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Need some car advice - BMW cars

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sarak

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May 18, 2006
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Ok boys, I am a dancer so this topic is non-escort and non-dancer but still something you boys enjoy as much as sexy women.(wink)

I'm shopping for a BMW car, but to pricey for new and hard to find something used that was treated well. I love the 330 coupe. I met a guy about 3mths ago who is a BMW wholesaler and told me these cars are amazing but rather take the advise from him, would like to here some input from the masses.

So what do you guys suggest?

btw to my BMW wholesaler friend Craig, thanks for the advise, hope to see you soon.(wink)
 
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tboy

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Well, it depends on what you consider a good deal.... First thing I'd do is scan www.autotrader.ca and www.autonet.ca to see what they are going for. Remember to factor in the model numbers, options, and mileage.

As for BMW's being expensive to maintain, even if nothing goes wrong you will pay dearly for even regular maintenance items (ie: tune-ups, parts, air cleaners, tires, brakes etc) because even if they are well engineered, the brake pads and rotors WILL wear out and will need to be replaced. I'd plan on double what a North American car will cost....

As suggested if you're looking for a great german car, the A4 etc can't be beat. They are little pocket rockets. If buying a cache name like Audi or BMW isn't important to you then the volkswagen jetta drives just about as well, for about 10 grand less...(yes there is a difference but not a 10 grand difference)

BTW: the honda accord sedan with the aero package is getting all kinds of rave reviews. You could probably buy a new one for the price of a 5 yr old BMW.....

In addition, if I was buying a Beemer used I wouldn't buy one anywhere else other than a BMW dealer...Why? Because they have a reputation to protect and WILL NOT SELL YOU A LEMON whereas wholesalers etc have nothing to lose by fucking you.....
 
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Phiber Optik

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try luxury japanese, they're quickly climbing up in the lux market. Try infiniti or Lexus. Lexus are very reliable cars and don't really skimp on the luxury IS 350 or IS 250.
 
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robert99

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Jan 15, 2004
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I'm not sure since when but the 3 series have a 4 year maintenance; regardless if you bought it new or not. Its a great car; just shop around for a deal.
 
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Hornet

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Jul 22, 2002
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I've looked at BMW's in the past but never bought. Great fun to drive but there's not much of an interior design. I've been told that there is a 5 hour minimum for maintenance for anything non-routine so you're looking at $1K+ if something goes wrong.

Mercedes-Benz on the other had have great styling but are rear-wheel drive so that's not good for a Canadian winter.

Audi's are a good choice. I really like the Lexus quality and styling but not the cost. Infiniti gets good marks as well. The Acura TL is very well built, less expensive and the one I'd recommend given it has everything the others have but at about $10K less.

Check out http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/types/p66831.htm You need a small membership fee to look at the details
 
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Papi Chulo

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james t kirk said:
No it is not.
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I speak from experience, driving rear wheel powered vehicles for the last 6 years. They are fine in the winter, even without traction control Never been stuck nor lost control while driving in the worst conditions
 
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biog

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james t kirk said:
No it is not.
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I'm with Papi, there's been no problems the last few winters with my 3 series in the snow. The all-wheel drive and traction control are fantastic.
 
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sarak

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hmmm, ok so what dealership is good, has anyone had a great experience they can reffer someone to me? My friend told me you can get a great deal wholesale rather than pay retail.
 
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newguy27

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The newer model BMWs are good in the winter and awesome in the summer. No problems. You really cant beat the handling on these cars, which i why i have only ended up with BMWs so far. Aside from the supercars, only Porsche has this level of feel/handling.

Avoid getting work done at the dealership unless under warranty if you can. The costs of their servicing is insane. Find a BMW specialist mechanic who can do the same or better work for a lot less money. Do a lot yourself if you are mechanically inclined. Maintenance is not too bad as long as you follow the above pointers and watch for the typical weak spots on these cars that can be costly to fix when you go looking at them. The nortorious break-down areas include the front control arms/bearings, window regulators (especially coupes), rear subframes (the m3s are reinforced), and the VANOs system.

You can find OEM parts, supplies from US companies for a lot less than what the dealerships charge too. (example, a cabin filter here costs $41, while in the states you can order one for about $16).

Audis are good cars too but they lose their value a lot after 3-4 years due to some break-down parts.

Oh yeah, BMW is launching the 335 (turbocharged) coupe very soon (300+) horsepower) so if you can wait, a normal 330 coupe now will be a lot cheaper very soon when the new one launches. Good luck and welcome to the club!!
 
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tboy

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sarak said:
hmmm, ok so what dealership is good, has anyone had a great experience they can reffer someone to me? My friend told me you can get a great deal wholesale rather than pay retail.
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Well, like I said, the reason you can get a great deal wholesale as opposed to retail is the wholesalers have nothing to lose by ripping you off....

A wise man once said:

It is foolish to spend too much but it is stupid to pay too little....

and the old adage still stands: you only get what you pay for....do you think a wholesaler will do anything for you if the car he sells you ends up with 3 burned pistons and needs a transmission? Ummm he will laugh in your face and point out on the bill of sale: as is where is and the seller accepts NO responsiblily for the condition of the vehicle and NO warranty or guarantee is implied or given....

On the other hand most reputable dealers and I'm 100% sure that BMW is no different, will give you a minimum of a 90 day warranty even if the manufacturer's warranty has run out. If you buy from a BMW dealer you can always negoiate an extended warranty into the selling price. I always do when buying a used car or truck. That way if anything major goes wrong, you're covered.

Please go into this with your eyes wide open: even if you shop around etc as suggested for parts and non-dealer BMW mechanics, it WILL cost you more than japanese or domestic cars.....
 
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sarak

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May 18, 2006
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wow..this has been a great reply, thanks boys.wink

I have my heart set on a 330 coupe, so it looks like maybe if I get used then extended warranty is a must. I really hate some dealers, they have been scary in the past, some guys are so pushy that is why I asked about wholesale. My special friend Craig Silver is a wholesale guy that deals in BMW but he tells me that most of the good cars are scooped by the dealers so maybe have to also look private. Hopefully I can find a good dealer who will be nice and help me out. Also guys don't feel shy, I am a serious car girl. Have an RX8 that I brought with me when I moved here from Calgary. Love it but need something with a bit more room.
 
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Slant

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Jan 3, 2003
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I was recently shopping for a new car too.

I was thinking about the 330CI. 2 people told me NOT to buy the BMW: My closest friend (whom owns a 2000 330CI), and my mechanic (who owned a 323).

Both found the maintanence costs out of control. The 330 owner was constantly taking the car in for various squeeks and vibrations...It cost him $2000 to fix some sort of squeek over the right rear well...

Now my thought was, I will get lots of opinion, but I rarely get people saying, "Whatever you do, do NOT buy my car!"

That was enough for me.

Good luck!
 
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james t kirk

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Aug 17, 2001
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I've driven many a rear wheel drive car in the winter, and imho, you can not compare them to front wheel drive in the snow, or AWD.

Last winter was a joke as far as snow goes, and the one before that wasn't bad.

If you are going to buy a BMW, the AWD version would be my choice. Although it's going to be heavier, have more mechanics to drive and potentially break down, I think it a great investment.

As far as the cost of servicing a BMW, it is expensive I agree, however, I agree with newguy. Take it to the dealer for warrantee service, after that, find a good mechanic who knows the car and won't rob you blind.

If you can fix straight forward stuff yourself, all the better. Just buy a service manual for a couple of hundred bucks first. I highly recommend that since it will tell you how to remove certain parts, torque specs, etc.

Other than the computer control system, transmissions, and front struts, there is not too much on a car that a guy with a bit of mechanical aptitude and desire can't fix himself.
 
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sarak

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May 18, 2006
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Well, thx James but don't forget I'm a girl. I can put gas in it, check the oil, put air in the tires but actual look under the hodd and figure that all out. That is what you boys are for, plus I don't want to mess my hair or break a nail. lol
 
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tboy

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james t kirk said:
I've driven many a rear wheel drive car in the winter, and imho, you can not compare them to front wheel drive in the snow, or AWD.

Last winter was a joke as far as snow goes, and the one before that wasn't bad.

If you are going to buy a BMW, the AWD version would be my choice. Although it's going to be heavier, have more mechanics to drive and potentially break down, I think it a great investment.

As far as the cost of servicing a BMW, it is expensive I agree, however, I agree with newguy. Take it to the dealer for warrantee service, after that, find a good mechanic who knows the car and won't rob you blind.

If you can fix straight forward stuff yourself, all the better. Just buy a service manual for a couple of hundred bucks first. I highly recommend that since it will tell you how to remove certain parts, torque specs, etc.

Other than the computer control system, transmissions, and front struts, there is not too much on a car that a guy with a bit of mechanical aptitude and desire can't fix himself.
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Well James, I would agree with you if we were talking about a '75 camaro but even with my background (3 yrs towards my auto mechanic's certificate) I wouldn't do anything under the hood of my F150 other than check and or change fluids, change a fan belt etc.

I wouldn't let anyone other than an authorized licenced BMW mechanic touch it.....I know I know, there are lots of shops out there that are probably more than qualified but finding a reputable, knowledgeable one is going to be tough. Unless of course you can get referred to one from a) a current BMW owner or B) a BMW salesman....

From what I've read here Sarak is looking at the BMW for purely prestige/cache factors. Honestly I would NEVER buy a car for this reason alone....IMHO for the price of a used BMW you can buy a new just about anything.....
 
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