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      02-04-2013, 09:09 PM   #23
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Originally Posted by alex2364 View Post
Tell me where you can find 7 liters of 5W-30 BMW recommended synthetic for $30. Just oil and filter will be $76.

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

And the car needs to be reprogrammed after a battery change or it could explode.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=468750
7 liters for $30 is a bit off, but you can routinely get Mobil 1 6-pk at Costco for $28 to $30.
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      03-30-2017, 11:50 PM   #24
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I'm pretty sure the general public understand the costs of owning any German car. It's the first thing that usually comes up when you talk about these cars.

Never bought an extended warranty plan, but so far, count me as one of the lucky owners. Only thing that has happened was the water pump/thermostat but (which will die) and had an indy that I trust and know do it for the cost of the parts. Spark plugs, oil change, brakes all done myself.
Yes, the water pump is a known issue... you can always upgrade from the plastic impeller to a Metal impeller. And the thermostat should be done at the same time. If the water pump goes the engine could over heat = very bad.
I just got a 2013 335i that has a known hppp issue. I plan to mitigate it, if I can. Just do your research, I agree go Indy, and get an extended warranty. And if your vehicle is older, the secondary parts market like bavauto for things you don't want used or junk pull-a-parts are a good cheap option and you can pay others to retrieve them for you.
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      03-31-2017, 12:13 AM   #25
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I have 86000 miles on my e92 coupe. I use a reputable Indy shop that is significantly cheaper than the dealership. Stay the hell away from the dealership, repeat, stay the hell away from the dealership. They will completely rip you off. The repair and maintenance costs have not been much higher than any of the modern Hondas I have owned except for the oil for oil changes due to it being full synthetic and the volume of oil required. My wife's 2010 Subaru WRX that we just sold required costly frequent maintenance that was very much on par with the cost of BMW maint. after warranty. We just sold it and bought her a new 335i m sport.
Yes this is true about subies they cost a lot to maintain as well. Maybe because WRX and STI are the performance models so they charge more assuming the average buyer for these cars has deeper pockets.
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      03-31-2017, 12:16 AM   #26
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A good majority of people look at BMW or other luxury brands and only worry about the initial cost of ownership. They don't think about M&R or depending on the states what your yearly registration tab will cost you. Most Euro luxury cars are expensive to maintain, that's just how it is. I'm sure this will be helpful for a few people looking to get into BMWs
This is part of the BMW tax and the cost of owning a prestige german brand. If you want a luxury car with lower cost of ownership go with Lexus or Infiniti but they are boring to drive. The average enthusiast will be much happier with the bimmer which also has broader after market support. Folks that own Bimmers like customization and modification and are willing to spend a fortune to pimp their ride, make it faster, etc. Also, you can get an extended warranty, I have 6 year 100k maint. and warranty coverage. After that, my insurance sells mechanical breakdown insurance. Prepaying like this will definitely save you in the long run.
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      03-31-2017, 06:09 AM   #27
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........ Also, you can get an extended warranty, I have 6 year 100k maint. and warranty coverage. After that, my insurance sells mechanical breakdown insurance. Prepaying like this will definitely save you in the long run.
So the warranty companies are losing money on every contract?......interesting.
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      03-31-2017, 09:05 AM   #28
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So the warranty companies are losing money on every contract?......interesting.
I seriously doubt that very much.. warranty companies losing money and not making it up in some other way would just drop coverage..theyre not in the business of losing money.. let the internet companies do that

The way to reduce $$$ ownership is to adhere to maintenance of that precious vehicle dont skimp, DIY whenever possible, & as others have indicated.. snoop around during warranty coverage for area indy shops who are reasonable, reliable, and quality
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      03-31-2017, 09:07 AM   #29
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........ Also, you can get an extended warranty, I have 6 year 100k maint. and warranty coverage. After that, my insurance sells mechanical breakdown insurance. Prepaying like this will definitely save you in the long run.
So the warranty companies are losing money on every contract?......interesting.
They can make arrangements with BMW and are not paying full retail like you or I so no. It is still cheaper to do it this way and will provide some insurance against unforeseen costs IMO
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      03-31-2017, 03:44 PM   #30
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Maybe its more expensive in recent models but my e46 m3 has been the cheapest car I've ever owned.

It never breaks so just routine stuff like tires and brake pads etc and the rare service, which is very expensive as they have to take apart the engine but its only one every few years and only because its an M.

I would imagine all late model cars with all their gadgetry are just as expensive as each other.

It's a good argument for leasing.
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      03-31-2017, 03:50 PM   #31
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Because they're so expensive to maintain and repair, everyone will respect you more for owning and driving one . You can't fake it until you've made it, even if you buy certified since your maintenance cost will likely be higher to offset the discounted price.
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      03-31-2017, 03:51 PM   #32
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Originally Posted by Speed-NYC View Post
Maybe its more expensive in recent models but my e46 m3 has been the cheapest car I've ever owned.

It never breaks so just routine stuff like tires and brake pads etc and the rare service, which is very expensive as they have to take apart the engine but its only one every few years and only because its an M.

I would imagine all late model cars with all their gadgetry are just as expensive as each other.

It's a good argument for leasing.
I didn't know leasing includes maintenance vs. buying, isn't it the same?
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      03-31-2017, 04:04 PM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmer456
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Originally Posted by Speed-NYC View Post
Maybe its more expensive in recent models but my e46 m3 has been the cheapest car I've ever owned.

It never breaks so just routine stuff like tires and brake pads etc and the rare service, which is very expensive as they have to take apart the engine but its only one every few years and only because its an M.

I would imagine all late model cars with all their gadgetry are just as expensive as each other.

It's a good argument for leasing.
I didn't know leasing includes maintenance vs. buying, isn't it the same?
The ultimate care program which comes with lease or buy lasts 3 years which is the same term as most leases so your costs are, mostly, predictable.
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      03-31-2017, 04:09 PM   #34
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The ultimate care program which comes with lease or buy lasts 3 years which is the same term as most leases so your costs are, mostly, predictable.
It sux that if you want the full maintenance you have to pay extra now and it's only for 3 years. That still doesn't explain how leasing would be better than buying as you get it either way. I guess you mean after 3 years? You could sell it if you had brought it or extend coverage, though I guess you mean you know your cost prior to end of lease and can just return it. Makes some sense I guess. I like when people ask me if I brought it or leased it I can say I brought it, though you could just lie to your friends if you're leasing lol.
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      03-31-2017, 06:02 PM   #35
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Originally Posted by Speed-NYC View Post
The ultimate care program which comes with lease or buy lasts 3 years which is the same term as most leases so your costs are, mostly, predictable.
It sux that if you want the full maintenance you have to pay extra now and it's only for 3 years. That still doesn't explain how leasing would be better than buying as you get it either way. I guess you mean after 3 years? You could sell it if you had brought it or extend coverage, though I guess you mean you know your cost prior to end of lease and can just return it. Makes some sense I guess. I like when people ask me if I brought it or leased it I can say I brought it, though you could just lie to your friends if you're leasing lol.
or you could say, i like to always be driving new cars so I lease.
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      03-31-2017, 06:48 PM   #36
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Originally Posted by Dukenole View Post
Why are oil changes and batteries irrelevant? I don't have the bill on me but they had to replace the thermostat, a couple of gaskets, and some other stuff I can't remember. Again, if you have a good indy shop that you trust, more power to you but the point remains, M&R on bimmers is very expensive-- insurance is higher too obviously. Just helping some new buyers make a fully informed decision.

If you want new buyers to be fully informed, then be sure to add the fact that maintenance is covered for the first 4 years if you buy new. Also, you can get extended warranties to take you to 7 years for $1,200 to $2,000 that take care of the major stuff but not general maintenance. After 7 years, it becomes more tricky. That's the space you are in driving a 9 year old car. Now, you are complaining about spending $3,200 on a 9 year old car and I get you when you say that it is a lot. But, spending $3,200 every few years is a lot less then being tied up in perpetual lease payments. Your cost per mile is still way ahead. And furthermore, you could reduce your expenses by going to an independent. You live in Chapel Hill. Its not like you don't have choices. There are many choices within a 30 mile radius and some right there in Chapel Hill you could try. We are not talking about engine replacement here.
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      04-01-2017, 08:38 AM   #37
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you can try to justify the costs of maintaining and repairing BMWs all you want but they really are off the charts imo. And comparing them to a subaru is nuts. I have owned two STi's and one of the best parts was how inexpensive they are to repair and maintain. I bought my own oil (Motul) and let the dealer change it for $60-70 total each time. Hell you can replace the entire STi engine for $5-6k. How much would that be for a B58 or N55 - not to mention an S55 engine? I have a 2010 X3 with 77k miles. Its been out of warranty for awhile and in that time I have spent $550 on a new battery (absolutely absurd along with the programming jive) $2400 on new brakes, $1750 on yaw sensor and something else associated with it (cant actually remember). Also just had the drivers side mirror and housing replaced after it was struck by fallling ice from roof of partially enclosed prkg lot. That cost $1100. Cause ya know its a BMW (motor, heating element, painted housing blah blah blah) was somewhat softened by insurance paying after my $500 deductible. Some of this could have beeen avoided with an extended warranty - which I debated but ultimately did not do. I do think the moral is if youre going to own/drive a bmw out of warranty - be prepared to pay.
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      04-01-2017, 12:46 PM   #38
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Love how the thread flows after a four year gap.
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      04-03-2017, 06:56 PM   #39
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It's no secret these cars are crazy expensive to maintain & repair costs are exponential compared to regular cars. The water pump & thermostat went on my N54 335i. Paid $800 to get it fixed... Thats only because I know someone at a shop & got the parts at invoice & $350 in labor. These cars are a bitch to work on and require a nice garage setup if you want to do everything yourself. I think the real problem is people don't see the comparative cost to maintain relative to the original MSRP of the car they're purchasing. When a 50K 3 series breaks don't expect to pay the same price to repair as a 30K Honda Accord.
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      04-04-2017, 01:53 AM   #40
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30 for a oil change, BMW will be $120.
I don't know about that.

When I brought my car in for its free service which included a no charge scratch across my rear bumper they had a sign advertising an oil change special.

The price was ... wait for it ... $250
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      04-06-2017, 08:18 PM   #41
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I'm planning to keep my 340i till it dies
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      04-07-2017, 12:19 PM   #42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eluded View Post
I don't know about that.

When I brought my car in for its free service which included a no charge scratch across my rear bumper they had a sign advertising an oil change special.

The price was ... wait for it ... $250
Bulgarian dollars? Levz to USD is about $130, seems alright for you. Our local .com dealer has specials @ $80.
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      07-25-2017, 11:03 PM   #43
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Anybody know of good indy shops in the Inland Empire or Los Angeles i can take my f30? Warranty just ran out :/ Just dropped 1000 on 4 tires and the alignment at the dealership and they were trying to get me for 500 more for the 55K maintenance i think its oil, brake fluid, air intake, etc.
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      07-26-2017, 02:39 AM   #44
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A friend of mine recently leased a new Bentley Bentayga. He decided to lease for the first time ever because his last car, a Bentley Continental, became so expressive to maintain. With just under 100k miles, he estimated her was spending $3,000 a month in maintenance and small repairs, like a windshield wiper motor that cost about as much as a used Ford Focus.
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