'Oh crap!' Costs and their likelihood

G

gameover000

Member
Hello everyone! So I won't lie, I got myself in a wee panic this past week after thinking itd be clever to read through some of the problem threads, thinking to myself that while I did factor in higher costs than my previous car, I really wouldn't want to afford the bigger, less likely breakage (who would?!).

I guess that's the problem with reading a forum that's purely based on problems...like googling your latest illness!

So my question is, and I get its vague, what are the chances of a BIG cost (say 1500 up) for things I either couldn't do myself or in my other halves uncle's experienced, but non BMW specific garage (brakes, suspension etc) on my 23k 20i? I read a lot about people having to put it into the dealer due to all the fancy diagnostics, and it's got me worried...which is detracting from the enjoyment a little :(

Thoughts/views welcome!
 
Next to none....

Stop worrying yourself.... You have a low miles,relatively simple set up..

It will be fine..
 
For every person who has had a problem there will be a dozen that have had trouble free motoring.
If you believed all the problems that every car has and avoided them you wouldnt own a car.
 
Just enjoy your car mate, every car has its potential issues but these things are pretty solid so I wouldn't worry too much.
 
Yep, as above. Low cost for what it is. Unless you'd like to venture into the VANOS issues...?
 
Think I needed to hear that folks! Already planning out spending my (our...) wedding dosh if something went pop haha.

I'll pay off the half I've yet to pay off quicker than planned - maybe start a 'just in case' car fund.

I blame it on my MR2 days - 2 cars, first one had SO MANY ISSUES, and that was my first car so I get dead paranoid about noises, rattles etc.

VANOS??
 
What makes faults a pain is the diagnostic time, either personal or cost, to find the problem.
Once they are identified then become minor issues to replace .
Beauty of these forums and listing problems is hopefully people can get an idea as to how to fix themselves or at least not get ripped off by dealers or garages.
Most problems seem to be common design or manufacturing faults.
 
Most things you worry about never, ever, happen (not just cars either!). If they do? Suck it up and move on having learnt something - you don't have any choice really when you think about it.

If you want peace of mind find yourself a local independent with a good reputation and full diagnostics capability. Start your search now - don't wait until something breaks or starts making strange noises. If you're anywhere near me I'd point you to Noel Butler and Autokraft, close to J4/M42. If not, I'm sure others can help depending on where you are: you'll get a more "adaptive" type of service than a main dealer.

Both are OK, just different.

(Oh - and one's a lot cheaper...........).
 
I have owned 2 e89s , the first one in the 2 years I owned it not a problem , second one 3 months in the roof failed ok it was a new car so didnt have to worry about cost (although when I asked dealer he said if there had been one the bill would have been in the region of £800) but I agree with bob4333 stuff mostly doesnt happen so worrying about what might is a good way to drive yourself bonkers
 
Tuck a hundred quid a month in a sock and when nothing has gone wrong in two years time, enjoy a good Holiday. :wink:
 
Thanks guys, all good advice!

I'll hunt for an indy here - I'm in Dundee so will do a bit of digging this weekend :)

PS - I'm always losing socks, terrible idea!
 
Six years and just a window lifter (£150) plus routine brake/suspension bush replacements.

These cars fall in to two camps, pretty much fault free or plagued by a regular drip-drip of smaller faults that can ratchet-up the £s (and get you down) but the e86/86 seems remarkably free from disastrous breakdowns and big engine/drivetrain work.
 
I'd be surprised if there were any huge costs on the listed car - those sort of bills are expected on ///M cars though.

If you're really worried all you can do is plan for it and prep your finances in advance - worst case after ownership you have spare lump of money to play with (or go towards your next car!)
 
Look at the extended warranty options - you can get an online quote for this from BMW - and then figure if you'd prefer just to put the money aside rather than pay for that.

Our E89 has had extremely irritating niggles - wheels cracked and water ingress into both rear light clusters. The wheels are expensive if you go back to BMW - but a set of decent non-OEM alloys isn't that expensive (potentially the same or less less than the cost of a single BMW replacement wheel) - and if you subtract the price of a refurb you can convince yourself that things are not that bad. After hearing horror stories regarding the cost of the rear light clusters they're not expensive if you either do it yourself with a non-BMW part (which probably is the BMW part but bought from the original supplier) or got to an independent.

Normal wear and tear such as brake pads and discs are not outrageous if you go to an independent specuialist or possibly negotiate with your dealer. (Though the wear rate on the rear disc and pads seems high - possibly a combination of the traction/stability system and being a bit under specified).
 
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