Any BMW fans??

[Robocop]

I have always owned trucks and had good use from them all however recently have had the urge to get a sporty type car. I drove several in the 30-35k range (Infinity G37, Nissan 350Z, and the BMW 3-series)

Today I drove a new BMW 135 and must say this car was a blast to drive. 300hp and rear wheel drive with all the service and maintenance rolled into the cost (about36k) I have read many on line reviews and some love the BMW while others say they are over rated and cost much more to own than other cars.

The cost is much more than I have ever paid for a vehicle however if I try hard I can swing the payments. My question is can anyone give me some examples of reliability on the newer models as well as warranty experiences? Is the free maintenance really free and if so why do so many say it costs so much to actually own a BMW?

The only fear I have right now is the fact that this new 1 series is a brand new entry for BMW and many say to never buy the first new model opting to wait for the kinks to be worked out first. Also I have always been able to negotiate price on my other new vehicles often reducing the first qouted price down by at least 3k....well BMW does not seem to negotiate at all as being so popular they seem to not have to do so. The sales person just had this stupid look on their face when I told her I had no intention of paying sticker price.

Is the BMW experience really worth the effort? I have an excellent credit score (785) and maybe a lease is an option however this is subject to much more reading of the pros and cons.

 

[turbodog]

Just don't speed. Otherwise you'd have to write yourself a citation.




You didn't like th 350z? It's a little rocket.

Also, check out the honda s2000. It's been around a few years and you could find a good price on a used one.

I know where you live. Jackson's not that far, and you can get better pricing over here on the bmw.

 

[monkeyboy]

You should be OK with a new 135i especially if it's under warranty. It's not an entirely new model. the 1 series coupe is based on the 1 series hatchback which has been around for a few years in europe. The 3 litre turbo engine is the same as the one in the 335i which has also been around for a few years.

The reliability of older BMWs is a different story.

I used to own a 1997 540i (8 years old at time of purchase). Nice car, but a real nightmare to live with. Lots of things went wrong with it and it cost twice as much to repair than any other car. I guess they don't make them like they used to.

 

[Robocop]

Turbo I did like the Nissan for several reasons....in spite of what some may say the Nissan looked better to me physically. The Nissan also seemed faster and the 6 cylinder engine is a known performer and reliable. The downside of the Nissan is in spite of the speed and good looks it feels cheap. From the inside you can tell it was made on a budget and if you wanted to jump up to leather the cost went from 28 to 33k and still had that cheap feel.....plus no back seats on the Z.

I think I may wait another year as the dealers around here kind of pissed me off. If a customer is a blue collar type they seem to turn their noses up at you. I have received nothing but weird looks and rudeness once they realize I am an Officer on an average salary. Once I begin cutting options to afford the vehicle and trying to negotiate price there is a sudden change in the sales persons attitude....so much for my BMW experience thus far.

 

[CM]

..Also, check out the honda s2000. It's been around a few years and you could find a good price on a used one.

I also contemplated a getting a Bimmer. However, after test driving an S2k, it was not even a close comparison to me. The S2k totally blows away any of BMW's non M series (their Z4's is probably a closer comparison). It's as most fun you can have with your clothes on. The drawback is that it is a pure sports car with no room to haul anything in, and you probably want an EDC (every day car?) to supplement it. I drive mine twice a week whenever I don't have to drive my kids around and use my grocery hauler SUV the rest of the week. However, many use it as a daily driver.

EDIT: Just saw your "no back seat comment" so that rules out the s2k.

 

[ttran97]

Sorry, Robocop...I'm strictly a Mercedes guy. Maybe you should check out Mercedes dealers if the BMW dealerships are being punks to you. I've never had any problems with them.

My oldie but goodie...I've had her since she was brand new in 2000. Hard to believe that it's been 8 years.

 

[Knifekulture]

Yes,I am definitley a BMW fan (motorcycle) I bought a brand new R100RS in 1979. I put 150,000 miles on it before it's first top-end rebuild. It went another 40,000 miles before I had the bottom-end rebuilt. I Followed the maintenence manual to a tee. I sold it in 1987 for about 3,000 dollars less then I paid for. And yes I love their automobiles as well, sturdy as there two-wheeled cousins.

 

[PhotonBoy]

I really like the reviews at edmunds.com

BTW, I find it easier to use google to search their site

For example, type in "site:edmunds.com BMW 135i review" (without the quotation marks).

http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/1series/2008/review.html

 

[jufam44]

I've driven a BMW 135 and an X5, and boy are they excellent pieces of engineering. The 3.0 litre Turbo engine on the 135 and the 3.2 litre on the X5 really push out some power. I got the X5 with AWD, and it just loves being on the snow. The 135's RWD is perfect for most street driving, and to get you out of the occasional mud hole.

-Max

 

[jinx626]

I found this funny. 9/10 people that drives a BMW dont know what it stand for.

I have friends that brags how good their BMW are (not that they are not, they are great) and talk bout all the features it has. But then when I asked him/her.. do you know what BMW stand for? Do you know what they make before they make cars? They go... BMW stand for something??!!! Didn't they started from making cars??!!

NO..BMW is not equal to Broke My Wallet. But I bet it will for most of us.

 

[da.gee]

I purchased a 535i last September and thus far I would say yes the BMW "experience" is something different. I have two kids so four door was a requirement. It is the whole package styling, just enough luxury, understated, top notch interior and power. The 3.5 liter twin turbo is an awesome power plant. It sends the 535 from 0-60 in about 5.5 seconds and this is a four door sedan. The trunk is cavernous. Maintenance covered for three years. No oil changes even until 10K miles. It really is put together well and feels like it.

My previous sedan was an Infiniti G35 and it was a great value for a sports sedan but it is far outclassed by the BMW in my opinion. I did a lot of mods to it and it was still never the car that the BMW is now. Intake, manifold, exhaust, sways, stereo, tint, bluetooth crank pulley, etc. Cobbled together it was a nice ride and I loved it but stock to stock there is no comparison. I was not a believer before I am now.

Of course the first maintenance or repair bill may change my mind but right now I'm in the honeymoon period so all is well. Likely you wont get to negotiate price much. That's just the way it is locally anyway. I don't know if there are any Internet options that may be less expensive or if local competition may help. I was lucky enough to have an "in" at the dealership but it was still a big chunk of change.

 

[da.gee]

Make that a triple post.

 

[da.gee]

CPF hiccup. Double post.

 

[Fallingwater]

I used to adore BMWs, then Chris Bangle came along and ruined everything.

I inherited my dad's old 320i E36. It has a blown head gasket and very worn interiors, but I'm thinking of having the engine restored.

 

[powernoodle]

I drove an '84 325e for 16 years and put 280,000 miles on it. It was still going strong when I parked it for good. Awesome vehicle, except: 1) in the snow, where it wanted to go backwards, and 2) when looking for a dealership; there are only 2 in my state.

 

[RA40]

Had a 528e, it was fun but sold it due to the increasing maintenance costs. I'd have some jollies in an M5.

 

[mossyoak]

I found this funny. 9/10 people that drives a BMW dont know what it stand for.

I have friends that brags how good their BMW are (not that they are not, they are great) and talk bout all the features it has. But then when I asked him/her.. do you know what BMW stand for? Do you know what they make before they make cars? They go... BMW stand for something??!!! Didn't they started from making cars??!!

NO..BMW is not equal to Broke My Wallet. But I bet it will for most of us.

bavarian motor works.
airplane engines.

thats why their emblem is a blue and white circle, the white is a propeller spinning with a blue sky background.

 

[Fallingwater]

bavarian motor works.

Actually Bayerische Motoren Werke

Yes, I know, I'm nitpicking and the english translation means the same thing, but I'll be damned if I don't get the last word when I can

By the way, this used to be my dream car:

Then I got into motorbikes and my interest in cars went from practical to academical... nowadays I'd only get a "nice" car if I had a lot of money and could afford expensive toys, and to use them on a track.

 

[Robocop]

Well thanks for the input however after much thought I have decided to back away from the BMW for now. I can afford it however just barely and as such maybe it would be more practical to pass it up. After further thought I decided I am not really the luxury type and really would not appreciate the BMW after the flash had worn off.

On a side note I am looking hard at the new Toyota FJ Cruiser. I have an older 99 Tacoma that is still going strong and I like the brand. You really get alot of truck for about 27K and they are really practical for my lifestyle and wallet. I drive daily a 2006 Frontier 4x4 and just got tired of this truck for several reasons.

The BMW was nice and maybe just a passing wish however it seems as if it is just a touch out of my league....maybe in a few years I can swing it more easily or wait until the dealers will negotiate a little however something tells me with BMW this will never happen....thanks again for the input.

 

[Numbers]

I have been thinking about a BMW too and it is my understanding that there is no negotiating. In a way that's good just decide take it or leave it - all customers pay the same. True???