1994-1997 BMW 3... Longevity?

[BobRocket]

Hi guys,

I am a BMW newb. I have been looking for a daily driver, I was initially set on a 1999-2001 GMC Jimmy/Blazer. Their prices are $10,000 and below.

However - I realized that for $10K or less I could get into a nice used BMW 325/328. Specifically, I am looking at 1994-1997 325/328 (I-6 engine) and about 65-90K miles. I drive a lot, and was wondering what the longevity of these cars are? Has anyone owned one and put some miles on them? (over 100K)

I will get an Auto only because my wife will drive it. Any particular problems I should look out for, expect, and is this really a good long term daily driver car?

I'm trying to decide which to go with, the BMW or GMC. BMW will be 1994-1996, the GMC would be a 1998-2001 (prices being the same). I know the GMC will be cheaper to repair and newer, but will probably need more repair than the BMW. I work on my cars myself, so I will not be going to a dealer unless absolutely necessary.

Thanks guys!!

Bob

 

[manuel]

im at ~125k miles. i put around 25k in the past 13months. my record has been ~1k miles in a week. car still runs as strong as ever. only thing ive had a problem with was the radiator.

 

[wantahotbimmer]

I have a 92 325...i have almost 140k on it and it runs great. There are a few things here and there, but over all, it drives better than our 99 grand prix with 60k.

 

[brahtw8]

I bought a 94 in July of 2001 with 97k on the clock. The car is currently for sale on this site, with 147k on the clock, for $6800, but is a 5spd.

I spent about $100/month average in maintenance and repairs. Another $90/month in modifications and upgrades, which is why the asking price is a little more than a plain jane E36.

You need to budget at least $50-100 in maintenance for one of those cars.

I must say not many folks cross shop the E36 and the Blazer. Very different machines. I would guess the Blazer is not cheap to run either, as the overall build quality of those trucks is worse than the BMW. Parts and labor may be somewhat cheaper for the GMC, but if you find a good Indy shop you can avoid some of that cost.

 

[Pink_Floyd]

If you plan to work on the cars you should probably get a pre-1996 model. The OBD-I cars are a lot more forgiving and a little easier to work on. Anyway, I've got a '92 325i with 169K miles on it and it runs/shifts great. I've had it for a while now and had no problems. My aunt had it before me and spend a LOT of money on fixing it, but that is because she couldn't do ANYTHING herself. I change the fluids/plugs/filters, etc regularly and it runs great. If you've got a little extra time to keep it in top shape it will be very good to you in return

 

[jrt67ss350]

I've got an '87 325 (that's the E30 chassis - the body style before the ones you are looking at), and I just calculated that it's got about 260,000 actual miles. Original engine, tranny, and differential, none have ever been rebuilt. The powertrain still runs like a champ, no oil burning, starts right up, still gets over 30 mpg on the interstate. The only problem I have with it is that the steering wheel shakes a little bit at interstate speed. This car's previous owners took very good care of it. That's the key - if BMW's are well maintained, they will last a good long time. If they are neglected, they will cost you quite a bit.

This is my first non-American car - I'm a Chevy guy at heart, and my previous daily driver was a 1967 Camaro that I restored myself. I typically do all the work on my cars myself - working on the BMW yourself isn't that bad. You can get parts much cheaper via mailorder/internet than at the dealer and save quite a bit of money doing things yourself on these cars.

 

[carcus]

I have a 97 328 Convert....70K just turned, the Radiator sucks on the BMW, a few electrical probs, engine and trans are OK.....interior does wear. But than again, I have a 6 year old car....good so far. Few leaks, alot of "I do not like replacement tail light bulb.!" Problems, but pretty happy with it.

For a car with 70K on it now....not too bad, suspention is like new, engine, few idle problems now and then, not bad, only with AC on, convert probs are typical for any convert its age....great gas mileage, decent pickup for power, smooth trans.....MX costs so far are pretty minimal and most Midas or standard auto mechanics will fix it....now if you take it to a BMW dealer for maintenance......different story. I do most of the work myself.

Just run some dino oil in it, Mobil 0W-40 if you got the money, change it every 3K, great car for me so far. Still reminds me of my 316i I had in Italy, but alot better.

 

[jcblaschke]

I have a 93, 325is, no major problems and I love it. My girlfriend has a 92' 325is, no big problems, loves it. My mom used to have a 92 318, had to have an AC retrofit but that's about it, she loved it. If you treat them good, they will treat you awsome.

 

[BobRocket]

Thanks for the advice and input, guys. I know its odd to cross shop a blazer and a 325/328... But I'm odd I guess!!

 

[CTBMW]

Get the BMW, unless you live in a deep snow area ( I don't know where Spring Hill is) Although BMW with 50/50 weight dist. is very good in snow w/ snow tires handles VERY well.
Like everyone says-stay on top of Maint. (you have to do that with ANY vehicle!) and you have a good solid car. (that you'll be proud of)
That said, and out of the way:
A BMW will be a classic 20 years from now (why did I limit myself to 20 years?!) Will protect occupants better, and be a MUCH more satisfying/FUN ride! Looks better in driveway too!
If looking for awd in an suv consider a Toyota or almost any import-better resale/dependability than what you're considering-better reliability too! (check out Edmunds)
Just my thoughts, I wish you the best either way.
Mel

 

[BobRocket]

I live near Tampa, FL. I agree, maintenance is key. I have been out to open track days at Sebring with BMW guys who beat the snot out of their cars and they ran fine. (I was out in my Buick GN) and I have autocrossed heavily with my 89 Turbo Trans AM (GN engine) and BMW guys always run well and hard. Thats why I was not too worried about durability. I didnt see any blazers out there... lol...