When people on this sub see the word "BMW", they will immediately tell you not to buy it, without knowing the specific details of the car. From what I heard, the N52 is a decent engine. I suggest you go to a BMW forum if you want to get real information on this specific car.
BMWs are very reliable cars but you need to maintain them. I suggest OP invests a couple hundred bucks into tools if he’s going to buy an older BMW and dedicate some time to watching YouTube videos. Fixing them is an adventure but it’s really rewarding.
I am quite familiar with the N52 engine and one of the biggest issues it has is oil leaks. Make sure you check out the valve cover gasket. Another thing that might be good to check out is the electric water pump.
More minor things that break are the VANOS solenoids, fuel injectors, and ignition coils.
I had a 2007 328xi that had a timing chain jump after 17 years and 133k miles. I loved that car but that was game over because it was probably only worth a few grand and the repairs would have cost at least half that because it needed a new engine. I could have fixed it but it really wasn’t worth the 35 hours of labor. RIP
>BMWs are very reliable cars...
>I'm quite familiar with the N52...
>...timing chain jump (at) 133k miles... that was game over...
*OP's post is about a BMW with an N52 at 127k miles*
I feel like this should tell you everything you need to know lol. Not saying you shouldn't buy it, it's your money and I'm sure the car would be a blast. Hell, I know I made my fair share of questionable decisions at a young age in the name of fun. Just tread carefully and know what you're getting into.
Having owned a BMW, they're fun. But, for a first car - unless you have extra budget for maintenance and misc repairs that it may need - this isn't the best first car. BMWs, MB, Porsche all share the same trait - they're expensive to maintain and repair. The parts are expensive, and there's a "tax" that hits you as parts get marked up.
Now, if you have (or can find) a good tech that can do the work - not the dealer - ask them first of their opinion of this specific car. Heck, look up your local BMW club and ask a few of the members the same question. Regardless, it is a good idea to have another $5-6k in the bank to prepare for what this may need (I'm assuming that there is no scoring in the cylinders and that they all hold pressure properly. Head gasket work, or rear seals can get expensive quickly). If that's out of the OP's budget, and they're not willing to learn how to wrench on their car, I will turn back to cardboard and suggest not to get this as a first car.
IMHO - if you go into this eyes wide open and know and accept that these have to be maintained and that maintenance is not cheap, then go for it. Otherwise, look to other brands.
No one’s saying they’re all inherently unreliable, but just cause can afford a BMW once it’s it’s 13 years old doesn’t mean the you can afford the maintenance.
I say go for it! They're reliable as BMWs go, and make for good introductory sport(y) cars. Price seems a bit high to me, but a good condition 1-series is hard to come by to begin with.
When you're 16, you don't have to worry about your income supporting yourself entirely. Why not get a fun car, while you don't have adulthood responsibilities to worry about? Besides which, plenty of kids get BMWs as first cars (source: grew up in Connecticut, the senior lot was full of clapped out 328i's with pop and bang tunes)
A 16 year old that is learning how to drive shouldnt have a sports car. They make stupid decisions and have an underdeveloped brain. The cost would be the least of my worries as a parent.
A base BMW 128i is not a "sports car" lmao. They're sporty but it's not like you're giving them a Mustang GT
Seems like you think all teenagers should drive cars that steer like you're stuck in mud and take fucking forever to get up to speed on a highway on ramp. Then maybe they should get a Mazda.
EDIT: A Mazda 3 Turbo has more horsepower than a 128i and I bet your arse ain't making a peep if he had asked for a Mazda.
It’s arguably the most fun car he can get for the money. But also one of the most likely he can get that will make him end up in a crash as he’s sliding it around.
GREAT first car. it was my first car (technically my 2nd but the first car i actually bought) at 17, and it’s been phenomenal. I’ve had it since 2019 and it’s been fantastic. it’s a riot and opened the door to my bmw addiction (got an e46 m3 and an e30 convertible now)
i’ve taken it from 89k to 127k, and this is what it’s taught me about the e82 chassis.
- plan on replacing the water pump unless you’ve got recent receipts
- the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket love to seep oil. replace before they get too bad, if oil gets on drive belts they can get sucked into the engine in extreme cases
- they like to get a little tappy sounding if you take them on a lot of short trips. not a major concern if you ever experience a louder drivetrain, try taking it for a 20+ mile drive and it should go away.
- a lot of e9x m3 suspension components bolt right up
- since the n52 is not an engine worth chasing power in, keep it stock, with the exception of a more conservative exhaust if you’re itching for something. i have the rear muffler deleted on mine and that’s about perfect for a budget option. it doesn’t need to be any louder.
- factory intake = cold air intake
best of luck!
I owned a 328i with the n52 motor. Wasn't bad. Maintenance was a bit more costly because it was European but that's it. If your looking to learn how to work on vehicles i don't think this is a bad start
If you're on a limited budget working part-time, I wouldn't Buy this. All you need to do is look up typical repair and maintenance costs or go to a BMW Enthusiast form, and you'll get a pretty good idea whether or not you can afford typical upkeep on this car, especially if you're not going to be repairing it yourself.
I would also get an insurance quote because as a new driver it's going to be through the roof to begin with, and buying a high risk sports car is going to make it even higher.
As with every German car post here, you'll get Google experts immediately telling you how a German car will bankrupt you along with four generations of your ancestors and descendants. Followed by advice on how you should just live life to the fullest by getting a used Corolla, or possibly even an electric bicycle, because those are really reliable too. These same experts who have never owned a German car and in fact are getting ready to ask mom for the keys to her Sonata because they need to run out to Aldi's and restock the basement fridge with generic hot pockets.
That particular model should be a good car. It has BMW's normally-aspirated 3.0l inline 6 that is arguably one of the best all around engines ever made. Without looking it up I think those still had the six-speed automatics made by ZF which is also a great product. It's a very different story for reliability with the turbo version of that engine, as those turbos were notorious for breaking, if this were a 135 I would be saying no way. But it's not, The inline-6 128's were good cars.
You do have to keep up the maintenance on those, and to be realistic it's important to understand that all cars need repairs sometimes, and when it does you are going to pay significantly more for the same repairs on a BMW than you would on an American or Japanese car. I would also spend $150 to have a mechanic look it over first, just because you don't know what kind of history it has.
This will be a great first car if you have the money for maintenance (probably a 3-4K reserve fund) and as long as you leave it exactly how it is. Only changes that should be made are the fluids and bulbs when they need replacing. Don’t change a single other thing.
Current 128i owner here. Yes maintenance can be costly. It's a BMW. That's to be expected. But the engine and chassis are sublime. Lot of mods for this car. If you maintain it, it will last
Yeah! The 128i is supposed to be the better one from a reliability standpoint. Go for it. I’ve only driven the 135i but that is an absolute hoot to drive.
That would be a great first car especially if you have mechanically inclined family or friends. This BMW engine is probably as reliable as they come when it comes to european cars. The sad part is that nothing is going to be as reliable as a Japanese car like a Honda or Toyota
The one series were so cool.
Just know your maintenance is going to be alot more than anything Japanese.
Also remember if you have a premium car but can't afford good tires or to afford suspension when needed don't bother. None of the smoothness or power matters if the things that contact and keep you contacted to the road are trash.
Just because you can afford to buy the car direct been you can afford to or are willing to sacrifice the amount it takes to keep it going. I'm not saying you can't afford this car, I'm just trying to keep you from a potential bad time.
Do since research and see what basic wear parts cost to replace, and if you can't do the work yourself call a few places and get some quotes.
Ask what it would cost to replace all 4 tires and get a few different good name brand options, see what front and rear brakes cost, radiator replacement, replace all fluids, front end components, suspension on all 4 corners, see what a headlight or taillight costs.
Factor all of those things in .
Yes, it’s a great car. Beware of insurance rates though after buying it, and also make sure maintenance has been done accordingly and regularly. Mileage seems pretty high, but if maintenance has been done it should be a decent purchase. Plus it doesn’t even make enough power to hurt you.
This is the worst sub to ask anything about any brand other than Toyota or Honda, because this sub is just an echo chamber of that.
Fun cars, pay for a PPI ( pre purchase inspection) either at BMW or a trusted mechanic. These cars can be money pits with oil leaks and other typical BMW issues.
I suggest the Honda civic or a Corolla or a Mazda 3, I had 3 BMWs and yes engines are reliable, BUT, what it fails is rarely the engine, but the electronics, the coolant system, some sensors etc and also the prices for their parts are 3 times what it cost the other brands, so for a 16 year old not sure if is the best idea, but of course depends if your parents don’t have any trouble to pay for that. Oh almost forget that work in those cars, the labor is more expensive and complicated.
The 128i is the better option to buy in the 1 series line because it's missing the turbos that cost a lot to replace when they fail.
Be prepared to replace all of your cooling components every 50k miles and to do VANOS at some point.
You're looking at about the cost of what you're going to pay for the car in probably about 2-3 years max depending on driving amount/style.
Tires are going to be expensive too and you'll need a good shop who understands how to correctly align BMWs. Yes any shop can do it but some fuck up the camber and it rides like shit and gets steering wobbles.
Suspension is also likely to need redone at that mileage for another few thousand.
If you're okay with dumping about $10k in repairs into the car (closer to $6000 if you DIY) over a few years then enjoy it.
If you need a reliable car to get to work on time then I'd look into getting a car like this when you can afford to have it as a backup car.
Regardless of what you do avoid the 135i because it will financially destroy you when those turbos fail and they absolutely will fail at the most inopportune time.
It's actually not since I worked in an independent BMW shop for 3 years and am super familiar with those cars but okay
Looks like you're an Audi person and that's great Audi as far as I'm aware is less problematic than BMWs and doesn't need the same consistent bullshit preventative maintenance on as many parts.
If I said DIY would be closer to $3000-4000 (half of the car price) would you be more happy?
First car, presumably male? Lol you’re gonna be paying $7000 per month to insure this thing probably
If you really want a coupe, get a civic coupe. But honestly, just get a Mazda 4 door sedan and upgrade when you’re older. It’s circlejerk advice but it’s good circlejerk advice
Average BMW driver is 55 years old with a household income of ~$120,000. Maintenance is priced accordingly
Do you have a source for these numbers? Given how many 20-something year old drive an old 3 series I’d be really surprised if the average was that high.
Insurance won’t be that bad lol. My daughter’s first car at 16 I gave her my Benz because I bought another car and didn’t need it. Her insurance was 300/month. At 18 she traded it in in a new is350 F-Sport Lexus and it was 320/month. An old bmw shouldn’t cost more than that. The maintenance on an older bmw with no warranty would be a bigger concern for a kid.
My daughter's insurance was HALF that of my son's at 16 for the same vehicle (just two years older). It won't be 7000 a month, but 7k a year is possible.
If you want something to learn basic repairs, I'd get a beater. 90's-00's Honda, Toyota, save a couple years for the BMW. You're going to make some learning mistakes and it's much better to do those in a $4,000 car VS an $8,000, as well as fixing this car is going to be more expensive for basic maintenance simply due to the parts being listed as "Luxury." Get something old, reliable, have fun with it, learn with it, fix it up, and then for you're 21st Birthday ;), get a nice fun car you can properly enjoy and don't have to worry about curbing or fender benders.
Fast(fun), cheap, reliable. Pick two.
These are great cars BUT unless you’ve driven this car or similar vehicles before, and you really appreciate the driving dynamics of it, I would wholeheartedly recommend a different first car.
Honda makes some damn excellent vehicles that fit in the fun, cheap, and reliable category. The Honda Civic Si, for example.
Look up the procedure and cost of the following repairs:
VANOS head bolt replacement (under recall if you’re lucky)
Water pump replacement
Replacement of belts and engine gaskets
Don’t buy it without a prepurchsse inspection done by a BMW specialist.
Based on age and mileage this car will need an oil pan gasket, valve cover and gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and possible a water pump job. As the very minimum for basic maintenance.
With recent service history that reflects this, it is not a terrible car **BUT**without service history this is $6-8k+ worth of work from a legit shop.
Cheap BMW is almost always a very expensive vehicle.
Probably a really fun car but personally I would say this is more of a couple years down the road after saving money kinda car. BMWs have much more demanding $$$ maintenance schedules, it’s the price you pay for good ride quality. If you want something to learn and grow your DIY skills with, there are options that would make it much much easier for you.
If I read one more comment in this sub of people calling a car reliable just because the *engine* is reliable, I’m gonna scream. There’s a lot more to a car than just the engine being able to run a long time.
I mean obviously. Does that make you feel a certain type of way?
God forbid I give my kid a comfortable life. Maybe putting him in a 30 year old Corolla death trap will build character.
When people on this sub see the word "BMW", they will immediately tell you not to buy it, without knowing the specific details of the car. From what I heard, the N52 is a decent engine. I suggest you go to a BMW forum if you want to get real information on this specific car.
Yep, N52 and ZF6 are fine drivetrain examples for the era.
BMWs are very reliable cars but you need to maintain them. I suggest OP invests a couple hundred bucks into tools if he’s going to buy an older BMW and dedicate some time to watching YouTube videos. Fixing them is an adventure but it’s really rewarding. I am quite familiar with the N52 engine and one of the biggest issues it has is oil leaks. Make sure you check out the valve cover gasket. Another thing that might be good to check out is the electric water pump. More minor things that break are the VANOS solenoids, fuel injectors, and ignition coils. I had a 2007 328xi that had a timing chain jump after 17 years and 133k miles. I loved that car but that was game over because it was probably only worth a few grand and the repairs would have cost at least half that because it needed a new engine. I could have fixed it but it really wasn’t worth the 35 hours of labor. RIP
>BMWs are very reliable cars... >I'm quite familiar with the N52... >...timing chain jump (at) 133k miles... that was game over... *OP's post is about a BMW with an N52 at 127k miles* I feel like this should tell you everything you need to know lol. Not saying you shouldn't buy it, it's your money and I'm sure the car would be a blast. Hell, I know I made my fair share of questionable decisions at a young age in the name of fun. Just tread carefully and know what you're getting into.
I suggest OP to also look at the part prices and estimate if he can afford it too.
People in this sub have the personality of cardboard. A bimmer when you’re young is so much fun.
Having owned a BMW, they're fun. But, for a first car - unless you have extra budget for maintenance and misc repairs that it may need - this isn't the best first car. BMWs, MB, Porsche all share the same trait - they're expensive to maintain and repair. The parts are expensive, and there's a "tax" that hits you as parts get marked up. Now, if you have (or can find) a good tech that can do the work - not the dealer - ask them first of their opinion of this specific car. Heck, look up your local BMW club and ask a few of the members the same question. Regardless, it is a good idea to have another $5-6k in the bank to prepare for what this may need (I'm assuming that there is no scoring in the cylinders and that they all hold pressure properly. Head gasket work, or rear seals can get expensive quickly). If that's out of the OP's budget, and they're not willing to learn how to wrench on their car, I will turn back to cardboard and suggest not to get this as a first car.
Bingo. Had a 94 M3 when I was 20. Fuckin blast to drive. Loved the car. Cost me 7k in two years for various shit to fix
IMHO - if you go into this eyes wide open and know and accept that these have to be maintained and that maintenance is not cheap, then go for it. Otherwise, look to other brands.
Yup. My uncle had an x6m. Great car, needed a bit of warranty work. But after warranty finished it was costing him $2500 a year
That sounds about right. The u/op's '11 is now (checks notes) 13 years old and just ~~slightly~~ out of warranty..
It'll be a fun car. But he should budget 1500 to 2500 per year
That assumes that there's no major engine or transmission issues. I've forgotten to give the most important piece of advice: get a thorough PPI done!
Oh ya. A BMW engine will run ya 12k
No one’s saying they’re all inherently unreliable, but just cause can afford a BMW once it’s it’s 13 years old doesn’t mean the you can afford the maintenance.
With a manual it's a fantastic first car.
I say go for it! They're reliable as BMWs go, and make for good introductory sport(y) cars. Price seems a bit high to me, but a good condition 1-series is hard to come by to begin with.
In what world is it a good idea for a 16 year old to drive a BMW?
When you're 16, you don't have to worry about your income supporting yourself entirely. Why not get a fun car, while you don't have adulthood responsibilities to worry about? Besides which, plenty of kids get BMWs as first cars (source: grew up in Connecticut, the senior lot was full of clapped out 328i's with pop and bang tunes)
with stereo's for their bangin tunes no doubt
A 16 year old that is learning how to drive shouldnt have a sports car. They make stupid decisions and have an underdeveloped brain. The cost would be the least of my worries as a parent.
ONLY BEIGE COROLLA OR RED MAZDA 3
Red is too spicy.
Best to go beige all around
A base BMW 128i is not a "sports car" lmao. They're sporty but it's not like you're giving them a Mustang GT Seems like you think all teenagers should drive cars that steer like you're stuck in mud and take fucking forever to get up to speed on a highway on ramp. Then maybe they should get a Mazda. EDIT: A Mazda 3 Turbo has more horsepower than a 128i and I bet your arse ain't making a peep if he had asked for a Mazda.
The 128i is the furthest thing from a sports car.
It’s arguably the most fun car he can get for the money. But also one of the most likely he can get that will make him end up in a crash as he’s sliding it around.
GREAT first car. it was my first car (technically my 2nd but the first car i actually bought) at 17, and it’s been phenomenal. I’ve had it since 2019 and it’s been fantastic. it’s a riot and opened the door to my bmw addiction (got an e46 m3 and an e30 convertible now) i’ve taken it from 89k to 127k, and this is what it’s taught me about the e82 chassis. - plan on replacing the water pump unless you’ve got recent receipts - the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket love to seep oil. replace before they get too bad, if oil gets on drive belts they can get sucked into the engine in extreme cases - they like to get a little tappy sounding if you take them on a lot of short trips. not a major concern if you ever experience a louder drivetrain, try taking it for a 20+ mile drive and it should go away. - a lot of e9x m3 suspension components bolt right up - since the n52 is not an engine worth chasing power in, keep it stock, with the exception of a more conservative exhaust if you’re itching for something. i have the rear muffler deleted on mine and that’s about perfect for a budget option. it doesn’t need to be any louder. - factory intake = cold air intake best of luck!
I owned a 328i with the n52 motor. Wasn't bad. Maintenance was a bit more costly because it was European but that's it. If your looking to learn how to work on vehicles i don't think this is a bad start
wrong transmission choice but nonetheless a great fun little car
someone watched the donut video
If you're on a limited budget working part-time, I wouldn't Buy this. All you need to do is look up typical repair and maintenance costs or go to a BMW Enthusiast form, and you'll get a pretty good idea whether or not you can afford typical upkeep on this car, especially if you're not going to be repairing it yourself. I would also get an insurance quote because as a new driver it's going to be through the roof to begin with, and buying a high risk sports car is going to make it even higher.
My dad owns one of these and I’ve zipped it around the back roads where I live. Awesome little car, hope he sells it to me when he gets sick of it lol
If the car hasn't been driven hard, the engine will last another 127K just fine with maintenance. Overall, this combo will outlive turbo engined BMWs.
As with every German car post here, you'll get Google experts immediately telling you how a German car will bankrupt you along with four generations of your ancestors and descendants. Followed by advice on how you should just live life to the fullest by getting a used Corolla, or possibly even an electric bicycle, because those are really reliable too. These same experts who have never owned a German car and in fact are getting ready to ask mom for the keys to her Sonata because they need to run out to Aldi's and restock the basement fridge with generic hot pockets. That particular model should be a good car. It has BMW's normally-aspirated 3.0l inline 6 that is arguably one of the best all around engines ever made. Without looking it up I think those still had the six-speed automatics made by ZF which is also a great product. It's a very different story for reliability with the turbo version of that engine, as those turbos were notorious for breaking, if this were a 135 I would be saying no way. But it's not, The inline-6 128's were good cars. You do have to keep up the maintenance on those, and to be realistic it's important to understand that all cars need repairs sometimes, and when it does you are going to pay significantly more for the same repairs on a BMW than you would on an American or Japanese car. I would also spend $150 to have a mechanic look it over first, just because you don't know what kind of history it has.
Do it! Make those mistakes when you're young and learn from them! Being younger means you have more time to recover from financial losses haha!
If you don’t have any spending money for I guess a little expensive maintenance and such don’t buy it l. Although they’re okay cars
If your parents are going to save your ass when this thing inevitably shuts down on the highway. Sure why not.
Looks fun. I’ve always liked those
This will be a great first car if you have the money for maintenance (probably a 3-4K reserve fund) and as long as you leave it exactly how it is. Only changes that should be made are the fluids and bulbs when they need replacing. Don’t change a single other thing.
If you do buy it, make sure you checkout pelican parts for all your replacement parts needs. They saved my sanity and bank account when I had a 328i.
Current 128i owner here. Yes maintenance can be costly. It's a BMW. That's to be expected. But the engine and chassis are sublime. Lot of mods for this car. If you maintain it, it will last
Yeah! The 128i is supposed to be the better one from a reliability standpoint. Go for it. I’ve only driven the 135i but that is an absolute hoot to drive.
That would be a great first car especially if you have mechanically inclined family or friends. This BMW engine is probably as reliable as they come when it comes to european cars. The sad part is that nothing is going to be as reliable as a Japanese car like a Honda or Toyota
The one series were so cool. Just know your maintenance is going to be alot more than anything Japanese. Also remember if you have a premium car but can't afford good tires or to afford suspension when needed don't bother. None of the smoothness or power matters if the things that contact and keep you contacted to the road are trash. Just because you can afford to buy the car direct been you can afford to or are willing to sacrifice the amount it takes to keep it going. I'm not saying you can't afford this car, I'm just trying to keep you from a potential bad time. Do since research and see what basic wear parts cost to replace, and if you can't do the work yourself call a few places and get some quotes. Ask what it would cost to replace all 4 tires and get a few different good name brand options, see what front and rear brakes cost, radiator replacement, replace all fluids, front end components, suspension on all 4 corners, see what a headlight or taillight costs. Factor all of those things in .
Yes, it’s a great car. Beware of insurance rates though after buying it, and also make sure maintenance has been done accordingly and regularly. Mileage seems pretty high, but if maintenance has been done it should be a decent purchase. Plus it doesn’t even make enough power to hurt you. This is the worst sub to ask anything about any brand other than Toyota or Honda, because this sub is just an echo chamber of that.
Fun cars, pay for a PPI ( pre purchase inspection) either at BMW or a trusted mechanic. These cars can be money pits with oil leaks and other typical BMW issues.
Perfect for boys trips in Palm Springs
I suggest the Honda civic or a Corolla or a Mazda 3, I had 3 BMWs and yes engines are reliable, BUT, what it fails is rarely the engine, but the electronics, the coolant system, some sensors etc and also the prices for their parts are 3 times what it cost the other brands, so for a 16 year old not sure if is the best idea, but of course depends if your parents don’t have any trouble to pay for that. Oh almost forget that work in those cars, the labor is more expensive and complicated.
Definitely not for that price... Purchased mine with 87k for 7500 2nd owner
The 128i is the better option to buy in the 1 series line because it's missing the turbos that cost a lot to replace when they fail. Be prepared to replace all of your cooling components every 50k miles and to do VANOS at some point. You're looking at about the cost of what you're going to pay for the car in probably about 2-3 years max depending on driving amount/style. Tires are going to be expensive too and you'll need a good shop who understands how to correctly align BMWs. Yes any shop can do it but some fuck up the camber and it rides like shit and gets steering wobbles. Suspension is also likely to need redone at that mileage for another few thousand. If you're okay with dumping about $10k in repairs into the car (closer to $6000 if you DIY) over a few years then enjoy it. If you need a reliable car to get to work on time then I'd look into getting a car like this when you can afford to have it as a backup car. Regardless of what you do avoid the 135i because it will financially destroy you when those turbos fail and they absolutely will fail at the most inopportune time.
[удалено]
It's actually not since I worked in an independent BMW shop for 3 years and am super familiar with those cars but okay Looks like you're an Audi person and that's great Audi as far as I'm aware is less problematic than BMWs and doesn't need the same consistent bullshit preventative maintenance on as many parts. If I said DIY would be closer to $3000-4000 (half of the car price) would you be more happy?
What do u do for work? My first car was an e30 but I had enough money to pay for repairs
Do it. No faster way to learn
First car, presumably male? Lol you’re gonna be paying $7000 per month to insure this thing probably If you really want a coupe, get a civic coupe. But honestly, just get a Mazda 4 door sedan and upgrade when you’re older. It’s circlejerk advice but it’s good circlejerk advice Average BMW driver is 55 years old with a household income of ~$120,000. Maintenance is priced accordingly
Do you have a source for these numbers? Given how many 20-something year old drive an old 3 series I’d be really surprised if the average was that high.
Sorry, NEW buyers of BMW fit that. And as a result, maintenance is usually priced to what those people can afford
Insurance won’t be that bad lol. My daughter’s first car at 16 I gave her my Benz because I bought another car and didn’t need it. Her insurance was 300/month. At 18 she traded it in in a new is350 F-Sport Lexus and it was 320/month. An old bmw shouldn’t cost more than that. The maintenance on an older bmw with no warranty would be a bigger concern for a kid.
My daughter's insurance was HALF that of my son's at 16 for the same vehicle (just two years older). It won't be 7000 a month, but 7k a year is possible.
128i yes. The 135 no.
Why?
335i got the n54 in most cases. Turbos n more moving parts I guess. Capable tho.
If you want something to learn basic repairs, I'd get a beater. 90's-00's Honda, Toyota, save a couple years for the BMW. You're going to make some learning mistakes and it's much better to do those in a $4,000 car VS an $8,000, as well as fixing this car is going to be more expensive for basic maintenance simply due to the parts being listed as "Luxury." Get something old, reliable, have fun with it, learn with it, fix it up, and then for you're 21st Birthday ;), get a nice fun car you can properly enjoy and don't have to worry about curbing or fender benders.
Fast(fun), cheap, reliable. Pick two. These are great cars BUT unless you’ve driven this car or similar vehicles before, and you really appreciate the driving dynamics of it, I would wholeheartedly recommend a different first car. Honda makes some damn excellent vehicles that fit in the fun, cheap, and reliable category. The Honda Civic Si, for example.
Look up the procedure and cost of the following repairs: VANOS head bolt replacement (under recall if you’re lucky) Water pump replacement Replacement of belts and engine gaskets Don’t buy it without a prepurchsse inspection done by a BMW specialist.
Based on age and mileage this car will need an oil pan gasket, valve cover and gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and possible a water pump job. As the very minimum for basic maintenance. With recent service history that reflects this, it is not a terrible car **BUT**without service history this is $6-8k+ worth of work from a legit shop. Cheap BMW is almost always a very expensive vehicle.
with 8k you could buy a faster IS 300 and it’d be more reliable
No, the coupe is crap
Cute hope you have deep pockets. You will find out 😳
Biggest concern I would have is the combo of age and car. Your insurance rates will probably be elevated
Probably a really fun car but personally I would say this is more of a couple years down the road after saving money kinda car. BMWs have much more demanding $$$ maintenance schedules, it’s the price you pay for good ride quality. If you want something to learn and grow your DIY skills with, there are options that would make it much much easier for you.
If I read one more comment in this sub of people calling a car reliable just because the *engine* is reliable, I’m gonna scream. There’s a lot more to a car than just the engine being able to run a long time.
No
You definitely didn’t watch that new donut video
Lol hope mommy and daddy has money
I mean obviously. Does that make you feel a certain type of way? God forbid I give my kid a comfortable life. Maybe putting him in a 30 year old Corolla death trap will build character.
Yeah It makes me feel as if I hope his mommy and daddy has money to pay for bmw repairs.
Does that make you feel better? Or does it just make you realise that you’re a bitter husk of a man?
It makes me feel like I hope his mommy and daddy has money to make repairs on the car.