Talk me in or out of...

[burtonownz]

I've been doing research on 325is' and 318iS' for quite a while now with the intent to buy in the near future. Although it's ultimately my decision, I've sought some opinions on whether this is a good idea. I talked to my father who introduced me to one of his friends whom I talked to today. The guy knows a lot about cars because that's all he's done for the past 35 years or so...

Anyways, he basically tried to talk me out of getting a BMW period and told me to just get a car to get me from point A to B. His rationale was that when the car needs to be repaired, I will not only have trouble finding parts and/or someone to supply them/install them (I would like to do 99% of mods/repairs) but since I'm driving a BMW, prices will also be higher simply because of the BMW name. I don't know that he's personally dealt with BMW's before so I'm thinking that maybe he's just going off of instinct. (shrugs)

I understand that there could be a difference in price and a difference in availbility but have any of you found this? Another thing, does your BMW require much maintenance anymore than another car?

I'm trying to take his advice very, very lightly since I disagree because of what others have told me when I posed the same problem. After I heard what he had said, I was going to think about it and then completely forget but then my dad began to say the same thing, so now it's become more of an issue.

Thanks for any input. Talk me in or out of buying a BMW, heh.

[Erick]

If you like BMWs, then it's worth it.

Truth is, BMWs do cost more in parts. However by doing all of the work yourself and having the right sources for parts, you will save a lot of costs. Remember that maintenance is key as well.

As for questions, this is one of the best forums when it comes to e30 knowledge, so any questions here will get you the most accurate answers.

However if you want a car to go from A to B, there are a lot better cars out there. You buy a BMW because you want to drive a BMW. Not to use it as a beater.

[DarkWing6]

BMW parts are more expensive, but there is a reason for that. As they say, "You get what you pay for." If you take care of your Bimmer it will last you forever.

[mph]

It all depends on how you look at it. The majority of the parts are no more expensive than that of a domestic Ford. Some parts however, do have a premium on them (found very few that have). Many domestic cars have parts that have premiums too. It doesn't just come with the foreign BMW's.

As far as maintenance goes, it depends on how well the car was taken care of by the previous owners. You can buy an older domestic car and never have to do any major work. It all goes back to the way the previous owner kept the car. Maintenance is best when it is prevenative.

When it comes to repairing a BMW, it depends on who you take the car to have it repaired. With most domestic cars, you can take them just about anywhere: expensive mechanics who know what they're doing or mechanics who don't and charge next to nothing. Its the sameway with BMW's. For the most part, the BMW mechanics around here charge more because their experience is limited and extensive, and because they can.

Whatever car you decide on purchasing, whether a BMW or a domestic car, make sure you get one that has good maintenance records. Also make sure you can trust the buyer. If you can't find the above in a car for sale, wait. You'll regret not having done so.

[Rob]

well, if your purpose in buying a car is to get you someplace, dont get an E30. If you care more about the journey, and not the destination, then the E30 is a good choice

[LowR3V'in]

Parts for a an e30 are as rare as parts for a 91 honda civic

[burtonownz]

These are the types of responses that I've been looking for. He kept telling me to buy a Cavalier or a Sunfire and just be done with it. But, I want a car to work on and to have fun with.

[DarkWing6]

These are the types of responses that I've been looking for. He kept telling me to buy a Cavalier or a Sunfire and just be done with it. But, I want a car to work on and to have fun with.

Then buy an E30.

[MR 325]

Rob, great response.

[Jordan]

He kept telling me to buy a Cavalier or a Sunfire and just be done with it.

Tell him Jordan said he is a moron.

[KeithV]

I've owned and driven several cars, and I can honestly say that life is better in a BMW. My home is comfortable, my office is comfortable, why shouldn't my car reflect that? I love going places just so I get a chance to drive, and no matter what happens I always bite the bullet and just fix it. I take pride in my ride, I like looking at it. I like the way the clouds reflect off the hood. I like the fact that I dont have to slow down for turns.. if anything I speed up for them.

Most of all I like how refined such an old car is.. it's a masterpiece of engineering.


Oh yea, looking down at the wheel and seeing the roundell and saying "mines the black bimmer" isn't all that bad either.

[///M42 sport]

I bought my 318iS accidentally and fell in love with it. I love the quality you get for the price and the classic lines. I've never worked on cars before my bimmer and I agree with the maintenence issues.

Buy a car thats been well maintained and you'll never have it break down on you. As for the cost of parts...they cost more but they last longer too.

In my 4 yrs of ownership its only broken down once (fuel pump) in 50K miles.

BTW I'm selling my 318. :)
________
Kitchen Measures

[LikeCDoos]

an e30 is a great car overall. Most of them get fairly good gas milage, are fairly cheap to buy, and they are fun as hell to drive. Keep asking questions on this forum and you'll soon see what you really want to do.

[Digitalwave]

I've owned and driven several cars, and I can honestly say that life is better in a BMW. My home is comfortable, my office is comfortable, why shouldn't my car reflect that? I love going places just so I get a chance to drive, and no matter what happens I always bite the bullet and just fix it. I take pride in my ride, I like looking at it. I like the way the clouds reflect off the hood. I like the fact that I dont have to slow down for turns.. if anything I speed up for them.

Most of all I like how refined such an old car is.. it's a masterpiece of engineering.


Oh yea, looking down at the wheel and seeing the roundell and saying "mines the black bimmer" isn't all that bad either.

You bought a BMW because its comfortable? :?

[KeithV]

I've owned and driven several cars, and I can honestly say that life is better in a BMW. My home is comfortable, my office is comfortable, why shouldn't my car reflect that? I love going places just so I get a chance to drive, and no matter what happens I always bite the bullet and just fix it. I take pride in my ride, I like looking at it. I like the way the clouds reflect off the hood. I like the fact that I dont have to slow down for turns.. if anything I speed up for them.

Most of all I like how refined such an old car is.. it's a masterpiece of engineering.


Oh yea, looking down at the wheel and seeing the roundell and saying "mines the black bimmer" isn't all that bad either.

You bought a BMW because its comfortable? :?

comfortable dosn't mean lay-z-boy ;)