Are BMW's Reliable? - United Bimmer Community

**Orefus** · 12-26-2005, 10:07 PM

I been surfin the forums for a while, and i was thinking of buying a BMW. Thing is, the one i want is a e 36 328, im gona check if the guy took good care of it and all, but as a car is it reliable. Its winter time in the US, and lotsa guys are having car problems on this forum, so what can u guys tell me about the 328?

**Rooz** · 12-26-2005, 10:18 PM

loads of fun, they are reliable (this is coming from a guy who's car is broke atm, lol). I mean, just like any other piece of machinery, they break down, but not as much as others...

I'v had my 96 328is for little over a year now, and it's the first time it's really been broke (just a head gasket). I've had less issue with my BMW over this 1 year than I've had with my Mustand or my Altima that I've had before...

**xsperf** · 12-26-2005, 10:30 PM

the older BMW's are actually EXTREMELY reliable, the e24's(6 series), e28(5 series), and the e30's.. basically everything until 1990... post 1990, yes they are also reliable, so if it is taken care of,t hey will run like a dream, if it is so so, you may have a few minor issues, but still nothing to worry about in the least bit

**c1apton** · 12-26-2005, 10:57 PM

The key to reliability (with ANY car) is maintenance. BMWs are better than most in comparison. They can take alot more abuse than your typical Toyota, Honda and god forbid an american car. BMWs get a bad "rap" because they are driven harder, they are more expensive to buy (initially) and people who move up to a BMW from a "low - to no maintenance" vehicle have to develope a maintenance schedule/habit. It's like a house, it's an investment - if you don't take care of it - it will deteriorate, I'm on my 4th one and none of the previous were "dogs" they've been good to me & I'll ALWAYS have one.

drz · 12-27-2005, 05:30 AM

After riding in my car, nobody believes it has 185,000 miles on the odo. Maintenance/Discipline are key. I inspect my car with some detail on a regular basis to spot matters that need attention nbefore they evolve and keep me off the road. I haven't had anything major break. This car is my daily driver, and I drive daily to work on the highway, then have to travel some on a dirt road, and go into town every day for grad school. Still runs great. Just make sure that if you are buying one, that you get one that has been cared for.

hehehe -- I wonder how much attention you'll give to my reply, given my listed mods

edit: oh yeah, about the winter driving => No car does very well on ice. I have had a little trouble going uphill on ice (duh), but have done decently on snow. Adding some weight in the trunk does the job for most people.

**Dudesky** · 12-27-2005, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orefus

Its winter time in the US, and lotsa guys are having car problems on this forum, so what can u guys tell me about the 328?

That's nothing unusual about any car forum, that's what they're often used for- sharing solutions for problems. In the spring, you'll see a rise in posts about cooling issues, just as you see a lot of stuff about heating problems during the winter. People are more apt to rant about a problem than write about how their car is working well. At the moment, I can think of only 2 things that either suck or are great when you buy them: TV's and toasters. Beyond that, anything you buy is a working relationship. If you don't wanna spend the time with cars, you can get a lease and switch up every 2yrs. But you'll always be paying, which brings me to the bottom line: You get what you pay for.

Used cars are always a gamble, but you can increase the odds in your favor by being a smart shopper- carfax, pre-purchase inspection, good service records onhand, etc . . I doubt I'm telling you anything you don't already know. The 328 is probably the best choice out of the E36 lineup; it seems to be more robust and has the learning curve of earlier 325's applied to it. UB.c has a list of common issues to look for when considering the 3rd generation 3 series. Let us know what you decide

**fredo328** · 12-27-2005, 08:57 AM

great car, better than most maintenance-wise. The fact that you're trolling forums before you buy says a lot about you and the likelihood that you'll make a successful purchase. You'll do fine with a 328, have fun.

**komodo** · 12-27-2005, 09:29 AM

Yep, as long as you take care of your BMW, it'll take care of you.

**c1apton** · 12-27-2005, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by komodo

Yep, as long as you take care of your BMW, it'll take care of you.

Harry, not to hi jack this thread but step back and look at your post:

A) your the founder of this forum
B) You are the #1 member
C) Your car is in the top 10
D) Your info is always fantatastic

but how do you expect ANYBODY to take you seriously with that avatar?What is that a gay elf? A shy midget? A baby troll?

**94bmw325i** · 12-27-2005, 11:40 AM

isn't it the King? (aka the burger king mascot)

Storamin · 12-27-2005, 06:14 PM

It's the King. You don't mess with the king.

**komodo** · 12-27-2005, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c1apton

Harry, not to hi jack this thread but step back and look at your post:

A) your the founder of this forum
B) You are the #1 member
C) Your car is in the top 10
D) Your info is always fantatastic

but how do you expect ANYBODY to take you seriously with that avatar?What is that a gay elf? A shy midget? A baby troll?

That better?

**Red_Rocket** · 12-27-2005, 07:22 PM

can i poke it?

craig · 12-27-2005, 07:48 PM

yes... you can http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/poke.php

**TJsBimm** · 12-27-2005, 08:08 PM

Great car the 328, i love mine. Good maintenance likes everyones saying is very key to keeping it happy. My car will also start in -30c np sounds a little slow but hasn't failed me yet. Good luck.