Reliable

[Kevin321]

Just wondering how reliable BMW cars, and engines are.
:dunno

Thanks

[Dinan330ic]

it depends which bmw's you're talking about.

For example, the e34 530i/540i and the e38 740i nikasil engines are not reliable because it can react with the sulphur in gasoline causing it to corrode.

[Balthazarr]

Best cars I've ever owned and i've owned more than 2 dozen.
My second bimmer.

[JSN]

M engines are built for preformance, so they require more care. the main thing you'll here is if you take care of them, they'll do the same

[MaloventEvil]

180k and counting with no major work (other than new shocks :D ) *knock on wood* a bit pricy on the upkeep but if you take care of it, it will take care of you.

-Aurash
:redspot

[BoostFed325]

honestly i have had my used 95 325i since 2000 and anything that has gone wrong is totally my fault.

i have beat the living hell out of my 2.5 engine
its been supercharged since about 60,000 miles now at 108,000

and iv got about 50 drag races in and about another 50 roll races.
Still purrrs

[ltflint]

It really depends also on your definition of reliable.

My 1999 528i and my 1997 Toyota 4runner have about the same mileage. (71xxx on the bimmer, 76xxx on the yota).

Although the bimmer is newer and has a tad fewer miles, it has spent more time in the shop. (Air bag light, cassette door replacement, intermittent starting problem all covered under 4/50000 warranty), (power steering lines, steering column/seat memory module, shaft seals for drive flanges, all covered under CPO warranty). Total about 6 or 7 days in the shop. This doesn't include routine maintenance stuff that tends to be a bit more expensive than other cars I have owned (brakes, oil service, etc.)

The Toyota has spent 2 days in the shop. One day for a recall on the rear suspension that cost me nothing and another for the 60000 mile service and timing belt.

Although I have been frustrated at times with the time my 528 has been in the shop, I have always received a loaner (always a new BMW 325 or 330Ci) at no cost to me for warranty and CPO repairs.

I consider my Toyota more reliable (and previous Nissans and Hondas I have owned) because they spent little time in the shop for anything, even warranty work.

I have been extremely satisfied with the customer service I have received from my BMW dealer and will likely continue to buy BMW's.

Just my $.02

[Jx2]

ibizam3's got a 85 535 with approx 260xxx and still runs like clockwork. For the most part, the german engineering is nothing to shake a stick at. ^_^