TheHaitian
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Post by TheHaitian on Aug 28, 2015 13:03:09 GMT -5
Does anyone here drives a BMW? What do you drive? How do you like it? Maintenance? Bought it used or new? ----> and I am just asking for a friend
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 13:09:38 GMT -5
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Aug 28, 2015 13:09:38 GMT -5
TD's step brother had one for awhile. They got rid of it as repairs are ridiculously expensive....and his wife is an MD, it's not that they didn't have the money - they simply did not like paying the premium for repairs - and it was ALWAYS something.
I had a dental student who was given one for his college graduation/getting into dental school, bought new. He needed to replace the brake pads and was looking at a $2000+ repair. Later that year, he got rid of it and bought a VW Passat.
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Opti
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 13:10:07 GMT -5
Post by Opti on Aug 28, 2015 13:10:07 GMT -5
Bought it new as most folks know. Anyone who buys one should go into it knowing it will be more expensive to maintain unless you do most of the work yourself. I think people should buy one because they plan to drive it as it was made to be driven versus a 'look at me' kind of vehicle.
FWIW.
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The Captain
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 13:23:20 GMT -5
Post by The Captain on Aug 28, 2015 13:23:20 GMT -5
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Aug 28, 2015 13:28:02 GMT -5
Doesn't matter how BMWs drive. You're NOT buying one.
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Opti
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 13:30:28 GMT -5
Post by Opti on Aug 28, 2015 13:30:28 GMT -5
Well, I don't pay $2K to get all my brakes fixed so you'd need to shop prices. Some folks beat the crap out of their vehicles or don't take it in soon enough so multiple things need to be fixed. You do want to find a good mechanic or two. And oil changes will cost you. Its not the $200 of a Porsche, but it will be around $100 or less at a dealer and often more than that at a independent shop.
But it depends. I'd like a 5 series myself. A bit roomier than what I have.
ETA: 2002 is a very desireable year in BMWs, I've heard many 3series of that vintage are driven by original owners.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Aug 28, 2015 13:31:07 GMT -5
Doesn't matter how BMWs drive. You're NOT buying one. But but it would hold twins...
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Aug 28, 2015 13:37:23 GMT -5
Doesn't matter how BMWs drive. You're NOT buying one. This thing cornered like it was on rails, it purred like a kitten while ramping up the RPM's. First and only car I ever drove that felt like I was the one holding it back. Sigh....go ahead. Keep talking me out of it.
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Tiny
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Post by Tiny on Aug 28, 2015 13:44:35 GMT -5
One of the guys at my Sunday PotLuck get togethers has a newer BMW. He was recently bemoaning the 3K he had to spend on repairs to the radio/GPS/touch screen? He had to put it on a CC. He also had come to the realization that there was already 2K on the CC from the last repair... he was kind of realizing that he was on track to NEVER pay off the CC... he'd been carrying revolving debt for 3 years... and the balance never seemed to get smaller - only bigger AND that'd he had paid a boatload in interest charges over the 3 years - but still hadn't paid for any of the stuff he used the card for... He realized he might not be going on a vacation 'next year' if he hoped to conquer the CC bill. I took from this 1.) that BMWs while nice cars - seem to have really expensive repairs - for stuff you wouldn't expect to break, 2.) BMW repairs eat into one's discretionary spending, and 3.) that BMW drivers may be start out slightly clueless about financial matters BUT that they could overcome their cluelessness.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Aug 28, 2015 13:48:46 GMT -5
Doesn't matter how BMWs drive. You're NOT buying one. This thing cornered like it was on rails, it purred like a kitten while ramping up the RPM's. First and only car I ever drove that felt like I was the one holding it back. Sigh....go ahead. Keep talking me out of it. Kinda like the Porsche we had for the weekend. I could drive that forever, but I probably would have wound up with waaaay more speeding tickets! I'd hate to see what my insurance would be like.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2015 13:51:00 GMT -5
Has "your friend" decided between the 50K X3 and the 100K 750i.
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tskeeter
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 13:53:25 GMT -5
Post by tskeeter on Aug 28, 2015 13:53:25 GMT -5
Does anyone here drives a BMW? What do you drive? How do you like it? Maintenance? Bought it used or new? ----> and I am just asking for a friend Used to work with a guy whose wife drove a 5 Series. Got it new. Got rid of it as soon as the new car maintenance deal expired. It was the repairs, Both the very high cost and the frequency. If you're truly a car enthusiast, it's probably worth the cost and hassle. After all, don't all high perfornace cars require near constant mechanical attention? For those of us, who might be satisfied with something more pedestrian, as long as it starts every time you turn the key and contains less trash than the dumpster at work, a BMW might be overkill. Full disclosure: Tskeeter has gotten to drive multiple Avante's, a couple of Jensen Interceptors (think about the cost of having dual exhaust pipes custom bent for a car made in England where the total production over 10 years was 6,408 cars), a couple of Porsches, and an E type Jaguar. He like cars. His personal cars (not his boss's cars) are a 2007 Jeep Wrangler with hand crank windows and a 2007 Dodge minivan with an age appropriate amount of shopping cart rash.
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The Captain
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 13:57:53 GMT -5
Post by The Captain on Aug 28, 2015 13:57:53 GMT -5
*Sigh*
It was a company car that I had permission to use at the site I was visiting. Soooo sweet.
I guess what they say about not tasting the champagne if you can't afford it is true.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Aug 28, 2015 14:05:25 GMT -5
*Sigh* It was a company car that I had permission to use at the site I was visiting. Soooo sweet. I guess what they say about not tasting the champagne if you can't afford it is true. Yeah....at the end of our Porsche weekend, both of us were trying to rationalize a purchase. I think if it had been either one or the other of us, we'd have bit!
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Aug 28, 2015 14:05:41 GMT -5
*Sigh* It was a company car that I had permission to use at the site I was visiting. Soooo sweet. I guess what they say about not tasting the champagne if you can't afford it is true. We're not totally heartless. You can have a new kitchen. Or, a new BMW. But, NOT both. (Weeee'rrreeee watching the two of you!!!!!! )
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kent
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Post by kent on Aug 28, 2015 14:06:09 GMT -5
Mrs. Kent has a 2013 328i with the Luxury package.
The vehicle handles great, brakes are great and the gas mileage is incredible.
The 328i comes with a four cylinder twin-scroll turbo and is rated at 240HP (it's very likely under-rated and BMW is known for doing that - insurance rates?).
We haven't had any "repair" issues as such BUT the comfort access has been a bit touchy lately - the door will unlock every time when you grab the handle to open the door but sporadically fails to lock when you "touch" the handle to lock the car.
No issues with fit and finish. The backup camera is mediocre at best - compared to our Ford with cross-traffic alert and BLIS, it sucks. The sound system is OK but the voice command system could be greatly improved (again, compared to a Ford).
There is no spare tire, no jack and no lug wrench. If you get a flat you are pretty much screwed with run-flat tires. Your option is to purchase some sort of inflator kit (about $150)so you aren't stranded in the middle of nowhere if you get a nail puncture. If you manage to damage a sidewall on the run-flats, you are totally screwed and will have to wait for a tow. From what I have heard, in that event, BMW Roadside Assistance will (eventually) send a truck with a tire AND wheel for your temporary use.
All in all, it's a decent car but we will replace it next Fall no matter what. We're likely to go back to MBZ (we've had two in the past with no troubles at all) but will be looking at several others as well.
If a person wants one of these to "impress," save your money because these things are so common (at least around here) they don't stand out at all. Look at a Bugatti Veyron instead if looks are important.
Oh, one last thing. Give these apparently mate like rabbits, the resale is not too hot.
ETA - forgot - the really awesome thing about the car is NO PAYMENTS!
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justme
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Post by justme on Aug 28, 2015 14:10:29 GMT -5
*Sigh* It was a company car that I had permission to use at the site I was visiting. Soooo sweet. I guess what they say about not tasting the champagne if you can't afford it is true. We're not totally heartless. You can have a new kitchen. Or, a new BMW. But, NOT both. (Weeee'rrreeee watching the two of you!!!!!! ) I missed the kitchen talk from him. I need to go find it so I can see three many ways everyone mentions how he has a new kitchen!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2015 14:13:14 GMT -5
We're not totally heartless. You can have a new kitchen. Or, a new BMW. But, NOT both. (Weeee'rrreeee watching the two of you!!!!!! ) I missed the kitchen talk from him. I need to go find it so I can see three many ways everyone mentions how he has a new kitchen! I think she's referring to Captain getting a new kitchen or a BMW, not Carl.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 14:15:43 GMT -5
justme likes this
Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Aug 28, 2015 14:15:43 GMT -5
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The Captain
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 14:15:48 GMT -5
Post by The Captain on Aug 28, 2015 14:15:48 GMT -5
*Sigh* It was a company car that I had permission to use at the site I was visiting. Soooo sweet. I guess what they say about not tasting the champagne if you can't afford it is true. We're not totally heartless. You can have a new kitchen. Or, a new BMW. But, NOT both. (Weeee'rrreeee watching the two of you!!!!!! ) Boooooooo!!! (Besides - it's NOT a new BMW, it's an old one) Give me the weekend to obsess over this while I'm pricing out kitchen stuff. I'm sure I'll be over it by Monday.
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Opti
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 14:21:57 GMT -5
Post by Opti on Aug 28, 2015 14:21:57 GMT -5
One of the guys at my Sunday PotLuck get togethers has a newer BMW. He was recently bemoaning the 3K he had to spend on repairs to the radio/GPS/touch screen? He had to put it on a CC. He also had come to the realization that there was already 2K on the CC from the last repair... he was kind of realizing that he was on track to NEVER pay off the CC... he'd been carrying revolving debt for 3 years... and the balance never seemed to get smaller - only bigger AND that'd he had paid a boatload in interest charges over the 3 years - but still hadn't paid for any of the stuff he used the card for... He realized he might not be going on a vacation 'next year' if he hoped to conquer the CC bill. I took from this 1.) that BMWs while nice cars - seem to have really expensive repairs - for stuff you wouldn't expect to break, 2.) BMW repairs eat into one's discretionary spending, and 3.) that BMW drivers may be start out slightly clueless about financial matters BUT that they could overcome their cluelessness. Awww. That's why I believe in buying the least electronics one needs in any car. Just more things to fix. I wish I could have gotten hand crank windows on mine, more reliable.
No GPS or touch screen for me. I can see the appeal, but my guess its not just BMW owners that pay to repair those things. Now if you really want to spend big money on repair bills, you need a Land Rover.
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obelisk
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 14:25:36 GMT -5
Post by obelisk on Aug 28, 2015 14:25:36 GMT -5
I have owned a 1991 M5 bought used. Best car I have owned and the maintenance was not bad since I did most of it.
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zibazinski
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 14:28:16 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by zibazinski on Aug 28, 2015 14:28:16 GMT -5
I had one. I'd only do it now as a lease.
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justme
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Post by justme on Aug 28, 2015 14:31:37 GMT -5
Ah, I blame Fri for not understanding
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buster
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 15:00:31 GMT -5
Post by buster on Aug 28, 2015 15:00:31 GMT -5
My wife drives a 2003 X5 with 85k miles and I'm waiting on my 2016 M4 to get off the boat (my first new car ever - I'm also a huge car enthusiast who will take the car to the track on occasion).
As I used to work on cars in college, I know what repairs are and are not needed. Each time I go into the dealership, they rattle off like 3-4k worth of maintenance that they recommend. I'll typically get one or two things done that I know are necessary, and defer the rest until parts actually break. It hasn't been until recently that the X5 started having minor issues. First the engine thermostat stopped working while my wife was driving and the car automatically shutdown as the vehicle was overheating. Wasn't the safest as she was on the freeway when this happened (she ignored the warnings...). Just last week, the blower resistor died (HVAC electronic component) and I had to replace it as the ventilation system stopped working. I changed it myself so it only cost $200ish, but it easily would have been 500+ at the dealer.
In the 9 years we've had the car, I've only had to put a couple thousand in maintenance into it (beyond tires and brake pads), so no complaints there. However, if the issues continue to occur I'll likely start looking into a replacement vehicle - perhaps a CPO 2-3 year old X5. Maintenance can be obscene if you can't do the work yourself, and you get all of the work done at the dealer. For example, the bad thermostat cost about 1200 to repair (had to replace a couple of other components as well). Had this been a Honda Accord, the total cost would have been maybe 500. If you're not mechanically inclined and you really REALLY want a BMW, CPO with an extended warranty or lease is the way to go.
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busymom
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 15:04:10 GMT -5
Post by busymom on Aug 28, 2015 15:04:10 GMT -5
A former coworker of mine bought one used, & LOVED it. Until she had to start paying for minor repairs. Like replacing brakes, & things like that cost wayyyyy more than most cars. I think paying those bills cured her of buying another BMW.
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phil5185
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 15:42:10 GMT -5
Post by phil5185 on Aug 28, 2015 15:42:10 GMT -5
SIL does that - has a new 495 HP supercharged Jag convertible. I've driven it some, the suspension/traction is awesome, you can literally force yourself to over-enter a turn and nothing happens, no lean, no squealing, it just explodes out of the turns.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Aug 28, 2015 16:06:54 GMT -5
I drive a 2015 Mercedes GL350 diesel SUV. Oil change for the first one is $300 and year two it's $500. If you're going to own a luxury vehicle just be prepared to pay the costs associated with ownership. All that said, we will never own a Mercedes that is out of warranty.
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whoami
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 16:12:08 GMT -5
Post by whoami on Aug 28, 2015 16:12:08 GMT -5
I own a 2011 328i convertible.
Drives great.
Havent had any extraordinary maintenance issues.
DHs Chevy has cost us more than the BMW ever has maintenance wise.
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obelisk
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BMW
Aug 28, 2015 16:28:01 GMT -5
Post by obelisk on Aug 28, 2015 16:28:01 GMT -5
I am not found of the look of the V10 M5's along with the maintenance. I am looking at the new 2016 Mercedes S class coupe AMG. Hopefully in 2019 when the 2016 comes out of lease.
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