considering buying a BMW...

[tfret]

I've never owned a BMW, but I need a good reliable used family car that I can drive for the next several years with two kids in the back. I like the Honda and Toyota products, but frankly they are just boring. The BMW style really appeals to me, but I don't want some exotic car that requires expensive maintenance. I'm interested in knowing more about the long term dependability and expense of owning a BMW. What is the life expectancy of this car? Ideally I'd like to buy one with 80 some thousand miles on it, and drive it for another 100K miles, with minimal maintenance costs (like a Honda or Toyota), but I don't know if that is a reasonable expectation. I just don't have any experience with German cars. With fuel prices what they are, I'm definately leaning toward the 4 or 6 cylinder models (which don't seem as common). Any advice, tips, and cautions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[jmarwill]

I have owned cars from all 3 makers you mentioned ('93 Honda Accord, '96 BMW 328 and '99 Toyota 4Runner).

The BMW does not compare to Honda or Toyota for reliability, but the BMW is much more fun to drive! I would find a local shop that speacializes in BMWs and talk to them about the types of issues that you are likely to encounter with a BMW and then decide if you are up for it.

[shogunl]

Own a 97 528i with 115000 miles on it.
If you are looking for a reliable economical vehicle BMW is a wrong choice. and here are the reasons.

1. They are not bulletproof like Honda or Toyota.
2. They are not cheap to repair.
3. Parts cost are out of this world.

But man they are fun to drive. They have what I would describe as real feel to it.
If you are handy with repairs it is not that bad but to take it to a mechanic each time would not be cheap.
I buy parts on line and do the most of the work myself or I would never be able to keep it.
If you really want to buy one I would recommend a Pre owned certified from a BMW dealer. It may cost a bit more but you would get a decent vehicle.

[95_GSX]

I currently am lookng at a 1995 525i. What are some of the issues these cars have? I am in the same situation as tfret. I found a really good deal on a 525i but it has a 180,000 miles(mostly highway). The car looks to be in amazing shape. But I was curious about what scheduled maintenance the car should have recieved. It is a 6-cylinder w/ auto. I would go and talk to a dealer, but the closest one is about 90 miles away. Thanks for your help. Fast replies would be appreciated. Thanks again.