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View Full Version : Could a e90/ e91, e92 or e93 go a half million miles?


abelhands
06-04-2009, 09:21 AM
Hello:
I have always had this goal in the back of my head to buy a new car or slightly used one and drive it for at least a half million miles. Do you think it's possible with the current BMW 3 series? I hear they do have some reliability issues, is that a concern of anyone? I realize its too new now to know if cars are capable of getting to that point at a reasonable cost to the owner. I realize maintence is very important, that would be well taken care of, as well as garage parking. I am considering a 2009 BMW 328i manual transmission 4 door sedan. I would definitely take advantage of the service from BMW unti it ran up then I have a German car mechanic who I use currently for my 95 5 series. I am also considering some other cars as well, I will list them, feel free to make any comments about this post, I would love to hear your thoughts.

I realize some of the cars I have listed are not in the same class as the BMW 3 series. Its just cars that I like and that I would consider owning for that period of time. I have heard that Lexus, Mercedes and Volvo are good candidates for lot's of mileage, considering they have several cars as examples with high mileage, including the Guiness book of world records guy who owns a Volvo with near 2 million miles.

My top choice is the 3 series, but I'm not completely convinced from the guys at Bimmerfest or here that it could make it. Thoughts?

I am considering these cars.
2003 BMW 530i (manual)
2009 BMW 328i (manual)
2009 Lexus ES350
2009 Volvo S80
2009 Infiniti G37 (sedan)
95 525i (current car)
4500 RPM
06-04-2009, 09:29 AM
Absolutely....but not sticking to the BMW maintenance schedule. Get a manual, obviously.
abelhands
06-04-2009, 09:41 AM
Absolutely....but not sticking to the BMW maintenance schedule. Get a manual, obviously.

What do you mean by, "not stick to the bmw maintence schedule"?
OregonE34
06-04-2009, 10:11 AM
What do you mean by, "not stick to the bmw maintence schedule"?

I believe that their service intervals are very lengthy in between them so that they can save money in the long run. Something like oil changes every 15k miles? I wouldn't know exactly, I don't have a new BMW... yet.
Jed
06-04-2009, 10:37 AM
If you're looking potentially at a 328i, why cross shop an ES350? I mean, they are nice comfy cars, but you may want to cross shop the IS250/350.

Obviously maintenance and care factors in and if you do both the BMW can last-I have a 1994 325is with over 260K miles and after a compression leak down, the motor is still as strong as ever. And the car was drag raced, autocrossed and tracked for 3 years.

But if you're looking for sheer durability/reliability and that's your main concern, it's VERY hard to beat Honda or Toyota products. Those things will run forever even when abused.
mattjw916
06-04-2009, 11:39 AM
rofl...

You'll be spending more maintaining it than the car is worth after about 10 years if you want it to remain reliable enough to drive day in and day out.

Since your location is NYC, chances are it will be crushed by a crane or stolen long before you reach 200k let alone 500k miles.
MidnightBimmer
06-05-2009, 09:35 PM
rofl...

You'll be spending more maintaining it than the car is worth after about 10 years if you want it to remain reliable enough to drive day in and day out.

Since your location is NYC, chances are it will be crushed by a crane or stolen long before you reach 200k let alone 500k miles.

I love your optimism....:D