I recently have been putting a significant amount of money into my 1996 LS. Friday, I will be specnding $735+ on engine and tranny mounts and last week it was $215 for a break and and ps flush. All inn all, it's been a $1,000 month and about a $2,000 year.

Is it time to get something new and get as much cash for the LS as possible? I hate to say it, but I'm leaning towards a 3-series right now. Thanks!

 

You need us to make a decision for you?

You could save some money and do some of the work yourself.

 

What's the mileage?

 

Keep the damn car. The 3 series will cost you even more. Once you get all of these things finished, the car will go 100k no problem!

 

keep ur LS bro!!!! if u think 2000 is alot for ur LS i dont think u even wanna know how much BMW cost in repairs! u can spend $500-$1000 juss replacing brakes alone. oil change cost $80-$100 every three months. unless you know how to work on ur own car i dont think it will be a good move, but thats just me. i say Lexus all day!

 

you're slightly confused if you think a similar vintage 3-series will be in any way cheaper/easier to maintain than an LS.

see once you get the LS running properly (or buy one that's in good nick) it generally doesnt BREAK again. the 3-series on the other hand...

 

BMW 3-Series are great cars. It is not a secret that maintenance parts can be expensive but it's a fun car to drive which will overshadow the cost to own it.

Look for the low miles, otherwise, you will need to replace the fan clutch, fan blade, OEM coolant, waterpump (get the metal impeller not the plastic), thermostat (get the aluminum not the plastic), idler pulley, tensioner, timing chain guides, and Vanos Kit. Ask the seller if they have been replaced if not you will need to replace them asap. It takes one to know one.

Now to the fun stuff (Power Adder): Very expensive. You will be spending just about $100 per horsepower or sometimes even more but... just as long as you're happy then it's a good deal.

Don't let this scare you just be advised.

 

he may be referring to a newer 3-series, though even the new ones have their share of maintenance, and as already mentioned, costs much more!

it's really up to you, but i say keep searching and learning around here. you will save loads of cash doing things yourself as there are many threads here showing how to do so.

 

I owned a E30, E36 and maintained a E34... Lets just say each model has its own quirks. I easily spent $4000 on maintenance on my E36 just to get it up to my standards.
I have a love hate relation with my LS.

Bmw parts cost more IMO. Even with wholesale discounts its more expensive than Lexus. I would never want to own a used Bmw with out a warranty. Just incase one of those "things" just happened to happen.

Keep in mind... Bmw specific shop vs Japanese shop. Vs Dealer ship.

 

Car loans are one of the worse investment you will make, but if you are happy then it's a good deal.

 

I know what you mean.

I owned E39 w/ M5 package, E36 M3, and E36 325i race inspired.

Now I'm slowly working on my LS400 and she has all my attention.

 

Thanks for all the input guys. The car has 156K on it and ALL maintenance has been done by the prior owner at a Lexus dealership (they overpaid I guess). So, with all said and done, I think I will stick with the LS.

On a separate note, does anyone here ever hear a "popping" noise possibly coming from the suspension when you go over a dip?

 

Our suspension's, being well over a decade old, are notorious for making noise.
A popping noise could be a number of things. From a shock bottoming out to any number of our bushings being worn. without more info it would be near impossible to diagnose.

 

+2 on Keeping the LS

 

You come into the LS400 forum & ask if you should sell your LS400 in favour of a 3 series BMW?


BURN HIM!!!