Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=hesscl34;437017][COLOR=black]I only have good things to say about BMWs. Once you own one and drive it all of the time, it will be hard to go back to an average car. This being a new model I might worry about computer glitches, but if you buy new that will all be covered under warranty anyway. BMWs really do give you the ultimate driving experience… there isn't anything else quite like them.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

I would have to travel a minimum of 2 hours and 15 minutes for any warrenty issues which makes me concerned about the comments of glitches in the electronics etc.
I've always heard the in line 6 is the most reliable engine out there, but I haven't often heard about the electronics.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=jsarno;437023]I would have to travel a minimum of 2 hours and 15 minutes for any warrenty issues which makes me concerned about the comments of glitches in the electronics etc.
I've always heard the in line 6 is the most reliable engine out there, but I haven't often heard about the electronics.[/quote]

[COLOR=black]My car in a 2001 3series. I've had one computer glitch only since I've owned it - my oil light came on and stayed on, even though there was oil in it. That was fixed under warranty. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]HOWEVER, remember brakes and oil changes..etc are more expensive in German cars. So once your warranty is up you might want to sell it. I love mine too much and am willing to pay for the maintenance on it. I’ll have it until it dies…[/COLOR].

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=hesscl34;437029][COLOR=black]My car in a 2001 3series. I've had one computer glitch only since I've owned it - my oil light came on and stayed on, even though there was oil in it. That was fixed under warranty. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]HOWEVER, remember brakes and oil changes..etc are more expensive in German cars. So once your warranty is up you might want to sell it. I love mine too much and am willing to pay for the maintenance on it. I’ll have it until it dies…[/COLOR].[/QUOTE]

I thought about the 3 series due to their track record and (in my opinion) amazing looks, but they have grown too expensive. I can't justify buying one for 47k or more. Nor do I want to even try to justify that. That's what makes this 1 series so much more appealing. If money was no object I'd get a 6 series convertible or a 7 series, but money is an obsticle for me (unlike smootsmack...just kidding). 40k is just too much to spend on a car in my opinion (unless it's a vette...mmmmmm, veeetttttteeeeee).
How much do the oil changes go for?

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=jsarno;437022]That's basically a "suburb" of El Paso. That's where people live that are sick of all the crime in El Paso. That's about 3 hours from here. You'd be close to the [B]White Sands[/B] too...interesting place. They were just testing missles there the other day and shut down the highways.

Las Cruces has a slightly higher cost of living than Carlsbad, but there is more to do, and you're only 30-40 minutes from El Paso and an international airport.[/quote]

Exactly.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;437031]I thought about the 3 series due to their track record and (in my opinion) amazing looks, but they have grown too expensive. [b]I can't justify buying one for 47k or more.[/b] Nor do I want to even try to justify that. That's what makes this 1 series so much more appealing. If money was no object I'd get a 6 series convertible or a 7 series, but money is an obsticle for me (unlike smootsmack...just kidding). 40k is just too much to spend on a car in my opinion (unless it's a vette...mmmmmm, veeetttttteeeeee).
How much do the oil changes go for?[/QUOTE]

I just priced a 328i with options, and it came to $44270.

You can price any car with option at [url]www.bmwusa.com[/url]

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=angryssg;437033]Exactly.[/QUOTE]

gotcha.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=jsarno;437031]I thought about the 3 series due to their track record and (in my opinion) amazing looks, but they have grown too expensive. I can't justify buying one for 47k or more. Nor do I want to even try to justify that. That's what makes this 1 series so much more appealing. If money was no object I'd get a 6 series convertible or a 7 series, but money is an obsticle for me (unlike smootsmack...just kidding). 40k is just too much to spend on a car in my opinion (unless it's a vette...mmmmmm, veeetttttteeeeee).
How much do the oil changes go for?[/quote]

[COLOR=black]I purchased mine certified pre-owned with only 16k miles on it, fully loaded with leather interior, premium package ..ect for less than 30k. I also have excellent credit and I offered the dealer a price and he took it. Came with a 3yr/100k warranty. With only 16k miles on the car is was practically brand new and I got if for about 14k less than a new one. I will never buy a new car. I feel like I'm getting taken…. [/COLOR]

Maybe you should look at the certified pre-owned cars?

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=jsarno;437031]
How much do the oil changes go for?[/quote]

[COLOR=black][FONT='Times New Roman'][COLOR=black][FONT='Times New Roman'][COLOR=black]Depends on where you take it. Jiffy Lube now does foreign car service for $95 using [/COLOR]all BMW filters, oil, etc... Dealers usually charge between $150 and $250. But you don't need an oil change but ever 6500k or so. Dealers tell you that you can go 12k between oil changes, but I don’t trust that! Full synthetic oil is the reason for the price and the reason you don’t have to change the oil that often.[/FONT][/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR]

Re: BMW 1 series
 

Not advisable to let places like Jiffy Lube touch your car. Lots and lots of horror stories from places like that.

There is no reason for oil changes to cost that much. I can see $65ish for a full synthetic oil and top of the line filter, but $250 is absolutely insane.

Also, doesn't the standard BMW warranty cover all maintenance, including oil changes?

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=cpayne5;437070][B]Not advisable to let places like Jiffy Lube touch your car. Lots and lots of horror stories from places like that.[/B]

There is no reason for oil changes to cost that much. I can see $65ish for a full synthetic oil and top of the line filter, but $250 is absolutely insane.

Also, doesn't the standard BMW warranty cover all maintenance, including oil changes?[/quote]

I have a transmission at my mechanic's garage to proove it.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=hesscl34;437065][COLOR=black]I purchased mine certified pre-owned with only 16k miles on it, fully loaded with leather interior, premium package ..ect for less than 30k. I also have excellent credit and I offered the dealer a price and he took it. Came with a 3yr/100k warranty. With only 16k miles on the car is was practically brand new and I got if for about 14k less than a new one. I will never buy a new car. I feel like I'm getting taken…. [/COLOR]

Maybe you should look at the certified pre-owned cars?[/QUOTE]

I have "looked", I'm just too picky. :D

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=cpayne5;437070]Not advisable to let places like Jiffy Lube touch your car. Lots and lots of horror stories from places like that.

There is no reason for oil changes to cost that much. I can see $65ish for a full synthetic oil and top of the line filter, but $250 is absolutely insane.

[b]Also, doesn't the standard BMW warranty cover all maintenance, including oil changes?[/b][/QUOTE]

I've heard that before too...but I haven't asked yet. I am not planning to visit the dealership until this weekend or next.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=cpayne5;437070]Not advisable to let places like Jiffy Lube touch your car. Lots and lots of horror stories from places like that.

There is no reason for oil changes to cost that much. I can see $65ish for a full synthetic oil and top of the line filter, but $250 is absolutely insane.

Also, doesn't the standard BMW warranty cover all maintenance, including oil changes?[/quote]

Changing oil is so absurdly easy, no one should be paying anything close to that kind of money. Do it yourself people! You can buy a good oil filter for $7-$10, and a gallon of full synthetic for $25-$30. So for around $40 at the most you can do a full synthetic oil change and it takes all of 15 minutes. If you use conventional oil it will cost about half that.

The thought of paying $250 for an oil change makes me shudder.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=jsarno;436927]I checked out the link. It costs 61.5% more to live in Boston (where I was born and raised for 22 years) than Carlsbad, NM (where I have lived for 11 years).
[B]
I also checked out the difference between Gainesville and Carlsbad, and it would cost 16.7% more to live in Gainesville.[/B][/quote]

WOW! If Carlsbad is almost 17% cheaper than Gainesville, then I'd be living like a king too! BMWs and $450 mortgages for everyone!!!! Cheers!

Carlsbad migration! Imagine, we could all live on the same cul de sac. Matty and SS could be head of the homeowners association.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=GMScud;437114]Changing oil is so absurdly easy, no one should be paying anything close to that kind of money. Do it yourself people! You can buy a good oil filter for $7-$10, and a gallon of full synthetic for $25-$30. So for around $40 at the most you can do a full synthetic oil change and it takes all of 15 minutes. If you use conventional oil it will cost about half that.

The thought of paying $250 for an oil change makes me shudder.[/quote]


I know how to do it, but I do not like to do it. If you could point me in the direction of a garage that will let me do it myself and has the proper facilities for disposal etc., then I would consider it. As it stands now, I would rather pay someone to do the work that I don't like to do. Besides the exta cost comes with a garentee usually.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=cpayne5;437070]Not advisable to let places like Jiffy Lube touch your car. Lots and lots of horror stories from places like that.

There is no reason for oil changes to cost that much. I can see $65ish for a full synthetic oil and top of the line filter, but $250 is absolutely insane.

Also, doesn't the standard BMW warranty cover all maintenance, including oil changes?[/quote]

If you buy a new car, yes, you get maintenance. The oli change at a BMW dealers IS $250. That's why you never take it there. I take mine to a reputable place that charges me $100 for filters, oil, etc.. I've NEVER been quoted $65 for an oil change on my car. So if you know of a place, let me know (that is trustworthy).

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=angryssg;437078]I have a transmission at my mechanic's garage to proove it.[/quote]

If a oil change is so darn easy than how does a place like Jiffy Lube screw it up to the point of having a bad transmission problem??

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=hesscl34;437124]If you buy a new car, yes, you get maintenance. The oli change at a BMW dealers IS $250. That's why you never take it there. I take mine to a reputable place that charges me $100 for filters, oil, etc.. I've NEVER been quoted $65 for an oil change on my car. So if you know of a place, let me know (that is trustworthy).[/QUOTE]

NTB (National Tire and Battery) does my 07 Ram with full synthetic and filters for $63.... but that is in central PA....

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=hesscl34;437127]If a oil change is so darn easy than how does a place like Jiffy Lube screw it up to the point of having a bad transmission problem??[/QUOTE]

An oil change doesn't screw up a transmission. ;)

My guess is that he did one of their power purges, or whatever it is.

If you pay $100 for an oil change, the place is basically making about $50 off of you each time.

I do all of my own maintenance not covered by warranty, so I couldn't recommend a reputable oil change place that would be more of a deal.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=angryssg;437119]I know how to do it, but I do not like to do it. If you could point me in the direction of a garage that will let me do it myself and has the proper facilities for disposal etc., then I would consider it. As it stands now, I would rather pay someone to do the work that I don't like to do. Besides the exta cost comes with a garentee usually.[/quote]

No one really LIKES to do it, but honestly doing it in your driveway is way cheaper and actually a lot faster than driving to your nearest Jiffy Lube and waiting for them to do their overpriced BS.

Plus what kind of guarantee do really get with an oil change anyway?

Re: BMW 1 series
 

I like to do it. It gives me a chance to get up under the car and inspect things. I'd much rather change the oil than a lot of other things around the house, too.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

I'm a BMW enthusiast and previous owner of a beautiful E34 540i, so in my opinion you can't go wrong with a BMW. I think the 135 looks exceptional too - really nice all around car and really pretty affordable for what you get.

That being said, make sure you "do the math" with respect to fuel considerations. Not saying you would, but so many people seem to think paying an extra $5k-$10k is justified if they get a few extra MPG.

Let's say you get a miserable 15 MPG currently, fill up each time with about 20 gallons at say $3.15/gallon and you drive about 10,000 miles/year. A 15 MPG vehicle will run you about $2,100/year in fuel costs, whereas a 25 MPG car will run you about $1,200.

First reaction from people is usually "hey, I'm saving $900 a year! Where do I sign the papers?" Let's say the 25 MPG car costs you an extra $5k, you're not even breaking even with respect to fuel costs for over 5 1/2 years...that's assuming every other factor like reliability, maintenance, insurance, etc. remains the same. A number of auto reviewers have found the break-even point on hybrids or high-efficiency cars to be pretty far out.

Even factoring in tax breaks and whatnot it's not [B]necessarily[/B] a good deal, though it could be. I wouldn't make any rash, blanket statement, just do the appropriate research for your situation. Hybrids aren't always the huge money saver people make them out to be. If you want to buy one to better the environment, go for it. If you want a 135 cause it looks "hawt" and it's a hoot to drive, knock yourself out man. You don't' need to justify it from a fuel standpoint ;)

Along the same lines, it cracks me when people pitch a fit when gas goes up 10 cents. An extra 10 cents over 20 gallons, say once a week adds up to an extra $8/month...or less than most of us spend on a movie ticket or a large coffee at Starbucks.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=hesscl34;437127]If a oil change is so darn easy than how does a place like Jiffy Lube screw it up to the point of having a bad transmission problem??[/quote]

They didn't replace enough of the transmission fluid after they drained it.

Edit, It was time to purge everything and I was in a hurry. Normally I have a mechanic that I always take my car to, but he is in Lanham and I didn't have that kind of time. I ran it into JL so that they could change the xmsn, oil, and diff. Big mistake.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=GMScud;437139]No one really LIKES to do it, but honestly doing it in your driveway is way cheaper and actually a lot faster than driving to your nearest Jiffy Lube and waiting for them to do their overpriced BS.

[B]Plus what kind of guarantee do really get with an oil change anyway[/B]?[/quote]

I was refering more to heavier maintenance with that phrase, not necessisarily an oil change in particular. You are right, not much guarentee with an oil change.

By the way, I would never do it (change the oil) in front of my own house. I miss military installations where they have garages and bays that you can use to do your own work. You pay a very small fee and prevent your driveway from looking like the oil fields in Iraq durring Desert Storm. (exaggeration)

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;437023]I would have to travel a minimum of 2 hours and 15 minutes for any warrenty issues which makes me concerned about the comments of glitches in the electronics etc.
I've always heard the in line 6 is the most reliable engine out there, but I haven't often heard about the electronics.[/QUOTE]

No idea what hess' comment about "computer glitches" is based on. I've owned, and know a number of other people who have owned BMWs and never had "computer glitches." If you're afraid of the rogue glitch because it's a new car and "new cars have computer glitches" then I suppose you should go buy a Delorean or something...

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=GMScud;437118]WOW! If Carlsbad is almost 17% cheaper than Gainesville, then I'd be living like a king too! BMWs and $450 mortgages for everyone!!!! Cheers!

Carlsbad migration! Imagine, we could all live on the same cul de sac. Matty and SS could be head of the homeowners association.[/QUOTE]

hey,

wooooh,

wooooooooh,

hey now...

it's $490 mortgage...jeeesh. :D



I don't know of many places cheaper than here. But as always, you get what you pay for.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=mheisig;437187]I'm a BMW enthusiast and previous owner of a beautiful E34 540i, so in my opinion you can't go wrong with a BMW. I think the 135 looks exceptional too - really nice all around car and really pretty affordable for what you get.

That being said, make sure you "do the math" with respect to fuel considerations. Not saying you would, but so many people seem to think paying an extra $5k-$10k is justified if they get a few extra MPG.

Let's say you get a miserable 15 MPG currently, fill up each time with about 20 gallons at say $3.15/gallon and you drive about 10,000 miles/year. A 15 MPG vehicle will run you about $2,100/year in fuel costs, whereas a 25 MPG car will run you about $1,200.

First reaction from people is usually "hey, I'm saving $900 a year! Where do I sign the papers?" Let's say the 25 MPG car costs you an extra $5k, you're not even breaking even with respect to fuel costs for over 5 1/2 years...that's assuming every other factor like reliability, maintenance, insurance, etc. remains the same. A number of auto reviewers have found the break-even point on hybrids or high-efficiency cars to be pretty far out.

Even factoring in tax breaks and whatnot it's not [B]necessarily[/B] a good deal, though it could be. I wouldn't make any rash, blanket statement, just do the appropriate research for your situation. Hybrids aren't always the huge money saver people make them out to be. If you want to buy one to better the environment, go for it. [b]If you want a 135 cause it looks "hawt" and it's a hoot to drive, knock yourself out man. You don't' need to justify it from a fuel standpoint[/b] ;)

Along the same lines, it cracks me when people pitch a fit when gas goes up 10 cents. An extra 10 cents over 20 gallons, say once a week adds up to an extra $8/month...or less than most of us spend on a movie ticket or a large coffee at Starbucks.[/QUOTE]

Good post.

Well, like I said, I trade in vehicles after every 3-5 years and I've had my truck for almost 4 years. So it really doesn't matter...The gas cunsumption is just an added bonus. By my calculations, I'd save around $950 per year in gas which comes out to $79.17 a month. Also, I'd be paying roughly $20-30 less a month on monthly payment...add the two together and I'd save $100-$110 a month. Then again, I am pretty sure my insurance will go up, so it might be a wash. Right now, I pay $230 a month for my house, my wife's brand new 08 camry, and my 2005 GMC Sierra 4x4. (we don't have a single blemish on our record.)
I love BMW's, I love their designs, and the way they drive. I don't love their price tags though.
When it comes to price, I am concerned about overall how much, but I don't care about that otherwise. I am fine paying $400-$500 on a car payment. My real considerations are only if I will like it and it has to be under 40k very well equipped.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=mheisig;437212]No idea what hess' comment about "computer glitches" is based on. I've owned, and know a number of other people who have owned BMWs and never had "computer glitches." If you're afraid of the rogue glitch because it's a new car and "new cars have computer glitches" then I suppose you should go buy a Delorean or something...[/QUOTE]

I've never had a car with a computer glitch, then again, I never keep them long enough to see if one will develope. I am seeking advice from people that know more than I do about these cars. The salesmen won't tell me the down sides like actual owners will. I don't HAVE to trade my truck in, I just want to. If the deal doesn't work out, I'll walk.



By the way...everyone seems fascinated at my mortgage...so what are all of you paying?

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;437238]I've never had a car with a computer glitch, then again, I never keep them long enough to see if one will develope. I am seeking advice from people that know more than I do about these cars. The salesmen won't tell me the down sides like actual owners will. I don't HAVE to trade my truck in, I just want to. If the deal doesn't work out, I'll walk.



By the way...everyone seems fascinated at my mortgage...so what are all of you paying?[/QUOTE]

Given that the U.S. model of the 128/135 is brand new this year, you won't get any reliability or track record data or anecdotes on it. It's kind of the price you pay for having the hottest new car on the street.

BMWs are extremely well built - most of the major components can go well over 200k miles. Since you don't keep cars more than 4-5 years, you won't even come close to any of the major stuff.

Of course there's always the possibility of getting a lemon, or that BMW all of a sudden drops the ball on the 1-series, but that could happen with any manufacturer and any car.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=mheisig;437212]No idea what hess' comment about "computer glitches" is based on. I've owned, and know a number of other people who have owned BMWs and never had "computer glitches." If you're afraid of the rogue glitch because it's a new car and "new cars have computer glitches" then I suppose you should go buy a Delorean or something...[/quote]

My comment was a reply to a question: I was answering a question about BMWs having issues with computer "glitches" that someone else posted... and said that mine had none that I knew of other than one with my oil change light coming on for no reason.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=jsarno;437238]I've never had a car with a computer glitch, then again, I never keep them long enough to see if one will develope. I am seeking advice from people that know more than I do about these cars. The salesmen won't tell me the down sides like actual owners will. I don't HAVE to trade my truck in, I just want to. If the deal doesn't work out, I'll walk.[/quote]

BMWs are great driving machines. If you LOVE to drive a good car and can respect the way it goes around turns and moves through traffic than a BMW will make you happy as punch! Are they cheap to fix when they break down? - heck no. But you have to weigh the pros and cons..

I'll never drive another car the way I drive a BMW.. there is just no other car that can compare. They don't lie when they say they are the ultimate driving machine.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

In terms of computer and electronic issues, I think the biggest problem lies with WV.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=hesscl34;437309]BMWs are great driving machines. If you LOVE to drive a good car and can respect the way it goes around turns and moves through traffic than a BMW will make you happy as punch! Are they cheap to fix when they break down? - heck no. But you have to weigh the pros and cons..

I'll never drive another car the way I drive a BMW.. there is just no other car that can compare. They don't lie when they say they are the ultimate driving machine.[/QUOTE]

At the very least, I am going to test drive it next saturday and see where to go from there. I already know if I do get one, it's getting ordered, and that should take a good 6 weeks.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=hooskins;437327]In terms of computer and electronic issues, I think the biggest problem lies with WV.[/QUOTE]

west virginia????

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=jsarno;437328]At the very least, I am going to test drive it next saturday and see where to go from there. I already know if I do get one, it's getting ordered, and that should take a good 6 weeks.[/quote]

[COLOR=black]Every time I hear a friend say they are test diving the next "new" BMW I get jealous... They are such amazing cars..you will fall in love with them once you drive them so beware! Make SURE you take that thing around a good corner with no brakes at a reasonable speed and you will feel the way it hugs the corner..... and hugs you!! Awesome![/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]Maybe I need to trade up.. ;-)[/COLOR]

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=hesscl34;437347][COLOR=black]Every time I hear a friend say they are test diving the next "new" BMW I get jealous... They are such amazing cars..you will fall in love with them once you drive them so beware! Make SURE you take that thing around a good corner with no brakes at a reasonable speed and you will feel the way it hugs the corner..... and hugs you!! Awesome![/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]Maybe I need to trade up.. ;-)[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

If I get it, I'll be sure to post it somehow...although I said that about my wife's new camry and have yet to take a picture of it.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=jsarno;437329]west virginia????[/quote]

Sorry meant VW lol, big difference.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[QUOTE=hooskins;437350]Sorry meant VW lol, big difference.[/QUOTE]

OOOOH...should have guessed that...my bad.

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=hooskins;437350]Sorry meant VW lol, big difference.[/quote]

not really, they are both German and have similar parts.. it's like Acura is to Honda as BMW is to VW..

Re: BMW 1 series
 

[quote=hesscl34;437353]not really, they are both German and have similar parts.. it's like Acura is to Honda as BMW is to VW..[/quote]

I agree with that, but I think Js was referring to the fact I said "WV" by accident, and he thought it was West Va.


Also BMWs have very little electronic failures and issues compared to VWs. Especially Jettas, which are known to give trouble about 40 or 80k, but I guess that wouldnt matter for Js if he is getting rid of ride every 3-5 years.