BMW part prices, worth worrying about?

condra

Hey folks.

I'm 31, I've been driving a few years, and I've been considering getting a small used BMW or possibly a Golf.

My dad (self proclaimed expert on everything) has put me right off buying a BMW because he's fairly adamant that parts for BMWs are really expensive, and that if anything went wrong with a used BMW, I would be up big trouble.

He keeps giving me the old "get a Jap, you'll have no trouble with a jap" lark.

Is there any merit in his negativity?

If you were on a tight budget and had say 2 grand to spend on a 1.6, would say a Focus, or an Almera really be preferable to a BMW 316?

Maybe it's just a dad thing. Maybe dads who drive Nissans don't like their sons getting Beamers.

Thanks.

mickdw

Pick any bmw except a 316.

DublinDilbert

Parts are quite cheap for most older bmws, the problem is usually the labour to fit them. They aren't the worst car to work on, there's plenty of info out there on them.

They do need a little more tlc than most cars, which isn't an issue if your doing it yourself, but will cost if you always have to pay someone to do it.

By the sounds of it, on a limited budget & limited experience, probably not the car for you...

MetzgerMeister

Get an M3. An M3 is exactly the car you want no matter what your budget or preferences. Oh wait, maybe an Octavia vRS. The world spins because an Octy vRS is driving around!



Anyway, yeah I agree with mickdw. The 316 isn't a great engine and there's a lot better out there.

condra

mickdw wrote: »

Pick any bmw except a 316.

A 1.6 ltr engine is the top of my price range in terms of insurance, tax, fuel etc.

I was under the impression the only 1.6 BMWs are the 316 series. (and I believe some 316 Beamers have a larger engine, depending on the year)

Based on what's been said about the 316 above, I'll have a little read up about it.

Thanks all for the replies.

Voodoomelon

Parts are more expensive, but you're getting a better car so what would you expect? In my experience parts up North from BMW dealers are around 25% cheaper than the south.

You'll pay through the nose for BMW labour, but I can't imagine jap labour (excuse the term) being "cheap" either. BMWs (90s and early 00s) are a pleasure to work on if you're into that kind of thing.

Anan1

Your dad is right about the reliability, but reliability is only one aspect of car ownership. Reliability aside though, an Almera a Golf and a 316 are IMO three of the dullest 1.6 litre cars out there.

the merchant

Doesn't a 316 have a 1.9 engine?

bazz26

the merchant wrote: »

Doesn't a 316 have a 1.9 engine?

Totally depends on the year and model. E46 was 1.8/1.9 whereas the E36 and E90 were 1.6 litre.

OP, I'm driving a 3 Series for the last 6 months and it has been no more expensive to service than the Volvo S40 I had before it. Now with cars in the price range you have the Almera will probably be the cheaper to own than a similar year 316i or Golf for that matter.

Alanstrainor

OP insurance quotes are based on more than just the engine size. So i wouldn't rule out others because of insurance costs. And tax costs aren't exactly crazy up to 2.0, and it's not that much more for 1.8s either. Just keep that in mind.

PaulKK

You will probably find the VW parts more expensive than the BMW ones.
My fathers brakepads for a passat were more than the ones for my 3 series.

It will certainly be a little more than a nissan or ford but nothing major overall.
Ignore main dealer costs.. a good independent garage will be able to do anything you need.

That said, if you are limiting yourself to a 1.6 there may be other options.

On the whole though, as bazz said, it shouldn't cost you anything more to maintain than anything else.

Did you actually check the insurance? I see you are 31. I've been driving a 2.0L BMW since I was 23 and the most I paid for insurance was 650 fully comp, it was 570 this year.

What is your budget? What kind of mileage will you be doing?

coolbeans

I'll probably get slated for this but I'll say it. A cheap BMW could be a real money pit. Be prepared to spend a good bit of cash on maintenance and if this doesn't sound too appealing look elsewhere. You might find a good one but it'll be much easier to find a ten year old Focus, Civic etc that'll stay reliable when your budget is that limited.

barochoc

ot

coolbeans wrote: »

I'll probably get slated for this but I'll say it. A cheap BMW could be a real money pit. Be prepared to spend a good bit of cash on maintenance and if this doesn't sound too appealing look elsewhere. You might find a good one but it'll be much easier to find a ten year old Focus, Civic etc that'll stay reliable when your budget is that limited.

Couldn't disagree more. Why would a Focus or civic be any better? If they were all abused then they'll all give trouble at some stage. The BMW's are more expensive to maintain/service myth has been doing the rounds since yuppies were driving them. They're no more expensive to maintain than your average car unless you're looking at a very new one & getting it looked after in a main dealer. "Bring vasaline with you when paying the bill" :eek:

Otto parts are ok price wise & GSF are pretty good for your standard service bits. There are plenty of good independent mechanics around that will service/work on your car for the same money as a Civic/Golf or Focus.

You'll have to go for an E36 (They stopped around 98/99) if you want a 1.6 316i. It's not the most popular amongst lads who like a little poke because it's a bit windy. I can tell you it'll be no better on fuel than a 1.8 (318i). What a great car the 318i is. Bags of torque (as much as most 2.0L in it's day) & plenty of power for brisk driving or a bit of fun!

These E36 316/318i can be had for peanuts lately but most are abused examples. It's worth paying a little extra for one with full or most of the service history. Don't buy one without a new or recent NCT. They're prone to rot around the wheel arches & door sills if neglected.

Why don't you give us an idea of budget & may be we can point you in the right direction. I'd have to say a Golf, Civic or Focus doesn't come close in terms of driving enjoyment or fun. They're boring & dull. But if I had to take one in 1.6 it would be a Civic hatch back. I bet it's the most expensive to insure too

Oh, like it was said earlier, you can get a 1.6 316i in the newer E90 BMW. I think they came out in 2005-2006. Much more powerful engine than the old E36 M40 engine but it's probably a bit to early yet to tell if it's near as tough!

galwaytt

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Parts are more expensive, but you're getting a better car so what would you expect?

So the 'better' car needs parts ? And they're cheaper.

Ultimate Fixing Machine, then - which, if you pick a 316, it will be.....:p

coolbeans wrote: »

I'll probably get slated for this but I'll say it. A cheap BMW could be a real money pit. Be prepared to spend a good bit of cash on maintenance and if this doesn't sound too appealing look elsewhere. You might find a good one but it'll be much easier to find a ten year old Focus, Civic etc that'll stay reliable when your budget is that limited.

You won't get slated by me.

OP - the Focus is a better car, cheaper to fix (if), and parts a for two-and-sixpence..........

x in the city

dont buy a 316 BMW, sluggish as hell and generally a pointless exercise.

plenty other cars to pick out there

condra

Cheers again for all the replies guys. I'm not very car savvy so I appreciate the pointers.

PaulKK wrote: »

Did you actually check the insurance? I see you are 31. I've been driving a 2.0L BMW since I was 23 and the most I paid for insurance was 650 fully comp, it was 570 this year.

What is your budget? What kind of mileage will you be doing?

I haven't checked the insurance yet. I've been driving only 2 years. The last year my insurance from Aviva was a grand on a 1.3, but I'm hoping to shop around when my third year starts in September.

Mileage. Not sure, probably about 8000 a year. I don't do a whole lot of driving but I'm hoping to make a step up in terms of comfort from my current car (Toyota Cynos- Great little car but a bit tight if you're tall like me)

barochoc wrote: »

Why don't you give us an idea of budget & may be we can point you in the right direction. I'd have to say a Golf, Civic or Focus doesn't come close in terms of driving enjoyment or fun. They're boring & dull. But if I had to take one in 1.6 it would be a Civic hatch back. I bet it's the most expensive to insure too

I'll probably have around 1200-1900, so yeah, fairly tight budget!

I'm hoping to get something practical, but still with an element of style and comfort. Poke is not important to me. Must be automatic (don't hate!:p)

Barochoc, please feel free to recommend something that catches your eye.

FWIW, here are a couple of cars I was looking at:

1995 316i. 2 years left on NCT, and it's only a grand. I thought this was interesting. I imagine most BMWs would be expected to do well over 100,00m
http://www.gumtree.ie/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/bmw-316i-compact-95-automatic-99000m/79830483

Astra. I don't know. Strikes me as being a good all rounder.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2210420

Golf. I would have to check out the mileage. Looks in good condition.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2202280

Another Golf. I would need to raid the piggy bank, and little Billy wouldn't eat for a month, but I kept this in my list because of the relatively low mileage.
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Golf/GOLF-1.6/201119202376940/advert?channel=CARS

I don't feel like I'm in any rush to jump on any bargain that I come across. There are tons of cheap cars out there at the moment.

PaulKK

The Cynos is a coupe and could be loaded for insurance.

If your budget is that tight I would seriously reconsider changing cars..

If you really must change, I personally would go for a civic or something like that,
you should hopefully have minimal trouble from it.

In this case I think its better the devil you know if theres nothing wrong with the Cynos.

Anan1

condra wrote: »

I would need to raid the piggy bank, and little Billy wouldn't eat for a month,

On which subject, does little Billy have any particular space/luggage carrying requirements?

Voodoomelon

galwaytt wrote: »

So the 'better' car needs parts ? And they're cheaper.

Ultimate Fixing Machine, then - which, if you pick a 316, it will be.....:p

My point was the "better" brand, whether real or percieved will naturally be more expensive to buy parts. Goes with the territory.

mickdw

I originally said pick any bmw except a 316. IMO, the only bmw worse than a 316 is an early 316 compact.

MetzgerMeister

mickdw wrote: »

I originally said pick any bmw except a 316. IMO, the only bmw worse than a 316 is an early 316 compact.

Or any BMW compact for that matter. They look horrible! :eek:

n97 mini

If your budget is tight and you're going to get a car that old you'd be aswell to heed your father.

PaulKK wrote: »

If you really must change, I personally would go for a civic or something like that,
you should hopefully have minimal trouble from it.

The older ones are bland as **** but again they're fairly low maintenance if you get a clean one.

Matt Simis

At 31 your dad shouldnt be dictating what car you drive. Though at 31 you shouldnt be limiting yourself to a 1.6 either.

Dont bother with BMWs till you can get a good one. Will just run the marque's image in your mind otherwise.

fando

I was recently in the market looking for a car and after I drove BMW 3 series for the first time I got really hooked up. The problem was that within 3 grand I had to spend there was nothing good enough/clean enough. People are asking crazy money for the badge.

barochoc

condra wrote: »

I'll probably have around 1200-1900, so yeah, fairly tight budget!

I'm hoping to get something practical, but still with an element of style and comfort. Poke is not important to me. Must be automatic (don't hate!:p)

Barochoc, please feel free to recommend something that catches your eye.

FWIW, here are a couple of cars I was looking at:

1995 316i. 2 years left on NCT, and it's only a grand. I thought this was interesting. I imagine most BMWs would be expected to do well over 100,00m
http://www.gumtree.ie/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/bmw-316i-compact-95-automatic-99000m/79830483

Astra. I don't know. Strikes me as being a good all rounder.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2210420

Golf. I would have to check out the mileage. Looks in good condition.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2202280

Another Golf. I would need to raid the piggy bank, and little Billy wouldn't eat for a month, but I kept this in my list because of the relatively low mileage.
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Golf/GOLF-1.6/201119202376940/advert?channel=CARS

I don't feel like I'm in any rush to jump on any bargain that I come across. There are tons of cheap cars out there at the moment.

Sorry for late reply. I was away!

I'd have to say I never liked the (E36) 316 Compact but that seems like a nice car for the money & the color isn't too bad. The biggest draw back there is the auto box. Although auto can be nice sometimes it will be thirsty. It's a little smaller than the saloon/coupe version but not that much lighter either. The 1.6 just struggles a bit as it's not that powerful. A 1.8 would be a lot better with all that extra torque.

I bought a '01 316Ti (E46)for my sister a few months back for €2k. It's a 1.8 manual. It has every extra imaginable (even heated seats & cruise control) It wasn't loved for the last few years & has a few bumps a scrapes but mechanically the car is sound & pulls like a truck & handles better than any (E46) saloon/coupe I've driven (except for M3) There's lots of bargains to be had out there if you're patient & ready to move with cash in hand.

If you like the compact there's another one here I'd imagine it's manual. Nice long NCT. My only concern is no mileage & the 18" wheels. A bit over kill & expensive for tyres. The price is not too bad but i would pull him back at least €300-400 even if it's tidy as the car is 11 years old now. You'd probably have no problem finding someone with a 3 series willing to swap their 16" wheels for yours.

I'd be more inclined to go for the likes of this Based on the pictures it looks very tidy. I know you're saying 1.6 is the max but this really is a much better car than any (E36) BMW 316 you'll find. The mileage is less than average & these 1.8 engines are good for twice that when looked after. The engine bay looks very very clean. I'd just be careful it wasn't given a power wash but to be honest the engine wouldn't be running well if there was lots of water sprayed under the bonnet (speaking from experience) I'd check the aircon blows nice & cold too. You may not want aircon but it's a good bargaining point when not blowing ice cold. you'll probably get a response about it just needing re-gassing. Ask will he get it re-gassed & you'll give close to asking. He'll more than likely back out

Here's a lovely example 316i but it's in Wexford. You might get it for €1000 but I'd seriously recommend you go with a 318i

Getting away from BMW's I have a suggestion for you. I have recently bought two of these. One for a friend & for a cousin. They're both delighted & couldn't believe the value for the money. The Fiat Stilo. Going for buttons. A 1.2 Liter 16v Stilo with a 6 speed box is a surprisingly good drive & I think you'll have difficulty finding more car for the money. It's cheap on tax, very economical (especially on a long run), very comfortable (It's as big as a VW Golf) & it has plenty of extras with everyone that I've seen having AirCon, on-board computer, adjustable rear seats. Here's one on Gumtree. I'm not sure if it's still there & it's a little pricey based on what I've payed for '02's but worth a look. All I would say is look for when the timing belt was done. I find these go very cheap at around 60K miles because the owner doesn't want to pay for the work. Not the end of the world if it's not done but a great bargaining tool that should get you a couple of hundred (€300-400) more off the price.

condra

Thanks for taking the time to have a look at those cars. Unfortunately, my license is restricted to automatics, and I'm kinda partial to them anyway!

In my price range, a 2 year NCT is a definite bonus, which is why I was thinking the 316 might be worth a look. The way I see it is, if I got 2 years out of it, 950 euro is pretty cheap rent for a comfy little beamer.

Being restricted to automatic, I'm coming across a lot of Almera and Focus, which I believe are both good cars. I might just end up going with an Almera for the "bang for buck" factor, though the 5 door focus is very appealing to me.

Theres also a handful of golfs and civics with auto/tiptronic. There seems to be plenty of cars out there, even for under 2 grand. Anyway. I'm sure I'll find something.

Idbatterim

a 316 in an auto will be woeful!

Eric Cartman

bmws are as reliable as any car if maintained properly and not driven to the hilt , the bigger the enine you can get the cheaper the car, avoid a 316i or a 320d and youll be grand

Technoprisoner

bmw's tend to get a bunch of problems at the same time lol...be expecting to change front wishbones+bushes anti roll bush's possibly thermostat, rad,viscous fan,expansion bottle...i would advise you to get a jap car to be honest....we call the b m trouble-u's in work lol oh and some the parts can be exspensive as well

Idbatterim

id nearly feel embarassed telling people I drove a bmw and them expecting some beauty and its a 316, im just about to sell my 318ci, nearly felt like an impostor driving that, no more shame with the 325ci! I would agree with the jap car or ford or similar.

bmw's tend to get a bunch of problems at the same time lol...be expecting to change front wishbones+bushes anti roll bush's possibly thermostat, rad,viscous fan,expansion bottle...i would advise you to get a jap car to be honest....we call the b m trouble-u's in work lol oh and some the parts can be exspensive as well

the above is bang on, I know through experience!

secman

Just replaced a Turbo in a 06' 320D ........ almost wept, nearly €2k to include

turbo kit
Oil Filter
Breather kit
Oil change
and oh......labour

:eek::eek:


love the car and knew when buying it, that the turbo was a defo potential problem in the 320D's



Secman

JerCotter7

Technoprisoner wrote: »

bmw's tend to get a bunch of problems at the same time lol...be expecting to change front wishbones+bushes anti roll bush's possibly thermostat, rad,viscous fan,expansion bottle...i would advise you to get a jap car to be honest....we call the b m trouble-u's in work lol oh and some the parts can be exspensive as well

Stupid post.

Also the E36 318i is only SOHC afaik. So only 111/113bhp. It's the 318is that has DOHC and 140bhp. I think anyway.

daRobot

Please for the love of christ don't get a 316i

If you're going to own a BMW, do it properly and make it a 6 cylinder - 320i upwards.

For the sake of about 200 quid a year on extra tax, it's worth it.

Technoprisoner

secman wrote: »

Just replaced a Turbo in a 06' 320D ........ almost wept, nearly €2k to include

turbo kit
Oil Filter
Breather kit
Oil change
and oh......labour

:eek::eek:


love the car and knew when buying it, that the turbo was a defo potential problem in the 320D's



Secman

not a problem as long as the service is adherd to..and that would include changing the breather

Technoprisoner

JerCotter7 wrote: »

Stupid post.

why do you say that?

shedweller

Technoprisoner wrote: »

why do you say that?

Because he mocked BMW of course!!
Anyway, all that stuff can go on any car, some more than others.

I heard the gearbox oil for a 530D auto is fairly expensive (don't slag me about whether its a crap car or not, i don't care, but the OP needs to know some facts about some aspects to BMW). The driveshaft seal is prone to failing, as is the plastic sump on the gearbox. Anyone care to say how much the auto gearbox oil is? Deep pockets, you will need!!

If the OP is handy with the tools and doesn't have too busy a lifestyle then he should follow his heart and get the car he likes.

But if he is busy as hell and has loads of other financial outgoings then something reliable is the way to go. Hondas (non scumbag ones) rarely give trouble and parts are expensive but you won't realistically have to buy any other than service items.
I had an ancient civic (15 year old, 300,000km) and only had to service it, ie: fliuds and filters, pads once, tyres when i bought it.
Horses for courses?

OP needs to weigh up the pros and cons. Prestige at a price + potential hassle or relative blandness with less financial outlay and hassle.

Traumadoc

New headlamp for BMW x5 €1300 as I recently found out:mad: