Thinking about a BMW

[O2SpecV]

alright well i have always been interested in older like 1999 and below bmws i love the 98 m3's, but anyway after the sonic meet i now really like them. What i am trying to ask is what are they like? Reliable, expensive, hard to work on, hard to find stuff like that BMW guys maybe you can lead me in the right direction

[JDMTyler3326]

I always love the older 325i's / M3's . Once I rode in one I loved it.

[92dxman]

I think they are starting to come down in price. All I would recommend is buying one that has been maintained with all the records. Also, keep in mind these cars are starting to get up there in age so they might need a little freshening up.

[russiankid]

Reliability: They are as reliable as you make them be. If you keep up with the maintenance, then you won't have any problems.

Expensive: If you can do stuff yourself, it isn't to expensive. Small bits are usually more expensive than anything else, but it is not like you have to do them every 3k miles. It is more expensive than say a Honda, but it is expected with a higher end car.

Hard to work on: Not really. 3-series are a little cramped in the engine bay, but most stuff can be done without to much trouble.

[92accordex]

Ah i dont own one, but my buddy does and when he needs parts or needs something fixed, he says its expensive. but well worth it their awesome cars.

[russiankid]

Originally Posted by 92accordex

Ah i dont own one, but my buddy does and when he needs parts or needs something fixed, he says its expensive. but well worth it their awesome cars.

If you go to the dealer it is expensive. If you order online from places such as autohausaz, it isn't expensive.

[O2SpecV]

what about like the e36 m3 specifically

[O2SpecV]

something like that i just wish this car was a stick http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-...#ht_1712wt_951

[98GSXdude]

Even though its super slow, I like driving my BMW more than the Z.

[O2SpecV]

yeah i am telling ya i saw some of those guys e36s today and really liked what i saw

[russiankid]

Originally Posted by O2SpecV

what about like the e36 m3 specifically

They're solid cars. Just about all BMW's share two general areas in common. One is the cooling system, and two is the front suspension. 75k-100k is when you're supposed to get it taken care off. Service records are a must with an ///M series.

[O2SpecV]

yeah thats what i was reading up on also what do you think of that e36 that i posted russian

[russiankid]

Not a fan of an auto. If you're getting an ///M, get it with a 5-speed.

[O2SpecV]

hah yep thats exactly why i am not getting it

[turboman808]

Here is my very rough guide that I use when deciding on wether I want or can afford a car. Nothing is set in stone but over the lifetime of a car you will incur certain cost.

Just regular driving and street use I figure the cost are about $1000 annually for a honda or other economy car. $2000 for a european car like BMW or Merc. Porsche and your getting $3000 annually to keep it on the road. Exotics start at $5000 and shoot up pretty dam fast.

You start adding in performance tires and doing some racing and those number seem to all jump by $2000.

Sure someone isn't gonna agree but I rather plan for worst case scenario then think I can afford a car only to find out I cannot.

[98GSXdude]

Upkeep isn't cheap, but its worth it, especially for an older one. Whoever made up the phrase, "they don't make them like they used to" was probably employed by BMW. Just replace things one by one and don't ever add up receipts. My headunit is busted, driver rear window won't budge, needs front lower control arms, rear main seal is pissing oil, one of the fuel lines under the hood is pissing gas, and it doesn't like to start (probably associated with the fuel issue); but I still love the car and drive it almost everyday. Of course I'll fix everything, but not at once, and not ever going to tally costs. BMW made these cars to go 300k+ miles, and many are up there and still daily driven. This is my first BMW, and despite all the issues I mentioned, I'm thoroughly impressed.

[russiankid]

Originally Posted by 98GSXdude

Upkeep isn't cheap, but its worth it, especially for an older one. Whoever made up the phrase, "they don't make them like they used to" was probably employed by BMW. Just replace things one by one and don't ever add up receipts. My headunit is busted, driver rear window won't budge, needs front lower control arms, rear main seal is pissing oil, one of the fuel lines under the hood is pissing gas, and it doesn't like to start (probably associated with the fuel issue); but I still love the car and drive it almost everyday. Of course I'll fix everything, but not at once, and not ever going to tally costs. BMW made these cars to go 300k+ miles, and many are up there and still daily driven. This is my first BMW, and despite all the issues I mentioned, I'm thoroughly impressed.

All of those sound like common maintenance things for an E32. Your starting issue is because it is an M30....just kidding. Most likely a fuel issue.

[98GSXdude]

Originally Posted by russiankid

All of those sound like common maintenance things for an E32. Your starting issue is because it is an M30....just kidding. Most likely a fuel issue.

You're absolutely right, that's what I'm trying to convey to the OP. BMW's are seriously built tough, and stuff doesn't break. Its the normal maintenance items that gets you when the bills add up. My car still runs and drives perfect everyday regardless of everything it needs. Of course it could run better, but that's the fun of it! I enjoy working on this car, everything is very easily accessible and straight forward.

[russiankid]

Originally Posted by 98GSXdude

You're absolutely right, that's what I'm trying to convey to the OP. BMW's are seriously built tough, and stuff doesn't break. Its the normal maintenance items that gets you when the bills add up. My car still runs and drives perfect everyday regardless of everything it needs. Of course it could run better, but that's the fun of it! I enjoy working on this car, everything is very easily accessible and straight forward.

I caught up on all the maintenance on my E34 along with a 5-speed swap, and I love the car. Makes it all worth it in the end.

[blkmz3]

agreed. maintenence on my E46 M3 aint cheap at all. parts are through the roof.