Hi, all, I am a student in college, and have found a pretty good deal on a BMW 3 series, e46 generation. However, I have only driven new cars before, and I have 0 experience in fixing anything car related. I would like to know what maintaining costs would go into owning an old BMW, as well as its durability, the chances of it actually breaking down, if it is durable enough to be driven in the winter. All in all I am just concerned about how durable it is, not really trying to have it die on me on the freeway :/. Thank you all!
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[–] ZapptheBrannigan 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
Speaking from experience, I owned an ol' 1980 E320i, Don't get me wrong I loved that car. It was my baby.
She had a good owners history, very well maintained and as expected ran like a dream. But she was old, and tired. First the gas tank rusted through, no big deal for me. Got a new cell and did a swap in the driveway.
Then the starter went. Took her down to a buddies place with a proper garage. Took us almost 2 weeks to get the starter out. The starter. 2 weeks. We get it out fix it up and rebuild it. Put it back in 'er still no go. fuck.
so we got it towed to a shop, lowest rate in CAD was 72 bucks/hr then the parts. They took weeks to find, let alone get ordered, Cost another 300 bucks for a computer from the 80s. seriously?
So 1500 bucks later for my 500 dollar car and then, the clutch blew out. FUCK ME
got a quote for 5000 bucks on a new clutch plate, plus installation etc. Sold it for scrap.
Don't do it.
[–] SkepticalMartian ago (edited ago)
You're talking about a 35 year old car. OF COURSE it's going to have problems. Any car would. I challenge you to find a 35 year old car on its original parts that has no rust. Don't be such an idiot.
[–] ZapptheBrannigan ago
This was like 5 years ago, and as stated the maintenance was very very good. It just so happened to crap out on me, unluckily and from that I would say buying a used BMW can be costly. Not for certain but possibly.
Im not an idiot, just sharing my experience and opinion.
[–] escapetomars ago
One experience with a 1980 320i isn't exactly indicative of BMW's reliability. (Also, it's E21, not an E320. 320i is the series (3) and the engine size in deciliters (20). E21 is the chassis code.)