Ken167

I work in sales at an auto dealer and yesterday I took in on trade a super clean 2013 BMW 535i 83k miles. My 2006 IS350 still looks and runs great but its 15 years old and showing some wear and tear.

Im tempted to get the BMW but only with a warranty. Its the turbo L6 which is a good engine but as we all know BMWs can be trouble and costly to repair.

Anyone ever have one of these BMWs?? Or I just keep my Lexus its already paid off and drive it till it dies then lease a new car.

breezy150

My brother had 2 BMWs and they gave him no trouble what so ever, One was over 130k . Id say if you’re wanting a new platform and different mechanics it wouldn’t hurt to try something new. Maybe i can snag your 350 off your hands

claarn

I owned an 06 IS350 for nearly two years as of recent. Only 100k on it until it was stolen. Absolutely loved that car. What an upsetting day ! Prior to that I owned a manual 06 325i which wasn't fast enough for me and traded it for a 2010 335i auto. Really enjoyed it but after two years I had racked up over 4k in sensor , electrical and miscellaneous engine repairs not to mention three speeding tickets... The sensors and electronics in them are a nightmare. The BMW's are truly a joy to drive but I did not like the infotainment and I hated the constant issues. My mom had a 2013 BMW X5 twin turbo v8. Went thru two engines and three ecms all before 60k miles. Now she has a honda. A friend owned a 2012 535i with lots of overheating and electrical issues. Now has a 4runner. We've all learned our lesson...
Needless to say I will NEVER own another BMW (or Audi). No reliability and you will end up paying so much more for it not only in repairs and downtime in the shop but a huge hit in depreciation that far outweighs the joy of driving it.
If you're looking for a fun and bigger car with reliability, get a GS. I currently own a 2014 GS350 f-sport going on one year after my is350 was stolen and absolutely love the car. Incredibly comfortable, roomy and a joy to drive all w/ the Lexus reliability.

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

I have buddies they all say the same thing as above. Electronics start messing up after some time. Vanos, valve cover gaskets, turbo down flex pipe. Cars were 330i, 335i. I also have a friend that has a 2019 M2 he loves that car. Also another one with a 535i no problems that I've heard from yet. He has changed the valve cover gasket I think already.

They are nice cars, but for maintenance wise they can become very costly.

Ken167

Yes all good info and exactly what I was already thinking. BMW nice cars but expensive repairs. I think Ill keep my IS350 even with 240K miles it still runs good and if repairs are needed parts and labor much less and BMW.

firestart9

I've seen some BMWs that I would have taken a chance on: 128i and 135i at under 100,000 km (60,000 miles); full service history, no accidents.

If it was a 2nd car with no need for reliability for work, I would have gone for it. IF the right deal came along (which they sometimes do).

Are they really better driving experience than Lexus?

GrizzlyMan

You can check bimmerpost forums, there is tons of info on all their platforms.

My neighbor has a 2013 328, before reaching 50k miles he has already replaced steering rack, fuel pump, struts, brakes and rotors, tires, and a few cabin sensor. Last sensor was $450, the one for the lights. BMW wheels are weak, although lighter than Lexus, they are not forged, two bent from road pot holes.
A co-worker has a similar BMW, but his he brought from Germany when he was in the military, has had zero problems.
I almost bought a 135i, oil burning, bad rotors, noisy tires, valve cover leak, it had 70k or so.

IMO, one has to have a separate escrow account for repairs. In bimmerpost forums, most do, or is a lease.

*Unless you have "play money" to burn and a backup vehicle, I would not buy a BMW.

good luck