Why does everyone say dont buy a bimmer?! - United Bimmer Community

**aLm** · 08-24-2007, 01:43 AM

everyone of my friends say dont get a bimmer, unless you want repair it all the time. for example one said that it cost him 1g to replace rear shocks on e36. is that all true, or they just dont know?

**scooter** · 08-24-2007, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aLm

everyone of my friends say dont get a bimmer, unless you want repair it all the time. for example one said that it cost him 1g to replace rear shocks on e36. is that all true, or they just dont know?

get new friends.
BMW's are not very expensive to fix unless you go to the stealer and then you are basically asking for it.
for the most part they require some maintenance but will reward you with bullet proof reliability.
mine has had zero issues.

**3050rpm** · 08-24-2007, 02:42 AM

The above response is pretty much accurate, and with modest aptitude and equipment one can do a lot to maintain and service these cars at a fraction of what the dealer or even an independent shop would cost. Basically the two major problem areas with the E36s has been the control arms/ball joints, which if not replaced with sturdier components last about 50,000 miles; and the cooling system, meaning radiator neck and water pump. These are areas pretty much beyond the routine stuff to take care of, but once done right, that's pretty much it from there on out.

I think one thing you need to be on the alert for is that in many cases BMWs are bought for the "flash" effect, and are often driven needlessly hard, with little or no attention to regular service and maintenance by those who have no inclination to keep up with the maintenance or work on the cars themselves. In situations like that, yeah, when the bill comes due, it'll hurt.

**Dudesky** · 08-24-2007, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooter

get new friends.

+1. No offense to your friends, but none of mine would be dumb enough to pay 1g for a pair of shocks.

**GreenTourer** · 08-24-2007, 05:37 AM

I've had my 14 year old E30 BM since 2004, and have only had one simple problem, which was easily fixed.

Friends who mock the BM and have almost new or even brand new cars of other makes, have had one trouble after another. Parts are cheap if you know where to look, for an older car, why go to a main dealership? You can get parts from the breakers, ebay or from the various BMW enthusiast forums.

I've owned many cars, and my E30 is the best by far.

**RSF5** · 08-24-2007, 12:21 PM

They just don't know.

If you get a bimmer, you'll love it.

**mullethunter3** · 08-24-2007, 01:04 PM

Personally, almost all of my friends hate BMWs. Except for the select few who have driven my car. After that, they always want one. No joke. They step out with, "My next car will be a BMW." or "You made me regret buying my new car, thanks." or "Is that a six cylinder? It's got more response than my six!" <--For the record, it isn't. It's a slow 4 banger.

I used to tell people that BMWs are the best car around, but everyone would tell me that I was "stuck-up", didn't know what I was talking about or told me that I was lying. People don't want to hear that their car is, in fact, inferior. They then respond by saying that you car is too expensive or some other unfounded response. (My favorite being, "Those cars are so hard to work on!" <--- Have they worked on them? Probably not.)

Economics wise, for a FULL set of sport springs, I spent $379.00. Whoever spent $1000.00 did not spend their money wisely. I also replaced ALL my rotors and pads for $356.00. Some people will spend $1500.00 doing the same job. Keep in mind, you won't be driving a Ford, so you can't get new calipers for $100 a piece... but when you actually drive a BMW, you'll be happy that you didn't buy a Ford.

For the record, I drove my drunk friend's Ford Taurus or something. The whole time I drove him back to his house, he was talking about how his car's suspension and engine were AMAZING. It was not in the least bit. Throttle response was non-existent, suspension was boat-like at best and I felt like I was going to fly off the road at 45 mph. I'll NEVER buy a Ford.

In short, like RSF5 said, they just don't know. And you will love it.

**CroCop>** · 08-24-2007, 02:30 PM

its not like were driving piece of shit hondas
whoes parts cost in the cent range. fuck that shit
yeah no thanks Ill drive a bimmer

and no, it dosnt take 1000 dollars to replace rear shocks lol
yo your friends got riped off, more like raped haha

nick_318is · 08-24-2007, 04:16 PM

I had my shocks/springs replaced at a shop and some other misc components for $1000, that was all the way around the car and with performance parts, $1000 for just the rear, where did he go?

**xsperf** · 08-24-2007, 07:22 PM

you gotta pay to ride, but definitely not that much. yeah, parts for my car are a tad bit expensive(not 1g expensive) but you gotta know that you are shooting for quality, and that being considered, theres really nothing ever wrong with my car i just want it to be PERFECT(nothing short)

**Chris** · 08-25-2007, 05:27 AM

If your friends really are saying that, then they have the mechanical IQ of zero, because BMW's, except for MAJOR engine work, can for the most part be maintained by any average joe with a jack, jack stands, a good toolbox and a maintenance manual in their own garage.

The people that complain are the people who have never done a day of hard labor in their lives and let the stealership take all their money, because they'd rather pay someone else to do the work than get dirty themselves. <--- for the record, no matter how much money you have, being one of thse people is not a good thing... EVER.

**xxxbimmer** · 08-25-2007, 04:13 PM

I had 140k on mine and it never broke down...... just do the maint and change out problem areas and you should be fine

**aLm** · 08-25-2007, 04:35 PM

Thanks peeps! man, I always wanted a bimmer. I'm doing research right now. e36 328 in good condition is hard to find. I know bmw is the one, but after reading the "things that break" thread i wanted to ask some people if its true and thats what they told me.

thanks for sharing

**oomz1975** · 08-30-2007, 02:15 PM

Get one thats been maintained well & you'll love it.
I would rather drive my 11 year old Bimmer than any new jap or yank motor.

**94bmw325i** · 08-30-2007, 02:44 PM

If a problem does happen on a BMW it can cost a ton to fix if you don't want to do it yourself. Most BMW shops (non dealer) are like $90/hr + in labor, and the dealer well we won't go there... When you have a BMW that is in good running condition it is a really nice car, I think I can finally say that right now is the best my car has ever ran.