Question for current/previous BMW Owners

[ShauKnee]

I'm looking at getting a 2-3 year old BMW 323i and wanted to ask current/previous owners how much their maintenance was.

1) Were you doing some minor servicing on your own? Ex, oil changes, fluid changes, brake pads etc.

2) From your experience how much has it usually cost you to bring it into a dealership?

Any kind of information would be great. Thanks

[bspot]

The biggest pile of crap and least reliable car we've ever owned. Granted it's an E46, so a bit older, but my god if everything isn't a "common problem" on that car. The fact the oil separator blows up in cold climates yet was never recalled is something that will have me never, ever touch another one again. They do not stand behind their vehicles unless it gets really bad.

On top of that the thing started rusting when it was 7 years old. It's been in Alberta it's whole life. It now looks like crap.

[ShauKnee]

Yeah, I've heard a lot of these horror stories and how unreliable they've been . I'm hoping that the 2009+ models would be a little bit better though ? I'm looking into getting any "luxury" sedans really. Would you have any suggestions? A few in mind are the Audi A4, Lexus is250, or a Mercedes C class

[benyl]

most 2-3 year owners don't pay for maintenance as the first 3-4 years is included in the price.

[Xtrema]

Since you are talking about 323i, you probably just want the BMW badge.

Owning Europeans beyond warranty, you better be ready to drop some cash.

You looking at an off-lease vehicle?

[GS430]

Do the simple things yourself:

- oil changes
- fluid changes
- brakes

etc. It will save you a lot of money.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

2000 BMW 323ci (E46): Dad owned from 2000-2008 165000KM total, all fluid flushes done by my dad around 100000km, oil changes done every 7000km by my dad, no major failures, biggest cost was probably the biggest service with all the fluids around 100000km, tires, and shock absorbers, replaced brakes himself no problem at 80000 and 160000km.

2006 BMW 325i (E90): Mom leased from 2006-2009 65000KM total, went through one set of summer tires and one set of winter tires, no other major issues. All maintenance covered by BMW so we didn't pay for anything but tires really.

2007 BMW Z4M Convertible: Dad owned 2008-Present 85000KM total, major service at 75000km including brakes, all fluids, valve adjustment completed ourselves, parts cost was somewhere from $2500-3000 total and would have cost $5000+ at the dealer including labor. Had washer fluid leak and some other minor stuff repaired under warranty, oil changes cost $200ish to do yourself as it takes 0W-60 oil which is like $20 a litre, major costs include tires and brakes being a M car, and valve adjustment if not done yourself. Recently purchased and about to install camber plates, supercharger and shock absorbers, most parts quite a bit more expensive than a non M car.

2010 BMW 135i: Mom owned 2009-Present 52000KM total, oil changes done every 24000km at dealer no charge, otherwise done by my dad at 12000KM as well for about $120 in parts, has had several recalls done, underhood electrical junction box failure resulting in loss of gauge cluster, climate controls and stereo, repaired under warranty. Predicting ~100000km out of brakes at this point. Starting to consume oil between oil changes but nothing excessive.

2008 BMW 135i: I have owned from 2012-Present 52000km total, oil changes cost me $120 in parts alone to do myself, has had climate controls, radio, door seals, sunroof x 2 replaced under warranty, eats tires like crazy partially do to how I drive, will get about 60000km out of front brakes and 70000km out of rear brakes, fairly economical, can achieve under 8L/100km on highway with 4 people in the car. No oil consumption compared to my mom's car.

Overall they have been fairly reliable, major costs include brakes and tires in most cases, oil changes are a bit more money as well. M cars will cost considerably more but are just completely different cars.

[ShauKnee]

Well, I've been talking about a few different cars badge or not I don't mind looking around at the other makes.

I was thinking of doing some of the maintenance myself since I'm not sure if I would be able to keep up with said "500+$ services"... not 100% sure if that's even a correct quote.

Thanks Twin_Cam, I think the models I'll be looking at will be the E90 version. For the 75,000 major maintenance do you think it'd be a little cheaper on 323i?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by ShauKnee
Well, I've been talking about a few different cars badge or not I don't mind looking around at the other makes.

I was thinking of doing some of the maintenance myself since I'm not sure if I would be able to keep up with said "500+$ services"... not 100% sure if that's even a correct quote.

Thanks Twin_Cam, I think the models I'll be looking at will be the E90 version. For the 75,000 major maintenance do you think it'd be a little cheaper on 323i?

A 323i would be way cheaper for sure, my dads Z4M the brakes alone cost like $1200-1500 for pads and rotors out of the US, non S54 powered cars wont need a valve adjustment either, brakes should be way cheaper and oil changes will be a bit less.

[ShauKnee]

Yeah, I was thinking it would be a bit different. I've been thinking of saving some money aside for any routine maintenance that might come up if anything, I believe BMW offers some kinds of extended warranty on used vehicles if I end up with a used one.

[benyl]

Don't bother looking at MB if you want cheap.

Maintenance is basically 450 / year (average). $300 year 1,3,5, etc. $600 year 2,4,6 etc.

The trouble with euro cars is that they all use Synthetic oil and a lot of it. A honda has 4 litres of dino juice. Euros do 8-9 litres of Syn. Do the math. Even doing it yourself will still cost you over $100.

[ShauKnee]

Originally posted by benyl
Don't bother looking at MB if you want cheap.

Maintenance is basically 450 / year (average). $300 year 1,3,5, etc. $600 year 2,4,6 etc.

The trouble with euro cars is that they all use Synthetic oil and a lot of it. A honda has 4 litres of dino juice. Euros do 8-9 litres of Syn. Do the math. Even doing it yourself will still cost you over $100.

Maintenance is $300/year on top of the oil changes that you do yourself?

[benyl]

No, that includes oil changes which are about $200 at the dealer.

[ShauKnee]

Oh, well with the budget I have that doesn't sound too too bad... I don't think. I'd be able to save up for the major services as well.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Had a couple BMW's in the family for many years now. Currently have a 9 year old 2004 BMW 545i. Not ONE SINGLE problem with it it's entire life beyond scheduled maintenance (break pads, oil, etc.). Still going strong and driven daily.

Had an older 2000 540i daily driver in the family, no problems whatsoever for 9 years before it was sold beyond regular maintenance.

Identical experience with a 2000 Audi S4 and 2006 Audi S4. Absolutely zero issues beyond scheduled maintenance their entire lives until sold.

[Aleks]

Oil, fluid, brake changes, belts on the 3 series BMW are on par with what they cost for Accords/Odysseys from personal experience. So basic maintenance isn't any more expensive on a BMW vs any other new car.

People put down the 323 but if you don't need the extra HP and don't mind the plastic seats it drives just like the rest of the 3 series lineup, which is why a lot of people by them in the first place, but there are those who just want the badge. No different than buying any other tier 1 lux car like MB, Lexus.

[ShauKnee]

Originally posted by Aleks
Oil, fluid, brake changes, belts on the 3 series BMW are on par with what they cost for Accords/Odysseys from personal experience. So basic maintenance isn't any more expensive on a BMW vs any other new car.

People put down the 323 but if you don't need the extra HP and don't mind the plastic seats it drives just like the rest of the 3 series lineup, which is why a lot of people by them in the first place, but there are those who just want the badge. No different than buying any other tier 1 lux car like MB, Lexus.


Well I wouldn't mind hearing some opinions on other makes like the Audi A4, Lexus IS 250, or the Mercedes C class vehicles

[95EagleAWD]

My 328 was pretty good. I had it for four years, and aside from a freak mechanical failure (the oil pump seized, and totalled the engine... still, it's very rare) it was flawless. Started every morning, even in the cold, the car had 230,000 kms on it, only a tiny bit of rust and was far and away the best DD I've ever owned. Comfy, fast enough, quiet, good stereo. Plus E46s are pretty classic looking to me, so I love the way they look. I even love the simple interiors, but Audi has BMW beat there for sure.

Basic maintenance was easy, and parts are available and not expensive. Easy to work on as well. I don't regret it at all. I barely spent a dime on it in four years (aside from the engine, which you won't have to do, I hope!)

My Coupe has been a champ in the 4,000 miles I've owned it. It's fast, as fast as my old Evo VIII MR was and it's pretty comfy. The gearbox is a little clunky, but that's it. I've done an oil change and brakes on it, and it's easy to work on as well. The 10W-60 for the S54 isn't cheap, but oh well.

I know it's cliche, but after driving a BMW every day for a while, it's hard to drive anything else. As for sedans, nothing else drives like them at all. Audi's and Benz's don't feel the same. They do drive better than anything out there, IMO.

[Lex350]

Big difference in how a IS250 and a IS350 drive. I've had a IS250 for a loaner several times and I don't like it.


I've had my IS350 since 2008 and no problems. I've replaced the brakes in the front and back but I was driving it pretty hard. Oil changes at the dealer are $110 but you get a cleaning and if you want a car for the day.

My car is out of warranty so I take it to the local Toyota dealer for an oil change (much closer) and it was $70.


Other than the brake replacement the car has been flawless.

[Traffic_Cop]

We have a 328xi and a 550i. No issues. Fantastic cars, but heres what I have learnt from being BMW for 10yrs.

ALWAYS, buy from a BMW dealer. Yes you will pay more, however you can usually negotiate the vehicle being CPO'd. That will extend warranty to around 160,000kms.

NEVER get it repaired at a "BMW specialist". Only for extremely minor fixes. I have noticed that people will have a check engine light on, will take it in to a non BMW dealer. These people will diagnose the car with an issue, replace the part. This then leads to something else going wrong, that part being replaced, then you are in a downward spiral. I have had several lights come on, simply gone to the dealer. They scan your keys which then downloads to their system and tells them whats wrong. All 4 times i've had "oh yes, you need the new software upgrade". Its free and the cars fixed the 1st properly.

Never skimp on regular or midgrade fuel. Car will be fine for a year or so, then you will have trouble. And lastly, get BMW oil put in. Its a high performance car, you cant feed it burger and fries.

My 2 cents.

[Redlyne_mr2]

Originally posted by rotten42
Big difference in how a IS250 and a IS350 drive. I've had a IS250 for a loaner several times and I don't like it.


I've had my IS350 since 2008 and no problems. I've replaced the brakes in the front and back but I was driving it pretty hard. Oil changes at the dealer are $110 but you get a cleaning and if you want a car for the day.

My car is out of warranty so I take it to the local Toyota dealer for an oil change (much closer) and it was $70.


Other than the brake replacement the car has been flawless.
Glad the car I sold you is still going strong!:thumbsup:

The e90 323's are rarely in the shop for anything other than regular fluids and filters. The NA inline 6 is a workhorse and has proved to be very reliable.

[A2VR6]

Mines been pretty trouble free and I've been happy with it.

Maintenance has run about ~170 a oil change and that's with me doing it myself.

Cabin filter for me was ~100, spark plugs were 20 each (~160) and the battery was around 360

All in all it hasn't been too bad. Parts aren't cheap but its expected.. Especially for a M car.

No huge unexpected issues so far.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by A2VR6
Mines been pretty trouble free and I've been happy with it.

Maintenance has run about ~170 a oil change and that's with me doing it myself.

Cabin filter for me was ~100, spark plugs were 20 each (~160) and the battery was around 360

All in all it hasn't been too bad. Parts aren't cheap but its expected.. Especially for a M car.

No huge unexpected issues so far.

E90/92/93 M3?

[sillysod]

Bought my wife a newer E60 530i and it seems pretty reliable. Put a lot of kms on it, but it is definitely not in the same league as Audi for DIY type stuff.

Powerwise it isn't fantastic (230hp) but it is a lot better than I figured, the fuel mileage on it is absolutely amazing though. Way better than my wifes last Passat and similar to the 1.8T in my A4 before all the mods.

There is very little you can really do your self on these things and regular maintenance is expensive, more so than VAG products in my experience. Can't comment on MB products.

Overall I would say that BMW is better than Audi in the handling department and worse in all other departments (for me at least). However there is one absolutely massive downside to BMW, that is Calgary BMWs service.

Booking in at Vitek's and Calgary Auto Works isn't as convenient as a dealership but it is really the best option.

Next car will be back to Audi for us.

[bspot]

^Haha, what a sucker!

#1 Vitek is awesome. I would trust him over a dealer any day. Totally honest, knows his stuff.

#2 On most of those engines at our altitude mid-grade is fine. Besides the oil seperator, the engine is the one thing that has been rock solid in our 325 xit. Mid grade for the last 6 years.

#3. There are many superior oil options to BMW oil. Besides, do you think they make there own? I cringe at some of the dealer recommended oils, such as the crap Castrol that Audi and Volvo use.

[DEATH2000]

Originally posted by Traffic_Cop
And lastly, get BMW oil put in. Its a high performance car, you cant feed it burger and fries.

My 2 cents.
Just an FYI, the "BMW Oil" is just rebranded Castrol. Its no different then the Castrol 0w-30 you would buy at Canadian Tire. The oil cap on most E46's actually says "Castrol" on it.

As per the BMW LL-01 specification, BMW NA approves four different oil's to be used in Non-M engines. Mobil 1 0w-40, Castrol 0w-30, Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30 and
Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30

See here:
http://www.bimmerfile.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/bmw-ll-01_ll-01-fe-recommended-synthetic-oils.pdf

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/pdfs/BMW-Oil-Specs-and-Recs.pdf

[sillysod]

^^ you need to make sure it's German Castrol. CDN tire sells a lot of Shell Castrol.

It says on the bottle.

[RY213]

Instead of buying the cheapest entry level BMW there is why don't you buy something in your actual price range? You're not impressing anyone.

[RY213]

I know I sound like an asshole but you're talking about saving up just to do an oil change. You can't afford the car.

[snowcat]

Originally posted by ShauKnee
I'm looking into getting any "luxury" sedans really.

A base model 323i is not a luxury sedan.

[A2VR6]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


E90/92/93 M3?

Yep, im running a E90 M3 thats out of warranty :nut:

I gotta do brakes this summer im thinking and online im seeing the OEM stuff going for 225 for just the fronts... not going to be cheap but again... its just routine maintenance.

[snowcat]

Originally posted by A2VR6


Yep, im running a E90 M3 thats out of warranty :nut:

I gotta do brakes this summer im thinking and online im seeing the OEM stuff going for 225 for just the fronts... not going to be cheap but again... its just routine maintenance.

Brakes aren't covered under new car warranty anyway.

I just did mine at Calgary BMW. Surprising, but if I were to buy online and do it myself, it was MORE expensive than parts/labour at BMW. I also received a loaner.

[Team_Mclaren]

I dont think Maintenance cost on a regular BMW is anymore than any other make. Like someone was saying, you just need more oil and it requires syn, which is where the cost is coming from.


However, I'm looking to do my brakes soon and it seem to be expensive as fuck... ($300-400 per disc). Mind you I drive a E60 M.

My idrive also died on me a few months ago. Surprisingly it wasnt that expensive to get a new unit from the States. With programing and everything (installed it myself), it was only $1200.

BTW: If you need to "save up" just to do regular maintenance, you might be a bit over your head....

I'm not against anyone buying an entire level 323/328, because like aleks was saying. If you dont need the power, the driving dynamic is the same. And any 3-series drives nicer than your V6 Accord/Carmy etc etc.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by A2VR6


Yep, im running a E90 M3 thats out of warranty :nut:

I gotta do brakes this summer im thinking and online im seeing the OEM stuff going for 225 for just the fronts... not going to be cheap but again... its just routine maintenance.

$225 per disc or pad kit? I think my dads Z4M the rotors were almost $300 a piece out of the US :nut: .

I got stoptech pads for my 135i for $216 CAD shipped front and rear which was a pleasant surprise.

How many KM did you get out of the brakes?

[ddduke]

Nothing but problems out of my E60. OEM Ballasts died more times then I can count, Idrive died, heated seats stopped working. Engine held up very well but all the electrical issues drove me nuts and the worst part is that when there's an issue the Idrive won't shut up and just keeps beeping which is really annoying. Maintenance prices were on par with the Infinitis and Mercedes I've owned.

I'm back to Mercedes now which I'm soon trading in for my new Mercedes and am never going back to BMW again, unless I find a moderately priced, mynt condition E90 M5.

[A2VR6]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


$225 per disc or pad kit? I think my dads Z4M the rotors were almost $300 a piece out of the US :nut: .

I got stoptech pads for my 135i for $216 CAD shipped front and rear which was a pleasant surprise.

How many KM did you get out of the brakes?

$225 for just the front pads.

I just looked at what rotors would be online and im seeing 490 for 1 rotor for the fronts :rofl:

Not sure if i'll do rotors yet... i'll measure the thickness on em once i switch over to the summers. Right now i just hit 80,000 kms so im getting some decent life.