[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

i guess you just had a bad experience with used cars. before buying i always get a pre purchase inspection. comb through the carfax. check the underbody and engine bay for signs of rust. etc. anything suspicious i walk away.

Same for my used cars(plus new cars), not that many costly repairs as discussed on forums across the brands. Maybe driving sedately and keeping cars garaged are differentiating factors?

[CalCarNut]

Wife's X3 is coming up on 80K..other than the glove box issue pulling apart, seems solid. (knock on wood). In contrast, my 2015 is still under 20Kmiles....and no issues to date.

[bavarianride]

Maybe BMW reliability has turned the corner?

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

Maybe BMW reliability has turned the corner?

I have never experienced the 'unreliable' days of BMW, but seeing other examples here and my own experience two years out of warranty (75k miles, no repairs reqd to date), my opinion is that BMWs are reliable.

[NormanConquest]

From my experience people who complain about reliability are the same that don't maintaine their car well.

[XKxRome0ox]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

For your bimmers, regular maintenance means oil change, air/cabin filters, spark plugs, brake flushes, coolant flushes, brakes? Or does it include "lifetime" stuff like belts, AT fluid, control arm bushings, window regulators?

Your experience is quite positive, and debunks the common wisdom on forums that bimmers with 100k miles are money pits. )

BTW, how do u compare the F30 3-series to E39 5-series?

after a certain mileage, you have to take care of things like belts, cooling system, control arm bushings, FUEL PUMP ... they all have an expected lifetime and do not last forever
so i'd consider those regular maintenance


i purchased my 2001 325i new ... put 195k miles on it and sold it after 15 years of ownership
just all regular and expected maintenance items, nothing catastrophic or unexpected
in the final 3-4 years of ownership i spent about $3000 to replace the entire cooling system, redo the suspension, and bunch of other things

what other car could have given me the driving joy + problem free ownership for just $3000 for 3-4 years?
i was sad when i finally let it go

jumped into a 2016 328i lease (6 speed, m sport, track handling package)

and had some fun with it
some autocross and track days, mountain drives
it was nice having free maintenance and warranty again


i just purchased a 2008 e90 M3 over the weekend ... so i'm hoping i have another problem-free BMW ownership experience

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

For your bimmers, regular maintenance means oil change, air/cabin filters, spark plugs, brake flushes, coolant flushes, brakes? Or does it include "lifetime" stuff like belts, AT fluid, control arm bushings, window regulators?

Your experience is quite positive, and debunks the common wisdom on forums that bimmers with 100k miles are money pits. )

BTW, how do u compare the F30 3-series to E39 5-series?

I've done the lifetime stuff when needed, not in a preventative way. I used the wisdom of my indepentent BMW mechanic as a lead. I don't turn wrenches myself anymore. I did replace timing chains/guides because the of the damage they can cause far outweights the cost replacing them.

As you say, my experience was quite positive. I'm sure you could find others who have horror stories but thankfully I've been lucky. Proper maintenance and I don't drive my cars too hard either. I know they are designed to drive hard but I'm simply passed that stage in my life.

You last question is a great one. I liked my '97 540. I LOVED my 2003 with M-Tech package. The M-tech suspension and 3:15 differential made a good car a great car. I smiled every time I got in it. In the end, it literally saved the life of my wife and myself in a really bad accident so to say I'm a fan of the E39 would be an understatement.

My F30 is an amazing car. I chose a 3er in 2014 because the 5ers had gotten to big for my liking. I chose the 328 over the 335 because I didn' not need or want a faster car. As it is, the 328 performance is almost the same as the 540i with 1/2 the cylinders and twice the gas mileage. I ordered the car so I could spec it exactly the way I wanted; DHP, M-sport, HUD, virtually everything except drivers assist stuff. I ditched the run flats and got Dinan Shockware to vastly improve the DHP. After getting stripped 328s as loaners, I can't explain how much better my car drives (to me) with DHP, go flats, and Shockware. So to answer your question, the 328 the way I have it configured is a better car in almost every way. But, I still long for that '03 540i.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

I've done the lifetime stuff when needed, not in a preventative way. I used the wisdom of my indepentent BMW mechanic as a lead. I don't turn wrenches myself anymore. I did replace timing chains/guides because the of the damage they can cause far outweights the cost replacing them.

As you say, my experience was quite positive. I'm sure you could find others who have horror stories but thankfully I've been lucky. Proper maintenance and I don't drive my cars too hard either. I know they are designed to drive hard but I'm simply passed that stage in my life.

You last question is a great one. I liked my '97 540. I LOVED my 2003 with M-Tech package. The M-tech suspension and 3:15 differential made a good car a great car. I smiled every time I got in it. In the end, it literally saved the life of my wife and myself in a really bad accident so to say I'm a fan of the E39 would be an understatement.

My F30 is an amazing car. I chose a 3er in 2014 because the 5ers had gotten to big for my liking. I chose the 328 over the 335 because I didn' not need or want a faster car. As it is, the 328 performance is almost the same as the 540i with 1/2 the cylinders and twice the gas mileage. I ordered the car so I could spec it exactly the way I wanted; DHP, M-sport, HUD, virtually everything except drivers assist stuff. I ditched the run flats and got Dinan Shockware to vastly improve the DHP. After getting stripped 328s as loaners, I can't explain how much better my car drives (to me) with DHP, go flats, and Shockware. So to answer your question, the 328 the way I have it configured is a better car in almost every way. But, I still long for that '03 540i.

It is good to hear another E39 owner happily move to F30!

My previous BMW was also E39, a 530i 5MT. A bunch of us got the same car around dotcom days, and all of us have moved on to some configs of F30. Many E46 and E90 owners dislike F30, but my friends who move from E39 to F30 are all extremely happy with F30.

A few of us(me included) has standard suspension plus a few options, the sentiment is that this F30 is far superior than E39 in terms of mpg, engine tech, emission warranties(all ours are N26 in CA), and some great improvement in serviceability(e.g. N26 engine bay is quite spacious). The downside is degraded 3-series feel compared to 5, but it is secondary.

BTW the last year M-tech E39 540i had the best value among all E39, it is similar the current MY of F30, this year's ZMP has lots of goodies at a discounted package price.

[XKxRome0ox]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

After getting stripped 328s as loaners, I can't explain how much better my car drives (to me) with DHP, go flats, and Shockware. So to answer your question, the 328 the way I have it configured is a better car in almost every way. But, I still long for that '03 540i.

i got dinan shockware for my 2016 328i
and i'd forget about it ...
got too used to it, etc.

until i get a loaner from the dealership
then i always appreciated what a difference it made in my car again

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by XKxRome0ox

i got dinan shockware for my 2016 328i
and i'd forget about it ...
got too used to it, etc.

until i get a loaner from the dealership
then i always appreciated what a difference it made in my car again

So is DHP + Shockware close to E39 M tech as needed, but fall back to comfy automatically?

[XKxRome0ox]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

So is DHP + Shockware close to E39 M tech as needed, but fall back to comfy automatically?

(you'd have to ask the other guy. i don't have experience with the e39 M tech)

i kept mine on sport setting all the time

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

It is good to hear another E39 owner happily move to F30!

My previous BMW was also E39, a 530i 5MT. A bunch of us got the same car around dotcom days, and all of us have moved on to some configs of F30. Many E46 and E90 owners dislike F30, but my friends who move from E39 to F30 are all extremely happy with F30.

A few of us(me included) has standard suspension plus a few options, the sentiment is that this F30 is far superior than E39 in terms of mpg, engine tech, emission warranties(all ours are N26 in CA), and some great improvement in serviceability(e.g. N26 engine bay is quite spacious). The downside is degraded 3-series feel compared to 5, but it is secondary.

BTW the last year M-tech E39 540i had the best value among all E39, it is similar the current MY of F30, this year's ZMP has lots of goodies at a discounted package price.

It's nice to know there are others who have the same appreciation. I didn't know the 2003 540 with M-Tech had the best value but it is no surprise. For its day it was the perfect (to me) performance sedan. Everything the M5 was with out the pesky extra power.

I'm glad you and your friends are liking the F30. I read negative comments about it and all I can say is my experience has been positive. Specing it the way you like does make a difference. Getting rid of run flats helps too.

I've got 56k miles on mine now and I'll keep it for years as long as its trouble-free.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by XKxRome0ox

i got dinan shockware for my 2016 328i
and i'd forget about it ...
got too used to it, etc.

until i get a loaner from the dealership
then i always appreciated what a difference it made in my car again

I know, right?

The non DHP F30s are great cars, but DHP, Dinan Shockware and go flat tires takes this fine car someplace special. To get DHP I had to order the car since there were none on the lot that had this option. I said what the hell and took advantage of the European Delivery Program while I was at it.

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

For your bimmers, regular maintenance means oil change, air/cabin filters, spark plugs, brake flushes, coolant flushes, brakes? Or does it include "lifetime" stuff like belts, AT fluid, control arm bushings, window regulators?

Your experience is quite positive, and debunks the common wisdom on forums that bimmers with 100k miles are money pits. )

BTW, how do u compare the F30 3-series to E39 5-series?

No matter the claim, Belts, AT fluid and bushings are not lifetime, window regulators should be, but were not on my E46 or a previous Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ. Front control arm bushings were replaced twice under warranty on my E46. The third time I put in solid rubber - not oil filled and never had another issue. Obviously, twice in 50k is not acceptable for a bushing.

Guess you owned an E46 / E39 for awhile, you hit all the sweet spots

I can tell you my first hand experience with BMW "lifetime A/T fluid" if you like.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by metallicpea

No matter the claim, Belts, AT fluid and bushings are not lifetime, window regulators should be, but were not on my E46 or a previous Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ. Front control arm bushings were replaced twice under warranty on my E46. The third time I put in solid rubber - not oil filled and never had another issue. Obviously, twice in 50k is not acceptable for a bushing.

Guess you owned an E46 / E39 for awhile, you hit all the sweet spots

I can tell you my first hand experience with BMW "lifetime A/T fluid" if you like.

Ah the list of repair should include VCG and OFHG too. Are those maintenance or repair? And VANOS rebuilt, that should not be "maintenance" right?

It puzzles me why BMW/German bushings need to be oil filled, while most others are solid rubber.

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

Ah the list of repair should include VCG and OFHG too. Are those maintenance or repair? And VANOS rebuilt, that should not be "maintenance" right?

It puzzles me why BMW/German bushings need to be oil filled, while most others are solid rubber.

My Vanos was only an issue on my E60 550i - major issue, never any problems on any others of my 4 BMWs model year 2000 through 2009.

VCG and OFHG were only needed on my E46s as both, of course, had cooling system failures, well after 100k, that cooked that rubber solid. Temp sensor could not read overheat when the water pump dropped all the coolant. Wife drove it home instead of waiting for me to come pick here up. Said it didn't tell me it was over temp. That engine still ran like a champ afterwards.

But seriously, they have all been really low cost of repair and low frequency of trouble except that N62.

I had a MY 2000 323i that I bought for $900 because the previous owner couldn't figure out how to bleed the cooling system. I sorted it and it is still on the road - some 260k miles and counting. When I inspected that vanos it was spotless. And you bet I changed that transmission fluid.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by metallicpea

My Vanos was only an issue on my E60 550i - major issue, never any problems on any others of my 4 BMWs model year 2000 through 2009.

VCG and OFHG were only needed on my E46s as both, of course, had cooling system failures, well after 100k, that cooked that rubber solid. Temp sensor could not read overheat when the water pump dropped all the coolant. Wife drove it home instead of waiting for me to come pick here up. Said it didn't tell me it was over temp. That engine still ran like a champ afterwards.

But seriously, they have all been really low cost of repair and low frequency of trouble except that N62.

I had a MY 2000 323i that I bought for $900 because the previous owner couldn't figure out how to bleed the cooling system. I sorted it and it is still on the road - some 260k miles and counting. When I inspected that vanos it was spotless. And you bet I changed that transmission fluid.

Wow $900 for a E46, that's a great deal even for parts.

So that overheated engine actually survive for quite some time after the incident?

My old E39 needed VCG and OFHG, and later the thermostat housing(gasket leak)+ thermostat, it is a good point that if the thermostat gasket had been fixed early on, the VCG and OFHG might not have been issues.

This reminds me to watch any coolant leak in my F30 like a hawk, so far the hoses are still in pretty good shape, and the I4 gives out less heat than I6 to reduce the cooking effect.

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

Wow $900 for a E46, that's a great deal even for parts.

So that overheated engine actually survive for quite some time after the incident?

My old E39 needed VCG and OFHG, and later the thermostat housing(gasket leak)+ thermostat, it is a good point that if the thermostat gasket had been fixed early on, the VCG and OFHG might not have been issues.

This reminds me to watch any coolant leak in my F30 like a hawk, so far the hoses are still in pretty good shape, and the I4 gives out less heat than I6 to reduce the cooking effect.

It ran perfect for another 3 years and 36k after that and ran perfect when I sold it because of the rusty rear fenders. 13 Chicago Winters was more than the body could take. Didn't even burn oil. Just had to replace all the rubber touching the block because of the overheat. Those M54s will run for a long, long time.

I'll be buying 1 or 2 more in the next 3 years. Wish me luck with a couple 15 year old cars

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by metallicpea

It ran perfect for another 3 years and 36k after that and ran perfect when I sold it because of the rusty rear fenders. 13 Chicago Winters was more than the body could take. Didn't even burn oil. Just had to replace all the rubber touching the block because of the overheat. Those M54s will run for a long, long time.

I'll be buying 1 or 2 more in the next 3 years. Wish me luck with a couple 15 year old cars

E46/E39 are so well understood that DIY/indies can handle them given enough time and/or money. The same is not true of new F-chassis with so much electronics.

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

E46/E39 are so well understood that DIY/indies can handle them given enough time and/or money. The same is not true of new F-chassis with so much electronics.

I'm not familiar yet, but here's hoping that by the time I have it 12 years I'll have my F30 figured out. I tried to spec mine on the simple side with this in mind. I am not getting burned by another moonroof.

[MacklinUSOB]

Originally Posted by metallicpea

I tried to spec mine on the simple side with this in mind. I am not getting burned by another moonroof.

Same. Every car I've owned for an extended period of time has developed problems with power seats and sunroofs (BMW, Saab, Ford, doesn't seem to matter). I don't need another sunroof dumping water into the cabin all over the electronics. DIY maintenance is nothing revolutionary with the F30, but I surely did not want to troubleshoot the complicated expensive optional equipment when it eventually broke, hence my car being optioned sparingly.

[KGB_123_99]

My 2002 E39 had 140K miles (not KM) when I sold it. It was running great even after 10 years.

To date, it's the only car (of many) I ever regret selling and remember fondly.