Who here has owned a BMW?
- Thread starter skippy
- Start date
Brian P
Misanthropic Fuel
- Location
- Taylorsville
We have had an '98 e36 M3 for nine years and still love it!
I have heard plenty of issues with some of the older(1990s-2000s) V8 and cooling problems, some autos don't hold up, it's not a Toyota, they NEED maintenance.
We have replaced the radiator, water pump, expansion tank(x3) valve cover gasket and now the suspension is needing a little TLC, however it has over 131K on it.
If I had the means I would get a newer one, but they are just too expensive, new BMWs don't have a dipstick so you can check your oil
sorry if it's not of much help.
I have heard plenty of issues with some of the older(1990s-2000s) V8 and cooling problems, some autos don't hold up, it's not a Toyota, they NEED maintenance.
We have replaced the radiator, water pump, expansion tank(x3) valve cover gasket and now the suspension is needing a little TLC, however it has over 131K on it.
If I had the means I would get a newer one, but they are just too expensive, new BMWs don't have a dipstick so you can check your oil
sorry if it's not of much help.
I used to own a Mid 90's 525i. Got it used for cheap and used it as a DD for a couple of years before selling it and breaking even. I would buy another if the price was right.
Here is a resource that I found to be extremely helpful during my ownership period. It may help you out some too:
Bimmer Forums
I had a 97 m3 and it was a fun car to drive, but some reason I had some issues with it. Broke two read ends from doing some donuts (could have been avoided of course) and had some electronics mess up in me after it got broken into. Other than that though, never had problems with it. I think if I was to buy another, it would have to be one that had a warranty. Just my thought though. I am sure mine would have been fine if someone didn't take my stereo out and mess up some things, or if I would have put in a aftermarket rear end/gear set up instead of going with stock.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
The only BMW I'd be interested in is an E30. My family has had lots of expensive repairs on the newer ones.
sawtooth4x4
Totally Awesome
- Location
- Land of East Laytonshire
I've owned 2 now.
An 2001 525 Sport E39
and
A 1988 325 Super ETA E30
Both have been good to me. Can't go wrong with the straight six.
The sport suspension models eat tires, but handle insanely well.
Newer ones are just as reliable. The V8's can get expensive ie 540's 740's etc. Stay away from the SUV's they have terrible resale values. Suck off road, and are a general pain in the arse.
An 2001 525 Sport E39
and
A 1988 325 Super ETA E30
Both have been good to me. Can't go wrong with the straight six.
The sport suspension models eat tires, but handle insanely well.
Newer ones are just as reliable. The V8's can get expensive ie 540's 740's etc. Stay away from the SUV's they have terrible resale values. Suck off road, and are a general pain in the arse.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
The first number is the body type. 3XX is the 3 series. They all share the same (or very close to the same) body/shape. 5xx is the 5 series, which has a different shape/size/body from the 3 series. 3 series are smaller than 5 series, which are smaller than the 7 series. Kinda like a civic vs accord.
The last two numbers are the size of a motor. So a 325 is a 3 series body with a 2.5L engine in it. A 328 has a 2.8L, a 335 has a 3.5L. X usually means awd. i'm not sure what I or IS means, but they're usually upgraded from the base ones.
So a 328 and a 528 will share the same 2.8L motor, but they will have different body styles.
edit: dutchman beat me to it.
The last two numbers are the size of a motor. So a 325 is a 3 series body with a 2.5L engine in it. A 328 has a 2.8L, a 335 has a 3.5L. X usually means awd. i'm not sure what I or IS means, but they're usually upgraded from the base ones.
So a 328 and a 528 will share the same 2.8L motor, but they will have different body styles.
edit: dutchman beat me to it.
Last edited:
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
now that's just confusing.
In my experience, BMWs are tanks. They've got some awesome engineering in them. They're great to drive, and very well built. However, I've learned not to equate well-built with reliable or maintenance-free. Expect more maintenance than your typical honda or toyota, and the maintenance isn't going to be cheap (especially on the newer ones). I had two buddies who worked at the BMW dealer in Lindon, and both said they'd never own a newer bimmer due to maintenance costs alone.
I think as long as you know that going into it, you'll be set.
In my experience, BMWs are tanks. They've got some awesome engineering in them. They're great to drive, and very well built. However, I've learned not to equate well-built with reliable or maintenance-free. Expect more maintenance than your typical honda or toyota, and the maintenance isn't going to be cheap (especially on the newer ones). I had two buddies who worked at the BMW dealer in Lindon, and both said they'd never own a newer bimmer due to maintenance costs alone.
I think as long as you know that going into it, you'll be set.
Brian P
Misanthropic Fuel
- Location
- Taylorsville
"I" only means Fuel Injected.
My parents have a ci coupe
Any of the inline 6s are great! Again, our 14 year old M3 only has 245hp, but it will move and can get upwards of 30mpg on road trips, I would assume the newer I6 will be similar, but moving more weight.
My parents have a ci coupe
Any of the inline 6s are great! Again, our 14 year old M3 only has 245hp, but it will move and can get upwards of 30mpg on road trips, I would assume the newer I6 will be similar, but moving more weight.
The wikipedia page I linked has the hp breakdown between motors. Like I said earlier my dad's 525i has had no major issues and is now close to 210,000 miles. He's only done the routine maintenance.
What's the difference between a porcupine and a BMW?
The porcupine has its pricks on the outside!
Thats a good one, lol there is already a thread around here somewhere about how big of a prick driver my wife is......