Are BMWs Reliable After 100k Miles?
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
- Are BMWs Reliable After 100k Miles?
It's easy to call a car reliable up to 100k miles, but what about after? This video deals with many different BMWs after 100k miles and how reliable they will be.
I run through tons of different vehicles, talk about their different engines and some of their known issues, as well as give you their expected reliability before and after that 100 000 miles. In fact, I give you details on some #BMW cars that will last upwards of 400 000 miles without many issues.
This is part of Exotic Car Play Place's overall series on #reliability. We're going to continue giving you all of the details on reliable cars as well as some of the most unreliable cars as we go through this series.
Alex Gray's Dyno after 100k - • Bmw E60 M5 V10 dyno - ...
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1. Don't drop the hammer when the engine is still cold. Don't stop the turbocharged car after it's been driven hard. Let it idle for 2-3 minutes.
2. Don't trust BMW with 10, 15 or 20k mile oil changes. Change it every 5k.
3. Respect every other maintenance periods.
4. Drive the car forever.
Agreed on all counts
That’s right I changed my X3 2019 xdrive30i for 7 K oil change not 10 or 15 K
The problem being, they are abused by definition, the crap service intervals, every buyer's guide tells you to buy full BMW service history cars, yet that very service plan is what shags them out, ignoring of course their fondness of crappy plastic components that go brittle and fail in time.... The Ultimate Drivers machine? Yes, they would be if they were built by engineers rather than accountants......
I'm considering an X6 @100k, but I'm a little unsure.
@@charchar7897 just don't buy an X6 then. If you can't afford it new, than you won't be able to maintain it after 100k. BMWs are one of the best cars out there. If you start replacing the failing BMW parts with cheaper aftermarket ones, you no longer have a BMW, you have a Chinese counterfeit of a BMW.
I have 111,000 miles on my 2008 BMW 328XI and my brother has 244,000 on his 2007 BMW 328 XI. No problems and still going strong!
Great cars for sure.
I've had 4beamers 2z4s 2 120i, still got the Z4mcouepe and I'll tell u not 1 days hassle the Mcoupe has 184k loving it
Their NON-Turbo That's Why. 328's Are The Truth!👍👍👍 N54 Turbo Engines Were The Problematic Ones.
2007 bmw 328I with a 156,000 miles. changed the valve cover and a suspension part. motor still strong. i am shooting for a million mile mark lol.
B. Real can you give me a maintenance guide or advice. I have a 2007 328xi with low miles (50k) but I’d love to do what your brother has. Any recommendations ?
Kind of sad to even discussing whether a modern car could get up to the 100k;)
I have a 2004 530 i and it has 212000 miles on it and it still runs like a dream it still gets from 0 to 60 in a heart beat and the engine still sounds wonderful
Many great stories like yours. Cheers
Those are the best BMWs.. 2004 540i.
@@BryanChance Thank you I agree I help out at an auction and my friend that owns it he has a friend that bought a 2018 BMW... not sure what it is haven't paid much Attention to the new one lol but hes an ITT guy for Paramount hospitals so basically hes rich and he was selling his 2004 and I was able to get it for $1800 so I know for a fact that car was well taken care of and and majority highway miles, he only took it to Yark automotive. But I guess it is helpful to know who and where the car came from
@@ECPP Thank you so much but it's any car really I have a 95 Ford Ranger stick shift I know I know lol but it looks and runs like a dream and I have my mother's after she passed her 99 grand marquis and it runs like a dream I guess it's just how you take care of your car.. any car
I just bought a used one 2 months ago.... just dumped $3400 for a refurbed transmission.. worst car I’ve ver bought !!! What a money pit piece of crap!
My 2005 530I has been fantastic! It's been the cheapest car I've ever owned, and I'm at 383,000 miles. Love this car. To be a 15 year old car with nearly 400,000, still looks great, and not be ashamed to drive it to the country club..is pretty cool. Not that clubs are cool...but just saying.
Wtf😮😮😮😮 wow amazing!!!!
For a company to charge $80,000 for a car and then use it's customers as an experiment is evil
For a country which sells fake democracy and charges its citizens income taxes, sales taxes, gasoline taxes, electricity taxes, travel taxes, text message taxes is also evil.
everyone does this, can anyone say APPLE
everyone does this, can anyone say APPLE
Everette Singleton maybe I’m confused, if the new Tesla Truck Prototype became available for the ones who wanted to buy early to test it and own it , I 100% positive people will like up out the door . How is it bad for a company to put something new on the market and work out kinks along the way ? Maybe it’s the buyer that needs to hold some level of responsibility within their newly purchased amount of 80k. Why spend that much on something that has never been released or proven? And who told you to buy it ?
@@raymondwong2521 boo ya
Just cracked 170k in my e60. She pushing strong. You gotta fix the shit before it breaks just do preventive maintenance
All vehicle’s lifespans rely solely on planned maintenance and driver’s care. If you love em, they’ll love ya back.
True there Chris.
And design. Not all cars are designed equally.
Not solely. Depends more on the car itselg
Just not your wallet.
Christopher Becker The problem is BMW and Audi cost a lot more to properly maintain. Parts and labor are ridiculous went out of warranty.. so the car is not for 99% of society who has a brain! Do you have the money or you work on it yourself that’s a different story! You just lease it for a couple years and who cares.. if you can work on yourself you obviously don’t pay labor! It is very cliché when someone says just maintain the car when it cost four times as much to maintain the car!
I have a M Roadster 2002 with a s54 engine with over 143,000 miles. Runs better now than it did when I first bought it with only 29,000 miles on it. Good care and maintenance goes a long way.
Totally will, thanks for sharing.
I have a 325i 2003 that I basically saved. I plan to keep it until it croaks and dies, and if the engine dies I’m gonna swap another into it. Definitely deserves the love
I had 3 used bmws and they all drive well but i had all diesels and one petrol. I dont know about m cars but i know someone who have e39 m5 and he seems to like it. My experience with bmws is that they feel more special to drive, good handling, smooth and the sound is awesome, even for diesel engine
Bro! your contents are top notch.
Let me ask a question..I am.about to buy a x3 m40i any problems with those engines?
We had a 2005 bmw 330i. Even though the engine and transmission still works after 150k miles. We had so many problems with the computer and electronics after 80k miles. Sometimes the car wouldn’t start or it will shut down in traffic. The electrical problems were a night mare on some BMWs.
I currently own a 2004 BMW 330i zhp. Currently has 194,000 miles, and still runs smoothly with amazing handling. It’s all about preventative maintenance! Take care of the car, and it will take care of you!
I’m approaching the 100k mark on my 02 330ci and man this thing is amazing. Definitely will be taking care of forever!!’
My 07 328i, has around 170k miles and it runs amazing. I changed valve Cover “wasn’t cheap”, spark plugs, etc. my bimmer 3.0 straight six engine is pretty quick.
What do you think of a 320i x drive 72k miles are those still reliable? Or not worth it?
4:20 *flips us off* lol 😂😂😂
Explain more about the problems with Direct Injection? Recently purchased a 2013 F10 550i M Sport with the N63 direct injection engine with 80k miles. Looking to know as much as I can about this car so I can prepare and do the maintenance.
08 328i E90 164,000 miles. Most maintenance completed myself. Daily driver. Only time it has let me down was complete failure of starter motor. Best car I have owned.
Biggest factor the way you take care of your car " Best quote period..
Yeah but what if you buy a used one ??
@@pauldack5129 just keep in mind BMW is offering 1year add on / unlimited mile warranty on certified vehicles.
On my opinion that's worth a lot because within a year you can tell alot on the car..
So if you baying one private sale for example 25k you better pay 30k at dealership just to be safe...
144540 on my 08 E60 55oi the only issue was a battery and a starter. great car
Or the way you drive it ? Haha
Hey, BMW drivers prob will never drive Toyota camry....but my 2002 toyota camry lasted 160,000 miles and did not need any major problems.. not even minor ones.
- bought it in 2015 off the lease with 30,000 miles
- Brake Pads, Engine Oil, Sparkplug, fluids, tires, wiper inserts, rotors just regular maintenance
- engine starter went out at 150,000
- engine stablizer went out around 120k milkes labor and parts cost $400 ish.
I know some BMW people replace the parts ahead of time because things might fail. Which does not with me.
Issues with cam chains on the 4 pot turbos?
Maintaince and how you use car is a big factor in reliability.
Thanks.
So rule of thumb to save you time - bmw = naturally aspirated= reliable, BMW= turbo = problems
I wanna get bmw 328i 2016? is it bad? What about bmw 328i 2013?
I'm looking at a 5 series 550 m sport 2010 with a little over 1k miles on it should I stay away?
Great video! Things to think about...coyote has great taste
Thanks a lot for watching. Have a great one, cheers.
One reliability issue I have run into with my 2003 E46 325i, is the window regulators. I think I have replaced all 4 twice now. And have 2 that have failed again. Drives me crazy.
erik roberts horrible! I hate the window regulators!!
2012 bmw 528i how many can I get out of it ?
I had a 2012 BMW 640D that I’ve only recently changed as the kids are growing. I had done 145k in mileage. Not once have I had to pay for a repair, most reliable car I’ve ever owned. Changed it for a 2017 X5 3.0D very low mileage. Love it so far.
BMW diesels are one if not the best in the industry, total peace of mind..
I have 2009 BMW 550i Msport with n62 engine, which has 147k miles still pulls strong and burns no oil. Its all about maintenance, how much money you are willing to throw at it.
I have a e60 530i with the m54 engine. I have 133k miles done and it runs smooth. I believe that the m54 is one of the best engines ever. I change the oil every ~6000 miles..
You have an M54 btw, the M52's were the older 2.5, 2.8 engines.
@@SavageBunny1 Correct. Thats a typo on my part. Corrected now.
I bought my 2015 BMW 328i Xdrive F30 used “rental car”at 23,000km for $34k. Only issue I had was the “temperature control” I drove like an idiot and put the car instantly into sport drive during the Canadian winter. Thankfully It was covered under BMW warranty. My next issue was the front right passenger door no longer lock and unlock from the outside after 5 years of driving at 177,000 km in 2020 but I believe that was due to my front passengers pulling hard on the door handle not knowing to pull twice to unlock and open door. I had to manually unlock and lock it from inside. I loved it and did not regret buying it used, but I did recently traded it in for a 2016 428i Xdrive F32 used at 99,000km for $24k. Time will tell how much I get out of this bad boy.
Those are some of the more reliable cars in the lineup and are generally a fun car to drive
Guys I need help I wanted to buy a bmw 328I (2012) it has 113k mileage from a warranted dealership should I go for it??
I have a bmw 316 compact 1998 model with 440.000 km so far
W 4 cyl, that thing runs forever.
I have ‘11 335i with 150k, replaced gaskets, and water pump twice. Car runs beautifully. My e60 has 130k, original RBs, replaced TBs once and looks like clutch is coming up. Other than that car runs awesome.
260000 N55 F30, oil filter gasket leak and low pressure fuel pump. Lots of German Autobahn miles. Daily about 160 mph back and forth to work which was 200 miles a day. Love the car. Just changed the tires 275 r and 245 f...
Has it been good to you? I have 53,000 miles on mine
I'm considering a second hand F30, but not sure which year model has the "reliable" engine, what year model is yours @adrian
Looking to get this 2015 x4 and it’s been leased and used as fleet and looks like it’s been serviced well, it has 120,000 miles… what you think?
Morals of the story when it reaches 100k the engine you have in it will eventually come a old model and you can find that engine used at 30-50k miles on ebay or sum then simply your cars going 3 years back in time and you back on the road. Thats the process of a bmw
great info should i buy an x6 or an m5?
I have a N54 with 200k still runing great after replacing the clutch and flywheel. The inline 6 BMW engines are the best in the world
I bought a 2009 325d with 180k miles last year, I’m up to 210k and still going strong and I’ve had it mapped. I’ve looked after it though so I’ve no idea how long it’s got left in it, but it’s fine for now.
Awesome cars
Every car can get to 100k miles. The question is how much will a BMW cost you to get there.
Not much, because you bought it new, so basically just maintenance.
Never buy a bmw, not even free
@@TheJosephayal Why? I owned 4 of them, all great.
go away troll
UK people actually follow drivers manual maintenance schedule, unlike the US , which only fix when break . The best cars in America are cars that don’t break a lot . Go figure - Honda , Toyota , Cars you don’t have to maintain
2012 f30 n55 335i 110k miles and driven very very hard on bm3 and still going strong. Do the preventative maintenance and keep an eye on your gaskets and you’ll be good. Oil change with full synthetic every 4-5k miles
Thanks for watching
Looking to buy a 340i any problems I should be worry about?
My parents E70 is at 93K miles and if course we had the oil problems and during the winter, since it was super cold, it gave us a little bit if hell, but after we got it fixed it's doing okay, just need a new ignition because it's gone bad
Bought my 2015 F30 328 less than 6 months ago with 24k miles.. now at 51k miles . I will take it up to 250k miles and I am confident that it will get there with minimal problems.. only issuesI have is that the run flat tires suck and the brakes rotors are becoming warped.. looking in to solutions for those.. My experience with bmw's.. just keep up with service intervals.. electronics are another story ...
Please answer my question I'ma bout to but a bmw 3 series 328i xdrive sedan at 100k for 15,k should I buy or pass please lmk had two owners 15k year mi each owner n maintance was kept. Please lmk I'm looking today to buy
Love my 2012 550i ĢT, and with nearly 105k in mileage, I'm still smoking everything that challenges me. Would love to see a video on the GT series!!!! :)
Nice man I have a 2013 550i I love it!
How long have u had it, any issues? Plus ur mileage now.. thanks!
Bought an 05 325i e90 3 weeks ago. 79k kms so far. Took it to my trusted mechanic and he said the car was in good condition and the waterpump has been replaced by the previous owner (who happens to be a BMW mechanic). Looking to have a lot of fun with my car
I haven't heard you touch on the 320i E91 Wagons? How are they?
Any info on buying a used z4 e89 with 40k miles on it?
M2 have a modified N55 with parts from the S55 engine. Some run them already with upgrade turbo +600hp and no problem.
How is the E70 engine ? I have it in my 2013 X5 Premium edition. It’s a twin turbo V6
You sure about that?
I'm not aware BMW made a V6 for the X5, or any model.
about to hit 200k on my 2010 328xi. Every car by 100k will need maintenance or preventative maintenance. I always kept up with mine, and ive never been stranded on the side of the road. Powertrain wise, gaskets (oil leaks) have been the number one replacement for me, almost all gaskets have had to be replaced. Other than that, as far as the engine goes, the starter needed replaced and I replaced my water pump as preventative maintenance at 150k (yes original water pump stamped 09' never failed)…..all fluids in vehicle have been changed atleast 3 times, and oil LL01 every 5k. living in the north east, suspension was a huge cost around 120k. struts, springs, control arms, toe arms, tie rods etc. almost everything front and back needed replaced.
but keep up with it, and youll enjoy your bmw. im very particular when it comes to maintenance, and always kept up with it!
That’s a very good point. Solid maintenance does go a long way in keeping things reliable. BMWs get a bum rap on leaks and issues like that, but almost all cars leak or weep but with other cars people often. Ignore minor leaks as the expectations generally are lower. A little maintenance goes a long way. Thanks for watching
I am a huge fan of your channel.can you tell me your honest opinion on the reliability of bmw x5 m40 I.is it better than gle 450 ??
Yes, so far the trends show that the B58 engine as found in the BMW X5 m40i is quite solid and dependable and that would be my choice.
I purchased a 2015 BMW X3 xdrive28i November 2020 and it has been great, it had 98,000 miles on it and it was 1 owner. The owner had it maintained at every service interval at the BMW Dealership where she bought brand new. I change the oil every 7,000 miles and it now has 121,000 miles and runs great. I love my BMW X3 xdrive28i!!!
Tjanks
My friend got an F30 328i with 137k miles and the N20 engine, been good to him so far.
How is it now? Please lmk thinking about doing the same
My 2013 BMW f30 335i has about 110,000 miles. I do change my oil every 4,000 miles and I recently changed the transmission oil. So far it has been running really well, but I sure hope it will last longer!
How is it now? I’m looking at this exact bmw but manual with 118k miles. Is it expensive to maintain on yourself? Do you recommend it for a college student?
@@raptide3651 A lot has happened! I had to replace the Valve Cover and Valve Cover Gasket, replaced the oil pan gasket, changed the transmission fluid, changed the oil filter housing since it was leaking, changed the belt tensioner pulley, changed the spark plugs, replaced the low pressure and high pressure fuel pump, replaced the water pump and thermostat, and replaced the radiator and upper radiator hose since they were deteriorating.
Parts were expensive, but you save some money doing it yourself. I wouldn't recommend it for a college student.
I just buy a 2017 bmw 740i with 50k millage only own 32k left on the bmw did I mess up or did I get a good deal
Mark how do you tell which engine the M car series has in it
I found a BMW of series 3, has 99.5k miles on it,and the car was hit by a deer last year and total damage, then it got repaired,he is asking 6400 for it,not sure if it’s a good buy or what! Can anyone answer?
So I’m looking at 2004 BMW series 3 330ci with 107k miles for $5500. Is it worth it?
It’s obvious you are in love with the BMW brand. I was too but not anymore based upon direct experience. I own one of the fabled e39 models, the 2002 540i which I bought when it was 3 years old. It was reliable for the first several years but since then dozens of things have gone seriously wrong and none of these failures are due to neglect: Water expansion tank exploded, $1,500 alternator failed, navigation / screen turned green then failed completely, HID pixels failed so warning messages now unreadable, hood release cable broke, radio no longer receives stations (antenna circuit failure), non-replaceable sealed headlight covers have turned opaque, power window failure due to BMW flimsy plastic window registers, climate control buttons disintegrated (another common BMW problem), the $750 climate control panel itself also failed, motorized sunshade arms broke after only 5 to 10 uses ($700 to fix), driver’s seat track failed, sunroof track broke, all manual sunshade winder springs failed after only a few uses, etc. Plus the thing eats batteries, I have had to buy a new battery every year or two since the car keeps ruining them. All of these problems happened well before I hit 100k miles and these same exact problems have been reported by many other e39 owners. IN COMPARISON: I also own an 1986 Mustang GT. It’s a simpler car but still I must point out that none repeat none of the problems that has happened to my BMW has occurred on my 200K+ miles Mustang except I did have a power window failure on one window.
I've a 2012 316d with over 152k miles on the clock no issues
I have 165k on my 2009 135i, I purchased it at 25k. Although I’ve replaced the electric water pump, fuel injectors and a leaking oil filter housing. I do plan on replacing the turbos to upgraded turbos in the near future. 👍🏼
I hope bmw not quoting you an $6100.00 price like they just did me to replace turbos
@@mikemcdonald6004 I eventually sold that car without replacing the Turbos. Bought a 2016 M235i. Lovin this car 👍🏼
It’s all depends on how you drive and maintain. It could live forever.. it’s first enemy is over heating avoid it.
What’s your opinion on 2017 330is?
Car you see in my picture is my 210k mike 02 M3. I think if you put money toward PREVENTATIVE maintenance and don't let it sit in a garage for months each year it'll keep going.
I was thinking about getting a 550i with a the m package and stuff but it has about 80k miles would that be worth it I'm pretty sure it has a v8 and that's why I want to know is it worth it
The later model 550s and th N63 engines have oil consumption issues, valve cover leaks, valve guide seals, and some timing chain problems. Fun but tread cautiously.
I have a 2008 e60 N52 528i with 165k and I trust her more than my 2014 Chrysler town and country with 60k. I have had her since 2009 and 10k, she still runs great. Yes I have done maintenance on her, you save money if you do basic maintenance yourself.
You say the M2 probably has a limited lifespan. My late 17 plate already has 80,000 miles on the clock and is still running strong, sweet as a nut and smooth. I think the N55 Turbo engine will definitely last well over 100,000 as it seems a good solid block to me.
I just got my m2 n55 2017. It has 21k. My friend has 178k on his it's still running strong
@@rogermoore2365 reliability of your friends m2 has it run into any issues so far with reliability and maintenance?
@@marhamatullahbarakzai608 regular oil changes and maintenance.
I really appreciate these videos. Owned a 2011 328i that was problematice up until I got rid of it at 80k miles. Hoping the B58 is trouble free. BMWs are very exciting, but expensive to repair and maintain.
Time will tell on the B58 but yes unfortunately some of the cars are hit and miss like the one you had. Thanks for watching
328 problems? Uhhhhh wuuut???! How lool please tell me the list of problems. NA i6 bmws go for a very long time without any issues. You got a major lemon then.
Mine is still perfect, no problems! Got my 2011 bmw 328i with 20,000 miles now I'm at 104,000 miles perfect car
Mine had the belt changed and ac went out all right as the warranty was about to give out lol
I think now a day every car is expensive to keep up. I had a Nissan that the transmission went out at 115k. Cost me 5k to fix it. My niece had an Avalon that was a total nightmare. Always something wrong with it like oil leaks and electrical issues. It only had 140k on it. I’d love to have an older 3 series for a commuter. I do about 100 miles a day. I’m I crazy for even thinking about it? I see a lot of the with 150-190k for around 3-4K
I own a 2006 X3 3.0 E83 since new with 222,000 miles and still going strong.
Yes they are! Good service is all.
Is the activehybird3 a good bmw am getting one soon
I’ve got 79k on my x3 (2011) and 129k on my 2013 328i xdrive (what a gem this F30 turn out to be and surprisingly fast in sport + & d/s....) engine is strong, runs like new...100% dependable.
Nice cars for sure
Boy that e39 it’d still runs for another 300k.
Bmw v8's are 100k cars and are done
As long as you do timing chain covers and keep up on the maintenance it should be good for another 50-100k
Looking at a 2018 x6m.. anyone out there have one and hows it been for you...
175k on my 2007 550i original motor and trans!!!! Only replaced plastic water pump for a metal one my self in a hour. never had a over heating issue or major problems. Very reliable if you keep up with your toys 😉
Im really interested in the 2019 340i b58 engine, will it survive 300k miles?
It should but time will tell as it is quite new yet. Nit is a natural improvement over the previous n55 so it gets better and better
No
Anyone any ideas on automatic transmition oil please?
3 series 2012
Been serviced by the book
Main Dealer has not changed the transmition oil as it's a lifetime oil
Mileage is 67k and grarage I saying does not need changing
Have read conflicting reports weather it’s it’s advisable to change or leave would really appreciate on advise please?
I have 2012 520i changed it already when it hit 115k km .. I highly recommend you chang it
I did a lot of research before
After changed gearbox becomes smooth
I've an 1993 E34 M50B20 with 208,000 miles and two 2001 E39 M57s with 170,000 miles. M50 and M57 are two of the best engines BMW have ever produced.
Excellent !!!!!
Thanks !
I know a guy that was in middle of deal for 2014 M6 convertible. Then engine blew at 50,000 km. He got lucky that he could walk away.
Ouch
How’s the reliability Of M2 competition? It comes with a de-tuned S55 engine… I would assume that car can easily last 100k if properly maintained?
A lot of valuable information in this video! That M2 body beautiful one
Thanks a lot for checking out the vid. Yes I agree that M2 is an awesome little rig. Looks like tons of fun in a compact size. This is what the M3 used to be a few years ago.
I could honestly do without turbocharging. It really only deteriorates the reliability of a vehicle for a little more power
What do you think about a 2016 328i xdrive with N20?
Joshua Wang I have one on 520, beside water pump, oil pump, timing chain, turbo vacuum system things are really great and smooth to drive.
Is it risky to buy a 2016 bmw m235 with 104k miles ? It’s been taken care of and maintain.
Is that F15 X5 30d is realible?
would any of you say the 2011-2013 335s and the 535s can last up to 200k or beyond? I'm looking to get one soon, used with no more than 90k on it
Abdul Fooligan did you end up getting one?! Also planning on getting a 2011 535i xdrive with around 60-75k miles
OMG my bmw broke after i drove it for 100k miles without any maintenance wtf man, their reliability has really gone down hill
Ouch
Key words are "without any maintenance "
Its sarcasms boys btw
How is 2017 540 as far as reliability is concerned? Thanks for your feedback.
B58 is solid so far and better than the previous turbo 6 engines as in the 35 series
@@ECPP thanks. Does 530 has the same engine?
Blue inserts in the x5 headlights is ts for the their new laser technology
Thoughts on a 2015 528i with 97k. Too many miles to purchase?
well, go with the lates B48or B58 with the 6 cylinder. Go at least 2017 or so
Fact check on a couple items...
1. The M2 does NOT share the same engine as the M240i. The engines are completely different. The M2 (2016-18) has an upgraded N55 unit, similar to the M235i, but with additional cooling and upgraded internals. The 2019 M2 Competition has a detuned S55 motor from the F80 M3/F82 M4. The M240i has a newer generation B58 engine. I would expect it would lay some great groundwork for a "S58" in the future.
2. The white M3 you looked at is an E92...not an E90. The E92 is a 2-door coupe, the E90 is a 4-door. Not to be confused with an E93 convertible.
I do agree with you that maintenance is key. Lemons happen with every brand, but if you take care of the car, it'll continue running long term. Stay on top of scheduled (and un-scheduled) maintenance, and refrain from abusing it. I've got a new M2, and an '87 325i (with over 250,000 miles). My e30 runs beautifully because I take care of it...and it's 31 years old.
True.
I have an E46 2003 325i with 167k miles on it. (Full disclosure. I dont drive it much anymore. And it does need some Maintenance.) But, I took it in to my local dealer some 6 months ago to have an airbag replaced. The shop guys were impressed with it still in mechanically good shape (even with the needed Maintenance). It needs about $3-$5k worth of Maintenance. However, it is paid for and I dont want to get rid if it just yet.
I have a 02 325i 180k miles. Had it for 5 years now replaced 2 window regulators. $50 and and hour of time each. Other than that normal wear and tear. The E46 is an easy car to work on. Engine is smooth as ever. Drive it every day. Fun car to drive.
What is your opinion on a 328i 3 series?
Earlier cars with the I-6 or later with the 4? Generally solid especially in the 6 cylinder but watch for cooling system issues and valve cover or pan gasket leaks.