BMW E83? Reliable?

[JohnnyHockey13]

Hi beyonders, just wondering if anyone here has ever owned or know much about E83s?

I'm looking to downgrade significantly and have seen tons of E83s on Kijiji in the 4-7,000 range...I just don't want to get stuck paying $$$ to fix and deal with headaches every month.

Are these reasonably reliable cars? (my DIY skills are anything that doesn't require anymore than turning wrenchs, so complicated engine work is out of the question)...

The reasons why I'm looking at these is:
-has a really cool, classic, unique retro look to them
-BMW handling and driving feel
-comes in manual + AWD
-reasonably quick (not dogshit slow like a CRV or RAV4 and cheaper too)

[ThePenIsMightier]

An out of warranty German luxury car? What could possibly go wrong??

[JohnnyHockey13]

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An out of warranty German luxury car? What could possibly go wrong??

Seriously man?...I hope you're not being serious...I've bought out of warranty German luxury cars most of my life. Worst I've encountered was buying an X5 V8 without doing research, got home and found out there's a problem with cracked coolant pipes leaking within the bottom of the engine itself...other than that I have NEVER encountered anything I couldn't fix myself. In fact, I would buy another used Mercedes GLK350 in a heartbeat, those things (including it's C class cousins) are probably even more reliable than your average Honda/Toyota.

[ExtraSlow]

#number13, do you have multiple personalities? Your two posts contradict themselves.

[JohnnyHockey13]

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#number13, do you have multiple personalities? Your two posts contradict themselves.

You mean about complicated engine work? lol...ok, basically I just want to know if E83s in general have any complicated engine (or transmission) problems I should know about. There.

Sorry PenisMightier if I sounded a little angry...I didn't have the best season this year, so much drama with the team.

[ThePenIsMightier]

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You mean about complicated engine work? lol...ok, basically I just want to know if E83s in general have any complicated engine (or transmission) problems I should know about. There.

Sorry PenisMightier if I sounded a little angry...I didn't have the best season this year, so much drama with the team.

Best season with what team? Rhythmic Gymnastics? You've got your mind made up, so go get it, Grrl.
The thing to remember is that when (not if) the Check Engine Light comes on in your $4k German LuxBox, there are two responses. The incorrect one is to freak out, pull over, and call your specialty repair shop. The correct one is to LoL and keep the fuck driving because entire car is worth 25 hours of labour.
DoWhatChaLike.

[ExtraSlow]

Look, I don't know how parenting goes in New Jersey, but I empathize buddy. I have a lot of feeling too. Doubt of my coworkers, doubt of myself, fear that I've peaked and I'm still so young. I get it bro. I'm here for you. Or one of you anyway. Let's talk it out over some wings and coke.

[ercchry]

Like most BMWs... didn’t these come in many motor configurations? The N52... which I believe is the same power plant in the elusive e90 330 (not to be confused with the turbo 335) was fucking great, that’s all I have to add beside... really? You like the styling??? Noooo

[ShermanEF9]

I just know every older X5 i've seen has been burning a horrendous amount of oil.

[revelations]

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An out of warranty German luxury car? What could possibly go wrong??

Some MY are definitely way better and way worse than others. Youre best to consult a BMW owners group.

[tonytiger55]

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Look, I don't know how parenting goes in New Jersey, but I empathize buddy. I have a lot of feeling too. Doubt of my coworkers, doubt of myself, fear that I've peaked and I'm still so young. I get it bro. I'm here for you. Or one of you anyway. Let's talk it out over some wings and coke.

*pops head up* Helloooo......Did someone say wings and coke..?

OP A family member had the X3. Not as old as the 8-5k range. They had it for about four years and drove it till the engine light came on. It was a whole load of engine issues. They sold it right after that.
Based on how they used the vehicle. I would not go as far to say it was unreliable. The whole serving and parts aspect were expensive. Hence they cut corners.

But on the 4-7k range, at that age there are things around the vehicle that may need to be replaced simply due to age, wear and tear, i.e boots, CV joint etc. That might make it unreliable in that aspect.

[ExtraSlow]

What's the BMW fanboi fetish with the model codes, and not using the model names?

[bjstare]

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What's the BMW fanboi fetish with the model codes, and not using the model names?

It’s more elegant than writing 2011-2013.5 x3 (or whatever this car is, I have no idea because I don’t speak BMW).

[JohnnyHockey13]

Honestly, I think I'm going to go in a completely different direction...for my budget, there are Civic SI 6mt's out there that much more fun and I won't have to worry as much, thanks!

[killramos]

If you are taking about the new turbo ones, stay away.

[revelations]

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What's the BMW fanboi fetish with the model codes, and not using the model names?

I know that Honda fanboys do this (EK, AP2, EP3).

I know that AMG/ Merc people do this (W203, W204).

[dirtsniffer]

Jeep fans, supra fans, skyline, 300/350z...

[killramos]

It’s as if it’s a car guy thing or something

Nahh. Defs just bmws

[ThePenIsMightier]

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Honestly, I think I'm going to go in a completely different direction...for my budget, there are Civic SI 6mt's out there that much more fun and I won't have to worry as much, thanks!

"Completely different direction" would be TrackHawk.

[ExtraSlow]

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It’s as if it’s a car guy thing or something

Nahh. Defs just bmws

A car guy buying a BMW X3? I don't think so.