Used BMW

[jeepman3071]

Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
Well, this thread has devolved.


To get back to used BMWs...

Like any brand, there are some that are better models than others.

If I was going to buy one with my current budget in mind, it would be an E90 328i. No turbos, no high pressure fuel pump, no AWD to mess with. A bit boring maybe in comparison to a 335i, but more reliable. The biggest issues on an E90 328i are the cooling system, and even those can be DIY. Just the simple difference in trim between the same E90 platform can be the difference between one trip a year for repairs and multiple trips.

The same goes for many other brands. Take Jeep for example. I own a Cherokee XJ, much different from the Grand Cherokee, although some models share the same engine. The Cherokee has the Aisin-Warner AW4 automatic, much more reliable than the Chrysler 42RE found in the Grand Cherokee. The Grand Cherokees also seem to have more electronics issues. Two somewhat similar vehicles that have a lot of differences if you look closely.

 

[hillclimber]

Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
Originally Posted By: hillclimber
Originally Posted By: MCompact


$1100 to replace six coils? My dealer only charged $470 to replace all six on my wife's X3(at 169,000 miles). Another example of how a dealer can help make or break the ownership experience. If my Service Advisor detects a problem he uses common sense when he makes a recommendation. Here's an example of a diagnosis on the Club Sport: "The power steering return hose is slightly damp, but I wouldn't recommend replacing it until it actually starts to drip- and that probably won't happen for another 50,000 miles."


Yes, $1,100 for six coils. Plus the diagnostic charge which I think was actually $195. So for just one coil it would have been $195 + $550 + tax = about $800. Which starts to make replacing all six look like the value choice!!!! Things like that have me thinking they should give the cars away just to get you in for service.



May I ask which dealer? I suspect I know the answer... If it's Alexandria, I have a friend that got a $2900 quote for rear brakes on his Z4M there. Told him to run far away and I made a special trip to drink some beer and save him money.

Scummy dealers are everywhere. Good ones are too, but you have to look a little harder. Sometimes all you need is a good service advisor and that makes all the difference.


Actually this was in the Houston area -- BMW of the Woodlands. They went through service advisors like crazy, I was lucky to see the same one more than twice.

 

[MCompact]

Originally Posted By: hillclimber
They went through service advisors like crazy, I was lucky to see the same one more than twice.


That's sad; I've had the same SA for at least 14 years.