How many miles can I get on my 323i - really?

[mybanginbmw]

I bought a 1999 bmw 323i and it had 87,000 miles I now have 96,000 miles in about 7 months. is it true you can get upwards of 200,000 miles on the bmw engine? is this realistic if properly taken care of. I am famillar with american cars and this has not been the case no matter how well you take care of it.

mybanginbmw

[drz]

Yes, that is realistic. My 1996 328i was at 220k miles, with the engine still going way strong, when I sold it. My story is not atypical. Other people on this borad have had similar experiences. In fact, gotKraut's 3 series just rolled over 380k, and that is his daily driver!

[Torque]

Change the oil regularly and keep the cooling system in good shape (don't let it overheat), and it will be fine.

Just some of the BMWs I/my family have owned and their mileages:
1990 525i 170k miles
1990 535i 170k miles
1990 535i 265k miles
1995 318i 194k miles

... all of them running like new, on original drivetrains.

I've seen plenty with over 300k too, so have no fears ... 96k is barely broken in.

[1LOBOSS]

Originally Posted by mybanginbmw

I bought a 1999 bmw 323i and it had 87,000 miles I now have 96,000 miles in about 7 months. is it true you can get upwards of 200,000 miles on the bmw engine? is this realistic if properly taken care of. I am famillar with american cars and this has not been the case no matter how well you take care of it.

mybanginbmw

Are you serious, I did not think so. No American cars getting 200,000 miles is laughable. There is a lady that has an 89 5.0 Mustang that has over 600,000 miles (sales) and oh all the taxi's etc etc etc. Your statement about GM Ford and Chrysler products is just plain ridiculous. Oh yes your small six will make 200,000 so all is good