Top 10 things you need to know before buying a new or used BMW

Originally Posted by Shocktopus

Why? Esp. the Castrol since they at least paid enough money are good enough to appear in the owners manual AND on the oil filler cap.

Only Castrol 0W30 European Formula is BMW Long life approved.

I'm coming up on a year with a 2001 330Cic, which I found in pristine condition with only 35k miles on it. I put on only about 10k per year, so it has a long future life with me, it seems. My impression so far is very positive concerning quality and reliability, and it seems to me that it would be very practical to buy one outright, even a used one! The previous owner has been my only source of problems, as s/he evidently felt obliged to drive through every pothole s/he ever saw.

that actually helps quite a lot. Im going to be looking out for these things now!

Wow, I wish I would of had this List when I was buying my used BMW. This is really useful, thanks

I am planning on buying a used 650i vert. Thnx this help a lot,

I am considering buying a 1998 318i sedan. Can I expect to be gouged with maintainance fees and how reliable will it be?

318 is fairly cheap and also pretty darn reliable
try to find one with low mileage, obviously it's not going to be as cheap as a civic but it will not be as dull either

Originally Posted by KrisL

[*]Buy a Bentley repair manual for you car. Even if you don't work on your car yourself, it's good to be an informed consumer (example: if your check engine light illuminates, Autozone will plug into your car for free and give you the car's trouble code. You can cross-reference it in the Bentley manual to see what's wrong).[/LIST]

I suppose you should mention BMW instead of Bentley?

Originally Posted by kenza

I suppose you should mention BMW instead of Bentley?

No, the best repair manual available is by Bentley Publishers. No relation to the vehicle.

Addiitonal wordsmithing of the items is probably not necessary but I cannot resist. I would reword item 9 which currently reads:

"BMW engines are tuned very well from the factory. It's very difficult to get more than a few horsepower out of intakes, exhausts, chips, headers, etc. (the newer the car, the more true this is)....unless, of course, you're talking about the N54 twin-turbo (335i, 535i, etc), in which case, completely disregard what I just said! "

BMW engines are tuned very well from the factory. It's very difficult to get more than a few horsepower out of intakes, exhausts, header, etc. (the newer the car, the more true this is). It is possible, however, to reprogram the N54 twin-turbo (135i, 335i, 535i, etc) for significantly more power (50hp or more) by increasing boost pressure and sometimes with other intake/exhaust changes.

I would also add an item 11 something like:

11. Buyers of new BMWs should also consider two delivery options; European Delivery and for U. S. customers, Performance Center Delivery. European delivery results in a price decrease that will help with and may even cover the cost of travel to Munich for delivery of your BMW, and travel in Europe with your new BMW prior to drop-off with BMW's freight forwarded for its trip to you (at BMW's cost). Performance Center Delivery occurs at the BMW Performance Center in Greer, SC adjacent to BMW's only U. S. manufacturing site. It is "free" and includes track time in BMW vehicles (not yours) with instrucution.

Jim

unfortunately i bought my car and the previous owner has been using the cheaper oil because i have really bad engine sludge. i immediately got my oil changed and put the right oil in it! any help on trying to help my engine! btw it still runs great for a 2000!

I think its good to buy. I just did. I leased a 525xi for 3 yrs, I put $6000 down $550 a month for 14000 mi per year. 2007 yr model. When I turned it in I bought almost the same car for $31000 2007 525xi with 45000 mi CPO ,I also bought a maintenance pkg I understand will almost pay for itself when I need breaks. I plan to keep in pristine condition for at least 8yrs. I also got a .9% interest rate@60mos from BMW financial. I noticed that BMW's kept up always look good and have value no matter what year. I have been a Town Car/Cadillac man most of my professional life.I never got the compliments like I did with this Black Metallic Sapphire 525xi with black dakota leather. Good googa mooga!

Originally Posted by KrisL

No, the best repair manual available is by Bentley Publishers. No relation to the vehicle.

How up to date are these manuals? I will be receiving my 2010 X5d in a few days, will getthing the latest manual for this vehicle be up to date enough?

On another note, does the BMW CCA membership rebate apply to leased vehicles, or is it only for bought ones?


Thanks Krisl for your wonderful post that still lives on years after it was posted...

Originally Posted by Marwan

How up to date are these manuals? I will be receiving my 2010 X5d in a few days, will getthing the latest manual for this vehicle be up to date enough?

On another note, does the BMW CCA membership rebate apply to leased vehicles, or is it only for bought ones?


Thanks Krisl for your wonderful post that still lives on years after it was posted...

Probably not released for the diesels yet, check their web site. The rebate applies to leases too I believe!

Do you know what the lease programs are for leftover 2009 BMW for November

Hey nice list has been posted one must go through.

I'm 19 and i just purchased my first BMW and these tips have helped alot, thanks!

This is a great thread. There are so many things that you need to remember as a BMW owner as it is not just a normal car.

A very nice article you have written.I appreciate the helpful tips and will tell my friends!

I really wish I would've known about the sports suspension before getting our most recent 535. we had a 335 that was bought back and it did have it. there is a HUGE difference for those that are even questioning it while making a purchase.

although some may not want the stiffer suspension and so just my 2 cents.

Thanks for the informative tips.

" BMWs are not as reliable as Japanese cars and they do require more maintenance"
Truly? What sort of maintenance?

Would you recommend that someone who drives 30K miles/year and desires to run a car up to 300k buy a 99 528 with 110,000+?

I'm looking for a rough service car that rides well, corners well, handles potholes and overfilled potholes well, and has decent power. I was thinking this might fit the bill.

Recommendations from anyone?

Thanks

Originally Posted by woozhp

I certainly think it is. Serious enough to cancel my order for an '08 coupe! Dipsticks always tell the truth. Not only can you check your oil level with a dipstick, but you can also visually check it's condition. I want a new BMW, but I'm not ready to encourage some bastard beancounter in Munich.

Thats not true, most people check their oil levels at the wrong time any way or overfill the engine with oil. BMWs have an electronic dipstick that takes its reading after the engine is at the right temperature. It also tells exactly how many quarts you need to place in the engine. It could not be easier! Its a reason to buy one not a reason to cancel an order on one. And if you think BMWs are designed by bastard been counters maybe BMW is not the brand for you. Perhaps you should go to more reliable brands like Toyota I hear they ALWAYS customers first and never skimp on quality

Hello Kris L,

First thanks for the nice write up. Very valuable I am sure.

Kris, what brand and tire size would you recommend for a good summer tire. I drive a Sdrive Z4 35i with 19 inch wheels. OEM Tire Size now on the car is Front 225/45/R19 and Rear 255/30/R19

I drove a M3 for four years and used Michelin I was very happy with this brand. Any recommendations? Thanks a bunch.

Originally Posted by QuoteWarz Insurance

This is a great thread. There are so many things that you need to remember as a BMW owner as it is not just a normal car.

It's a great car if you maintain it right as Kris points out in his 10 points to know and take to hear .... my other car is a E28 1987 535is still running like a Rolex not missing a beat. Sure here and then she needs maintenance. Mechanics love to work on her some like to purchase her too, I do have to turn them down. I will never sell her. She gets a spa from BMW every year they do a fine job.