Help! Potential New Bimmer Owner

[Mordachi]

Since most if not all of you own A Bimmer, I thought I would ask for help, expertise, and maybe a little reassurance. I am in the US Navy as an e-1, meaning I don't make much money. I bring this up because that means I wont have lots of excess money for repairs frequently.

I am looking at a 1997 BMW 328i, 109k, 1 previous owner, silver w/blk leather, power all, traction control etc, good condition for $5995 in CT. About $800-1000 below blue book, at a local dealership. Its a very good deal, but I have some concerns from what I have read from owners of the E36 bmws. They say the engine is rock solid, very fun to drive, good gas mileage etc. So obviously that is good to hear.

On the other hand though, I hear about electrical problems galore, very expensive maintenance, outrageous prices for parts, check engine lights that come on for no reason, window malfunctions etc, and it makes me wonder if it is in my best interest to get a BMW. I know I would love to have one, bc if you love to drive, then a Bimmer is good car to own. But I can't afford $1500-2000 grand yearly in repairs and maintenance, like some owners have said they paid.

Sorry for the Long post, but I wanted to get an informed input, advice, and comments. Anything would be helpful in my decision to buy the car, or just stick with japanese cars, like I always have done in the past, to great success reliability wise.

Thank you!

[gldfshkpr]

Originally Posted by Mordachi

Since most if not all of you own A Bimmer, I thought I would ask for help, expertise, and maybe a little reassurance. I am in the US Navy as an e-1, meaning I don't make much money. I bring this up because that means I wont have lots of excess money for repairs frequently.

I am looking at a 1997 BMW 328i, 109k, 1 previous owner, silver w/blk leather, power all, traction control etc, good condition for $5995 in CT. About $800-1000 below blue book, at a local dealership. Its a very good deal, but I have some concerns from what I have read from owners of the E36 bmws. They say the engine is rock solid, very fun to drive, good gas mileage etc. So obviously that is good to hear.

On the other hand though, I hear about electrical problems galore, very expensive maintenance, outrageous prices for parts, check engine lights that come on for no reason, window malfunctions etc, and it makes me wonder if it is in my best interest to get a BMW. I know I would love to have one, bc if you love to drive, then a Bimmer is good car to own. But I can't afford $1500-2000 grand yearly in repairs and maintenance, like some owners have said they paid.

Sorry for the Long post, but I wanted to get an informed input, advice, and comments. Anything would be helpful in my decision to buy the car, or just stick with japanese cars, like I always have done in the past, to great success reliability wise.

Thank you!

Couple of Points

1. Are there records on the car? A wise buyer would find service records extremely valuable.

2. I would be leary buying a used car from a dealer.

3. First thing I would do is take it to a reputable independent BMW shop (not dealership) and have them inspect it. Some shops will do this for free. They will tell you what to expect to invest in the future.

4. Most people on these boards do the maintenance and repairs themselves cutting the expenses in half or more.

5. Buying parts online is extrememly cost effective v.s. buying parts at the dealership.

6. From your post, I get the sense you would be more comfortable buying a Japanese car.

7. Althought that is low mileage for a ten year old car, there are many items that need to be replaced at that stage. Again, you need to know what's been done and what needs to be done to make the car reliable.