2000 323i w/263K miles - how long will it last?

[cshread]

My 2000 323i just reached 263K miles. Bought it new with only 19 in 1999 and have spent a great deal of cash keeping the car in stellar condition. Last month's check-up only required an oil change, front brakes and air filter. It kills me to give up this car, but I'm starting to consider a new vehicle purchase given the high mileage. How many more miles will this car go before a major repair is needed?

[touring intl]

You defintly got your $ worth, I'd drive it till the wheels fall off, your not going to get much for that car so just enjoy the ride. :)

[SilverBeam]

Have you been keeping up on routine maintenance? That will really be the deciding factor as to when something will go. Your car may run to 500,000 miles, or it may develop a head gasket leak next week and require a rebuild. I agree with touring. Start saving up for a new ride and when the big repair comes tell your E46 that she did good and move on.

[Russell042]

Wow.. 263k is a crap load, how did you rack up so many miles?

[Isdera]

Shouldn't need to be said, but I commend you on keeping the car that long and taking care of it, as most just start not to care at that point. Like what SilverBeam said, it should last longer if you keep it in the same shape. But- I also agree with saving up for a new car/car repair sometime because even with a BMW, you just never know with that mileage.

[cshread]

The first 8 yrs were from commuting into Boston at 150 miles/day round trip. Miles add up quickly. My car gets a check-up twice per year at a minimum and as soon as I suspect anything is wrong I get it looked at and fixed. I've read the car should last between 200K-300K so I'm ready to find out how much I can push her. Just drove her from FL to Boston and not one issue. In fact, for the past three years she has been making this trip twice/year and I've had no problems whatsoever. I agree with touring, I'm not going to get anything for the car and that's what kills me. The back seat is still brand new looking since hardly anyone has sat in the back for any amount of time. Went to the showroom this past weekend to test drive the 328i x, but I'm not ready to part with my 323 just yet. I'm thinking about trading in our second vehicle for a new car and keeping my 323 "until the wheels fall off".

[BMWMPow3r]

+1, not going to be able to sell it for what its probably worth.


You defintly got your $ worth, I'd drive it till the wheels fall off, your not going to get much for that car so just enjoy the ride. :)

[SpecRacer50]

That's a great story. The car basically has no value on the open market, but it's doing the job. It'll be something big that takes the car down. Transmission, core engine problem, or even something like a steering rack. But every day you drive that car it's literally a gift, a freebie. Enjoy it, and start putting money aside for either a repair or replacement.

[Bjkearns]

I am thinking drive it into the ground obviously doing all of the maintenance in between
It may go forever but if you do not have sentimental value connected to the car you eventually need to pull the plug
high mileage german cars can eat you alive when it comes to repairing them if you are not doing it yourself

I am then as a reward for its hard work it gets gutted and get built into a track rat

[Karl Hungus]

Car has done it's job, and is nearing the end. It's hard, but you just have to take her out back and do it Old Yeller style.

[Bjkearns]

I vote give it a rebirth and a pat on the back
TRACK RAT and WEEKEND CRUISER

motor swap,trans swap,suspension overhaul

Please give it a rebirth

[aga080]

+1 on track rat

do it...do it now