by Reed on December 13, 2009
hello,
I am planning to buy a used BMW. Not very old but three to four years old.I heard that maintenance would be high for BMW as its parts are all imported. also not all mechanics can fix it so you have to go to dealer every time.
but I do see old BMWs on road. So it might not be as bad after all
What are my options..
Should I buy certified one with warranty up to 100,000 miles etc?
is it really that expensive?
Please advice,
I have owned two used BMW’s (still have one to this day). I restored my 92 735 almost completely with the new drivetrain and other things.
After I got it into top working condition which was very very expensive, i have been doing proper maintenance over the last 4 years and I can tell you how it could cost. First of all it is extremely rare to see a properly maintained used BMW on the road unless it belonged to an adult car enthusiast or a pro mechanic.
First thing is older auto transmissions. It will most likely need to be replaced. They require special maintenance that dealers do not provide unless you pay them for it as a repair on a hourly basis. This replacement will run you around 5K unless you can do it yourself.
Annual tuneup will run around $800 in parts only if original good parts are used. Every 2nd or third year it will require a more extensive tuneup that will run about $1800 in parts (this one will include valve adjustments, brake replacements and some bushing replacements).
Besides general tuneups you will need to spend another $1000 or so a year on regular care like coolant flushes, detailing, miscellaneous replacements that will be required with a used BMW. Due to its high performance suspension built on a subframe it also requires maintenance if you want it to ride like any BMW should. On average you will spend 2K a year to maintain it, sometimes more.
If you are planning on using it for performance driving (not on the street) – the amount will go up dramaticaly (up to 10K per year a minimum).
In any case – if the used BMW is more than 5-7 years old you have to prepare to spend no less than 5K to get it into a proper shape so have it allocated.
by Reed on December 13, 2009
How much cash do i need to afford an used 14000$ bmw?
i do not have enough right now. im wondering how i should finance. i got 5000$ and only make 730$ a month(part time 17 hrs
). i can spend all my money on the car becuase i dont pay for living expense. im only 20 years old. i dont plan on getting another job because of college. wha would be a good downpayment area?
I’m only 22 and I can see your being wasteful. Should take that money and save it and put it on a down payment for a house. Then when you have that house paid off buy your car. Maybe take that money and start paying student loans off or pay for more schooling…unless you got a free ride.
Due to the fact you have no real job. I’m guessing you’re not going to get many banks to finance you, unless you have a co-signer. Even if you do get a co-signer you’re only 20 and high risk. You’ll have to get a loan for 9,000 and all the other taxes that come along…maybe warranty. They’ll bring it to about 11,000…you’ll be paying about 300-350 a month. But remember you’ll pay interest first, and no principle. Depending on 3 or 5 year loan. Now you have to remember about car insurance. Since a bank is financing it you’ll have to get Full liability coverage. That will hike up your payments to the roof. Hopefully you have been a good driver and have a bunch of discounts. If not, you’ll eat up every bit of your monthly wage for this car. Forget eating, and gas. You’ll probably go back to begging parents for Ramen soup money. Ha ha, sorry man like I said I’m 22, been there 2 years ago. Thankfully I didn’t go thru with it.
by Reed on December 13, 2009
I’m 19, making pretty good money and want to buy a nice car. Will the car break down a lot? What would typically break down and how expensive is it because I know BMW parts are pricey. I want to go luxury, you think its a good idea?
how much CJ? Also, I forgot to ask, how many miles you think it would last? Something in the 100-140k mileage range at $4000-$8000.
I take it you mean 100 to 140 thousand miles. It has been a long time since BMW stopped making cars that were good to own after they went off warranty. I would recommend something else. If you don’t like my advice, can I interest you in a 325is automatic with 93K miles, red with black leather, sunroof, traction control, trip computer, and dual zone climate control?
by Reed on December 8, 2009
I want to put an aftermarket exhaust on my new BMW 2008 M3 convertible coupe. What kind will give it a deeper sound and make it sound mean?
Congrats on your E93, that’s a mean car you’ve got there.
Currently the only E93 exhaust I know of is the Active Autowerke system. It’ll run you about $2,700 for the whole system, plus assuming you want the software to let it run at it’s full potential it can be more. It’ll provide somewhere around +15hp more than stock, it weighs 12lbs less than the stock exhaust, and it gives it that beautiful Active Autowerke sound. It will probably void your warranty, though. I’d wait a few months for the price to go down and more options to come out, though.
