Buying mom a BMW. Need info

Hello everyone. I am trying to purchase my mother a BMW. I had a 7 series before and I loved it but it seems like every week something was wrong with it. Also the valve cover gaskets went bad so I had to sell it :-( but anyway I was asking people about BMWs and they were telling me that the 3 series can be more reliable. I wanted to get her a 2006 550I but I think that would be do expensive for her to repair. But I really like the 2007 bmw 328I coupe. Are those pretty reliable?

Thanks

Also the valve cover gaskets went bad so I had to sell it :-( but anyway I was asking people about BMWs and they were telling me that the 3 series can be more reliable.

Well I just changed my valve cover on my E90 2007. Although a rare problem, the job was pricey (1000$). In general, the E9X are reliable, but I won't bet on this past 7 years.

Are you trying to get back at your mom for some bad childhood memories?

Don't buy your mom an old, out of warranty BMW ..... get her a 2010 or newer 328i still under full maintenance and warranty so she can enjoy the car without troubles!

Originally Posted by Mybad45

Are those pretty reliable?

It depends on what you mean by "pretty reliable". According to Consumer Reports, the 3-Series is the most reliable Euro sports sedan. My own experience, however, is that the 3 has been much less reliable than just about every other car I've owned that was built in recent years.

I love BMW performance and handling, but I don't see myself buying another one once my extended warranty has expired.

Originally Posted by laser

Are you trying to get back at your mom for some bad childhood memories?

Don't buy your mom an old, out of warranty BMW ..... get her a 2010 or newer 328i still under full maintenance and warranty so she can enjoy the car without troubles!

I'll go a little further. Unless mom's behavior brings "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena" to everyone's mind, I'd suggest that you buy her something (new, with a warranty) that's very user friendly.

Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus products come to immediate mind.

Originally Posted by laser

Are you trying to get back at your mom for some bad childhood memories?

Don't buy your mom an old, out of warranty BMW ..... get her a 2010 or newer 328i still under full maintenance and warranty so she can enjoy the car without troubles!

Good advice. But....9 out o'10 mom's prefer a 5.

Then again, why not a minivan? Like, grossly more practical.

This guy posted over in the 5 series thread and got ALL the same responses. I'm not sure what hes trying to accomplish - to me it sounds like he wants his mom to buy a BMW so he can drive it...

stay away from 7 series is a good idea

3 series possibly the most reliable BMW around

328i low mileage (50,000) would be ideal for her

Originally Posted by Stone Roots

This guy posted over in the 5 series thread and got ALL the same responses. I'm not sure what hes trying to accomplish - to me it sounds like he wants his mom to buy a BMW so he can drive it...

LOL that is true. I will be driving it as well. We already have a lexus I just want to add some german feel to the yard. I just want some opinons on the 3 series and 5 series that's all. I rather get info from people who actually have the cars rather than listen to these car rating websites. But I think imma go with the 3 series for her. I love my mom to death and I want her to have a nice car.

Originally Posted by Saintor

Well I just changed my valve cover on my E90 2007. Although a rare problem, the job was pricey (1000$). In general, the E9X are reliable, but I won't bet on this past 7 years.

I rather pay 1000$ than pay 12,000$ to replace the 7 series valve covers

stay away from 7 and 6 series they are people with deep pockets

Originally Posted by Mybad45

LOL that is true. I will be driving it as well. We already have a lexus I just want to add some german feel to the yard. I just want some opinons on the 3 series and 5 series that's all. I rather get info from people who actually have the cars rather than listen to these car rating websites. But I think imma go with the 3 series for her. I love my mom to death and I want her to have a nice car.

A well chosen 3er should serve your mom quite well. Just make sure it is well chosen. If she's not a power demon then a 328i would suit her needs just fine.

Keep in mind that the E92 Coupe comes standard with the sport suspension which some people considered to be overly harsh, particularly on the earlier model years.

CA

Originally Posted by Mybad45

LOL that is true. I will be driving it as well. We already have a lexus I just want to add some german feel to the yard. I just want some opinons on the 3 series and 5 series that's all. I rather get info from people who actually have the cars rather than listen to these car rating websites. But I think imma go with the 3 series for her. I love my mom to death and I want her to have a nice car.

Just call your Lexus Fritz :lol:

"My name is Doctor King Schultz, and this is my horse Fritz"