So, are we reliable or not?

[MaxBell]

My girlfriend announced that she wants a BMW the other day. I'm wondering though if we consider our cars to be reliable?

Why, when I get on Google, are BMWs branded the worst cars for reliability and "sooo expensive!!"

I find my E30s have been nothing but a joy! Are there other cars to watch out for? Or are E30s just a diamond in the rough (of the other BMW cars)?

[Conki]

My girlfriend announced that she wants a BMW the other day. I'm wondering though if we consider our cars to be reliable?

Why, when I get on Google, are BMWs branded the worst cars for reliability and "sooo expensive!!"

I find my E30s have been nothing but a joy! Are there other cars to watch out for? Or are E30s just a diamond in the rough (of the other BMW cars)?

They are "sooo expensive" because OEM BMW parts are more expensive than domestic parts, and labor cost for a repair on an import carries a premium.
I bought my 1990 525i with exceptional paint/body condition for cheap, because the PO took it to a shop after the timing belt broke, and was quoted $3000 for the repair. I spent $150 to fix it, which included professional surfacing and chemical cleaning of the replacement pre-owned cylinder head.

[CrusherCurtis]

I would say not for a woman. Women need cars that can be absolutely bashed and still run ie 90s Toyota's and Honda's. We all maintain our cars well so their fine for us. My mom for example can't keep a low mileage Jeep Cherokee xj 4.0 running. Mind boggling.

[Kozworth]

Just convinced my mom to get an e34 with the m20. Id say they are pretty reliable. I drive my cars pretty spiritedly, so for my mother to granny foot an m20 to work and the store shouldnt be an issue.

Really make sure you get to know the history of the car, and read the vibes of the p/o. Any neglected car can run into issues.

Bmws arent expensive. I feel they are priced fairly for parts. I get everything from gps and there really hasn't been a part that I thought was outrageously priced.

[wikkid]

I would be more worried about some douchebag hitting on my girlfriend because she drives such a hot car.

[Mr. Burns]

My girlfriend announced that she wants a BMW the other day.

she sounds low maintenance.

[M-technik-3]

Mine loves her's but she does preventative maintenance.

[Mr. Burns]

I would say not for a woman. Women need cars that can be absolutely bashed and still run ie 90s Toyota's and Honda's. We all maintain our cars well so their fine for us. My mom for example can't keep a low mileage Jeep Cherokee xj 4.0 running. Mind boggling.

gotta agree with you.

the minute something is "up" with my e30, I don't rest till it's fixed.
it's my 2nd child.

pride of ownership is nothing but aparent with my E30.

OP does your gf want a BMW like she wants the latest Dolce & Gabana shades and MK Purse?

or does she actually want something she'll need to maintain, babysit, pay attention to, and get her (your) hands dirty with....

it sounds like she wants a headache.

[Mr. Burns]

an ounce of reliability is worth it's weight in gold.

get the GF something with warranty, and be happy with it.

when she's all grownded up get the brand/flavor/label of car that suits her fancy

[MaxBell]

Well she wants something that's fun to drive and reliable, that she can mod and fool around with over time.

I told her how much work an E30 can be, and she seems ok with it. She's happy to learn, but obviously will want some assistance from me.

After riding around in my car, she really likes the styling. And the comfy sport seats.

I just feel like if I recommend her a BMW and it blows up, I'll be to blame.

[lolcantturn]

never in my life would i give or recommend an E30 to anyone that I loved or cared about

[gtdragon980]

Well she wants something that's fun to drive and reliable, that she can mod and fool around with over time.

I told her how much work an E30 can be, and she seems ok with it. She's happy to learn, but obviously will want some assistance from me.

After riding around in my car, she really likes the styling. And the comfy sport seats.

I just feel like if I recommend her a BMW and it blows up, I'll be to blame.

Dude, you've got yourself an awesome girlfriend if she's into the same cars and is willing to learn more. That said, I would get her a nice e30 and get all the maintenance done first and then she can have it!

[Herr Faust Schinken]

I would say not for a woman. Women need cars that can be absolutely bashed and still run ie 90s Toyota's and Honda's. We all maintain our cars well so their fine for us. My mom for example can't keep a low mileage Jeep Cherokee xj 4.0 running. Mind boggling.

its a bit sexist but i completely agree with you, i had to explain to a chick why she should have her oil changed

[mcr_driver]

Honestly OP if you wanted her to get a nice BMW give her yours and buy another one to mod out otherwise finding one that meets the right stands of female "clean" will be a long search. Even if she is willing to learn she may or may not be willing to do all of the neccessary nitty and gritty stuff to keep her car running in the condition yours is. You're must fix it immediately attitude will probably not be the same as hers and as a result could spell doom. Just another opinion, I consider e30's more reliable then other premium marque's of the era but on the whole reliable and fun sounds like something newer leased and with a warranty.

its a bit sexist but i completely agree with you, i had to explain to a chick why she should have her oil changed

I just had this talk with a girl I am seeing this past week...I asked her when she last changed her oil and received silence as a response...a facepalm was my return reply...

[Herr Faust Schinken]

there are different kinds of women though, i think the vast majority are automotively ignorant, but then you have some that have been around cars there entire life and know more about cares then a lot of us do