Need service/troubles info on current models please

[ross1]

My neighbors see all the elderly BMWs that usually clutter my driveway and figure I'm an expert on BMWs.
The daughter of my next door neighbor lives out of state and her Audi spit the timing belt so she's looking for a replacement, a BMW, convertible , 2013- 2016 according to her father who has asked me if any caveats regarding these models. I assume she would be looking at F30 variants, no?
I have not even sat in one of these as I have zero interest in the newer models but promised my neighbor, who always has a cold beer to offer, that I would look into it.
So, knowing a few pros who regularly see these newfangled contraptions frequent here I am asking what I should tell her to look out for and what to expect regarding service and what is expected to fail.
Thanks all, in advance.
Ross

[White94RX]

F33 is the convertible from 2014 and newer. I think a 2013 'vert is still a E93 model (but not 100% sure).

There's really nothing major to worry about. Anything that new will likely still in under factory warranty. Certified pre-owned vehicles may carry a premium, but it's probably worth the piece of mind to have a longer warranty. All BMW's leak oil eventually, as I'm sure you know. These cars have electric power steering, so that does eliminate one fluid that would leak.

[dworthy]

The E-93 ran thru the MY-13, and the F-33 started in 03/2013, so there is a little overlap on the 2 models. Like anything build, I would caution the first year of a model, and normally the last years are better as most of the kinks have been worked out.

Of course a PPI would be in order if the car isn't purchased at a dealership, and like noted above, certified come with a price tag.

The only thing I have seen is the brakes like to get rusty quick on those cars, not sure why.

[bmwdirtracer]

White94RX has more experience, by far, with the newer models, than I.

What I would say, without doubt, is that your neighbor needs to buy a car with the best warranty he can find. CPO, or BMW extended warranty will be the best bets.

From your viewpoint, remember that you're going to be responsible for the recommendation you make, even if you've never seen the particular car in question. Cover your ass, by pushing the warrantied car!

If the turbo or transmission fails on the drive home, you need to be able to still share a beer with the guy, conscience clear!

[ross1]

Thanks.
I'll be sure to stress the value of a CPO car, or at least one that has been thoroughly inspected.
Another neighbor just called after buying a used x3, "got such a good deal on it", wants to know how much I'd charge to fix all the oil leaks. Right

[dworthy]

Another neighbor just called after buying a used x3, "got such a good deal on it", wants to know how much I'd charge to fix all the oil leaks. Right

That's going to cost more than a case of beer!

[bmwdirtracer]

Pray it's not the oil pan!

[ross1]

I aint touching it, sent her to a local indy shop.