Advice on buying a used BMW

[1988amr]

Hi Guys, I'm new to the forum and unfortunately I'm not yet a BMW owner, but I'm working on it!

I wanted to get some real world insight on the issues faced when buying a used BMW. my budget is around 100,000 (maybe stretch to 115 for the right ride) and I'm looking primarily for 3 or 5 series with less than 50k (max 60k) on it. But pretty much EVERYONE has told me I will pay a fortune for maintenance!

I plan to buy the car on a 3 year loan and I do about 20-25,000 KM a year - so let's say by the time I'm done paying off the loan it has around 130,000 KM on it. Between the time I buy it and the time I'm ready to sell, what kind of issues should I expect? Where are the best garages?

Sorry I'm a complete noob and new to the country (bought myself a 2014 dodge charger from the showroom and It got old real fast!), I love the BMW driving experience to bits but if I end up having to pay an arm and a leg for maintenance and deal with breakdowns and such, I will regret this decision I'm sure... Please advise if someone with my limited tolerance for garage visits should be a deterrent from buying a beemer!

Thanks!

[RAFiK]

What BMW are you planning to buy and what sort of worries do you have in mind?

[1988amr]

What BMW are you planning to buy and what sort of worries do you have in mind?

I'm looking at a 2011-2012 5 Series (523, 528) or a 2012-2013 3 series with the new shape and 4 doors. I also would be interested to look at a 2009-2011 3 series coupe if I find it at the right price in the right condition.

I'm finding some great cars within my price range (max 120k) but the KM are slightly high at 70,000...

I'm so eager to take the plunge here but honestly if I'm gonna spend my time and money in the workshop I know I will regret the decision, I do love BMW's for that driving experience but practicality plays a huge role for me when buying a vehicle!

Let me know what you guys think!

[mik15]

well if you get a 2012 model with low mileage that means you'll also get the warranty valid until 2017 plus the Service Package, so it means that if the car has now 50k km for the next 2 years you're completely covered, do an extension of the service package for the 3rd year and voila, no headaches at all :) . I have seen F30 320i starting at around 115k with low miles, so i'd say the pond is full of fish, just got to find what you like.

Maintenance wise, i don't find it that expensive outside BMW dealership, and mine is an 8 year old 7 series, there is some really good shops out there with a strong reputation that will charge you way less than AGMC in case of a major issue with your car, which is less probable given the age and mileage of the car you want to buy.

[1988amr]

OK thanks for the advice.

I have one last but very important question for you guys.

I've found some absolutely fabulous 3 series coupes (2008-2010) models. One in particular had only 37k on it!!! I want that car and I'm ready to buy however I found out that they stopped making the 3 series coupe completely (and rather stupidly) since the introduction of the 2 and 4 series.

Will I end up paying a ton for parts on this vehicle if I buy it!? It is a 330 coupe 2008 with less than 40k on it. But Since it is no longer made will parts be an issue?

If one of you guys give me the go ahead I'll post pics by next week!:thumbsup2:

[mik15]

you should be worrying about parts for that car after 2022, as last year for coupe was i think 2012 :), the general rule is that the manufacturer is obliged to produce spare parts of a vehicle for another at least 10 years after the last vehicle has left the assembly line. So go ahead and buy it if you like it and stop having these crazy worries :) .

[Wazif]

The 3 series coupe has undergone a name change to 4 series :) dont worry about the parts, they are easily available :)