Do you trust your car's overall quality enough to keep it long term?

BrettKA7 · 10-18-2018, 01:18 PM

I'll start by saying I love my car. I loved it when I upgraded from an Acura TL Type-S to a 328i, and I love it even more after some cosmetic improvements and a new suspension.

I had to have a harness replaced for an inoperable rear left turn signal. It had a short and was burning the tail lamp out repeatedly. I had to fix an oil leak that began before 60k miles. I have a terrible pop in my steering rack that BMW was unable to replicate last time, so I'm waiting until it gets worse to rectify.

Not one of these items could have been prevented by staying on top of general maintenance.

I can't trust BMW's recommendations for any fluids because of how long the intervals are, so I don't feel they care how it holds up after the warranty is over. An engine replacement can run upwards of $20k if it came down to it.

I have CarMax warranty up to 100k miles and I'm currently at 67k. I need to have walnut blasting done, coolant changed, transmission fluid changed, and differential fluid changed if I plan to keep it past the warranty.

I just don't know if I want to try to make this a long term car or if I'd be better off swapping to a Lexus once the warranty is just about done? The timing chain defect also has me a bit concerned but I'm not worrying about that until just before 100k miles if BMW isn't going to issue a recall.

MONSTAR · 10-18-2018, 01:21 PM

Walnut blasting on an n26?

Billfitz · 10-18-2018, 01:32 PM

The turn signal socket conductors are too small, causing them to burn out. It's common enough that most dealers keep replacement sockets in stock. I switched to LED bulbs, which use 1/10 the current of incandescent, to get avoid that potential problem.

Gaskets can and do develop leaks. No brand is immune to it.

The steering rack noise is probably loose and/or broken bolts on the electric assist motor. Have your dealer check them, it's a known issue.

The timing chain and guides were revised as of cars built after January 2015.

Zanity · 10-18-2018, 01:37 PM

My last car was an E92 335i with the N54, which I bought 2 year after the car was out of warranty and I kept it for 5 years. It is a decently reliable long term car if you don't floor it all the time or take it to the track. I did replace the VANOS, spark plugs, injectors, coils, vacuum lines, alternator, battery, oil housing gasket... come to think of it, I did do a lot of work lol. But the engine itself is quite reliable and I only did 1 oil change a year, Premium full synthetic Liqui Moly. I think you can avoid major problems if you just take care of it. Minor problems are unavoidable, but they won't get you stranded or anything. Now I plan to do the same with my current F32.

BigJack75 · 10-18-2018, 02:17 PM

I just bought a used 435i GC with 41k miles. I have about 9 months and 9k miles before it out of warranty. I plan on taking it to the dealer for a thorough inspection. After the warranty I'll most likely do most of my own maintenance. I plan to keep the car for at least 5 years.

Sweeney921 · 10-18-2018, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MONSTAR

Walnut blasting on an n26?

N26 has direct injection, so walnut blasting is a reasonable maintenance item. I'm considering having it done on my B46 at 50k miles even if it's still running perfectly. I'm extremely happy with my F31 and plan to keep it indefinitely.

adhrp · 10-18-2018, 06:15 PM

My 83k mile 328i has had nothing but regular maintenance done on it, so yes I plan on keeping it long-term.

Over the next couple of months I will be doing an oil change, ATF change, battery replacement and a thorough overall check to see if anything else needs replacing. All voluntary though. No codes or anything.

the dope steez · 10-18-2018, 06:21 PM

I fuckin hope so! I had my e90 328i to 180,000 kms before it was totaled. Higher mileage issues included blower motor, belt and tensioner, and valve cover gasket, but otherwise I felt it was pretty robust.

My 335i is bootmod3 stage 2 and meticulously maintained, but I hope to have the car up to and over 100,000 miles. Maybe I'm crazy!

Gen13 F36 · 10-18-2018, 07:33 PM

I have MY2016 428i GC with 21k miles on it...I'm planning to keep the car to 120k to 140k miles. It come with 4 yrs/50k miles free maintenance from BMW. No mechanical problem so far. Only problem was connected drive module and it was replaced together with the shark fin antenna due to water got in the shark fin.

After the plan free maintenance. It will be done DIY on my garage...got everything ie tools and lift. Best investment ever. Got 4 cars and 1 suv to maintain...save me lots of money.

Anyway if big problem arise before 120k miles...I just ditch the car to a pre owned/CPO low mileage car😏

That340i · 10-18-2018, 08:14 PM

My 340i hasn't had anymore issues lately and most of my issues were non-scheduled maintenance. These are the issues that I've had some fairly recent and some older.

~ Trunk Latch Failure.
~ Power Folding Mirror's would not fold back out with interior button had to manually push them back out. (Replaced Both Entire Mirror Assembly)
~ A module failed.
~ Parking Sensors Failure.
~ Sunroof wouldn't come down from vent position.
~ Failed TPMS sensor.
~ Thermostat was faulty (caused CEL)
~ Taillight replaced due to condensation
~ Parking sensors replaced (again) because during heavy downpour when in reverse I got a constant BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP and it wouldn't stop until turned off.

Thats all the issues I've had beside's maintenance. They were also covered under warranty.

Gen13 F36 · 10-18-2018, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by That340i

My 340i hasn't had anymore issues lately and most of my issues were non-scheduled maintenance. These are the issues that I've had some fairly recent and some older.

~ Trunk Latch Failure.
~ Power Folding Mirror's would not fold back out with interior button had to manually push them back out. (Replaced Both Entire Mirror Assembly)
~ A module failed.
~ Parking Sensors Failure.
~ Sunroof wouldn't come down from vent position.
~ Failed TPMS sensor.
~ Thermostat was faulty (caused CEL)
~ Taillight replaced due to condensation
~ Parking sensors replaced (again) because during heavy downpour when in reverse I got a constant BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP and it wouldn't stop until turned off.

Thats all the issues I've had beside's maintenance. They were also covered under warranty.

Will they replace xenon headlight for condesation? Mine started to condensate, passenger side but it's gone after awhile. This happens when I wash the car....condensation appears and disappear after. How do you prove it.

BrettKA7 · 10-18-2018, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

Quote:

Originally Posted by That340i

My 340i hasn't had anymore issues lately and most of my issues were non-scheduled maintenance. These are the issues that I've had some fairly recent and some older.

~ Trunk Latch Failure.
~ Power Folding Mirror's would not fold back out with interior button had to manually push them back out. (Replaced Both Entire Mirror Assembly)
~ A module failed.
~ Parking Sensors Failure.
~ Sunroof wouldn't come down from vent position.
~ Failed TPMS sensor.
~ Thermostat was faulty (caused CEL)
~ Taillight replaced due to condensation
~ Parking sensors replaced (again) because during heavy downpour when in reverse I got a constant BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP and it wouldn't stop until turned off.

Thats all the issues I've had beside's maintenance. They were also covered under warranty.

Will they replace xenon headlight for condesation? Mine started to condensate, passenger side but it's gone after awhile. This happens when I wash the car....condensation appears and disappear after. How do you prove it.

Take it to a touchless wash just before your appointment. That should fog it up well.

BrettKA7 · 10-18-2018, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by That340i

My 340i hasn't had anymore issues lately and most of my issues were non-scheduled maintenance. These are the issues that I've had some fairly recent and some older.

~ Trunk Latch Failure.
~ Power Folding Mirror's would not fold back out with interior button had to manually push them back out. (Replaced Both Entire Mirror Assembly)
~ A module failed.
~ Parking Sensors Failure.
~ Sunroof wouldn't come down from vent position.
~ Failed TPMS sensor.
~ Thermostat was faulty (caused CEL)
~ Taillight replaced due to condensation
~ Parking sensors replaced (again) because during heavy downpour when in reverse I got a constant BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP and it wouldn't stop until turned off.

Thats all the issues I've had beside's maintenance. They were also covered under warranty.

Sounds like a nightmare out of warranty, and my car has all the tech yours does. My power folding mirrors have always sounded like they don't necessarily want to fold/unfold.

eluded · 10-19-2018, 12:27 AM

I've always heard they say your BMW will be reliable or Will be extremely unreliable. Appears the above post was the latter.

Zanity · 10-19-2018, 01:45 AM

Well, to own BMWs long term, you need to be handy yourself, it's an endless money pit if you rely on dealers to do it for you. The good news is things are getting easier with apps like BimmerCode and BimmerLink where you can indepth troubleshoot a lot of codes. There's also youtube, I mean when my driver side mirror folding motor was faulty, and my seat belt butler assist broke on my last E92 335i, both times I took it apart and fixed it myself just from watching youtube. It's all in the passion, if you love BMWs, it's going to cost you some time and money and labour. Like an expensive girlfriend or wife, you know it's a rough ride, but it's worth it in the end.

My current F32 has only 19,000 miles, so I'm hoping to get a good few years of trouble free ownership before I have to get my hands dirty again. Just do oil changes regularly, coolant flush every 5 years, should be smooth sailing for a long while really.

BEAR-AvHistory · 10-19-2018, 02:19 AM

Longest term BMW keeper was a 2004 Convertible sold in 2013. Outside of tires put about $1300 into it. After the warranty ran out did all my own work. That said, nothing major was ever replaced.

ScottAndrew · 10-19-2018, 04:27 AM

When the E46 came out, everyone on AOL, Usenet and mailing lists moaned about the complexity, it was bigger and fatter with too many electronics, melting engine liners, underbraked and all the rest of it. Despite being known for sludging up, leaking and eating its own VANOS and water pump as well as the electrical bugbears that all BMWs suffer as they age, mine made it to 16 years and nearly 120,000 hard, stop-start, London miles in fine condition, rust free and with everything working as it should. I’m sure with this next one - a 2, but sharing lots of 3 tech - will be the same.

adhrp · 10-19-2018, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eluded

I've always heard they say your BMW will be reliable or Will be extremely unreliable. Appears the above post was the latter.

I'm starting to believe this. There are people like me with a fully loaded early production model with no issues and then there are people with late production ironed-out-all-the-kinks models with so many issues.

jh_f30 · 10-19-2018, 05:39 PM

Nearly 101k miles on my '13 335. Just regular maintenance, a few sets of tires, and oil cooler/filter housing gaskets. Zero other issues. I plan to drive it into the ground, hoping to get at least 50k more miles! Will be interesting to see what pops up on these forums once more cars get into the 150-200k mile range.

SsixHiMod · 10-19-2018, 05:58 PM

Just bought mine off lease --- 2015 335 with 28k miles now. Haven't had any real problems with it other than a couple of minor issues. I'm hoping it'll stay that way for the next 7 yrs before I move on to the next one --- UNLESS I win tonight's billion dollar jackpot. Speaking of which...anyone got a dollar I could borrow? I promise to pay you back.

jh_f30 · 10-19-2018, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kazak102

Just bought mine off lease --- 2015 335 with 28k miles now. Haven't had any real problems with it other than a couple of minor issues. I'm hoping it'll stay that way for the next 7 yrs before I move on to the next one --- UNLESS I win tonight's billion dollar jackpot. Speaking of which...anyone got a dollar I could borrow? I promise to pay you back.

Isn't a Mega Million ticket $2? Also, thanks for the reminder!

flyguy27 · 10-19-2018, 07:13 PM

I am about to hit 80,000 miles. I have only had minor issues but plan to keep it as long as any problems that arise are not too frequent. Depending on how this one holds up will determine what my next car brand will be. I really like the G20.

10-18-2018, 01:18 PM	#1
BrettKA7 Captain 567 Rep 776 Posts Drives: F22 M240i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Huntington Beach iTrader: (0)	Do you trust your car's overall quality enough to keep it long term? I'll start by saying I love my car. I loved it when I upgraded from an Acura TL Type-S to a 328i, and I love it even more after some cosmetic improvements and a new suspension. I had to have a harness replaced for an inoperable rear left turn signal. It had a short and was burning the tail lamp out repeatedly. I had to fix an oil leak that began before 60k miles. I have a terrible pop in my steering rack that BMW was unable to replicate last time, so I'm waiting until it gets worse to rectify. Not one of these items could have been prevented by staying on top of general maintenance. I can't trust BMW's recommendations for any fluids because of how long the intervals are, so I don't feel they care how it holds up after the warranty is over. An engine replacement can run upwards of $20k if it came down to it. I have CarMax warranty up to 100k miles and I'm currently at 67k. I need to have walnut blasting done, coolant changed, transmission fluid changed, and differential fluid changed if I plan to keep it past the warranty. I just don't know if I want to try to make this a long term car or if I'd be better off swapping to a Lexus once the warranty is just about done? The timing chain defect also has me a bit concerned but I'm not worrying about that until just before 100k miles if BMW isn't going to issue a recall. __________________ M240i \| Mineral White \| Coral Red
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10-18-2018, 01:21 PM	#2
MONSTAR #gotboost 517 Rep 861 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Irvine, California iTrader: (0)	Walnut blasting on an n26? __________________ 2018 F87 M2 (09/2020 - ) Dinan Cold Air Intake \|Dinan Axle Back \| VRSF 6.5" Intercooler \| VRSF Catless Downpipe \| VRSF Charge Pipes \| BM3 \| MST Inlet v2 \| Turbosmart VR11 2013 F30 328i (12/2015 - 09/2020) SOLD!
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10-18-2018, 01:32 PM	#3
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8221 Rep 16,054 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	The turn signal socket conductors are too small, causing them to burn out. It's common enough that most dealers keep replacement sockets in stock. I switched to LED bulbs, which use 1/10 the current of incandescent, to get avoid that potential problem. Gaskets can and do develop leaks. No brand is immune to it. The steering rack noise is probably loose and/or broken bolts on the electric assist motor. Have your dealer check them, it's a known issue. The timing chain and guides were revised as of cars built after January 2015.
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10-18-2018, 01:37 PM	#4
Zanity Major 731 Rep 1,045 Posts Drives: 428i Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: BC, Canada iTrader: (0)	My last car was an E92 335i with the N54, which I bought 2 year after the car was out of warranty and I kept it for 5 years. It is a decently reliable long term car if you don't floor it all the time or take it to the track. I did replace the VANOS, spark plugs, injectors, coils, vacuum lines, alternator, battery, oil housing gasket... come to think of it, I did do a lot of work lol. But the engine itself is quite reliable and I only did 1 oil change a year, Premium full synthetic Liqui Moly. I think you can avoid major problems if you just take care of it. Minor problems are unavoidable, but they won't get you stranded or anything. Now I plan to do the same with my current F32.
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10-18-2018, 02:17 PM	#5
BigJack75 Lieutenant 202 Rep 533 Posts Drives: M5 Dream Car Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Right Here iTrader: (0)	I just bought a used 435i GC with 41k miles. I have about 9 months and 9k miles before it out of warranty. I plan on taking it to the dealer for a thorough inspection. After the warranty I'll most likely do most of my own maintenance. I plan to keep the car for at least 5 years. __________________ 435i GC
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10-18-2018, 06:15 PM	#7
adhrp Lieutenant Colonel 1266 Rep 1,590 Posts Drives: 2020 M550i (G30)/2021 X3 (G02) Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	My 83k mile 328i has had nothing but regular maintenance done on it, so yes I plan on keeping it long-term. Over the next couple of months I will be doing an oil change, ATF change, battery replacement and a thorough overall check to see if anything else needs replacing. All voluntary though. No codes or anything. __________________ 2020 M550i (G30) \| Carbon Black/Black Nappa \| DHP \| DAP \| Executive \| Luxury Seating \| Park Asst \| Ceramic Controls \| Front/Rear Heated Seats \| 20" 668M wheels 2021 X3 (G02) \| Dark Graphite Metallic/Cognac \| Premium \| DAP \| Front/Rear Heated Seats Sold/Retired: 2012 328i (F30)
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10-18-2018, 06:21 PM	#8
the dope steez Captain 403 Rep 808 Posts Drives: F30 335i M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Shredmonton, Illberta iTrader: (0)	I fuckin hope so! I had my e90 328i to 180,000 kms before it was totaled. Higher mileage issues included blower motor, belt and tensioner, and valve cover gasket, but otherwise I felt it was pretty robust. My 335i is bootmod3 stage 2 and meticulously maintained, but I hope to have the car up to and over 100,000 miles. Maybe I'm crazy!
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10-18-2018, 07:33 PM	#9
Gen13 F36 Brigadier General 1599 Rep 3,752 Posts Drives: 428i Gran Coupe Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	I have MY2016 428i GC with 21k miles on it...I'm planning to keep the car to 120k to 140k miles. It come with 4 yrs/50k miles free maintenance from BMW. No mechanical problem so far. Only problem was connected drive module and it was replaced together with the shark fin antenna due to water got in the shark fin. After the plan free maintenance. It will be done DIY on my garage...got everything ie tools and lift. Best investment ever. Got 4 cars and 1 suv to maintain...save me lots of money. Anyway if big problem arise before 120k miles...I just ditch the car to a pre owned/CPO low mileage car😏
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10-18-2018, 08:14 PM	#10
That340i Im real pressed. 104 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW 340i X-Drive Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Raleigh, North Carolina iTrader: (0)	My 340i hasn't had anymore issues lately and most of my issues were non-scheduled maintenance. These are the issues that I've had some fairly recent and some older. ~ Trunk Latch Failure. ~ Power Folding Mirror's would not fold back out with interior button had to manually push them back out. (Replaced Both Entire Mirror Assembly) ~ A module failed. ~ Parking Sensors Failure. ~ Sunroof wouldn't come down from vent position. ~ Failed TPMS sensor. ~ Thermostat was faulty (caused CEL) ~ Taillight replaced due to condensation ~ Parking sensors replaced (again) because during heavy downpour when in reverse I got a constant BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP and it wouldn't stop until turned off. Thats all the issues I've had beside's maintenance. They were also covered under warranty. __________________ Current Lineup: 2017 Tesla Model S 100D/2017 340i Xdrive/2015 Audi Q5 Prestige Quattro/2017 Kia Optima SXL Last edited by That340i; 10-18-2018 at 08:20 PM..
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10-19-2018, 12:27 AM	#14
eluded 2JZ-GTE 3005 Rep 3,986 Posts Drives: 340 6MT, 50e, others Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Sofia iTrader: (0)	I've always heard they say your BMW will be reliable or Will be extremely unreliable. Appears the above post was the latter. __________________ A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.
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10-19-2018, 01:45 AM	#15
Zanity Major 731 Rep 1,045 Posts Drives: 428i Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: BC, Canada iTrader: (0)	Well, to own BMWs long term, you need to be handy yourself, it's an endless money pit if you rely on dealers to do it for you. The good news is things are getting easier with apps like BimmerCode and BimmerLink where you can indepth troubleshoot a lot of codes. There's also youtube, I mean when my driver side mirror folding motor was faulty, and my seat belt butler assist broke on my last E92 335i, both times I took it apart and fixed it myself just from watching youtube. It's all in the passion, if you love BMWs, it's going to cost you some time and money and labour. Like an expensive girlfriend or wife, you know it's a rough ride, but it's worth it in the end. My current F32 has only 19,000 miles, so I'm hoping to get a good few years of trouble free ownership before I have to get my hands dirty again. Just do oil changes regularly, coolant flush every 5 years, should be smooth sailing for a long while really. Last edited by Zanity; 10-19-2018 at 01:53 AM..
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10-19-2018, 02:19 AM	#16
BEAR-AvHistory 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt 3126 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57] 2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00]	Longest term BMW keeper was a 2004 Convertible sold in 2013. Outside of tires put about $1300 into it. After the warranty ran out did all my own work. That said, nothing major was ever replaced. __________________ Kevin Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
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10-19-2018, 04:27 AM	#17
ScottAndrew Banned 374 Rep 520 Posts Drives: BMW 230i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (0)	When the E46 came out, everyone on AOL, Usenet and mailing lists moaned about the complexity, it was bigger and fatter with too many electronics, melting engine liners, underbraked and all the rest of it. Despite being known for sludging up, leaking and eating its own VANOS and water pump as well as the electrical bugbears that all BMWs suffer as they age, mine made it to 16 years and nearly 120,000 hard, stop-start, London miles in fine condition, rust free and with everything working as it should. I’m sure with this next one - a 2, but sharing lots of 3 tech - will be the same.
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10-19-2018, 05:39 PM	#19
jh_f30 Lieutenant Colonel 1306 Rep 1,827 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sportline Auto RWD Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2)	Nearly 101k miles on my '13 335. Just regular maintenance, a few sets of tires, and oil cooler/filter housing gaskets. Zero other issues. I plan to drive it into the ground, hoping to get at least 50k more miles! Will be interesting to see what pops up on these forums once more cars get into the 150-200k mile range. __________________ 2013 F30 335i RWD ZF Melbourne Red ~Remus Sport Axleback~VRSF Chargepipe~VRSF Catless Downpipe~GPlus FMIC~HR Sport Springs~Active Autowerke OBD Flash Tune Stage 2~
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10-19-2018, 05:58 PM	#20
SsixHiMod Private First Class 90 Rep 155 Posts Drives: something with a turbo Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Just bought mine off lease --- 2015 335 with 28k miles now. Haven't had any real problems with it other than a couple of minor issues. I'm hoping it'll stay that way for the next 7 yrs before I move on to the next one --- UNLESS I win tonight's billion dollar jackpot. Speaking of which...anyone got a dollar I could borrow? I promise to pay you back.
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10-19-2018, 07:13 PM	#22
flyguy27 Private First Class 40 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 2013 328I Sportline Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i [0.00]	I am about to hit 80,000 miles. I have only had minor issues but plan to keep it as long as any problems that arise are not too frequent. Depending on how this one holds up will determine what my next car brand will be. I really like the G20.
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