BMWs
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,300
Likes: 6
From: San Antonio Texas
Friends of mine with 7 series tell me that each visit to the shop costs them at least $1000. Not so sure if I would own a 7 series based on that.
Someone here mentioned the Caddy CTS. That drives like a 5 series. Great car, as I have a fully loaded CTS.
Someone here mentioned the Caddy CTS. That drives like a 5 series. Great car, as I have a fully loaded CTS.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 251
Likes: 1
From: Katonah NY
I drove a certified pre-owned '99 M3 vert for 3 years and loved it. When I first got the car, it had 15K miles on it and seemed perfect, but the top leaked. BMW tried to fix it twice (they even came 15 miles to pick it up and drop it off for free) before completely replacing the frame and top which fixed it. Never another problem in 25K miles. I was looking for a newer one when I decided to give a C5 a test spin and never looked at another Bimmer again.
Commited C5 fan now.
Commited C5 fan now.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 21
From: Marlton. Increasing performance one speeding ticket at a time! NJ
So there are all kinds of cars that I like, was raised on the bowtie by my father and branched out to mopars ( dad wasnt happy for a while) and really have a open mind towards all kinds of vehicles. I do and always will love Vettes, that being said, Ive always liked the looks of the 03 and newer BMW M3s, great looking cars IMO. Well I was checking out the M3 forums just for the heck of it and it sounds like a pretty much set in stone thing that you better have a warranty when you buy one of these things and to buy one without is quite a risk. I thought that was very funny, I mean what happened to the German made products and their superior build quality and engineering? Do you guys have any such worries with Corvettes? I dont.
GM made crap cars in the 80's. In the 90's, things were better, and in 2000's, they are at the top of the pack in initial quality. However, when most people hear about "american" cars, they think of junk and problems.
If the krauts can't turn it around, in 20 years, we'll be thinking of german cars as crap, too.
BTW, a friend just went to germany and picked up a new 335i. Been in the shop more than his garage. He hates it and wants to sell it.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
I've had many Alfas and Jaguars with friends having many SAABs and BMWs over the years. I'm staying domestic for the rest of my driving life. Those folks considering German - check out Cadillac's new CTS and STS. And you'll realize you won't have to go German any longer.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31,797
Likes: 2,422
From: DFW/Long Island
I've had 3 BMW's, an '01 X5 4.4, an '04 X5 4.8 and a 328xi, they were all rock solid, all I ever did was put gas in them and change the oil when needed.
The early versions of the7 series were a mess, it's common knowledge, but newer versions are rock solid.
Yes, you should get an extended warranty with a Bimmer, just like you should get an extended warranty on your vette
As soon as the lease is up on my '06 Trailblazer LT, I'm going back to an X5...
The early versions of the7 series were a mess, it's common knowledge, but newer versions are rock solid.
Yes, you should get an extended warranty with a Bimmer, just like you should get an extended warranty on your vette
As soon as the lease is up on my '06 Trailblazer LT, I'm going back to an X5...
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Bradford Mass
I had two BMW's, a 2003 330ci with Dinan upgrades and a 2004 M3 coupe with Dinan upgrades- Both lived in the shop, both were horrible maint. wise, the M3 went lemon law after 7 months because of engine problems and suspension issues. Will never own another one as long as I live! just my .02
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: Thousand Oaks CA.
Bought the "Warden" a 06 530xi Sport Wagon and so far it's been great.
Only time at the dealer was when the "car" told the Service Dept. it wanted service and they called to make app. to bring in for service. They treated her very well and it was a pleasure to take it there.
We generally keep a car 3-4 years and probably be another Bimmer
next.
Only time at the dealer was when the "car" told the Service Dept. it wanted service and they called to make app. to bring in for service. They treated her very well and it was a pleasure to take it there.
We generally keep a car 3-4 years and probably be another Bimmer
next.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 20
From: Liberty Hill Texas
Wife drives a 2004 3series. She loves it. It's a nice car, handles pretty darnn nice. What others have said about interior room in the 3 series is true also.. the Vette has more room - Leg room, shoulder room, head room.. all of it. The BMW is quiet, and the headlights.. man,you can actually see when they are on!
So far, we have had her car in for warrenty on two seperate issues. Both times they resolved them first shot and completely to our satisfaction. I would be her another one.. when the time comes...
So far, we have had her car in for warrenty on two seperate issues. Both times they resolved them first shot and completely to our satisfaction. I would be her another one.. when the time comes...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,576
Likes: 963
From: Communist Colorado
I bought my wife a 01 525i for her DD. Its a phenominal car. Its solid, quiet, runs very smooth & has been wonderful so far. She has had newer cars like Lexus RX 300, 06 Jetta, Lexus ES300 etc.....with alot lower miles , but likes this car best so far. It has 75k miles on it & you wouldnt know it if not for the odometer. I took it into the dealer because I wanted EVERYTHING checked out. They found some leaky PS hoses (replaced), worn tie rod end links(replaced) and did some regular services ,ie: LOF, etc. with the alignment & 4 brand new tires the bill was $1,300. I dont think thats too bad for a 75k mile car. Its been excellent so far & its comfortable fun to drive. Does pretty well in the snow too for a RWD.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Marysville OH
My family and I have had quite a few BMW's now, and I have done all of the work on them from engine swaps to HG's etc.. I think most people think they are hard to work on and are intimated since they are BMW's but with a good service manual they are very logical and easy. However we have not had any cars with iDrive which is a whole other animal from my understanding. As for always being in the shop, granted I have not had any new off the show room floor, but I have not had any problems with reliability. My $.02
Previous Cars..
85 325e (sold)
91 318iS (sold)
89 325i with 95 M3 engine and tranny swap (sold)
87 325iC (sold)
88 535iS with 398 rwhp & almost 460 torque (sold) 12.06 1/4 mile
00 M Roadster Mom's summer driver
97 318ti current daily driver
99 528i dad's daily
89 M3 currently on jack stand with a LS6 inside
Previous Cars..
85 325e (sold)
91 318iS (sold)
89 325i with 95 M3 engine and tranny swap (sold)
87 325iC (sold)
88 535iS with 398 rwhp & almost 460 torque (sold) 12.06 1/4 mile
00 M Roadster Mom's summer driver
97 318ti current daily driver
99 528i dad's daily
89 M3 currently on jack stand with a LS6 inside
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 5
From: Syracuse New York
I agree the cars always seem to be outrageous if you do not have warranty. The M3 handles like it is on rails, but we had an airbag go bad and 2000 dollars later it was fixed. Luckily this was warranty, but that could of have been bad. The only problem is that if you touch the computer or engine, it voids the warranty. That is the only reason we haven't touched it yet.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Dubai Mirdiff
The corvette cant compete with the M3 on any level.
The New M3 - Looks fantastic
Build Quality - Brilliant with great dealership service
Interior - Perfect in very way, no cheap crap here
Performance - As fast as stock C5 vette but with better handling.
Anyone who dosnt want one cant afford one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8maP4CB1Nk
The New M3 - Looks fantastic
Build Quality - Brilliant with great dealership service
Interior - Perfect in very way, no cheap crap here
Performance - As fast as stock C5 vette but with better handling.
Anyone who dosnt want one cant afford one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8maP4CB1Nk
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 768
Likes: 6
From: Newport Beach, Southern California
The corvette cant compete with the M3 on any level.
The New M3 - Looks fantastic
Build Quality - Brilliant with great dealership service
Interior - Perfect in very way, no cheap crap here
Performance - As fast as stock C5 vette but with better handling.
Anyone who dosnt want one cant afford one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8maP4CB1Nk
The New M3 - Looks fantastic
Build Quality - Brilliant with great dealership service
Interior - Perfect in very way, no cheap crap here
Performance - As fast as stock C5 vette but with better handling.
Anyone who dosnt want one cant afford one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8maP4CB1Nk
In USA almost anybody can afford a Vette...in Europe they can`t affort jack sh-t.
In US even cheap homes have a pool...good luck finding one in Germany!
Nuff said
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Spokane WA
My brother has a Dinan modded M3 thats a little rocket considering its a slant 6. Ride is very rough, HIDs are cool at nite and they self adjust for load changes, the interior is well put together, the paint is much better than my Anny car, the transmission took a dump at 30k and had to be replaced, it does like to go around corners at high rates of speed, and I'd have one too but I'd be a copy cat and I'm a Botie guy to the bone.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 20
From: N.Y./F.L
I just recently got rid of my Dinan modded '00 740i Sport. Great car with over 100k on it but as they get older they get more expensive! $700 for an alternator. My friend has an 02 M3 SMG which is awesome but the SMG pump went at 33k miles and cost him over 2 grand. For me, BMW= Lease and return!!!! Just my .02!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Nope no worries here!
My '98 is holding up well and well with the stock block! Check out the sig!
Thanks,Matt
My '98 is holding up well and well with the stock block! Check out the sig!
Thanks,Matt