runs strong, no major repairs as of yet. Only thing other then routine maintenance has been some exhaust work, it's actually at the shop right now getting it done.

Answer 6

I own a 1997 325 i manual bmw sedan in good condition with 88,000 miles on it . What is it worth ?

Answer 7

around 200,000 is way to much, Anything under that is OK. over 90,000 miles i would check the mechanics of the vehicle and body of the car. Under 90,000 it should be in good condition becouse of the quality of the cars.

Answer 8

50-60 thousand

Answer 9

60,000

Answer 10

50000 approximately.........