Im interested in buying a bmw. Not to old. But from what i hear the problems mechanically can be costly. How much miles on a bmw should i not consider because of it being unreliable?
Im interested in buying a bmw. Not to old. But from what i hear the problems mechanically can be costly. How much miles on a bmw should i not consider because of it being unreliable?
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From my experience overall the major mechanical components will last upwards of 150,000 miles. Question is whether or not all the small stuff will last that long. And generally sensors, electrical glitches, windows regulators, water pump, cooling system, etc will fail around 75,000 miles to 100,000 miles.
November 28th, 2009 at 8:10 pmAlso depending on what you get a 3 Series or 7 Series, generally speaking a 7 Series will have a lot more electrical components than a 3 Series. So you will get a lot more stuff that will nickle and dime you.
Also different generation cars and different models have different weakness points.
I say a sweet spot between a used car and new car for BMW will be around 30,000 to 40,000 miles. That way you don’t have to take the full depreciation hit plus you will have many miles to enjoy your car.
Biggest recommendation I can give you is see if the car has repair paper works. Thus you would know if the previous owner took care of it or not. Also if the car is under 6 years old and 100,000 miles it can qualify for Extended Warranty from numerous companies.
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Most BMWs become unreliable when their owners stop taking care of them. A well serviced and well maintained 3, 5, 6, or 7 Series car can be expected to last 150K to 200K miles if there have been no accidents and a bonafide record of services and repairs. An engine or transmission failure can be grounds for an investment greater than the market value of the car. That is in the category of being unreliable.
November 28th, 2009 at 8:33 pmQuote
It depends on the year, model, and how well it was taken care of. I’d say if it has under 150,000 miles to buy it. “if it is in good shape”. I’ve owned 6 bmws and never have had any real problems with them. They are the best care around and a real steal if you can find a good used one. I’ve bought all mine used with anywere from 20,000 miles to 140,000. However, I baby all my cars, and have it serviced and checked for any potential problems regularly.
November 28th, 2009 at 9:09 pmQuote
Depends on what you are looking for, if you are trying to avoid ALL/ANY kind of serious repairs, look for a car with very low or post major maintenance mileage. Some argue for cars that have been serviced past the 50-60K mile mark (of course checking that the work has been done). Also it should be pointed out that certified BMWs have 100K warranties. It should also be pointed out that not all BMWs are created equal. THe 3-series and Z series are the best bets followed by the X3. You shouldn’t see any issues for the first 100K miles or more..
November 28th, 2009 at 10:03 pmQuote
I have a 530i and when it goes off warranty I’m selling it! maintenance is so expensive for them you’re better off buying a newer one still under warranty
November 28th, 2009 at 10:57 pmQuote
Anything that puts it out of warranty is too much. I will never ever buy another BMW.
November 28th, 2009 at 11:09 pmQuote
About 180,000 miles if it been pampered. They will run well into the 200k before having to junk it.
November 28th, 2009 at 11:12 pmQuote
my 1997 bmw 316i coupe is going very well at 120,000 miles with nothing major replaced
November 28th, 2009 at 11:39 pmQuote
my 86 528 has 250k on it and the trans is starting to shift funny, I guess I could use it as a clunker trade in..
November 28th, 2009 at 11:54 pmQuote