Cyclone Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 I have a 3 year old Z4, servicing cost £250 with an interval of 16k. Touch wood, i've not had any problems (apart from people running into me and tree branches falling into the road) in the 6 months i've had it. Amazingly, i've found that the indicators do work, and that buying it didn't suddenly turn me into some sort of irresponsible moron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EyeSpy Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 I have had two BMW's, a 1998 316i compact and a 2000 318se. Few things you should conisder about BMW's before purchasing: Servicing by a main dealer is quite expensive but if you come to re-sell the fact that you have had it serviced by a main dealer will enable you to barter for a better p/x price. Parts can be quite expensive, my 318 back exhaust went and i soon found out that BMW do not segment their exhausts like a lot of other manufacturers, I had to have the whole exhaust replaced including the cat convertor and it cost over a grand to replace. Once you have driven a BMW, many other cars will seem tame and jittery, BMW are renowned for the drive and comfort. In all, i would advise you to take the plunge, however at £3k for a "R" plate i would seriously have a look around at more before going head first. There are quite a few bargain Beamers out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stackmonkey Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 I've previously had a 1988F 320iSE for 40,000 miles over 2 years, which had 1 or 2 minor electrical problems but otherwise ran fine in all conditions, and a 1989G 530iSE for 55,000miles over 2.5 years taking it up to 163K which ran faultlessly bar usual wear and tear. For older vehicles, don't touch main dealers for cost, but do find an independent specialist with a good reputation and servicing costs will only be higher because of parts prices. A good stainless steel exhaust costs less than a BMW mild steel one, for example. Performance, comfort and economy (for the car and engine size) were fine on mine and spec levels were ok but not generous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigcheese Posted October 9, 2006 Author Share Posted October 9, 2006 Thanks for the advice guys. I wouldn't pay 3K for an R reg, I was just saying thats what my budget is. The one I have been looking at is £2195. I'm just a bit wary thats all, and the missus is nagging me cos I bought a Calibra a year ago, and it was a pain in the arse. The fuel bill was sky high aswell, but that was a 2litre injection. Does anyone know what the fuel consumption is like on the 316i? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fr8neck Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 .................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stackmonkey Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Thanks for the advice guys. I wouldn't pay 3K for an R reg, I was just saying thats what my budget is. The one I have been looking at is £2195. I'm just a bit wary thats all, and the missus is nagging me cos I bought a Calibra a year ago, and it was a pain in the arse. The fuel bill was sky high aswell, but that was a 2litre injection. Does anyone know what the fuel consumption is like on the 316i? I would have thought mid 30s mpg for a 1.6 in mixed driving? My 320 did about 30-32mpg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony2311 Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 the 316 is a 4 pot engine and its not as smooth as the staight 6, there not much price difference apart from insurance, So if you are over 25 the staight 6 is a much better car, it uses a bit more fuel but the smoothness and effectless power makes it worth the bit extra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EyeSpy Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Can i also recommend you check that it is 1.6, as i thought all BMW's prior to the 1 series were a minimum 1.9 engine. I know my 316 was 1.9 anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benny4 Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 did you end up getting one? is it any good? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrogo Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Thanks for the advice guys. I wouldn't pay 3K for an R reg, I was just saying thats what my budget is. The one I have been looking at is £2195. I'm just a bit wary thats all, and the missus is nagging me cos I bought a Calibra a year ago, and it was a pain in the arse. The fuel bill was sky high aswell, but that was a 2litre injection. Does anyone know what the fuel consumption is like on the 316i? Think you will find bmw's are petrolholics and BMW should offer rehab services my 5 series does less than 20 to gal around town. I had a 318 many years ago, and that did the same on a 1.6 engine. But, I just love the luxury big car feel, and bmw does it for me. You can pic a 5 series up for less than £1000. Parts don't cost that much if you go to GFS, and for a car over 10 years old, just use a backstreet garage like Limestone Motors. Kevins serviced mine for the last 6 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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