1994 BMW 3 Series i from North America - Comments

The car has an oil leak and I believe it may need a new belt. The a/c was completely redone last summer. The clock display needs a new bulb. I had to replace the motor and transmission mounts. The wheel bearings also need to be worked on.

I have a love/hate relationship with this car. Although I must say that it is more fun to drive and a lot more reliable than my previous car, which by the way was brand new. I bought this car in 2005. I knew better then to buy a used car without first taking it to a mechanic to be evaluated. My advice to all who read this is, if you are buying a used car make sure you take it to an independent dealer or mechanic and let them run a test on the car. This way you will know exactly what you are getting into. Believe me it will be worth the effort.

Had I done that I would not have bought this car. I am exhausted having spent so much money on fixing all the things that have worn out on this car. (nearly three grand in two years) The good news is that the motor and transmission are still running great. Other than having to change parts because of wear and tear I have had no major problems with this vehicle.

Every car needs maintenance. You bought it with almost 130k miles, which most cars don't make to. AC probably was scheduled to be replaced at 80 or 100k, belts always were and need to be replaced around 60k.

So all in all not really surprising that you had to pour money into it to get it right.

Now I would also replace thermostat, radiator and hoses.

If it's an automatic, replace the transmission filter and fluid too.

That car could last you 300k + miles. I've seen it many times with these.

Yes these are good cars and worth spending a few dollars on. I have a 14-year-old 318i and have replaced the shocks, all belts once, and some other details because I am a perfectionist. All of these items were pretty cheap and I am planning on keeping the car forever even when I buy something newer because it gets excellent gas mileage, it is paid for, and I know I can rely on it. Good luck with yours, if you take care of the problems now you will not regret it later!