It sounds like you are going in with your eyes open...they are rather lovely cars, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Mine brings a smile to my face every timeI drive it.
A few more things to bear in mind:
BMW claims that their cars don't need transmission or axle oil services. This is disingenuous (in my opinion). BMW does not manufacture its own gearboxes or diffs and the manufacturers of each do recommend services. The diff oil is a cheap and easy job and is sensible preventative maintenance. The gearbox fitted to the car you are considering has a filter in the pan, consequently the whole oil pan needs to be changed when you service the gearbox. While this is not cheap, it might prevent (very rare) gearbox failure. It's also worth savouring the thought that a transmission oil and filter service on your automatic would be much cheaper than replacing the clutch and dual mass flywheel on a manual.
There are a few suspension bushes that fail on these cars. In particular there are big soft bushes on the front suspension wishbones that wear out quite fast. The steering becomes twitchy and nervous when they are worn out. These too are a cheap and easy fix. I knew that mine needed to be replaced (I've had a few old BMWs and know what they feel like). I've just upgraded mine and I'm thrilled by the improvement.
Check the tyres to see if it's still on runflats. If they are worn, they are upsettingly expensive to replace, if you buy a premium brand. I always scrap runflats and fit XL rated, premium performance tyres in preference. This improves the ride, reduces the harsh road noise and improves ultimate road holding (again, in my opinion) and it is much cheaper, but I also bought a jack, wheel brace and a space saver. I also carry instant tyre bodge in a can, a string repair kit and an electric pump, just in case, because I don't like restricting my speed on long hauls home! This is my 3rd BMW that should have been on runcraps. My wife is an equestrian, so I have had to deal with more than our fair share of punctures from hoof nails over the years! (If you puncture a run flat, they generally cannot be repaired).
The electric power steering can fail on these face lift cars; pre facelift cars had hydraulic power steering. Mine is fine, but my previous BMW was a low mileage 130i with a similar steering; it failed. It was off the road for about 10 days while the motor was sent off for repair/recon.
A few more things to bear in mind:
BMW claims that their cars don't need transmission or axle oil services. This is disingenuous (in my opinion). BMW does not manufacture its own gearboxes or diffs and the manufacturers of each do recommend services. The diff oil is a cheap and easy job and is sensible preventative maintenance. The gearbox fitted to the car you are considering has a filter in the pan, consequently the whole oil pan needs to be changed when you service the gearbox. While this is not cheap, it might prevent (very rare) gearbox failure. It's also worth savouring the thought that a transmission oil and filter service on your automatic would be much cheaper than replacing the clutch and dual mass flywheel on a manual.
There are a few suspension bushes that fail on these cars. In particular there are big soft bushes on the front suspension wishbones that wear out quite fast. The steering becomes twitchy and nervous when they are worn out. These too are a cheap and easy fix. I knew that mine needed to be replaced (I've had a few old BMWs and know what they feel like). I've just upgraded mine and I'm thrilled by the improvement.
Check the tyres to see if it's still on runflats. If they are worn, they are upsettingly expensive to replace, if you buy a premium brand. I always scrap runflats and fit XL rated, premium performance tyres in preference. This improves the ride, reduces the harsh road noise and improves ultimate road holding (again, in my opinion) and it is much cheaper, but I also bought a jack, wheel brace and a space saver. I also carry instant tyre bodge in a can, a string repair kit and an electric pump, just in case, because I don't like restricting my speed on long hauls home! This is my 3rd BMW that should have been on runcraps. My wife is an equestrian, so I have had to deal with more than our fair share of punctures from hoof nails over the years! (If you puncture a run flat, they generally cannot be repaired).
The electric power steering can fail on these face lift cars; pre facelift cars had hydraulic power steering. Mine is fine, but my previous BMW was a low mileage 130i with a similar steering; it failed. It was off the road for about 10 days while the motor was sent off for repair/recon.
North West Surrey
