My family has a 1995 BMW 525iT station wagon which we bought as a Pre-certified Used car from the dealer when we had our first child. All in all, it runs well for a car with 145K miles: BMW 525iT UOA
It just seems that every year I have to put in about 10% of the purchase price into repairs. I started doing maintenance items myself (brakes, struts, etc.)--thinking this is the year I'll come in below 10%
Hardly--the transmission died so a rebuilt one was installed for about $2,600. Now, I have a small coolant leak. I put in a UV tracer dye, and it appears to be coming from the rear of the engine--indicating either a cracked cylinder head or head gasket. Apparently, either problem is not uncommon for this engine.
What do you think? It's a small leak. Should I try Prestone Super Radiator Stop Leak? Or is that just asking for more trouble? I'm not too thrilled about putting another $1,500-$3,000 into it, but that's a lot less expensive than a new car.
It just seems that every year I have to put in about 10% of the purchase price into repairs. I started doing maintenance items myself (brakes, struts, etc.)--thinking this is the year I'll come in below 10%
Hardly--the transmission died so a rebuilt one was installed for about $2,600. Now, I have a small coolant leak. I put in a UV tracer dye, and it appears to be coming from the rear of the engine--indicating either a cracked cylinder head or head gasket. Apparently, either problem is not uncommon for this engine.
What do you think? It's a small leak. Should I try Prestone Super Radiator Stop Leak? Or is that just asking for more trouble? I'm not too thrilled about putting another $1,500-$3,000 into it, but that's a lot less expensive than a new car.