200k ? - BMW Forum

mr d fly · 09-16-2009, 05:29 PM

I don't know a whole lot about the e36, being as how i've never owned one.
I have an oppurtunity to buy one with 200,000 miles on it. It would be used for my daily driver. The price is right for the milage, i'm just wondering how reliable these cars are with such high milage.

Think its worth it?

CanadianWraith · 09-16-2009, 05:36 PM

many things factor in to how long a vehicle will last. 200 000 isn't bad for a bmw, they are well built; depends on previous owners. as long as regular maintenance has been done and the price is right then go for it.

mr d fly · 09-16-2009, 06:28 PM

that's what i was thinking as well. i'd like to look through the car's service records. thanks for the help.

carguy13 · 09-17-2009, 12:09 AM

well, like all cars over time parts wear out, get brittle, stretch...whatever.

but if the previous owners drove it like a dumb ass there could be a lot more damage than you can see...

i would take it to a dealer to have it inspected.

i'm not sure how much BMW charges for an inspection, but Acura charged me $80, a litte pricey but it saved me a ton of money in the end run.

drz · 09-17-2009, 12:58 AM

If the car has detailed service records, 200,000 mi will not mean much. That said, with any used bimmer of that age, you have to be ready to put in $2000 - $3000 into it in the first couple of years (you may not need to, but only buy if you are ready to spend the cash) for regular wear and tear items, like carguy says.

CanadianWraith · 09-17-2009, 01:38 AM

drz +1
at that mileage someone may be getting rid of it to avoid replacing struts, shocks, control arms, etc. which will add up quickly

mr d fly · 09-17-2009, 11:20 AM

Yeah, these are all things i'll keep in mind. The good part is, i'm buying from a dealer and they are doing an inspection before i drive it home. At no cost to me.

carguy13 · 09-17-2009, 11:32 AM

if you search the forums i just got rid of a 1996 316i. It used to be my bosses.

He bought it from a dealer, when he got home parked, heard a funny noise, got out of the car and there was antifreeze all over the ground.

after getting that fixed, he was driving home from the mechanic shop, and i wasn't there, but he says it locked in third gear. he said it wouldn't shift it just kept revving and revving. he takes it in again and the shop tells him they need to rebuild his tranny...

moral of the story is, don't trust the selling dealers "inspections"

i would still go get it checked out elsewhere

mr d fly · 09-17-2009, 11:50 AM

Thanks for the advice, CarGuy. I think i'll let the dealer look over it, and then take it somewhere else to see what they have to say.

drz · 09-17-2009, 12:45 PM

Definitely get a pre-purchase inspection done by a mechanic you trust.

Kai · 09-17-2009, 01:06 PM

If you have been going to an independent shop regularly and you are looking at buying a new car, they should look it over very good for you before you buy it and let you know what it's issues are, for free. That has been my experience at least, they depend on you to make a living, they will help you where they can in an effort to keep you as a customer. So if you have a shop you trust, take it there. If it has good records then 200,000 isn't a huge deal, like has been said. Good luck with it.

mr d fly · 09-17-2009, 03:09 PM

Well, the dealership was inspecting it about 45 minutes ago when i called. So, we'll wait to see what they have to say. I realize that i'm talking about a '94 325i and that i'm going to have to put some money into it here and there. Minor fixes are fine, i just dont want to get it home only to realize it needs a rebuilt tranny. Reguardless, i think everything will work out.

Thanks for the help fellas.

CanadianWraith · 09-17-2009, 03:48 PM

yeah there are always small problems with a car of that year and mileage. hopefully the drivetrain is solid. good luck with the car!

carguy13 · 09-18-2009, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kasei

If you have been going to an independent shop regularly and you are looking at buying a new car, they should look it over very good for you before you buy it and let you know what it's issues are, for free. That has been my experience at least, they depend on you to make a living, they will help you where they can in an effort to keep you as a customer. So if you have a shop you trust, take it there. If it has good records then 200,000 isn't a huge deal, like has been said. Good luck with it.

wow man, sound like you found yourself a great mechanic!