Exhaust rusted to pieces.
Sticking air valve.
Corroded brake lines.
Track rod ends wore out.
Dials failed.
Things starting to rattle.
Four sensors (brake light, coolant, washer fluid, brake pads) warning of non-existent problems.
Fuel line leaking.
This car had a full BMW service history from one owner when I bought it, and I hoped for some trouble free motoring. I was very wrong. The last service came in at £500, and that wasn't a BMW dealer.
Very unpleasant car to own; I was led to believe these were fun to drive, but it lacks any spirit unless you really thrash it. The power doesn't come in till about 4000rpm, and even then it isn't that great.
Although the car is quiet to drive, the suspension is harsh and doesn't seem to deliver stable handling either; it all feels rather jumpy when taking a corner ambitiously. I'm sure this could be sorted with uprated suspension, but considering the firmness of the ride, I expected better from the stock shocks.
By far the worst thing about the car however, is the truly diabolical fuel economy. When I first got the car, I thought there was a fuel leak; that's how bad it is. It could be expected in a fast or heavy car, but this car isn't fast or heavy; I simply don't know what it's doing with it all. I don't drive fast, but this car will happily empty its tank in just a few hours of gently driving, and it will take £50 in the tank.
It's got to the point now that I dread driving this car, and I don't know why I've kept it as long as I have. It's going up for sale now and I'll be glad to be rid of it.
On the plus side, it's given me plenty of problems, but has never left me stranded. It always starts and never stops.
In fairness, full BMW history or not, it was nearly 20 years old when you bought it. When a car is 20 years old, it doesn't matter how well it was built, or how well it's been serviced - it will not be problem-free.
Buying a 20 year old car and all you have are some small electrical problems in 2 years? And you are still complaining? And you are complaining on petrol consumption on a 20 year old 6 cyl engined car? It's not exactly a turbo diesel.
I appreciate your comments, but I'm not unfamiliar with old cars. The combination of low mileage (80k) and the maintenance it should have received from BMW along with living in a garage it's whole life should have caused less problems. I have only mentioned the biggest issues here and have skipped smaller things that have occurred.
As for the fuel economy, I wasn't expecting it to be brilliant by any means, but even the age can't justify it in my opinion.
I'm now driving a 1988 Mitsubishi Shogun LWB (nearly double the weight of the BMW) with 183k on the clock and it looks like it spent half of those barrel rolling down hills, it has clearly been abused. Nevertheless it gives me fewer problems and better fuel economy and is all round much more pleasurable to own.
Maybe I just got a bad example, but my experience of this car was enough to put a very sour taste in my mouth.
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When you buy an older car, it is hit or miss. Some people treat their cars like gold, while others treat them like dirt. I bought a 1986 325e in 2006 and have had minor problems with it. I have replaced the fuel lines, timing belt, water pump, alternator, and dash panel. However, the car has well over 300,000 miles on it and still gets at least 25 mpg in the city, while also running strong. Like I said, it is hit or miss when you buy a used car, especially one as old as ours. I have two brothers that are also BMW enthusiasts and we have gone through several 3 and 5 series cars, and will continue to do so. Don't give up on BMW just yet. If a deal comes along, inspect the car and don't hesitate to take a chance with BMW. They really are "The Ultimate Driving Machine".
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