Classic BMW/Merc as a daily

Morning all!

I think around this time next year I'll need to finally get a car with 4 seats. If I play it safe I will probably cough up and get a modern barge, such as a 5 series or an E Class. I used to borrow my dad's F10 5 series and it was a brilliant car, so I've got no doubt a newer 5 series or E Class would be lovely to waft around in. It's probably going to be between a 530D and an E Class Coupe.

However, I'm sure like many of you, as soon as I see an old BMW or Merc I swoon over them and wonder if I can make it work as a daily.

I don't do tons of miles, however I think it's about time I got something I can transport a few extra people in, and my mum's not as mobile as she used to be so it would be nice to be able to transport her around in comfort too. Maybe I'm just getting older, but I quite fancy something quiet and peaceful I can cruise around in. Maybe around 5000 miles a year at most.

So my question to you guys is, does anyone in here use an older BMW or Merc as a daily? or something they'd confidently put some miles in? E39, E34 and E30s are in the mix for me. Along with maybe old Merc E Classes, S Classes, or even a 190E. Any advice or thoughts on it? is it even advised to use a late 80's early 90's car as a daily in 2024 onwards? I was born in 91 so having a car same age as me and chugging along would just put a smile on my face :wink:

They're all of course beautiful to look at, so I am weighing up the extra style points and lower costs to get into some of them compared to additional creature comforts, stress-free driving and lower maintenance costs of their new counterparts. My budget would be around £20-£25k.

Pics for attention 8)

What do you need your daily for? eg mines a shopping trolly plus I drive to the continent and Scotland a few times each year, so need economy fun, but not space or gadgets.

buzyg said:

What do you need your daily for? eg mines a shopping trolly plus I drive to the continent and Scotland a few times each year, so need economy fun, but not space or gadgets.

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Predominantly just going to the gym during the week, doing my weekly food shop, popping to the office every couple of weeks which is about a 100 mile roundtrip. It needs to be somewhere I trust for a long drive and don't think twice about jumping in to drive across the UK (this is where the older cars give me a bit of pause). At the moment the Z4 does all these things but as mentioned above, I'm coming round to the idea of getting something bigger. It doesn't need tons of gadgets. Some parking sensors, AC, and heated seats will do just fine as that's what I have now. My parents are getting older and their eyesights failing so I tend to be the driver if it's a wedding far away or whatever, so that's another reason I fancy getting a barge, and my dad can just sell his Audi (which I don't particularly enjoy driving) and they can get something small and easy to park.

Of the older BMWs and Merc's, obviously with it being the newest, the E39 seems the safest bet, and I've heard really good things about the 530i. but it would be good to know peoples thoughts overall.

As I don't do tons of miles, I'm not that bothered about driving fast anymore, just something with loads of character and a nice sound while being able to transport 4 people would probably make me happy.

Personally I wouldn't have an old German car as a daily. Firstly, if you can find a good one it will be expensive to buy as someone has decided 20 year old cars are now 'modern classics'. Then there are the running costs. Old cars go wrong more often, it's just the way it is and parts for a 20 year old BMW or MB are as expensive (or more in some cases as they become rare) as modern cars.

A good car will probably have low mileage, so using it all the time will kill the value and it will probably go rusty aswell.

I would look to lease a daily; prices of leases are coming down a lot as they went stupid for a few years. On 5k a year mileage you will get a good deal on a lot of cars. Then spend the extra on an older car for 'special occasions'.

I think an E92 is the oldest car I would consider as a daily car or the 2010-2013 E class coupe (cos I think they are a pretty car). I know lots of people do have old cars as dailies but I wouldn't be confident in one.

Pondrew said:

Personally I wouldn't have an old German car as a daily. Firstly, if you can find a good one it will be expensive to buy as someone has decided 20 year old cars are now 'modern classics'. Then there are the running costs. Old cars go wrong more often, it's just the way it is and parts for a 20 year old BMW or MB are as expensive (or more in some cases as they become rare) as modern cars.

A good car will probably have low mileage, so using it all the time will kill the value and it will probably go rusty aswell.

I would look to lease a daily; prices of leases are coming down a lot as they went stupid for a few years. On 5k a year mileage you will get a good deal on a lot of cars. Then spend the extra on an older car for 'special occasions'.

I think an E92 is the oldest car I would consider as a daily car or the 2010-2013 E class coupe (cos I think they are a pretty car). I know lots of people do have old cars as dailies but I wouldn't be confident in one.

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Appreciate the input mate. In terms of leasing, is there anywhere decent online to gauge costs? I've only used Auto Trader so far, not sure how accurate it is!

To be fair, I'd probably be quite happy with a 2018 onwards 530D or whatever, they look to be brilliant cars with plenty of pull and are definitely all the car I'll ever need. However the rebel in me keeps eyeing up older interesting cars :lol: As you said, maybe a funky old E30 or whatever could be something on the side for special occasions as I'm not quite sure how much faith I'd put in it to drive to Scotland or whatever, but that's why I thought I'd ask on here

Abbas said:

In terms of leasing, is there anywhere decent online to gauge costs?

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I always used www.leasing.com. Comparison site that has lots of deals from main dealers to 'spare room brokers'.

Back in 2014 when I bought my first Z4 I needed a decent daily for elderly parent taxi duties, but mine have all been older BMWS, not classics.

Anyway I bought a 2002 E46 325ti and kept it until 2018 as Mum needed a walker or wheelchair and folding the rear seats in the Compact to fit them in became a PITA. Replaced it with a 2006 E91 325i in 2018 which worked fine, but just felt a bit sluggish so in 2019 I replaced it with a 2005 E90 330i (wheelchair fitted without needing the rear seats folded) and although Mum passed away in 2020 I still have it because it's just so good at most things.

All were 100+K milers and most years seemed to throw up a £300-500 bill for random items over and above routine servicing like a bowed radiator, split PAS pipe, dead electric water pump, track control arm bushes, knackered rear shocks, a split wire in the loom for the boot, broken door lock, etc. but I figure that as I have minimal depreciation I'd rather keep what I have than take a leap into the unknown.

So you'd probably need to reckon on items like that, but as the models you've mentioned are all quite a bit older my biggest concern would be rust, rust and then a bit more rust! Even my E46 was starting to get a bit on one of the front wings, but then it did begin it's life in Scotland and was 16 years old by then. Thankfully E9* 3 Series seem to be much less prone to body corrosion.

I did have a 1989 190e for a couple of years but that was at the end of the 90s and it was a great car - much better built than the C Class I foolishly replaced it with.

I've never had concerns about not getting to my destination, or not getting back with any of them but they are just old BMWs not Classics. Using any of your suggestions as a daily you'd probably need to find an exceptional example and maybe keep breakdown cover in force!

But if you do get one good luck. :thumbsup:

Mr Tidy said:

Back in 2014 when I bought my first Z4 I needed a decent daily for elderly parent taxi duties, but mine have all been older BMWS, not classics.

Anyway I bought a 2002 E46 325ti and kept it until 2018 as Mum needed a walker or wheelchair and folding the rear seats in the Compact to fit them in became a PITA. Replaced it with a 2006 E91 325i in 2018 which worked fine, but just felt a bit sluggish so in 2019 I replaced it with a 2005 E90 330i (wheelchair fitted without needing the rear seats folded) and although Mum passed away in 2020 I still have it because it's just so good at most things.

All were 100+K milers and most years seemed to throw up a £300-500 bill for random items over and above routine servicing like a bowed radiator, split PAS pipe, dead electric water pump, track control arm bushes, knackered rear shocks, a split wire in the loom for the boot, broken door lock, etc. but I figure that as I have minimal depreciation I'd rather keep what I have than take a leap into the unknown.

So you'd probably need to reckon on items like that, but as the models you've mentioned are all quite a bit older my biggest concern would be rust, rust and then a bit more rust! Even my E46 was starting to get a bit on one of the front wings, but then it did begin it's life in Scotland and was 16 years old by then. Thankfully E9* 3 Series seem to be much less prone to body corrosion.

I did have a 1989 190e for a couple of years but that was at the end of the 90s and it was a great car - much better built than the C Class I foolishly replaced it with.

I've never had concerns about not getting to my destination, or not getting back with any of them but they are just old BMWs not Classics. Using any of your suggestions as a daily you'd probably need to find an exceptional example and maybe keep breakdown cover in force!

But if you do get one good luck. :thumbsup:

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Thanks mate and what a great set of cars you’ve had! To be fair, e46 is potentially on the cards too. I’ve always quite liked the 330ci, I think it has the n52 engine too which is obviously a peach. Likewise, the e39 is of the same era and I quite like the look of those and they have more room at the back. I really like the e9x as an estate too, 335i would be looooovely.

As you said, there’s probably going to be a good chunk of annual maintenance but the lower initial cost would probably offset against the much higher initial cost for a new(ish) car. Let’s see how we go!

Abbas said:

Thanks mate and what a great set of cars you’ve had! To be fair, e46 is potentially on the cards too. I’ve always quite liked the 330ci, I think it has the n52 engine too which is obviously a peach. Likewise, the e39 is of the same era and I quite like the look of those and they have more room at the back. I really like the e9x as an estate too, 335i would be looooovely.

As you said, there’s probably going to be a good chunk of annual maintenance but the lower initial cost would probably offset against the much higher initial cost for a new(ish) car. Let’s see how we go!

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I've loved them all - just as well really as there aren't any RWD manual options if you want more than 4 cylinders!

The E46s only ever had the M54 engine which is great but after having 2 in Z4s I prefer it, so both my E9*s were early models with the N52. Later ones got the N53 Direct Injection engine which does seem to have a few more issues like coked up inlet manifolds.

335i is great but early ones had the N54 engine with twin turbos like the E89 35i and 35is so can have turbo, injector and High Pressure Fuel Pump issues we've seen discussed on here, but with the bonus of £700+ a year Road Tax thrown in!

I can talk myself into that for my MC, but not for a 3 Series daily, although later 335i models got the N55 with one twin-scroll turbo that seems less troublesome and cheaper to tax.

My nephews' 2004 E46 Touring had crusty arches all round by 2018. Not a big problem on the front with bolted on wings but more of an issue on the back, although for some reason the Compacts seem to be less affected by corrosion.

Mr Tidy said:

although later 335i models got the N55 with one twin-scroll turbo that seems less troublesome and cheaper to tax.

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I was under the impression that the N55 was even worse than the N54 for expensive failures; only it had just one turbo to go wrong instead of two?

Pondrew said:

I was under the impression that the N55 was even worse than the N54 for expensive failures; only it had just one turbo to go wrong instead of two?

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Quote possibly but I'm stuck in a mid 2000s time-warp with N/A engines. :lol:

There's no replacement for displacement!

I have to continually talk myself out of going to look at this :lol:

https://www.gumtree.com/p/bmw/bmw-5-series-3.0-530i-sport-4dr-free-delivery-to-your-door-/1471231103

I’m with you an older BMW, a 540i if I could find a decent one. If above had been a 540i it’d already be on my drive :rofl:

Argyll Andy said:

a 540i if I could find a decent one. If above had been a 540i it’d already be on my drive

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My mate had a 540i 20 odd years ago. It sounded absolutely epic. Got to admit the E39 (?) is a good looking car. Especially the later ones. I think they were the first BMs with 'angel eyes'

Argyll Andy said:

I have to continually talk myself out of going to look at this

https://www.gumtree.com/p/bmw/bmw-5-ser ... 1471231103

I’m with you an older BMW, a 540i if I could find a decent one. If above had been a 540i it’d already be on my drive

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It looks great, and as much as I love E39s it's much too wafty for me!

I bought my manual E90 330i for about a third of the money 5 years ago, although it had done 107K miles. I keep telling myself I'm too young for an Auto barge. :lol:

My Zed was my daily driver back in 2009, but as soon as I started modifying it for track use, I decided that I needed a more suitable daily driver. Over the years, in order, I've had an E46 320td Compact, a Honda S2000, an SLK, a B7 RS4 Avant and now Lotus Exige.
- The 320td was great fun - it changed direction surprisingly well and was fairly quick if I kept the turbo spinning. However, I found myself walking past it and using my Zed far too often, so it had to go. It was extremely reliable and economical during my ownership, and had no corrosion except for crusty brake pipes.
- The Honda S2000 wouldn't suit your needs, but it was great fun and I only sold it because I had a job in Australia.
- The SLK was a cheap stop-gap car whilst I was in Sydney temporarily. I needed an automatic so my wife could use it too, otherwise I would have bought an MX5 or Mk II MR2 instead. It was exactly the car you would expect it to be an no more!
- I bought my RS4 when I came back to the UK and still have it there in storage now I'm back in Aus. It's a fantastic daily driver and utterly ballistic point-to-point on country lanes. On broken Devon back roads, it was far faster than my stiff, jittery Zed. It's the only Audi I've driven that belied the "Audis are all nose-heavy and understeer" expectation. The space in the back for adult is poor and fuel economy is dismal, so I wouldn't recommend one unless you crave an NA V8 that will deliver 450hp and hit 8500rpm (mine has had a few mods along the way).
- My Exige - again, not the car for your needs, I suspect, although I absolutely love it!

My wife has had a 2011 E Class Coupe from new. As Pondy said, they're a good looking car, but the interior is cheaply made which reflects the quality of the most of the recent Mercedes products I've driven. Post 2005 BMW and Audi interiors seem to be more robust than the equivalent Mercedes, and they're often more attractive to start with too.

Our family car is an F Pace S diesel. It's does everything well, although the ride is a little stiff on really badly made surfaces. With 700Nm of torque it tows very well and is very brisk. It's been very reliable over almost 100k miles and needed nothing except servicing (and cosmetic repairs when my wife parks by touch).

I would be concerned about crash safety using an 80s or 90s BMW or similar as a daily driver, especially with my family on board (so says the man who drives a canoe in a sea of Hiluxes and Land Cruisers). If your parents are aged, perhaps something a little further off the ground than a sporty saloon car would be better? I drove a friend's Macan Turbo on a track day and it really surprised me how well it handled and how good the ride was during a cool-down lap. Otherwise, how much is an F Pace SVR in the UK now?

My daily is a KIA Sportage but it comfortable, reliable and relatively cheap. The Mrs likes the high seating position (hence why she will not drive the Z4). I have had X5 and various 3 series before and they all did a great job. However we do like the way the seats go down and there is plenty of room to transport stuff in the KIA.

So if i was to buy a daily for the family and kids (my choice) i would probably go for a 3 or 5 series estate, smooth, comfortable and most importantly plenty of room for the fishing gear. Although realistically as the Mrs likes to sit high up its more likely i would get an Evoke, discovery or another X5.

I love the look of classic cars but i also like some comforts (sat nav, bluetooth, cruise control etc) so having one as a daily is unlikely. the cost of running one is not cheap, there are very few luxuries and safety would be concerning.

RAYK47 said:

So if i was to buy a daily for the family and kids (my choice) i would probably go for a 3 or 5 series estate, smooth, comfortable and most importantly plenty of room for the fishing gear. Although realistically as the Mrs likes to sit high up its more likely i would get an Evoke, discovery or another X5.

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After a lot of time thinking about it, as much as the rebel in me doesn't like it, I think a newish 5 series touring is probably the way to go. I can buy it and 'forget about it' to some degree and it just runs well, with good mpg and don't need to worry too much about things falling off. I go hiking and camping etc alot too so I think it would be a really good companion for that. Cliche saying but definitely will be 'all the car I'll ever need'. If/when I do get it, it'll probably be a while till I can afford a sporty car on the side again, so atleast owning a 530D or whatever will still give me some kind of driving pleasure till I'm back in a cool analogue car.

I've thought about high-seating cars like yourself but just wasn't for me! I wish it was, as I think some of them look really cool, including the Kia Sportage actually and also the Evoque as you mentioned. I had an older X5 for a bit and didn't get on with it

I think what Pondrew said is probably the way to go. Where I get my fix for cool and interesting cars on the side as something for 'special occasions' and don't have to worry about them being suitable for driving cross-country, and most importantly, safe. I need to own a cool E30 in my life once atleast

Abbas said:

I think what Pondrew said is probably the way to go.

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After nearly 9,000 posts of utter rubbish, it had to happen one day!

I've printed the post out and framed it! :lol:

Abbas said:

RAYK47 said:

So if i was to buy a daily for the family and kids (my choice) i would probably go for a 3 or 5 series estate, smooth, comfortable and most importantly plenty of room for the fishing gear. Although realistically as the Mrs likes to sit high up its more likely i would get an Evoke, discovery or another X5.

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After a lot of time thinking about it, as much as the rebel in me doesn't like it, I think a newish 5 series touring is probably the way to go. I can buy it and 'forget about it' to some degree and it just runs well, with good mpg and don't need to worry too much about things falling off. I go hiking and camping etc alot too so I think it would be a really good companion for that. Cliche saying but definitely will be 'all the car I'll ever need'. If/when I do get it, it'll probably be a while till I can afford a sporty car on the side again, so atleast owning a 530D or whatever will still give me some kind of driving pleasure till I'm back in a cool analogue car.

I've thought about high-seating cars like yourself but just wasn't for me! I wish it was, as I think some of them look really cool, including the Kia Sportage actually and also the Evoque as you mentioned. I had an older X5 for a bit and didn't get on with it

I think what Pondrew said is probably the way to go. Where I get my fix for cool and interesting cars on the side as something for 'special occasions' and don't have to worry about them being suitable for driving cross-country, and most importantly, safe. I need to own a cool E30 in my life once atleast

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i think a 5 series estate is a safe bet and will do all the jobs very, very well. :thumbsup:

My X5 was about 2000 (i had it a few years after that though), it was the 4.4l V8 petrol so was very fun, 15MPG (normal driving) was not fun though. Or the repair costs when the suspension went either.

RAYK47 said:

My X5 was about 2000 (i had it a few years after that though), it was the 4.4l V8 petrol so was very fun, 15MPG (normal driving) was not fun though. Or the repair costs when the suspension went either.

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Funny you say that, I gave into impulse and got a 4.8is :rofl:

Probably very similar to yours in that it pulled very, very well. I had a bad experience with mine from the start really, as the infamous air suspension gave out literally as soon as I drove it away after purchase, so the ride quality back up the m1 was awful and I was regretting it from day 1 Ended up not bothering investigating it (and spending loads at an indie), so just put it on standard struts and springs. They were also prone for the valve stem seals going out and blowing white smoke out the exhaust so I was always a bit on edge firing it up. 10MPG and having to spend money fixing it as soon as I bought it wasn't fun though so I didn't keep it long. It looked absolutely fantastic however, and sounded very nice. I always had a soft spot for an E53!

In hindsight, I should have probably just got the diesel or something to get on with it a bit better.