BMW 1 series

[KLHJ2]

Originally Posted by GMScud

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?

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)

[hesscl34]

Originally Posted by cpayne5

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?

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).

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by hesscl34

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).

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

[cpayne5]

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.

[mheisig]

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 necessarily 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.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by mheisig

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 necessarily 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.

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.

[hooskins]

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

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by hooskins

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

west virginia????

[hooskins]

Originally Posted by jsarno

west virginia????

Sorry meant VW lol, big difference.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by hooskins

Sorry meant VW lol, big difference.

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

[hesscl34]

Originally Posted by hooskins

Sorry meant VW lol, big difference.

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

[hooskins]

Originally Posted by hesscl34

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

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.

[cpayne5]

Originally Posted by hesscl34

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

No, Acura to Honda is not equal to BMW to VW. Honda and Acura have the same parent companies, while BMW and VW have different parent companies. A correct correlation would be Acura is to Honda what Audi is to VW.

[KLHJ2]

Hey J, this is a little off topic, but not really. I am looking into this as my next vehicle.
YouTube - Roadfly.com - 2008 Lexus IS-F from NAIAS

[cpayne5]

Originally Posted by angryssg

Hey J, this is a little off topic, but not really. I am looking into this as my next vehicle.
YouTube - Roadfly.com - 2008 Lexus IS-F from NAIAS

Awesome car. Gotta get some pics up here if/when you get it.