Post a pic of your car as it sits currently

[xxbackhillxx]

Originally Posted by sleepyalero

I know two people that has/had them. One person who still has one. Its always got problems or is broken down so she doesnt drive it.

The other my buddy had. It was a 2004 330xi. One day his axle shaft popped out of place (102k miles) and at 104k miles... well thats when all hell broke loose. Jumped timing. Bent all rods. And cracked 4 pistons.

Imo they are decent cars until 90k miles then at that point id want it gone. Seems they arent reliable or worth having after 100k miles.

Based on two anecdotes? To counter, I've seen plenty of 150k+ BMWs also that have had no issues other than replacing wear and tear parts. Like I've said before, it's all how you maintain and treat your car. I could also say the LIM gasket issue in the LA1 was a very prevalent problem, which led to many catatrophic engine failures. By your reasoning, the LA1 is potentially unreliable past 50k miles.

Originally Posted by TDavis

I knew there would be a responding paragraph. It's a personal opinion. Sorry I still think they're overrated. There are stereotypes for a reason, like I said, was not saying you where one specifically.

Sorry I don't make bank like you do hah.

BTW its not like I'm saying I could bring the GA up to those standards. GA had nothing to do with this.

Your opinion is based on nothing but your illogical perception. Before you say they're overrated, I'd take a hard look at why you're actually saying it other than maintenance costs and owners.

Never mentioned bringing the GA up. You said you'd rather bring up an "underpowered" car up with mods. Fine. But you won't, not at those price points.

[sleepyalero]

Its hit or miss on the lim. My car has 199,7xx miles. Never in its life has it needed the job. (Uncle was first owner since new)

[xxbackhillxx]

Originally Posted by sleepyalero

Its hit or miss on the lim. My car has 199,7xx miles. Never in its life has it needed the job. (Uncle was first owner since new)

It definitely is. Same can be said for any motor. Why your buddy's failed at 100k is beyond me. Could be a complete anomaly or an inherent issue.

[sleepyalero]

True yes. And beats me too.

[ForcedFirebird]

LOL@ BMW not lasting. My current daily e30's odometer stopped at 174k miles two owners ago. Drive it to/from the track and take the kids to/from school on the daily.

The race car has over 200k on it, not many people could catch it in Atlanta...

[xxbackhillxx]

Originally Posted by ForcedFirebird

LOL@ BMW not lasting. My current daily e30's odometer stopped at 174k miles two owners ago. Drive it to/from the track and take the kids to/from school on the daily.

The race car has over 200k on it, not many people could catch it in Atlanta...

This. I know of several BMWs that are tracked and driven to their limits that last and last.

What do you have done to your E30? Where do the baby seats go? haha

[AaronGTR]

Okay, I'll jump in the BMW thing...

I would not say they are bad cars at all.... but I would also say they are over rated. Like most german cars in this country, you pay a premium on them for an imaginary level of superiority. You pay a premium for Audi's right now just because people like their style so they are desirable.

I actually worked on two different 3 series BMW's quite extensively so I do have some experience with them. Some things they actually engineer quite nicely. But then there are other things that they over look or engineer badly that cause problems. They are like any other car or car brand IMO. There are good models and bad models, and each model has it's good point and bad points.

That said, since I think they are pretty much the same as Japanese or American cars, I wouldn't buy one because I don't want to pay a premium price for something isn't any better in my eyes.

[xxbackhillxx]

Originally Posted by AaronGTR

Okay, I'll jump in the BMW thing...

I would not say they are bad cars at all.... but I would also say they are over rated. Like most german cars in this country, you pay a premium on them for an imaginary level of superiority. You pay a premium for Audi's right now just because people like their style so they are desirable.

I actually worked on two different 3 series BMW's quite extensively so I do have some experience with them. Some things they actually engineer quite nicely. But then there are other things that they over look or engineer badly that cause problems. They are like any other car or car brand IMO. There are good models and bad models, and each model has it's good point and bad points.

That said, since I think they are pretty much the same as Japanese or American cars, I wouldn't buy one because I don't want to pay a premium price for something isn't any better in my eyes.

I knew you would jump in because I know you've worked on them. At least you can articulate why they are overrated.

In my experiences though, build quality is day and night. Sold my Grand Am with 92.5k miles and everything was rattling, creaking, etc. Stupid little things were breaking after 60k that weren't expensive but annoyances. The Audi just cruised past 92.1k miles on my way to work this morning. Everything is quiet.

[plastic_indian]

From the vantage point of an independent shop (many of the high line cars I see, regardless of make/country of origin, have hit 100k and are on the second or third owner) I've come to a few conclusions, be it Cadillac, Bimmer, Benz, VAG, whatever:

->Second- or third-hand high lines often (but definitely not always!) sell to buyers that want the brand image in their driveway but can't afford the true cost of ownership experience. These folks may balk at paying retail for a proper repair (brake work, tune up, whatever) but then find themselves sorely disappointed when those economy parts don't preserve their perception of what the car should 'feel' like. If the car had been faithfully maintained to the level of its original build quality, it would remain the example of exceptional engineering in which it started life.

->High line makes are well built and feature-rich, but can be fraught with idiosyncrasies. The enthusiast finds pleasure in learning what makes his example tick, and takes pride in keeping it maintained or improving upon it. The casual owner waits until little things become big things and then turns white when the repair bill shows up. This owner then tells his buddies about how his car is a lemon that isn't worth the cost and continues to neglect the maintenance for another 10k miles before selling it to the next sucker -- at which point the circle continues. I don't believe this type of situation is an accurate barometer of the true character of a carmaker or its products.

->Volkswagen badged products have all the high-cost annoyances of their Audi stablemates but are marketed as, well, a 'peoples' car.' I hate seeing these things come in. It's a largely middle class ownership base and the cars always seem to bring premium brand repair and maintenance costs; it can be very challenging to explain to a V6 Passat owner why his timing belt job will cost so much more than his neighbor's Accord.

[ItsMeScottG]

I for one work at a shop and I personally like the e46 and the newer 5series of course. I personally like BMW's. However I must say that I've noticed a lot of BMW rims crack it seems or at least that's what I often see at my shop. Then again that's probably just because a lot of customers abuse their cars. Yes a BMW will cost quite a bit to maintain, however id still enjoy owning one.

[ForcedFirebird]

BMW parts are no more expensive than any other. OEM timing belt kits for an e30 are $45, top end gasket kits are $100-ish ($260 from the dealer, even), control arm bushings - $30, wheel bearings ~$100 etc etc

Originally Posted by xxbackhillxx

This. I know of several BMWs that are tracked and driven to their limits that last and last.

What do you have done to your E30? Where do the baby seats go? haha

I have 4 e30's, an e36, an Excursion and a 93 Camaro .

Baby seats? My oldest is 15 :P

[ForcedFirebird]

and TBH, after the e46, BMW dropped the ball. Gone are the days of high-strung naturally aspirated inline 6'ers. e9x m3 is just a "German Muscle Car"

[ForcedFirebird]

Here's how one of the cars ended up today. Using it to mock up a couple of roll cages going to clients, then off to the frame machine so a cage can be welded in permanently. (instagram pic @wottech)

[Shade2012]

I'll just leave this here..

[ItsMeScottG]

Originally Posted by Shade2012

I'll just leave this here..

Wait you got a mustang now?

[bricooper78]

Le sigh

[Shade2012]

Originally Posted by ItsMeScottG

Wait you got a mustang now?

I'll start a thread with details.

[TDavis]

Originally Posted by Shade2012

I'll just leave this here..

Sonic blue or GTFO

[sleepyalero]

Why in gods name a mustang

[ItsMeScottG]

Originally Posted by sleepyalero

Why in gods name a mustang

Well looks live we have lost redneckshade