I Just Got a New Best Friend: ruclips.net/video/HRmhgm4x3Us/видео.html ⬇️Scotty’s Top DIY Tools: 1. Bluetooth Scan Tool: amzn.to/2nfvmaD 2. Mid-Grade Scan Tool: amzn.to/33dKI0k 3. My Fancy (Originally $5,000) Professional Scan Tool: amzn.to/31khBXC 4. Cheap Scan Tool: amzn.to/2D8Tvae 5. Dash Cam (Every Car Should Have One): amzn.to/2YQW36t 6. Basic Mechanic Tool Set: amzn.to/2tEr6Ce 7. Professional Socket Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 8. Ratcheting Wrench Set: amzn.to/2BQjj8A 9. No Charging Required Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/3i7SH5D 10. Battery Pack Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2nrc6qR ⬇️ Things used in this video: 1. Common Sense 2. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2HkjavH 3. Camera Microphone: amzn.to/2Evn167 4. Camera Tripod: amzn.to/2Jwog8S 5. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/301tYt9 Subscribe and hit the notification bell! ► goo.gl/CFismN As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
talk about the timing chain that is snapping on bmws with the n20 engine from 2012 to 2015! it’s causes CATASTROPHIC engine failure and BMW refuses to admit fault !
Everyone's going to have different experiences with different brands. The problem is, we want too much like: reliability, low cost, efficiency, non cheap interiors, fast engines, being fun to drive, interior space, good parts, cheaper labor, etc.. all on the cheap. It's never going to happen, if you want a specific thing, you're gonna have to give up something else for it. That's just life in a nutshell
In reality, too many people care about how a car looks, you can get most of those things in a honda civic, for example, or a chevy spark or something. Decently reliable, good gas mileage, cheap parts, smaller cars are fun to drive for me at least, cheap labor, etc.
In Mexico we use to say this: "When somebody bought a new brand premium car (BMW, Audi, Land Rover, MB) he is a rich person but when somebody bought an used premium brand car he is a millionaire"
if you have to have a BMW and you have a reasonable budget and are pretty handy with a wrench, buy a BMW 128i. No turbo, no fancy electronics, and a reliable N52 engine. after market parts are inexpensive. They are a lot more fun to drive then a corolla or camry.
As a former BMW owner for over 14 years, I can say that everything that Scotty is saying is true. That being said, the way that BMW sedans and coups drive is just amazing compared to a Toyota and Honda, which I also have owned. I currently own a Honda and I miss the way my 330i drove but not the endless mechanic bills.
@@dad1967 high quality and reliability are two different things. A Rolls Royce is high quality but not reliable while a Toyota Corolla is reliable but not high quality.
@@markremy4946 did you ever see how cheap and crappy the interior of a 2004 corvette is ? Don’t want to daily drive a car with an econobox interior 😂, that’s why back in 2004 I chose the BMW over a Corvette. It wast long ago that the Chevy Cruise and Corvette had the same exact steering wheel and other interior bits
I had that same year and model BMW. Bought the extended warranty and it was the funnest car I ever had! No issues at all. My son totaled it right after the extended warranty expired. I guess that was a blessing in disguise. 😂
@@TheDutchGuyOnYT Yes, I have owned it since 2010. Starting having issues around 75K. There is usually something that pops up every 6 months. Rear main seal is leaking oil right now. A BMW will educate you on every part of the car.
@@samuelwilliams7331it’s not a owner nightmare. Know how to fix these cars or don’t get them at all. Lots of ways to save on BMW maintenance. It’s mostly labor costs that make them expensive to own. RUclips is full of DIY’s and there are plenty of honest mechanics that won’t rip you off.
As a BMW owner (on number 4) you are spot on. My favorite was the 98 3 series that was before everything was plastic under the hood. Why do I still drive one? They are just great handling/performing cars and that straight six is like sewing machine smooth. When they work. I know what I have and I know that the maintenance is horrendous. Fortunately I am competent enough with a wrench that I can get a few layers in for some of the maintenance. My experience is that the plastic starts failing at 8-10 years old and, as you stated, mileage isn't the key factor. I will say this, to get to that no 6 spark plug take all that air inlet cowling of. Not so hard after you have done it 2-3 times. Also, if you need to change one coil go ahead and do all 6 with the plugs. For a BMW they actually aren't that expensive. Like you say, know what you are getting into if you buy a used BMW.
Same here, i do the work myself. I have a 06 manual 330i, the last n/a strait 6. E90 is one of the easiest to work on, tools and resourses are easy to aquire. BMW have maintenence at mileage intervals. There are n52 engines with 500,000 miles. Plastic parts are not that expensive, fcp euro has lifetime replacement for parts you buy from them even oil.
Yeah I had a 1990 320i with the M20, was beautiful to drive and easy to work on. Now I have a 2003 330ci sport with 180k miles and I've had to do a lot of preventative maintenance that the PO didn't do.😂 Luckily I can do most of it myself so it's not been a fortune. For instance I literally did the vanos oil seals yesterday with Beisan systems and new hardware from BMW, cost £120 in total and the car drives insanely well now. I can drive in a higher gear everywhere the torque is beautiful. But yeah as you say it's knowing what you're in for when you buy an older BMW!! Being prepared that you'll have to replace things. I did all new coils and plugs straight after buying the E46, the alternator died on me and now the headlights are giving me trouble 😩 but I wouldn't swap it for anything else, the way it drives and sounds is beautiful 🙌🏻
My e46 330ix is still driving with 260k on it the only time your going to dump money with a 3 series is if your taking it to the dealership for everything better off buying a Honda
Try and find a hot water heater tank without plastic parts, you will have to buy it on-line or use a plumber. Nothing you can get at HD or L lacks plastic parts.
If you buy a bmw, plan to work on it yourself The thing about bmw is it’s very easy to work on it yourself with common tools. If you have the time, you can even swap turbos yourself. BMWs are actually a good learning experience There are plenty of forums where people discuss common issues and how to fix them
@@s.platted google is your friend. most popular platforms have very dedicated communities. E46 chassis (1999-2005 production date 3 series, 2000 - 2006 model year) for example is one of the most popular platforms for tuning/racing, and has a massive following of enthusiasts and vendors supplying OE manufacturer aftermarket parts. you save a TON buy buying the OE part, just without the BMW badge. The only parts that suck are interior parts, because theres not really an aftermarket for those. gotta go to BMW, where the door card armrest insert costs $250 (so i just got a piece of leather and recovered it myself)
There is only one route to owning these cars. Buy new and sell three months before the warranty runs out. Here in Germany it's now becoming commonplace to sell them as soon as two years old. Taking the depreciation loss is less costly than repairing them. And repair them you will. BMW today, I'm sad to say, is nowhere close to the quality they had in the past.
Rubbish, I've owned 9 BMW's some from new some as old as 20 years. So long as you buy right and they are serviced regularly and properly they are very reliable. Parts are expensive, but you get what you pay for. Currently I have an X4M and an old 2004 E60 530 Msport. Owned it for 7 years and total cost to maintain is just under $5500 USD runs and looks like new inside and out, whereas my Ford of the same year with half the milage is now worth $500, paint faded and clear coat peeling. Inside everything is perishing or now broken. Only thing that is good is the engine.
I owned a number of different Beemers. Scotty is right - expensive to repair, so I learned how to do basic repairs myself. I never had major issues with any of my cars and I do love the ride ... nothing like it. But I hate taking my cars to the dealership for service.
Clue's in your name. "MD." You're a doctor of some kind. You make tons of money. No wonder you like them. You trade them in every 2-4 years, and don't have to face the swarm of problems they have. Normal people can't relate to you.
I drive a used bmw 2011 and it runs great, I take care of the smaller jobs myself and bring it a trusted shop that only works on bmws for bigger stuff. Owned for 2 years and it’s been very reliable. About to hit 300,000 km no engine light. It is the non turbo model tho.
@@davecrupel2817 wow 😯 actually I’m not a doctor. I was military and lived in Europe so I guess I was exposed to the vehicles true capabilities there. I just try to take good care of my cars. Also I admit that I’m probably lucky. But definitely not aristocratic.
@@carolinausedmachinery I agree. I’ve noticed over the years that BMW is trying to cut out third-party mechanics by using customized parts and tools and charging a premium to purchase them. It’s ridiculous.
I have a 2002 530i that I bought a couple years ago. It's the coolest car I've ever had and it's required more work than any other car as well. I recently replaced the oil pan gasket, which required dropping the subframe for a $20 part. I do most of the repairs myself as taking it to a mechanic is too costly. This will probably be my last BMW. I've learned a ton about cars by working on my vehicle, but buying another bimmer scares the crap out of me knowing what I know now.
@@carolinausedmachinery that's the normal change interval for radiator changes and cooling system replacement that I followed for my 3s. Where are the water management issues on your 530 and your dad's vehicle.
I went from BMW to Subaru. It's low maintenance but I baby it the same way I did my BMW. Both brands make excellent cars, you just have to be willing to learn.
I own two BMWs that are both around 10 years old. I agree with Scotty on the plastic stuff and the parts are so expensive. But I enjoy working on them myself and learning the technology. The online community and resources for BMWs are great. But when friends/family say they want to buy one, I usually talk them out of it.
Totally agree with you because I'm Bmw own too.. I have to Bmw cars and I'm working myself too and I learn a lot of things about cars during searching and diagnosing problems 😁
I mean I think it depends how well they're maintained too. I have a 2001 Bmw 330i that I use only for commuting to work. I bought it with 120k from an older guy who maintained it at the dealer. Currently it has 201k miles and it still runs great!! I've only done normal routine maintenance.. The only problem it gave me was a bad fuel pump, but I was easily able to replace it in under an hour. I don't believe they're unreliable cars, I just think they are more pricey to maintain that some people just neglect them until they have problems
Amazing machines that are prone to breakage as described. Scotty is 100% right. The use of plastics and the excessive heat generated by the turbos make these a maintenance and repair nightmare. I paid over $50K and have had about $25K worth of repairs. Luckily I’ve done most of it myself. Pulling the engine and dismantling the front end to replace the oil pan GASKET. Insane amount of labor for a simple procedure. Wish this video existed in 2009 before I bought mine.
I got my first bmw (98 528i) almost 16 years ago… car has 375K and runs fine…. I’ve averaged 11-12K miles a year. I did all my own work until back surgery 2 years ago… Plastic crap is indeed a regal pain…. straight 6’s are very reliable
I've have my 06 3 series for 10 years now. Almost 200k on it. What Scotty says is true, the plastic parts are a nightmare and if you take it to the mechanic you'll spend a fortune. For the past 5 years I've been doing all the maintenance myself and became a pretty good mechanic working on the car; just replaced my clutch last December. No regrets though I love driving that car and taking it to the track
@@1LukeG1 E36s are na exception to the rule. A BMW master tech friend of mine advises that the E36 is the only car he'd buy used to fix up and drive daily with any real expectation of life over 100k miles.
@@leon_De_Grelle E9X 325/328is with the n52 are also slept on for reliability, as long as you change the oil on time and do basic preventative maintenance that thing will take you well past 200k in at 211k and mine still pulls and sounds/drives amazing
1:44 ''The overuse of plastic'' Spot on, and exactly what I was waiting for. I know a lot of garages won't touch a BMW over here, because when you get in there to fix something, something else breaks in the process. Plastic and heat is compulsory failure.
BMW Owner’s perspective. Car : 530i Touring (G31) New : March 2018 Bought : December 2019 with 7000 km on the clock. Mileage as on March 2024 : 77 000 kms Maintenance: All brake discs(rotors) and pads replaced by BMW for free under warranty for vibration during braking when car is at 60kmph when car was 18 000 km All brakes discs(rotors) replaced when car was drive 65 000 kms and this was paid by me ($2500 service costs). The vibration issue was solved temporarily but the real issue was damaged swing arms (worn out bearings). All discs/rotors, brake pads and front swing arms replaced again at 75 000 kms and BMW acknowledged their error and only charged me $1200 for the swing arms. Rest has just been routine service & maintenance with oil & filter changes which is super cheap if you buy the BMW service packs. I live in Europe. Average yearly maintenance costs comes to around $1000 per year and this is for the first 6 years of ownership. Is it high? I don’t think. Build quality? Its superb. When I sit on the plush Dakota Leather seats and enjoy the panorama roof, heads-up display, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, superior sound insulation etc. every km driven is enjoyable and I have amazing memories on long roadtrips (including driving through the Alps and also the Furka Pass). Could I saved more money buying a Honda and Toyota? YES. Could I saved more money taking the public transport system? HELL YES.
The majority of BMWs in my country come with 4 years of free maintenance. I bought one (G20 320d) with this option and I'm paying only for fuel, a tax, and taxi when this crap break again (7 times for 2 years, all front suspension had been replaced). Is it a great car? I would think so if hadn't owned Q50 before.
@@artems4537 never had a single problem with my 320i. Might be a monday vehicle. You don't really see many problems with the 3 series apart from the nav head unit in the beginning
I’m pretty used to German cars so the excitement has gone away, but when I drive a Toyota Corolla, makes me want to go back to the Germans. Sure they may be expensive to maintain, but the drive is so satisfying. Nothing compares! And not sure if Scotty knows, but the 328i would have been a fair review as the 335i has a reputation for being unreliable due to its twin turbo engine setup!
Facts. They do require more maintenance and things are more expensive to fix but the driving experience is like no other. There are only be Mercedes and Porsche in my driveway.
The Toyota model is quite simple. Don't change much and don't try to do too much. They keep it basic. If you're not changing things every 5 seconds, you really can hone in on reliability. Heck, when did they finally make power windows standard? They are also more expensive new compared to their basic counterparts (Chevy/Ford/etc.). BMW and most German cars simply try to do too much. Sensors are everywhere to wow you. Over time, people spend as much or more with Toyotas. You can certainly drive a chevy and fix it cheaper for 500k miles with the money you pocket up front. There are always isolated cases of expensive failures, but parts like the 4L60 are one of the few transmissions I would trust a rebuild. I simply wouldn't say that on most Hondas or Toyotas. But if you truly prefer Toyota, etc., like the case in this video, just pay the extra for what you want up front. Same goes for BMW.
The turbos are not that unreliable. The only issue that happens often is wastegate rattle. The rattle is nothing but a slight noise when it first starts.
I have the 2008 328i and it has been very reliable over the 15 years I've owned it. Just 5 repairs so far, 2 early on under warranty. The most recent repairs I did DIY without much trouble and they were due to age and wear and tear.
You are so right Scotty. That’s why I turned in my 2018 MBZ GLC300 when the lease expired. Just like BMW I did not want to get stuck with high maintenance costs. Ended up buying a Lexus NX300 which is much cheaper to maintain.
I was laughing all the way through. I still have one of these 3 series albeit a 1994 six cylinder and the only 2 redeeming things I can say about it are 1) I have become a pretty good mechanic as a result 2) it drives in a unique and satisfying way. Which reminds me of dirt bikes I rode in the 1970's . Ride it one day and work on it the other six !!!
had an 03 X5 4.4L. It felt like an F-15. Tons of performance and power. It also required the same amount of maintanence as a jet fighter. No visit to the shop was ever less than $850
@@Mikeya85 LOL only those that can't afford say "paying for the badge". No one buys a Toyota thinking it has the most power/ tech/ handling/ performance in its class.
The most common issue with bmws are the oil leaks. The gaskets go bad after 100,000 miles - and sometimes all at once. If you replace one gasket do them all. There’s thee valves cover gasket, oil cooler gaskets, oil cooler in and out lines and the crankshaft seal. Make sure you change them all after 100,000 miles.
I only understood "Planned Obsolescence" when I worked at Dallas Dodge. The amount of money dealers make on Service, Parts, Diagnostics, Recurring Maintenance is almost unbelievable!
When I was a young boy playing outside, we would say BMW stands for “Break my Window”. Now, it officially stands for “Break my Wallet” Thank you, Scotty!!
I have heard that expression Break My Windows wonce. I have always thought BMW was the abbreviation for Bring More Wrenches. So my question is is why Break My Windows?
@@bennybeeeee more recently BMW have REALLY IMPROVED and jumped a LONG ways in terms of reliability and overall cost of maintenance as a brand as a whole but historically there track records have had issues here and there
Have a 2016 750i with about 64,000 miles on it. Got it checked out in advance and it was in great condition. Was initially a leaser like virtually all 7 series sedans are. Have had zero issues with it. Maybe they'll come up in the future (likely at 100,000), but I'm confident I can handle simple to intermediate repairs, especially considering buying OEM 3rd party parts and installing them yourself with your own diagnostic tool cuts the price of repairs by a ton.
I'm thinking about getting a 2020 750i with the same idea when they drop to around 35k-45k instead of the 50k-60k they are right now. The V8 engine they use is actually reliable as long as you take care of it and can go for a long amount of miles.
my plan as well but make sure you have the actual $$ and time to maintain. I have a '08 XC90 volvo which I love and mostly wrench myself. Need a new alternator at 212k miles, $350 duralast will work if you can put in yourself but my specialist will charge $1125. Why? Bosch wholesale price $500 plus markup is $725 plus $400 labor, plus day in shop, plus a tow of my dead car at $150. So you are up to $1275 for an alternator. Plus is that volvo is not crazily complicated because its an old design but that model 7 is.
I work on my own BMW 540i, X5/50i, and 330i. You are correct that a dealership is expensive, but I laugh at people who buy a high-end sports car and then complain about costs for maintenance and premium fuel. Live within your means; everyone is not entitled to own luxury cars. But, those same people think the government should pay for their lifestyle. 🤦♀️
My e92 2008 was a nightmare. Still loved that car. It's a fact though. Your water pump and seals are going to go bad if they haven't already. It's not cheap.
Scotty is right on the money: this car is for three types of folks: the DIY, those who can afford the baggage associated with owning a BMW, or those who lease it. What gets me, however, is the extreme depreciation! Wow!!
jaguar has worse depreciation. by a factor of 2x. at least. and the new jags dont even look good enough to be worth the trouble of trying to maintain a used one. If you want to see some depreciation tho, check out newer model ford focus. Those things are designed to be thrown away.
Glad I got an Acura instead. Over 100k miles and normal maintenance with only major cost was a rear strut replacement. I got it used for 9k about 4-5 years ago and it had about 75k miles and it's 2012 Acura TL. Solid built, and reliable.
I have both a TL type-s and a 2011 335i with N54. I daily the Acura as it is super reliable and somewhat quick. However, its nowhere near as fun as the 3 series and short of spending $150k Acura doesnt make any car that compete with even a non-M BMW model. Apples to Oranges.
$40,000 car and BMW can't even give customers hood struts that last 100 uses. I highly doubt BMW owners are opening their hoods too often to check fluids.
Bought one ( 320d ) 6 years ago / 11 months old at 13000 miles. Now done 34000 and oil changed every year. Returns up to 60mpg and never ever thrashed. Just replaced all the rotors / pads with Brembo. Drives a dream and is fitted with the B47 engine which replaced the N47 engine and 8 speed auto. Never regretted buying the car. Has never ever given me any problem and garaged all the time. Look after the car and it will look after you. Thrash it about the place and you will wear it out and give yourself problems.
Got myself a 318d n47 e90, replaced timing chain for 1000 bucks and running problem free ever since. Drives like new, 30mpg city driving, 50 to 60mpg highway. 1000 bucks for a timing chain replacement is nothing compared to the fun and comfort e90 series provides.
NEVER EVER again. I've owned two, a 5 series and a Z4. What a substantial piece of substandard engineering. Dumped as soon as the warranty expired. NEVER EVER again.
@@tristenisaacs8581 2011 Z4 the whole trunk filled with water, the taillights filled with water, the roof only half closed two different times. The battery in the trunk was submerged. I found out later the BMW dealer in Seattle drilled a small hole to drain the water. That vehicle was in the dealership for 2mo after I purchased it. I love the new Toyota Supra, but, it's basically a BMW. I hope you have better luck. I love the looks of that car.
I have a 2008 bmw 528xi fully loaded. and I had it since 90.000 miles . it's been 13 years and all I changed was brakes , all fluids changed, and front and back suspension and a few coolant hoses . my car is at 210.000 miles and engine still quiet as a baby . ITS NOT THE CAR ITS THE USER. 💯💯💯
I have the same car 08 528xi 205k did all the same repairs front and rear springs the entire front suspension alternator start ignition coils . The lifter tick is my only complaint expensive to maintain but I have had it sin 2013 with 68k. I have gotten my moneys worth . I won’t buy a BMW again .
N54 are really amazing engines if you take care of them though… every time I drove it, it draw a smile on my face. It does have some problems like turbos, injectors, timing chain, etc… but the feeling you get when driving this car… priceless!
So it's a great engine, the only problem is every single accessory and sensor attached to it is made of yoghurt tub plastic and prone to breaking.... Got it 👍LMAO
Scotty is not wrong but I love German cars so I put up with it! My 01 e46 has been my most headache but I absolutely love how it drives (Still running strong today over 150,000 miles) I had the opportunity to buy another one with less miles but opted not to just because of knowing the headache my first one put me through initially
The only people who hate BMW after owning one are the people who bought one with turbos or are 3rd or 4th owners. The 328i with the naturally aspirated inline 6 is hands down the most reliable BMW I've owned (4) and second out of all my cars only to a 99' Honda crv with 350k miles on it. Less power sure but also less in repairs.
Keep up the good work Scotty, I have a BMW and it's been brilliant, glad people think they are no good second hand, keeps prices down for those of us in the know
Most of the people on here don’t know how to take care of a vehicle correctly and also don’t have the brains to get under the hood and try it themselves. The reason I got my 335i n55 was because of that reason right there! I got it for cheap under 13k and I literally fix anything that goes wrong on it myself! Just buy the parts for cheap and fix it. Luckily I do have another car which is a Lexus so I will never be stranded while working on the bimmer 😂
Man, I'm glad you exist Scotty! Love your videos! I have 2 BMWs I work on myself and I can't argue with anything you say. The '97 M3 isn't too bad, and it's simple. But my 2012 X5M, as amazing as it is to drive, is a complete nightmare. I have a serious problem and need professional help!
I had the 2009 version of this car with a manual transmission . Super fun car … had the old school CPO warranty . BMW replaced both turbos and AC compressor ( huge labor ) under warranty . Sold that baby at 100k when the warranty expired
2 года назад+10
I had a couple of BMW's, e90 with 2.5 litre I6 (N52) and e46 coupe with older 2.5 I6 (M54). The e90 was a daily driver, other one was a weekend drive. Both lovely to drive, both built to perfection, solid like a rock! Also a common thing for both of them is that both of them were prone to failing, often and badly. It was not worth it, sold both of them after 3 years. I gave them for a low price just to get rid of them. I know a lot of people with the same experience...
Which engine did you like more? N52 or M54? Thanks
2 года назад
@@nurousek123 mine was N52B25A, it was 2.5 litre, 218 hp, valvetronic. It was a better engine to drive than the M54, low power on low rpm but it sang all the way up to 7k rpm. That particular version has a problem with thin thin piston rings so it drank oil like crazy. It was a better engine to drive but was ready for a rebuild after 180k km...
M54 is one of the best engines ever created. I own one with 200.000km and sold anotger recently with 200.000km too. There are a few little sealings that can go bad on these but they are so easy to fix everyone can do it. The way the E46 and E39 handle is unmatched in my opinion.
I own a 335i. Had it for 8 years now. I know how to take it apart all kinds of ways. By now, i've replaced all the plastic parts with aluminum upgrades (cheaper than OEM). They are not bad if you are mechanically inclined and can work on them yourself. If you depend on the dealer for labor, then you are screwed and will forever be broke.
I bought a so called "most reliable" version, an 06 530i with an N52, but still yeah, 100 percent agree with you. Those BMW guys who love them are blind to this stuff and just call every one else cheep for not doing maintenance, but rebuilding an engine is beyond maintenance to me. I went through hell with mine, and I thought it was going to be easy fixes, and that I got a deal. I did, but yeah, not worth doing stuff like major repairs all the time and calling it maintenance. Endless money pit is right. I don't care what kind of deal you got on it. Never again, and I'm a mechanic as well. Japan makes stuff I like working on.😉
See I have a BMW with the N52 and I’ve been ok so far with the maintenance. I did have to replace the ignition coil and I’m starting to get some small oil leaks, but with FCP Euro making it so that parts have a lifetime warranty, a lot of those repairs have been paid off by the free oil changes from the warrantied oil and I’ll never have to pay for a valve cover gasket ever again
@@Dashi18n mine was closing in on 200k miles (hence the deal i guess) so maybe that's just the breaking point idk, I have heard many others say this was the best engine, it probably is. It was BMW maintained before I got it too. Vanos, 99 percent of codes are Vanos related I found. but otherwise an ok engine really.
@@attunedofficial 200k out of any engine is pretty good and I’ve seen some N52’s with over 300k out there along with M54’s. I don’t find it surprising that the vanos were the prime culprit later in life, but it is a shame how that and the water pump were the weak points of that engine.
My dad owns an '81 of that same model. Those cars were built when Mercedes meant prestige, reliability, and longevity unlike the common plastic car brand it's become today such as BMW and Volvo. Now not only are these "premium" cars even more expensive to buy but even more so to maintain along with the inconvenience of going in for frequent repairs. Just not worth it any more with them. Only those "keeping up with Joneses" types buy/lease them or the unaware car buyer who's been lusting after one for sometime.
Here in the UK there are plenty of independent BMW specialists. Plenty of used parts (mirrors, lights etc) so it's not that difficult to maintain one as long as nothing major goes wrong.
I bought a pre-owned certified BMW 330 from the dealer, less than 30k miles. The car was in the shop 3 times within 3 weeks of ownership, and then the engine blew while i was on the free way.
My neighbor's BMW SUV, almost new, just left a huge, hm, lake, of coolant. It was not sub zero, it just leaked all over the place for no apparent reason.
Inherited a 2007 335i several years ago and I agree with your statement about some expensive thing always going wrong. In the 10 years of ownership it has gone through 3 high pressure fuel pumps, 2 radiators, a valve job, replaced all the coils and fuel injectors, replaced 1 window motor, replaced 2 cracked rims and countless run flat tires. And the reason you got my attention was the failed hood struts which I replaced 2 months ago. I will say that when I am not sinking money into this pit it is one of the finest running cars I have ever driven. But the best option it has right now with new and used car prices going through the roof is the pink slip in the glove compartment
@@MrAvant123 Eh I also have a 07 IS250 with 196k miles and no issues, only basic wear and tear items replaced. Still original water pump etc. Window regulators still solid too. They use less plastic than BMW and better quality parts. I got all the stuff to replace on it like T stat, serpentine belt, water pump and stuff, but never got around to installing yet. It's my beater car lol I know it'll still run for at least another 100k. OH yeah, original transmission too. Do fluid flushes and recently dropped the transmission pan and replaced gasket and fluid filter too. Now I'm not being biased as I also have a BMW F80 pushing around 520WHP, just facts Toyota build quality and reliability is way better.
My sister hit a deer with her BMW 3 series and her car was shaking afterwards with a check engine light. I knew it was the coil packs but I told her to order spark plugs along with the coil packs. 3 hours later her car wasn't shaking no more and was quiet like a brand new car. The bad - a few plastic pieces did broke with me not at fault. I thought BMW was a high end high quality car manufacturer but boy was I wrong when it took me 3 hours to change spark plugs and coil packs because of the plastic parts you have to remove when it would have taken me just 45 minutes to changed out the same parts on my Acura TL. Unless you have warranty I would highly avoid BMW.
Hmmm. 40k but diagnostics said over 70k every car has plastics and expensive parts. Every car loses value ... do people actually expect to drive cars for free? I have a 550i 2008 with over 300k all original . . maintenance isn't fix it when it breaks ... maintenance is replace when worn.
They are they best looking and handling cars. I waited 20 years to finally get a five series and love it. It’s been as reliable as any Toyota or Honda I’ve owned up to the the 80k miles mark, but I also have learned over the years to work on a many of the components, and routine maintenance of every car. I would not recommend a used BMW unless it’s a low mileage lease return, you can work on it yourself, or have deep pockets for repairs.
2002 330 w 225k. Most reliable car I've ever owned. You HAVE to do preventative maintenance(cooling system) and vacuum leaks pop up, but this car has been bullet proof. My civic is also reliable but honestly it has had more issues
same here bro I have a 2002 330ci 5 speed manual. What you said is facts also learning how to do the repairs yourself is key for saving tons of money. mine has 280K all I've changed so far is the starter, slave cylinder and control arms
Why didn't you take the cowl off? It would've made this super easy. The ignition coils are only $20 and these are Bosch...a BMW owner always keeps one or two spares. Yes these cars are high maintenance, but if you know what to expect, you're ready for it. With great cars comes great responsibility Scotty. Thanks for the video.
correct, if you can do the work and dont mind/enjoy doing the work BMWs are fantastic cars. When you got that alignment dialed in after you just spent a week replacing every bushing on the thing with OEM+ harder rubber bushings... its a perfect driving experience.
He's absolutely correct. BMW used to be a great car, expensive but reliable. Not anymore. You may be able to afford a used BMW, but ask yourself if you can afford to maintain it.
My brother-in-law did not listen to me when he decided to get his 2010ish BMW 745 (I even told him about Scotty's videos). After sinking a few grand into that piece of junk, he now has joined the "BMWs are trash" club. I later saw the same car up for sale with a blown turbo.
I like how he criticizes the least reliable BMW in the last 20 years just to prove his point. Those E90 335i are notoriously unreliable because they are too complicated, have a lot of moving parts. Heck a 1M is even more reliable. Buy a E90 325i or a 320i and you will be fine.
I’ve had so many electrical problems with all the bmw’s i’ve owned, they are pure junk, yes they make power, yes they are fuel efficient, is it worth the hassle, hell no, give me toyota reliability
dude, and don't you find it slightly depressing and ironic the supposedly new 'Supra' has a BMW engine in it instead of the other way around. I mean, it seems like if there exists a wrong and backward way to do things car companies always figure it out and make it happen!
The only upside of Toyota is you are less likely to have to work on it, parts will be just as expensive if you do,. And you sacrifice so much for that ease.
@@Bawbrahs oh i’ll work on it haha I own a couple of lexus’s and evo’s i bought a 325i e90 a couple of months ago, drove it for a month and it wouldn’t start at -35degree a couple weeks ago, boosted it and the push start stopped working, couldnt push start it because bmw are dumb, press the push start once to put in accessories mode then again to crank start, but the push start stopped working so i couldn’t get it in accessory mode…. The cas (ews immobilizer) fried, lucky for me the guy took it back, went out and bought an is250 instead, That bmw was my 5th or 6th bmw between me and the wife, and never again, do they get great fuel mileage? Yes, they make good power, they are pretty boaty compared to the lexus equivalent, but never again will I buy a “bus metro walk” because they’ve kept me stranded on multiple occasions, alternator issues, battery draining, starters that let go for no reasons, leaking oil everywhere, no no no never again
@@Bawbrahs "parts will be just as expensive" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 As someone who has owned both a toyota and a BMW that couldn't be further from the truth. Not only do toyota parts cost far less, but the maintenance costs are far less as well. $2-3K for turbos on M4 = about 7 years of routine maintenance on my T100... stop the nonsense🤣
yes, I had a beemer I was so tired of plastic parts breaking I sold it for a loss. who puts that much plastic in a cooling system? a country where summer temps rarely exceed 85 degrees.
@@Daniel_Colavecchio ..yep! My 98 4runner actually had an OEM radiator with plastic ends just like the Bangel butt 7 series BMW's, I was shocked and saddened! I had no idea Toyota did this until i went to change it out back in 2020. It didn't need replacing until over 250k miles so i guess it lasted long enough...but still a dumb idea!
Being a life long motorhead myself .. I know scotty has his ways but the man would never talk about something he didn't know anything about Or tell the public something that was not true why because what would he gain . He speaks from his experience ...and his experience speaks for itself ....end of story..
I completely agree with you. Scotty's 40+ yrs experience speaks for itself. Keep up the excellent work you are doing as the public is very appreciative. We love love love love you for looking out for us. ❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I have owned both BMW and their little brothers, the Mini. Both were fun to drive but are very expensive to repair and aren’t great to work on. Avoid any without warranty. You can get a good one, but if you get a bad one, it’s wallet emptying time.
@@strafer8764 They're awesome cars until about year #4, as scotty says. After that you're supposed to sell it. But during the first few years, they're a whole lot nicer than other cars.
I own a 98' Bmw 5 series 528i. I agree with a lot of the things you say, i think it's important to know what you're getting into. Personally i haven't had any major issues, and i do pretty much all repairs myself. There haven't been anything massive, just a bunch of seals and gaskets, and it still leaks oil LMAO. i recommend being able to fix things yourself if you're gonna get one. They're fun to work on if you're into that, pretty reliable engines and they drive great.
Agreed, best way to save $ is t do it yourself or learn how. I've had 5 BMW's total (Currently still have 3) My daily is a 328i X-drive, my son & I are working on a 540i I'm gifting to him (great engine drives smooth), and I have a 535i (fully loaded) that I'll be working on next. I'm a bimmer guy for life. IDC what Sir Scotty says lol
We dont know but scotty knows....he doesn't beat around the bush....straight shooter diagnosing replacement location critical to move on when so many still left behind....sad for such front runners.....Personaly ill listen to This mans advice...
After saving money for a car in my teens, I debated between this 335i or a g37 coupe. Never been so proud of my decision. The coupe has lasted me years and has been extremely reliable.
@@rayland9305 I’m more so disappointed in your lack of knowledge for the car. The car is quick off the line, but where it fairs most is the cornering. In addition, the power as been consistent regardless of aging. If that doesn’t scream amazing then you sir lack the intelligence of discerning so. Disappointed.
I have a 2008 535i and doing my own turbo replacement during the time watching this video. Not too bad to do and no I'm not a mechanic. These cars can make a lot of power for cheap. Ebay 19t turbos for 850. Full bolt-ons ran around 1800. When all said and done it'll make 600hp (on e40 mix). Hell you can tune a stock one and make roughly 400 hp without changing a thing. Mhd has an app for any android device and you plug your device into the obd slot and flash your motor. Good video but gotta say stock turbos run about 1500 not 3000 for both. Go ebay turbos for cheap power. Btw I changed out the thrust collar like in the RUclips video by turbo labs of America. Great video man I like it!
Had this same car in college, it mechanically totaled itself pretty much while I had it cause I was just too poor to maintain a bmw… sold it got a 03 Camry and an FJ cruiser, then got ANOTHER N54 335i cause it’s the most fun car I have ever driven!!! Have my current one modded to 480HP, it is a rocket ship will out run m3. Such a great car. Just dropped $4k on new turbos and can’t wait for the miles ahead of me worry every penny. Oil Leaks galore, very expensive to maintain but smiles per gallon are unbeatable
@@Bawbrahs A machine requiring zero attention that just functions is literally the sign of a good well made machine🤣 a machine that constantly requires hundreds and thousands of dollars to keep running is, "the spirit of a true gearhead" LOL I can't believe the extent to which bmw fanboys will go to justify their poor decisions
Everything Scotty said is TRUE! Unfortunately, my wife and I can't find a car that we enjoy driving more. 520,000 miles on 2 E46s. 375,000 miles on E90s & F25s. Unfortunately, my wife wrecked her 2011 X3, so I picked up our 1st BMW turbo. 2017 X3 28i MSport. Wish me luck! 🤣
My friend bought one. He loved it for 6 months. Power windows constantly broke along the way he had failure upon failure. BMW Barely Mechanical Working
When I was in Germany a German mechanic told me, never buy anything built in Europe. He said they all have electrical problems, and after 10 years they are money pits.
Currently a proud owner of an e39 528i. Have had to replace 02 sensors, camshaft position sensors etc.. outside of the hundreds of $$ of parts, it’s very fun to drive.
@@slam44 Any typical honda or Toyota will outlast a BMW at a fraction of the cost... I'll bet my house that they'll be cheaper to maintain over any time-frame you want to compare too 😏
I own 2 bmw f30 m sports with the b58 engine. Amazing cars, great transmission and one is approaching 70k miles no problems on either one. As far as needing expensive equipment to maintain it. Just basic tools and a little know how. Don’t see how this car is much different then any other modern car. I have never been a fan of bmw’s until the b58 with the zf8hp. Plastic parts are on every car including Toyota. Like to know your thoughts on the new Toyota Supra (rebranded bmw).
Of course you don't see how it's much different - because it isn't. You're not on RUclips being intellectually dishonest like Scotty is to make a living. Literally basic tools + about $30 for a set of e-torx and torx sockets will see you through probably 90% of BMW jobs. The only time you really need specialty tools is if you are doing more invasive jobs like removing VANOS gears.
Yup, we always say to lease them under warranty so if anything breaks, it's covered under warranty! Turn it back in after the lease is over! They lose a lot of value, but the price of parts still stay high!
Hello Scotty, I have a 1999 BMW 528i and it has 65000 on it. It has that butter smooth in-line 6 and it still looks as good as the day I bought it. I only use it occasionally because my 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 is my little Betsy and I don’t care if anybody opens they’re door on it. I also can park it on a dime. I think the 528i model in 1999 was the last year it was made in Germany. Love watching and learning from your videos 🤗
Got a 2008 535xi a few months back. Saw a 9k sticker and naively thought "that's great!". I couldn't have been more wrong! Front struts needed replacement, stereo went out along with the mulf module and to top it off, it leaked oil like nobody's business. It "passed inspection" at the dealer. 1 week later all this crap started happening. Got rid of it shortly thereafter. Never again....unless it's a lease lol.
Absolutely correct. Tend to the 'heated PVC System routing assembly' at the same time...it's a recall campaign item, among others, like the airbag, like... well you'll find out if you're brave enough to buy an N54/N55.
I have a 2008 BMW 328i Coupe Convertible; I purchased the car with 220,000k and I have replaced the water pump, thermostat, left high beam, right angel-eye, right side blinker, upper radiator hose twice, lower hose, tank reservoir twice, tuneup, misfire in cylinder 3, brakes, rotors, oil gaskets, the under carriage, two oil changes, the air filter, all 4 tires, sensors, and the belt.
Well, in my opinion, it depends on the engine of the BMW. My dad has a 2004 E53, which has a 160 kW engine diesel and in the past 15 years, he only needed to change the turbo and the generator (not counting the normal service stuff, like filters and oil). I have had a 2006 E91 with the M47 engine for the past 4 or 5 years, and I literally only had to only change both of the thermostats. My E91 has 450k km, and my dad's E53 has almost 600k km driven. Both cars didn't cost much to take care of them. So when people say the BMW isn't as reliable, it's usually, at least in my country, because people tend to keep the broken parts broken until the very last second and then change it. Which leads to other problems appearing. And also, the M57 engine on the E53 is one of the most reliable engines in the world.
Scotty, thank you for showing me the trick of moving the ignition coils to another location which showed that the coil was bad initially. These tricks have made me a backyard mechanic without any techie education for all my worker friends at work. I can say common sense still rules and you Scotty have got it down to s science. Peace brother, vf
@@user-qc8vj3vp9v Just hope he does not stop anytime soon. Then there is the RUclips with its rules in favor of the corporate light. This I think will be the achilles heel for Scotty. Good day fella too. vf 😀😀
Yea, replacing a coil and spark plug takes 10 minutes. And a diagnostic tool tells you exactly which coil is bad. Coils are inexpensive too. Not sure why he was so dramatic.
I have replaced the hood struts on my 2004 Ford Crown Vic now after 20 years. Have replaced with more expensive TRW struts. The old spring loaded hood lifters on older car is better. The Ford Crown Vic is very available all around, and very few plastic parts. The inntake is aluminium on this car. The EV's has less taxes here in Norway. The best prices in the world. But the insurance are high, caused by the high repair costs of these cars. Has got a lot of problems with charging in this winter. The china busses in Oslo have had alot of issues in the winter. The diesel busses has been a replacement.
I Just Got a New Best Friend: ruclips.net/video/HRmhgm4x3Us/видео.html
⬇️Scotty’s Top DIY Tools:
1. Bluetooth Scan Tool: amzn.to/2nfvmaD
2. Mid-Grade Scan Tool: amzn.to/33dKI0k
3. My Fancy (Originally $5,000) Professional Scan Tool: amzn.to/31khBXC
4. Cheap Scan Tool: amzn.to/2D8Tvae
5. Dash Cam (Every Car Should Have One): amzn.to/2YQW36t
6. Basic Mechanic Tool Set: amzn.to/2tEr6Ce
7. Professional Socket Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg
8. Ratcheting Wrench Set: amzn.to/2BQjj8A
9. No Charging Required Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/3i7SH5D
10. Battery Pack Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2nrc6qR
⬇️ Things used in this video:
1. Common Sense
2. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2HkjavH
3. Camera Microphone: amzn.to/2Evn167
4. Camera Tripod: amzn.to/2Jwog8S
5. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/301tYt9
Subscribe and hit the notification bell! ► goo.gl/CFismN
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
talk about the timing chain that is snapping on bmws with the n20 engine from 2012 to 2015!
it’s causes CATASTROPHIC engine failure and BMW refuses to admit fault !
ALL KINDS OF WEAK-MINDED PEOPLE OUT THERE SCOTTY, DON'T WORRY ABOUT THOSE FOOLS🥳🥳🥳🥳
BMW = BROKEN, MUST WALK!!!
@@Rekuzan Bring My Wallet
Scotty, please do a British cars special video - so much material for you to roast! 😹
If Scotty ever goes missing, we know it was either BMW or Mercedes. Lol.
It could be audi or jlr also.
Nah Tessa would kidnap him 😂 no driver the perfect crime 😅
No, I think it would be GM OR or Dodge
It could be gm also
Basically it could be anyone other from Toyota and Honda.
Everyone's going to have different experiences with different brands. The problem is, we want too much like: reliability, low cost, efficiency, non cheap interiors, fast engines, being fun to drive, interior space, good parts, cheaper labor, etc.. all on the cheap. It's never going to happen, if you want a specific thing, you're gonna have to give up something else for it. That's just life in a nutshell
In reality, too many people care about how a car looks, you can get most of those things in a honda civic, for example, or a chevy spark or something. Decently reliable, good gas mileage, cheap parts, smaller cars are fun to drive for me at least, cheap labor, etc.
@@rdizzy1boy get out here 😂😂
@@Lonso__4wym he spittin. its all about materialism. people will get in debt 30k plus just for it to break down asap
well said
I think Lexus comes pretty close to checking all the boxes
In Mexico we use to say this: "When somebody bought a new brand premium car (BMW, Audi, Land Rover, MB) he is a rich person but when somebody bought an used premium brand car he is a millionaire"
???
@@ms3173 New luxury vehicles depreciate dramatically when sold. A smart person buys them used with low mileage.
@@shadowslayer64 Not when it falls apart and ends up costing you as much as new to keep it running.
@@ms3173 guy buying a used one is a millionaire because it will take lots of money to repair the car.
@@shadowslayer64 A smart person doesn’t buy them at all.
if you have to have a BMW and you have a reasonable budget and are pretty handy with a wrench, buy a BMW 128i. No turbo, no fancy electronics, and a reliable N52 engine. after market parts are inexpensive. They are a lot more fun to drive then a corolla or camry.
Looks old
I have a 07 328i best engine! Only thing is coolant issues common . But easy to repair these other mechanic just want $$$
As a former BMW owner for over 14 years, I can say that everything that Scotty is saying is true. That being said, the way that BMW sedans and coups drive is just amazing compared to a Toyota and Honda, which I also have owned. I currently own a Honda and I miss the way my 330i drove but not the endless mechanic bills.
Bigger engines produce bigger heat that "can" be a problem in traffic jams
How do u compare a BMW 3s to a SAAB 9-3 (similar sized engines)
@@dad1967 high quality and reliability are two different things. A Rolls Royce is high quality but not reliable while a Toyota Corolla is reliable but not high quality.
Did you ever try to race a Corvette with that pipsqueak German car?
Then get a Porsche… better driving experience and more reliability
@@markremy4946 did you ever see how cheap and crappy the interior of a 2004 corvette is ? Don’t want to daily drive a car with an econobox interior 😂, that’s why back in 2004 I chose the BMW over a Corvette. It wast long ago that the Chevy Cruise and Corvette had the same exact steering wheel and other interior bits
"...and you KNOW what they charge at the dealer."
Yes we do. That is why you and your honorable colleagues are so dearly appreciated.
I had that same year and model BMW. Bought the extended warranty and it was the funnest car I ever had! No issues at all. My son totaled it right after the extended warranty expired. I guess that was a blessing in disguise. 😂
You are the typical bmw fanboy
Lmao 🤣😂😂😂
Never mind the car! The insurance can pay for it. I hope your son was not injured.
They're good until they're not
Yes the ultimate driving machine. I enjoyed all my 3 series BMWs. My ext warranties saved me multiple times.
As a owner of an 08 328i I can agree with this video. Maintenance nightmare. Great to drive. You have to be a mechanic to have this car.
Yes, I just passed on a 09 328Xi. Inflation is real...I can use my money for other things.
2008? 16 yrs old, old car.
@@TheDutchGuyOnYT Yes, I have owned it since 2010. Starting having issues around 75K. There is usually something that pops up every 6 months. Rear main seal is leaking oil right now. A BMW will educate you on every part of the car.
@@samuelwilliams7331it’s not a owner nightmare. Know how to fix these cars or don’t get them at all. Lots of ways to save on BMW maintenance. It’s mostly labor costs that make them expensive to own. RUclips is full of DIY’s and there are plenty of honest mechanics that won’t rip you off.
Agreed
I've always wanted to own a BMW M3, and then I hear Scotty's voice in my head say "endless money pit" over and over.
Just get a warranty
Ive had two they aren’t unreliable at all and trust me i beat on my cars
@@Mixalhsellada 10 years and no issues? Great to hear it’s running strong!
@@Scooterboii94 good to know! Maybe in a few years I’ll splurge on one.
@@BrandonMinguez you better hurry up the prices on the e9x generation is rocketing to the moon
As a BMW owner (on number 4) you are spot on. My favorite was the 98 3 series that was before everything was plastic under the hood. Why do I still drive one? They are just great handling/performing cars and that straight six is like sewing machine smooth. When they work. I know what I have and I know that the maintenance is horrendous. Fortunately I am competent enough with a wrench that I can get a few layers in for some of the maintenance. My experience is that the plastic starts failing at 8-10 years old and, as you stated, mileage isn't the key factor. I will say this, to get to that no 6 spark plug take all that air inlet cowling of. Not so hard after you have done it 2-3 times. Also, if you need to change one coil go ahead and do all 6 with the plugs. For a BMW they actually aren't that expensive. Like you say, know what you are getting into if you buy a used BMW.
Same here, i do the work myself. I have a 06 manual 330i, the last n/a strait 6. E90 is one of the easiest to work on, tools and resourses are easy to aquire. BMW have maintenence at mileage intervals. There are n52 engines with 500,000 miles. Plastic parts are not that expensive, fcp euro has lifetime replacement for parts you buy from them even oil.
Yeah I had a 1990 320i with the M20, was beautiful to drive and easy to work on.
Now I have a 2003 330ci sport with 180k miles and I've had to do a lot of preventative maintenance that the PO didn't do.😂 Luckily I can do most of it myself so it's not been a fortune. For instance I literally did the vanos oil seals yesterday with Beisan systems and new hardware from BMW, cost £120 in total and the car drives insanely well now. I can drive in a higher gear everywhere the torque is beautiful.
But yeah as you say it's knowing what you're in for when you buy an older BMW!! Being prepared that you'll have to replace things. I did all new coils and plugs straight after buying the E46, the alternator died on me and now the headlights are giving me trouble 😩 but I wouldn't swap it for anything else, the way it drives and sounds is beautiful 🙌🏻
My e46 330ix is still driving with 260k on it the only time your going to dump money with a 3 series is if your taking it to the dealership for everything better off buying a Honda
Like a good looking women. Lots of trouble, but worth it.
Try and find a hot water heater tank without plastic parts, you will have to buy it on-line or use a plumber. Nothing you can get at HD or L lacks plastic parts.
If you buy a bmw, plan to work on it yourself
The thing about bmw is it’s very easy to work on it yourself with common tools. If you have the time, you can even swap turbos yourself. BMWs are actually a good learning experience
There are plenty of forums where people discuss common issues and how to fix them
Can you name a few forums for us?
@@s.platted is sarcasm
Sounds like cap
@@s.platted google is your friend. most popular platforms have very dedicated communities. E46 chassis (1999-2005 production date 3 series, 2000 - 2006 model year) for example is one of the most popular platforms for tuning/racing, and has a massive following of enthusiasts and vendors supplying OE manufacturer aftermarket parts. you save a TON buy buying the OE part, just without the BMW badge. The only parts that suck are interior parts, because theres not really an aftermarket for those. gotta go to BMW, where the door card armrest insert costs $250 (so i just got a piece of leather and recovered it myself)
when you work on them yourself that is when you realise the designers really did not want people to diy basic maintenance.
There is only one route to owning these cars. Buy new and sell three months before the warranty runs out. Here in Germany it's now becoming commonplace to sell them as soon as two years old. Taking the depreciation loss is less costly than repairing them. And repair them you will. BMW today, I'm sad to say, is nowhere close to the quality they had in the past.
Rubbish, I've owned 9 BMW's some from new some as old as 20 years. So long as you buy right and they are serviced regularly and properly they are very reliable. Parts are expensive, but you get what you pay for. Currently I have an X4M and an old 2004 E60 530 Msport. Owned it for 7 years and total cost to maintain is just under $5500 USD runs and looks like new inside and out, whereas my Ford of the same year with half the milage is now worth $500, paint faded and clear coat peeling. Inside everything is perishing or now broken. Only thing that is good is the engine.
I owned a number of different Beemers. Scotty is right - expensive to repair, so I learned how to do basic repairs myself. I never had major issues with any of my cars and I do love the ride ... nothing like it. But I hate taking my cars to the dealership for service.
I used to own one had bought new … and after trading it in never got another. Better choices are out there to keep yourself stress free!
Clue's in your name.
"MD."
You're a doctor of some kind. You make tons of money.
No wonder you like them. You trade them in every 2-4 years, and don't have to face the swarm of problems they have.
Normal people can't relate to you.
I drive a used bmw 2011 and it runs great, I take care of the smaller jobs myself and bring it a trusted shop that only works on bmws for bigger stuff. Owned for 2 years and it’s been very reliable. About to hit 300,000 km no engine light.
It is the non turbo model tho.
@@davecrupel2817 wow 😯 actually I’m not a doctor. I was military and lived in Europe so I guess I was exposed to the vehicles true capabilities there. I just try to take good care of my cars. Also I admit that I’m probably lucky. But definitely not aristocratic.
@@carolinausedmachinery I agree. I’ve noticed over the years that BMW is trying to cut out third-party mechanics by using customized parts and tools and charging a premium to purchase them. It’s ridiculous.
I have a 2002 530i that I bought a couple years ago. It's the coolest car I've ever had and it's required more work than any other car as well. I recently replaced the oil pan gasket, which required dropping the subframe for a $20 part. I do most of the repairs myself as taking it to a mechanic is too costly. This will probably be my last BMW. I've learned a ton about cars by working on my vehicle, but buying another bimmer scares the crap out of me knowing what I know now.
Have you considered joining the BMW car club of America? Plenty of helpful members and information on your car.
@@carolinausedmachinery that's the normal change interval for radiator changes and cooling system replacement that I followed for my 3s. Where are the water management issues on your 530 and your dad's vehicle.
@@thinkingimpaired5663 no it ain't buddy🤣 my dads lasted 34 years stock on his 1988 Toyota pickup bmws are jus trash sorry
I went from BMW to Subaru. It's low maintenance but I baby it the same way I did my BMW. Both brands make excellent cars, you just have to be willing to learn.
All aren’t built the same way …
I own two BMWs that are both around 10 years old. I agree with Scotty on the plastic stuff and the parts are so expensive. But I enjoy working on them myself and learning the technology. The online community and resources for BMWs are great. But when friends/family say they want to buy one, I usually talk them out of it.
Totally agree with you because I'm Bmw own too.. I have to Bmw cars and I'm working myself too and I learn a lot of things about cars during searching and diagnosing problems 😁
@@donorlando you guys are insane...have 530d 2016 258hp with 220k miles...these engines are made to go like over 600k km and you worry about 130k km ?
@@vladraduandrei5227 They are in states. We have the same problems with their cars here. Fords, Chevys, Cryslers are considered Kia like cars
@@vladraduandrei5227 Agreed. BMW's inline 6 engines are awesome and very reliable if you take care of them.
I mean I think it depends how well they're maintained too. I have a 2001 Bmw 330i that I use only for commuting to work. I bought it with 120k from an older guy who maintained it at the dealer. Currently it has 201k miles and it still runs great!! I've only done normal routine maintenance.. The only problem it gave me was a bad fuel pump, but I was easily able to replace it in under an hour. I don't believe they're unreliable cars, I just think they are more pricey to maintain that some people just neglect them until they have problems
Amazing machines that are prone to breakage as described. Scotty is 100% right. The use of plastics and the excessive heat generated by the turbos make these a maintenance and repair nightmare. I paid over $50K and have had about $25K worth of repairs. Luckily I’ve done most of it myself. Pulling the engine and dismantling the front end to replace the oil pan GASKET. Insane amount of labor for a simple procedure. Wish this video existed in 2009 before I bought mine.
Not all bmws are turbos
I got my first bmw (98 528i) almost 16 years ago… car has 375K and runs fine….
I’ve averaged 11-12K miles a year. I did all my own work until back surgery 2 years ago…
Plastic crap is indeed a regal pain…. straight 6’s are very reliable
Those were the real glory years of reliable low total cost of ownership BMWs. They started becoming money pits in the 2000's
I've have my 06 3 series for 10 years now. Almost 200k on it. What Scotty says is true, the plastic parts are a nightmare and if you take it to the mechanic you'll spend a fortune. For the past 5 years I've been doing all the maintenance myself and became a pretty good mechanic working on the car; just replaced my clutch last December. No regrets though I love driving that car and taking it to the track
Same got a e36 did the timing chain kit and a head gasket and it has 203k miles and runs beautifully
This is the only sane way to own a BMW...
@@1LukeG1 E36s are na exception to the rule. A BMW master tech friend of mine advises that the E36 is the only car he'd buy used to fix up and drive daily with any real expectation of life over 100k miles.
@@leon_De_Grelle oh my God too funny 🤣😆
@@leon_De_Grelle E9X 325/328is with the n52 are also slept on for reliability, as long as you change the oil on time and do basic preventative maintenance that thing will take you well past 200k in at 211k and mine still pulls and sounds/drives amazing
1:44 ''The overuse of plastic''
Spot on, and exactly what I was waiting for. I know a lot of garages won't touch a BMW over here, because when you get in there to fix something, something else breaks in the process. Plastic and heat is compulsory failure.
like 99% of post 2010 cars in europe. So 99% of cars on the road. What a great argument !
And someone is saying that only audi is plastic hahaha both are no different.😂
@@MaggotCZ BMW has been consistently ranked as one of the worst and most unreliable car brands in the world. Don't even try to compare 🤣
@@MaggotCZ yeah you euros don’t know how to make good cars.
@@z.kenpachi2226 my Tacoma is all plastic under the hood 🥲
BMW Owner’s perspective.
Car : 530i Touring (G31)
New : March 2018
Bought : December 2019 with 7000 km on the clock.
Mileage as on March 2024 : 77 000 kms
Maintenance:
All brake discs(rotors) and pads replaced by BMW for free under warranty for vibration during braking when car is at 60kmph when car was 18 000 km
All brakes discs(rotors) replaced when car was drive 65 000 kms and this was paid by me ($2500 service costs). The vibration issue was solved temporarily but the real issue was damaged swing arms (worn out bearings).
All discs/rotors, brake pads and front swing arms replaced again at 75 000 kms and BMW acknowledged their error and only charged me $1200 for the swing arms.
Rest has just been routine service & maintenance with oil & filter changes which is super cheap if you buy the BMW service packs.
I live in Europe.
Average yearly maintenance costs comes to around $1000 per year and this is for the first 6 years of ownership.
Is it high?
I don’t think.
Build quality? Its superb. When I sit on the plush Dakota Leather seats and enjoy the panorama roof, heads-up display, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, superior sound insulation etc. every km driven is enjoyable and I have amazing memories on long roadtrips (including driving through the Alps and also the Furka Pass).
Could I saved more money buying a Honda and Toyota? YES.
Could I saved more money taking the public transport system? HELL YES.
if you just do regular maintenance, BMWs will be reliable. It's always the people too broke to do maintenance who kill the car.
@@opachki8325 in Europe, BMW are considered very reliable cars and do not have the bad name as they do in the USA !!!
@@FABM27 well guess why: exactly the reason I mentioned. We do our maintenance.
The majority of BMWs in my country come with 4 years of free maintenance. I bought one (G20 320d) with this option and I'm paying only for fuel, a tax, and taxi when this crap break again (7 times for 2 years, all front suspension had been replaced). Is it a great car? I would think so if hadn't owned Q50 before.
@@artems4537 never had a single problem with my 320i. Might be a monday vehicle. You don't really see many problems with the 3 series apart from the nav head unit in the beginning
I did this exact process on a friend's BMW X5 last year. What a hassle. You've taught me so much over the years scotty. Thank you.
I worked with an old dude who worked on cars and boats his whole life and never goes on the internet but says about 90% of what scottie says.
Real OG's in the game.
VGG stays away from anything newer than 1984.
He doesn't like plastic....
old dudes when they see 5 wires in the engine bay 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
Doesn't want to deal with plastic crap
Scotty you are correct. Coworker had one, was always in the shop for repairs, and he lost a lot of money when he sold it from depreciation.
My coworker had a toyota. He couldn't sell it because after 5 years it became a rusted junk. He had to pay to get it dismantled and recycled.
@@korencek that was in 1972? Over here in Europe we don't see a Toyota or any car rust till pieces in 5 years ..
Music player
If you can afford to maintain a second hand BMW you can afford a new one
@@ozzyolof9209 lmao
I’m pretty used to German cars so the excitement has gone away, but when I drive a Toyota Corolla, makes me want to go back to the Germans. Sure they may be expensive to maintain, but the drive is so satisfying. Nothing compares! And not sure if Scotty knows, but the 328i would have been a fair review as the 335i has a reputation for being unreliable due to its twin turbo engine setup!
plastic motor parts who thought this was a great idea?
Facts. They do require more maintenance and things are more expensive to fix but the driving experience is like no other. There are only be Mercedes and Porsche in my driveway.
The Toyota model is quite simple. Don't change much and don't try to do too much. They keep it basic. If you're not changing things every 5 seconds, you really can hone in on reliability. Heck, when did they finally make power windows standard? They are also more expensive new compared to their basic counterparts (Chevy/Ford/etc.). BMW and most German cars simply try to do too much. Sensors are everywhere to wow you. Over time, people spend as much or more with Toyotas. You can certainly drive a chevy and fix it cheaper for 500k miles with the money you pocket up front. There are always isolated cases of expensive failures, but parts like the 4L60 are one of the few transmissions I would trust a rebuild. I simply wouldn't say that on most Hondas or Toyotas. But if you truly prefer Toyota, etc., like the case in this video, just pay the extra for what you want up front. Same goes for BMW.
The turbos are not that unreliable. The only issue that happens often is wastegate rattle. The rattle is nothing but a slight noise when it first starts.
I have the 2008 328i and it has been very reliable over the 15 years I've owned it. Just 5 repairs so far, 2 early on under warranty. The most recent repairs I did DIY without much trouble and they were due to age and wear and tear.
You are so right Scotty. That’s why I turned in my 2018 MBZ GLC300 when the lease expired. Just like BMW I did not want to get stuck with high maintenance costs. Ended up buying a Lexus NX300 which is much cheaper to maintain.
Great choice ☺️
Lexus is not the equivalent of German luxury
@OG Pops no
@@jldp24 its better
GLC is bad reliable car ?
I was laughing all the way through. I still have one of these 3 series albeit a 1994 six cylinder and the only 2 redeeming things I can say about it are 1) I have become a pretty good mechanic as a result 2) it drives in a unique and satisfying way. Which reminds me of dirt bikes I rode in the 1970's . Ride it one day and work on it the other six !!!
had an 03 X5 4.4L. It felt like an F-15. Tons of performance and power. It also required the same amount of maintanence as a jet fighter. No visit to the shop was ever less than $850
And just think. They were making them much better 20 years ago. Imagine owning a newer one
@Peter Angles well. I did hv a flight sim on my computer so I think that counts for flight time
@@Mikeya85 LOL only those that can't afford say "paying for the badge". No one buys a Toyota thinking it has the most power/ tech/ handling/ performance in its class.
F-15?? I think you mean F-15C, I prefer the F-22A
I have a 2004 X5 4.4i and the most I've spent is $700. Preventative maintenance is key
The most common issue with bmws are the oil leaks. The gaskets go bad after 100,000 miles - and sometimes all at once. If you replace one gasket do them all. There’s thee valves cover gasket, oil cooler gaskets, oil cooler in and out lines and the crankshaft seal. Make sure you change them all after 100,000 miles.
As my grandpa used to say 'if you couldn't afford it new, you can't afford it used, either'
Your grandpa was right most people shouldn't even own cars.
Wise words 😅
@Tyler Chubb lol he told me that when I was looking for a used Audi. Fortunately I got such a nice piece of advise.
@@Bawbrahs I know, I can’t stand it when I see totally neglected cars.
I can afford maintenance on a new Corolla, just can’t afford the car itself lol
I only understood "Planned Obsolescence" when I worked at Dallas Dodge. The amount of money dealers make on Service, Parts, Diagnostics, Recurring Maintenance is almost unbelievable!
When I was a young boy playing outside, we would say BMW stands for “Break my Window”. Now, it officially stands for “Break my Wallet” Thank you, Scotty!!
Bring More Worries
I have heard that expression Break My Windows wonce. I have always thought BMW was the abbreviation for Bring More Wrenches.
So my question is is why Break My Windows?
Consumer reports has rated BMW in the top 3 for reliabilty, 2022 model years and later. Toyota, Lexus, and BMW in that order
@Benny Beeeee Consumer reports has been caught taking bribes for high rankings. And that for many years now.
@@bennybeeeee more recently BMW have REALLY IMPROVED and jumped a LONG ways in terms of reliability and overall cost of maintenance as a brand as a whole but historically there track records have had issues here and there
I'm proud to say that the original hood struts in my '03 Lexus with 250K miles still hold the hood up strong.
Have a 2016 750i with about 64,000 miles on it. Got it checked out in advance and it was in great condition. Was initially a leaser like virtually all 7 series sedans are. Have had zero issues with it. Maybe they'll come up in the future (likely at 100,000), but I'm confident I can handle simple to intermediate repairs, especially considering buying OEM 3rd party parts and installing them yourself with your own diagnostic tool cuts the price of repairs by a ton.
I'm thinking about getting a 2020 750i with the same idea when they drop to around 35k-45k instead of the 50k-60k they are right now. The V8 engine they use is actually reliable as long as you take care of it and can go for a long amount of miles.
my plan as well but make sure you have the actual $$ and time to maintain. I have a '08 XC90 volvo which I love and mostly wrench myself. Need a new alternator at 212k miles, $350 duralast will work if you can put in yourself but my specialist will charge $1125. Why? Bosch wholesale price $500 plus markup is $725 plus $400 labor, plus day in shop, plus a tow of my dead car at $150. So you are up to $1275 for an alternator. Plus is that volvo is not crazily complicated because its an old design but that model 7 is.
owned one up to 120000 no issues breaks and tires
I have a 2016 X5 with 176000 and this truck has been worth the money! Haven’t had any major issues. Yet!
@@Sakosaga what about a 2013 330i
I work on my own BMW 540i, X5/50i, and 330i. You are correct that a dealership is expensive, but I laugh at people who buy a high-end sports car and then complain about costs for maintenance and premium fuel. Live within your means; everyone is not entitled to own luxury cars. But, those same people think the government should pay for their lifestyle. 🤦♀️
You really consider a 540 and 330i "high end" sports cars? 😂😂🤦🏾♂️
@@cali2468 well, sort of, yes... 🤷
@@louis1540 Beautiful, magnificent...yes! High end, not quite. Edit: which is a good thing because the more "high end" the more expensive, typically.
@@cali2468 name two. You thinking Bugatti, RR, Ferrari...
@@louis1540
Ferrari
Porsche
Corvette
BMW M3/M5
Mercedes AMG C63/E63
etc etc
Did you say X5? Since when did an SUV become a sports car? 🤔
Oil analysis is standard practice in a aviation……Can’t pull over and wait for a tow truck at 7000’.
My 2009 BMW E93 328i is a very reliable car 124k miles and still running great easy to maintain
Lot of Americans think their Chinese jellybeans are better it's funny
My e92 2008 was a nightmare. Still loved that car. It's a fact though. Your water pump and seals are going to go bad if they haven't already. It's not cheap.
@@m42037 Americans must be in your dreams and inside ur wife that's why you see them everywhere
Scotty,
You've really shortened the list of cars I'm willing to buy.
Much appreciated.
If you watch Scotty long enough you will end up looking for a 94 Celica with price up to 500. :))
If you listen to this guy you'll have such a narrow sight and worry about stuff that doesnt matter. Do your own research
@@laszlobauer5274
Three Stars for that answer!!!
I thought he loves toyotas and civics only?
@@squeekyclean1644 if im not mistaken, he also likes ford f150s and diesel trucks
Scotty is right on the money: this car is for three types of folks: the DIY, those who can afford the baggage associated with owning a BMW, or those who lease it. What gets me, however, is the extreme depreciation! Wow!!
jaguar has worse depreciation. by a factor of 2x. at least. and the new jags dont even look good enough to be worth the trouble of trying to maintain a used one. If you want to see some depreciation tho, check out newer model ford focus. Those things are designed to be thrown away.
Older bmws are actually starting to go up in value now
Glad I got an Acura instead. Over 100k miles and normal maintenance with only major cost was a rear strut replacement. I got it used for 9k about 4-5 years ago and it had about 75k miles and it's 2012 Acura TL. Solid built, and reliable.
Acura is amazing SH AWD the best
Right , i had my 08 TL for over 5 years runs solid never gave me problems with over 360000 miles .!
My 07 RDX is over 200k miles, runs like a champ
It's just a slow a$$ honda
I have both a TL type-s and a 2011 335i with N54. I daily the Acura as it is super reliable and somewhat quick. However, its nowhere near as fun as the 3 series and short of spending $150k Acura doesnt make any car that compete with even a non-M BMW model. Apples to Oranges.
I've had a BMW 320D for 25 years. I only had to change the pump for 1.200€. The rest is fine.
Had my 320D for 6 years, no problems whatsoever, this guy has never owned a BMW and shits on it for no reason.
No reason? He's seen more bmw problems than you'll ever know about .@@mareksinister
Have a 520d with zero problems
$40,000 car and BMW can't even give customers hood struts that last 100 uses.
I highly doubt BMW owners are opening their hoods too often to check fluids.
They defintley aren't because bmw doesn't have an oil dip stick either. You read it in the dash menu settings.
Only BMW support struts fail right?....Not any other brand car...
The hood was opening thousand of times for repair...That's why the struts were out! It's a fact!
@@ABC-qd1ei Do not even try to compare BMW to other car brands when they have been consistently ranked one of the worst and least reliable
Bought one ( 320d ) 6 years ago / 11 months old at 13000 miles. Now done 34000 and oil changed every year. Returns up to 60mpg and never ever thrashed. Just replaced all the rotors / pads with Brembo. Drives a dream and is fitted with the B47 engine which replaced the N47 engine and 8 speed auto. Never regretted buying the car. Has never ever given me any problem and garaged all the time. Look after the car and it will look after you. Thrash it about the place and you will wear it out and give yourself problems.
Got myself a 318d n47 e90, replaced timing chain for 1000 bucks and running problem free ever since. Drives like new, 30mpg city driving, 50 to 60mpg highway. 1000 bucks for a timing chain replacement is nothing compared to the fun and comfort e90 series provides.
F30 n47 is much more reliable than some of the other bmws
@@georgesunnyt you're wrong, the N47 is crap especially the premature timing chain issues... The M47 is legendary and is way better
NEVER EVER again. I've owned two, a 5 series and a Z4. What a substantial piece of substandard engineering. Dumped as soon as the warranty expired. NEVER EVER again.
just bought a z4 what were the problems?
You made the right decision
@@tristenisaacs8581 2011 Z4 the whole trunk filled with water, the taillights filled with water, the roof only half closed two different times. The battery in the trunk was submerged. I found out later the BMW dealer in Seattle drilled a small hole to drain the water. That vehicle was in the dealership for 2mo after I purchased it. I love the new Toyota Supra, but, it's basically a BMW. I hope you have better luck. I love the looks of that car.
They are not cars to leave sitting outside...
Yeah looks like you just picked bad models/ generations lol. Not all BMWs are the same
Scotty is like my dad, always giving good advice but we never listen to him. It goes from zero to 100 dollars in 10 seconds.😂
Scotty needs to remember this 2006 bmw 3 series was world car of the year, funny that, and toyota has borrow a bmw engine
I have a 2008 bmw 528xi fully loaded. and I had it since 90.000 miles . it's been 13 years and all I changed was brakes , all fluids changed, and front and back suspension and a few coolant hoses . my car is at 210.000 miles and engine still quiet as a baby . ITS NOT THE CAR ITS THE USER. 💯💯💯
I have the same car 08 528xi 205k did all the same repairs front and rear springs the entire front suspension alternator start ignition coils . The lifter tick is my only complaint expensive to maintain but I have had it sin 2013 with 68k. I have gotten my moneys worth . I won’t buy a BMW again .
N54 are really amazing engines if you take care of them though… every time I drove it, it draw a smile on my face. It does have some problems like turbos, injectors, timing chain, etc… but the feeling you get when driving this car… priceless!
Having a 135i i agree.
N52 is better, more reliable and smoother
So it's a great engine, the only problem is every single accessory and sensor attached to it is made of yoghurt tub plastic and prone to breaking....
Got it 👍LMAO
Scotty is not wrong but I love German cars so I put up with it! My 01 e46 has been my most headache but I absolutely love how it drives
(Still running strong today over 150,000 miles)
I had the opportunity to buy another one with less miles but opted not to just because of knowing the headache my first one put me through initially
3:03 "And you know what they charge at the Dealer" - The arm and leg picture at this part killed me 💀💀💀💀
Same, it tickled me way more than I expected 😅
Best BMW ever made was the '70s 2002! Huge trunk, plenty of room and great quality builds.
The only people who hate BMW after owning one are the people who bought one with turbos or are 3rd or 4th owners. The 328i with the naturally aspirated inline 6 is hands down the most reliable BMW I've owned (4) and second out of all my cars only to a 99' Honda crv with 350k miles on it. Less power sure but also less in repairs.
Yeah my turbo dying on mine 😭😭
The true judge of quality is time. if it is junk after a few years it's not quality.
Just buy a straight six diesel. Change oil and forget about all and any car problems
Yep especially the 08 year .. I sold my 328i to my friend he loves it I miss that car lmao
@@hampusbrydling6459 TRUE!!!
Keep up the good work Scotty, I have a BMW and it's been brilliant, glad people think they are no good second hand, keeps prices down for those of us in the know
Absolute facts hahaha
Yup
Preach it brother
My uncle cycled through 3 different BMWs and I still have my dad's T100 that he gifted me from when I graduated college YEARS ago
Most of the people on here don’t know how to take care of a vehicle correctly and also don’t have the brains to get under the hood and try it themselves. The reason I got my 335i n55 was because of that reason right there! I got it for cheap under 13k and I literally fix anything that goes wrong on it myself! Just buy the parts for cheap and fix it. Luckily I do have another car which is a Lexus so I will never be stranded while working on the bimmer 😂
He's telling the truth. I have a 2010 BMW 650i and this car has killed me financially. BMW stands for: Bring My Wallet!
6 and 7 series are always bad since they get most of the new stuff and new tends to break
6 n 7 are the most poorly made models. Sorry man.
Don’t buy bmw cars even if used! Cheap to buy but expensive to maintain! Pay more and get a used Toyota or Honda much more cheaper to maintain!
you have me scared
@@WrapperPresidentsShoweveryone says life’s too short to own boring cars but Toyotas can be fun. They just aren’t buying the right ones.
Man, I'm glad you exist Scotty! Love your videos! I have 2 BMWs I work on myself and I can't argue with anything you say. The '97 M3 isn't too bad, and it's simple. But my 2012 X5M, as amazing as it is to drive, is a complete nightmare. I have a serious problem and need professional help!
I had the 2009 version of this car with a manual transmission . Super fun car … had the old school CPO warranty . BMW replaced both turbos and AC compressor ( huge labor ) under warranty . Sold that baby at 100k when the warranty expired
I had a couple of BMW's, e90 with 2.5 litre I6 (N52) and e46 coupe with older 2.5 I6 (M54). The e90 was a daily driver, other one was a weekend drive. Both lovely to drive, both built to perfection, solid like a rock! Also a common thing for both of them is that both of them were prone to failing, often and badly. It was not worth it, sold both of them after 3 years. I gave them for a low price just to get rid of them. I know a lot of people with the same experience...
Which engine did you like more? N52 or M54? Thanks
@@nurousek123 mine was N52B25A, it was 2.5 litre, 218 hp, valvetronic. It was a better engine to drive than the M54, low power on low rpm but it sang all the way up to 7k rpm. That particular version has a problem with thin thin piston rings so it drank oil like crazy. It was a better engine to drive but was ready for a rebuild after 180k km...
M54 is one of the best engines ever created. I own one with 200.000km and sold anotger recently with 200.000km too.
There are a few little sealings that can go bad on these but they are so easy to fix everyone can do it.
The way the E46 and E39 handle is unmatched in my opinion.
I own a 335i. Had it for 8 years now. I know how to take it apart all kinds of ways. By now, i've replaced all the plastic parts with aluminum upgrades (cheaper than OEM). They are not bad if you are mechanically inclined and can work on them yourself. If you depend on the dealer for labor, then you are screwed and will forever be broke.
I bought a so called "most reliable" version, an 06 530i with an N52, but still yeah, 100 percent agree with you. Those BMW guys who love them are blind to this stuff and just call every one else cheep for not doing maintenance, but rebuilding an engine is beyond maintenance to me. I went through hell with mine, and I thought it was going to be easy fixes, and that I got a deal. I did, but yeah, not worth doing stuff like major repairs all the time and calling it maintenance. Endless money pit is right. I don't care what kind of deal you got on it. Never again, and I'm a mechanic as well. Japan makes stuff I like working on.😉
See I have a BMW with the N52 and I’ve been ok so far with the maintenance. I did have to replace the ignition coil and I’m starting to get some small oil leaks, but with FCP Euro making it so that parts have a lifetime warranty, a lot of those repairs have been paid off by the free oil changes from the warrantied oil and I’ll never have to pay for a valve cover gasket ever again
I'd rather a lexus over bmw
@@Dashi18n mine was closing in on 200k miles (hence the deal i guess) so maybe that's just the breaking point idk, I have heard many others say this was the best engine, it probably is. It was BMW maintained before I got it too. Vanos, 99 percent of codes are Vanos related I found. but otherwise an ok engine really.
@@attunedofficial 200k out of any engine is pretty good and I’ve seen some N52’s with over 300k out there along with M54’s. I don’t find it surprising that the vanos were the prime culprit later in life, but it is a shame how that and the water pump were the weak points of that engine.
Thank goodness for Japanese cars 😊
You truly deserve every dollar you charge and more. Best vehicle I ever had was a 77 MB 240D with 4 cylinder diesel. 0-60 same day and ran forever.
My dad owns an '81 of that same model. Those cars were built when Mercedes meant prestige, reliability, and longevity unlike the common plastic car brand it's become today such as BMW and Volvo. Now not only are these "premium" cars even more expensive to buy but even more so to maintain along with the inconvenience of going in for frequent repairs. Just not worth it any more with them. Only those "keeping up with Joneses" types buy/lease them or the unaware car buyer who's been lusting after one for sometime.
My Dad used to have one ... 0-60 same day, lol
Here in the UK there are plenty of independent BMW specialists. Plenty of used parts (mirrors, lights etc) so it's not that difficult to maintain one as long as nothing major goes wrong.
I bought a pre-owned certified BMW 330 from the dealer, less than 30k miles. The car was in the shop 3 times within 3 weeks of ownership, and then the engine blew while i was on the free way.
My neighbor's BMW SUV, almost new, just left a huge, hm, lake, of coolant. It was not sub zero, it just leaked all over the place for no apparent reason.
Inherited a 2007 335i several years ago and I agree with your statement about some expensive thing always going wrong. In the 10 years of ownership it has gone through 3 high pressure fuel pumps, 2 radiators, a valve job, replaced all the coils and fuel injectors, replaced 1 window motor, replaced 2 cracked rims and countless run flat tires. And the reason you got my attention was the failed hood struts which I replaced 2 months ago. I will say that when I am not sinking money into this pit it is one of the finest running cars I have ever driven. But the best option it has right now with new and used car prices going through the roof is the pink slip in the glove compartment
You know what is 335i and what people do to it? Should tell us how many rear tyres got replaced after all the burnouts.
you have the best engine with the worse surrounding parts
well its a 14 year old car !!
And a partridge in a pear tree?
@@MrAvant123 Eh I also have a 07 IS250 with 196k miles and no issues, only basic wear and tear items replaced. Still original water pump etc. Window regulators still solid too. They use less plastic than BMW and better quality parts. I got all the stuff to replace on it like T stat, serpentine belt, water pump and stuff, but never got around to installing yet. It's my beater car lol I know it'll still run for at least another 100k. OH yeah, original transmission too. Do fluid flushes and recently dropped the transmission pan and replaced gasket and fluid filter too. Now I'm not being biased as I also have a BMW F80 pushing around 520WHP, just facts Toyota build quality and reliability is way better.
My sister hit a deer with her BMW 3 series and her car was shaking afterwards with a check engine light. I knew it was the coil packs but I told her to order spark plugs along with the coil packs. 3 hours later her car wasn't shaking no more and was quiet like a brand new car.
The bad - a few plastic pieces did broke with me not at fault. I thought BMW was a high end high quality car manufacturer but boy was I wrong when it took me 3 hours to change spark plugs and coil packs because of the plastic parts you have to remove when it would have taken me just 45 minutes to changed out the same parts on my Acura TL. Unless you have warranty I would highly avoid BMW.
Yeah. I'm in my mid 20s and I don't have any plans of buying a BMW or Benz lol I stick with older American or Toyota, lexus but that's it
@@TreyGoose Try considering a Ford or Lincoln also.
Rip deer. Killed by a bmw driver.
@@TreyGoose Hondas/Acura is actually easy to work on too.
Hmmm. 40k but diagnostics said over 70k every car has plastics and expensive parts. Every car loses value ... do people actually expect to drive cars for free? I have a 550i 2008 with over 300k all original . . maintenance isn't fix it when it breaks ... maintenance is replace when worn.
They are they best looking and handling cars. I waited 20 years to finally get a five series and love it. It’s been as reliable as any Toyota or Honda I’ve owned up to the the 80k miles mark, but I also have learned over the years to work on a many of the components, and routine maintenance of every car. I would not recommend a used BMW unless it’s a low mileage lease return, you can work on it yourself, or have deep pockets for repairs.
2002 330 w 225k. Most reliable car I've ever owned. You HAVE to do preventative maintenance(cooling system) and vacuum leaks pop up, but this car has been bullet proof. My civic is also reliable but honestly it has had more issues
same here bro I have a 2002 330ci 5 speed manual. What you said is facts also learning how to do the repairs yourself is key for saving tons of money. mine has 280K all I've changed so far is the starter, slave cylinder and control arms
capperoni
Why didn't you take the cowl off? It would've made this super easy. The ignition coils are only $20 and these are Bosch...a BMW owner always keeps one or two spares. Yes these cars are high maintenance, but if you know what to expect, you're ready for it. With great cars comes great responsibility Scotty. Thanks for the video.
Totally agree. Still think about the '06 525i I didn't grab, but it was truly a money pit. Tons of codes. Data problems, brakes, rotors, etc.
correct, if you can do the work and dont mind/enjoy doing the work BMWs are fantastic cars. When you got that alignment dialed in after you just spent a week replacing every bushing on the thing with OEM+ harder rubber bushings... its a perfect driving experience.
They are cheap to fix if you fix them yourself otherwise you'll cry with the dealer bill
Yup.
Fiat was always a high maintenance car as well. They're the type of automobiles. One always avoids, and yet people buy em. Why?
He's absolutely correct. BMW used to be a great car, expensive but reliable. Not anymore. You may be able to afford a used BMW, but ask yourself if you can afford to maintain it.
My brother-in-law did not listen to me when he decided to get his 2010ish BMW 745 (I even told him about Scotty's videos). After sinking a few grand into that piece of junk, he now has joined the "BMWs are trash" club. I later saw the same car up for sale with a blown turbo.
My turbo also dying 😭😭
I don't blame him. BMWs can be very tempting 😂
Woo a blown turbo so scary , put a new one in, or buy a tin can that you don't have work on.
745i would be a 2002-2004. Those were very bad cars.
The 7 series is only for the rich lol. Can’t expect a pure luxury car to drive like dream flawlessly
I like how he criticizes the least reliable BMW in the last 20 years just to prove his point. Those E90 335i are notoriously unreliable because they are too complicated, have a lot of moving parts. Heck a 1M is even more reliable. Buy a E90 325i or a 320i and you will be fine.
You own one don’t you 🤣
@@DR.P3RKY yeah, an F30 320i, the simpler the better. The only thing replaced was an expensive wiper motor
love my e90 335i 08
things wonderful and ive done quite a few maintenance jobs myself
Or get e9x 330i no turbo but more reliable
least reliable? *laughs in e60 m5*
Having owned a couple BMWs...I have to say..Scotty is 💯 percent correct on this one...
I love the old M3s...but I will NEVER buy a new BMW again!!
He's telling the truth. Everybody that has these cars say they are crap 💯 expensive to fix also.
I’ve had so many electrical problems with all the bmw’s i’ve owned, they are pure junk, yes they make power, yes they are fuel efficient, is it worth the hassle, hell no, give me toyota reliability
dude, and don't you find it slightly depressing and ironic the supposedly new 'Supra' has a BMW engine in it instead of the other way around. I mean, it seems like if there exists a wrong and backward way to do things car companies always figure it out and make it happen!
The only upside of Toyota is you are less likely to have to work on it, parts will be just as expensive if you do,. And you sacrifice so much for that ease.
@@Bawbrahs yeah, there is definitely a 'boredom' thing going on with Toyota.
@@Bawbrahs oh i’ll work on it haha I own a couple of lexus’s and evo’s i bought a 325i e90 a couple of months ago, drove it for a month and it wouldn’t start at -35degree a couple weeks ago, boosted it and the push start stopped working, couldnt push start it because bmw are dumb, press the push start once to put in accessories mode then again to crank start, but the push start stopped working so i couldn’t get it in accessory mode…. The cas (ews immobilizer) fried, lucky for me the guy took it back, went out and bought an is250 instead, That bmw was my 5th or 6th bmw between me and the wife, and never again, do they get great fuel mileage? Yes, they make good power, they are pretty boaty compared to the lexus equivalent, but never again will I buy a “bus metro walk” because they’ve kept me stranded on multiple occasions, alternator issues, battery draining, starters that let go for no reasons, leaking oil everywhere, no no no never again
@@Bawbrahs "parts will be just as expensive" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
As someone who has owned both a toyota and a BMW that couldn't be further from the truth. Not only do toyota parts cost far less, but the maintenance costs are far less as well. $2-3K for turbos on M4 = about 7 years of routine maintenance on my T100... stop the nonsense🤣
yes, I had a beemer I was so tired of plastic parts breaking I sold it for a loss. who puts that much plastic in a cooling system? a country where summer temps rarely exceed 85 degrees.
Ford
VW
You would be surprised. There are so many plastic parts places in cars today.
Toyota
@@Daniel_Colavecchio ..yep! My 98 4runner actually had an OEM radiator with plastic ends just like the Bangel butt 7 series BMW's, I was shocked and saddened! I had no idea Toyota did this until i went to change it out back in 2020. It didn't need replacing until over 250k miles so i guess it lasted long enough...but still a dumb idea!
Being a life long motorhead myself .. I know scotty has his ways but the man would never talk about something he didn't know anything about Or tell the public something that was not true why because what would he gain . He speaks from his experience ...and his experience speaks for itself ....end of story..
I completely agree with you. Scotty's 40+ yrs experience speaks for itself. Keep up the excellent work you are doing as the public is very appreciative. We love love love love you for looking out for us. ❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I have owned both BMW and their little brothers, the Mini. Both were fun to drive but are very expensive to repair and aren’t great to work on. Avoid any without warranty. You can get a good one, but if you get a bad one, it’s wallet emptying time.
This is how I stay in business 😂
Bad coil packs?
Funny how much people will pay to have that emblem on their car.
@@strafer8764 They're awesome cars until about year #4, as scotty says. After that you're supposed to sell it. But during the first few years, they're a whole lot nicer than other cars.
😂😂😂
The secrets out 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Scotty always making us use our brains and not the heart.
Love from South Africa.🇿🇦
Am frm south Africa an we like Germans so much here they re like de meaning of success,u re ryt dis guy saves us
I own a 98' Bmw 5 series 528i. I agree with a lot of the things you say, i think it's important to know what you're getting into. Personally i haven't had any major issues, and i do pretty much all repairs myself. There haven't been anything massive, just a bunch of seals and gaskets, and it still leaks oil LMAO. i recommend being able to fix things yourself if you're gonna get one. They're fun to work on if you're into that, pretty reliable engines and they drive great.
Well most BMW have issues from 2007 to 2014 like after 2014 they fix many things on their cars
E39 are amazing. Im in luv wit em. Have a 97 540 n 03 530. They both r great n fun af to work on.
Key is “built before 2004”. Modern BMWs are horrible.
Agreed, best way to save $ is t do it yourself or learn how. I've had 5 BMW's total (Currently still have 3) My daily is a 328i X-drive, my son & I are working on a 540i I'm gifting to him (great engine drives smooth), and I have a 535i (fully loaded) that I'll be working on next. I'm a bimmer guy for life. IDC what Sir Scotty says lol
We dont know but scotty knows....he doesn't beat around the bush....straight shooter diagnosing replacement location critical to move on when so many still left behind....sad for such front runners.....Personaly ill listen to This mans advice...
After saving money for a car in my teens, I debated between this 335i or a g37 coupe. Never been so proud of my decision. The coupe has lasted me years and has been extremely reliable.
Bet your disappointed every time you floor it though 😂
@@rayland9305 I’m more so disappointed in your lack of knowledge for the car. The car is quick off the line, but where it fairs most is the cornering. In addition, the power as been consistent regardless of aging. If that doesn’t scream amazing then you sir lack the intelligence of discerning so. Disappointed.
I have a 2008 535i and doing my own turbo replacement during the time watching this video. Not too bad to do and no I'm not a mechanic. These cars can make a lot of power for cheap. Ebay 19t turbos for 850. Full bolt-ons ran around 1800. When all said and done it'll make 600hp (on e40 mix). Hell you can tune a stock one and make roughly 400 hp without changing a thing. Mhd has an app for any android device and you plug your device into the obd slot and flash your motor. Good video but gotta say stock turbos run about 1500 not 3000 for both. Go ebay turbos for cheap power. Btw I changed out the thrust collar like in the RUclips video by turbo labs of America. Great video man I like it!
Had this same car in college, it mechanically totaled itself pretty much while I had it cause I was just too poor to maintain a bmw… sold it got a 03 Camry and an FJ cruiser, then got ANOTHER N54 335i cause it’s the most fun car I have ever driven!!! Have my current one modded to 480HP, it is a rocket ship will out run m3. Such a great car. Just dropped $4k on new turbos and can’t wait for the miles ahead of me worry every penny. Oil Leaks galore, very expensive to maintain but smiles per gallon are unbeatable
I hate oil leaks, junk plastic parts and crazy electrics.
Some are too poor to maintain and fix a BMW. Some become too poor after owning a Break My Wallet car.
That's the spirit of a true gearhead, these clowns on here think it's not a good machine unless it requires zero attention.
@@Bawbrahs A machine requiring zero attention that just functions is literally the sign of a good well made machine🤣 a machine that constantly requires hundreds and thousands of dollars to keep running is, "the spirit of a true gearhead" LOL I can't believe the extent to which bmw fanboys will go to justify their poor decisions
Everything Scotty said is TRUE! Unfortunately, my wife and I can't find a car that we enjoy driving more. 520,000 miles on 2 E46s. 375,000 miles on E90s & F25s. Unfortunately, my wife wrecked her 2011 X3, so I picked up our 1st BMW turbo. 2017 X3 28i MSport. Wish me luck! 🤣
Luck won't cut it. Better get a second/third job.
you've got big cojones chief
Haha, I had the same 2008 335i (Blue) and truer words have never been spoke Protect Scotty at all cost. 🙌🏾.
My friend bought one. He loved it for 6 months. Power windows constantly broke along the way he had failure upon failure. BMW Barely Mechanical Working
When I was in Germany a German mechanic told me, never buy anything built in Europe. He said they all have electrical problems, and after 10 years they are money pits.
Oh, well, if a ‘German mechanic’ told you this, IT MUST BE TRUE..! 😂 Europe is packed full of German cars. They’re obviously working just fine….
Maybe he just hates himself
Currently a proud owner of an e39 528i. Have had to replace 02 sensors, camshaft position sensors etc.. outside of the hundreds of $$ of parts, it’s very fun to drive.
You will never find a better car.
FCP Euro has lifetime replacement for everything they sell including oil...
@@slam44 Any typical honda or Toyota will outlast a BMW at a fraction of the cost... I'll bet my house that they'll be cheaper to maintain over any time-frame you want to compare too 😏
I own 2 bmw f30 m sports with the b58 engine. Amazing cars, great transmission and one is approaching 70k miles no problems on either one. As far as needing expensive equipment to maintain it. Just basic tools and a little know how. Don’t see how this car is much different then any other modern car. I have never been a fan of bmw’s until the b58 with the zf8hp. Plastic parts are on every car including Toyota. Like to know your thoughts on the new Toyota Supra (rebranded bmw).
Of course you don't see how it's much different - because it isn't. You're not on RUclips being intellectually dishonest like Scotty is to make a living. Literally basic tools + about $30 for a set of e-torx and torx sockets will see you through probably 90% of BMW jobs. The only time you really need specialty tools is if you are doing more invasive jobs like removing VANOS gears.
Yup, we always say to lease them under warranty so if anything breaks, it's covered under warranty! Turn it back in after the lease is over! They lose a lot of value, but the price of parts still stay high!
Yeah, pay 500 a month and give it back and have nothing to show for it.......makes no sense..just buy a good car or truck used.
Fcpeuro parts are pretty affordable and lifetime warranty on bmws
@fcpeuro, aftermarket parts are cheaper, but you can not get a lot of parts aftermarket, so you are stuck with OEM.
@Rich Sweeney, yes, buy a good used Toyota, instead of a used German car!
@@kumaboyy.7443 or Honda.....
Bought a BMW last Saturday. My car insurance went from 29.99 eur on my Toyota to 91.20 eur per month. Wish me good luck 😂
Hello Scotty,
I have a 1999 BMW 528i and it has 65000 on it.
It has that butter smooth in-line 6 and it still looks as good as the day I bought it.
I only use it occasionally because my 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 is my little Betsy and I don’t care if anybody opens they’re door on it.
I also can park it on a dime.
I think the 528i model in 1999 was the last year it was made in Germany.
Love watching and learning from your videos
🤗
Nice I have a 2015 Tacoma and a 06 325i bmw. Love em both
Got a 2008 535xi a few months back. Saw a 9k sticker and naively thought "that's great!". I couldn't have been more wrong! Front struts needed replacement, stereo went out along with the mulf module and to top it off, it leaked oil like nobody's business. It "passed inspection" at the dealer. 1 week later all this crap started happening. Got rid of it shortly thereafter. Never again....unless it's a lease lol.
Scotty, to access Cyl 6, it helps to remove the cowling plastic above the firewall.
Absolutely correct. Tend to the 'heated PVC System routing assembly' at the same time...it's a recall campaign item, among others, like the airbag, like... well you'll find out if you're brave enough to buy an N54/N55.
Scotty would say hey, I'm not perfect, now the world is going to end. And he would show the horse.
I have a 2008 BMW 328i Coupe Convertible; I purchased the car with 220,000k and I have replaced the water pump, thermostat, left high beam, right angel-eye, right side blinker, upper radiator hose twice, lower hose, tank reservoir twice, tuneup, misfire in cylinder 3, brakes, rotors, oil gaskets, the under carriage, two oil changes, the air filter, all 4 tires, sensors, and the belt.
Its just mileage related expenses. Surely, you don’t expect a car to run like the day it came out of the factory after 200k plus miles?
@@FABM27 of course not;
I like my car, I was just sharing my BMW experience.
Well, in my opinion, it depends on the engine of the BMW. My dad has a 2004 E53, which has a 160 kW engine diesel and in the past 15 years, he only needed to change the turbo and the generator (not counting the normal service stuff, like filters and oil). I have had a 2006 E91 with the M47 engine for the past 4 or 5 years, and I literally only had to only change both of the thermostats. My E91 has 450k km, and my dad's E53 has almost 600k km driven. Both cars didn't cost much to take care of them. So when people say the BMW isn't as reliable, it's usually, at least in my country, because people tend to keep the broken parts broken until the very last second and then change it. Which leads to other problems appearing. And also, the M57 engine on the E53 is one of the most reliable engines in the world.
Scotty, thank you for showing me the trick of moving the ignition coils to another location which showed that the coil was bad initially. These tricks have made me a backyard mechanic without any techie education for all my worker friends at work. I can say common sense still rules and you Scotty have got it down to s science. Peace brother, vf
Scotty is awesome!👌👏🏼👍🏽 He is an invaluable asset to the public. Love love him.❤ ❤
@@user-qc8vj3vp9v Just hope he does not stop anytime soon. Then there is the RUclips with its rules in favor of the corporate light. This I think will be the achilles heel for Scotty.
Good day fella too. vf 😀😀
As a BMW owner, you made this way harder than you had to. Also that car has gnarly wastegate rattle 😂
the whole car was just poorly maintained, just look at that trans fluid 😂
Yea, replacing a coil and spark plug takes 10 minutes. And a diagnostic tool tells you exactly which coil is bad. Coils are inexpensive too. Not sure why he was so dramatic.
Pulling that cabin air filter cowling piece off only takes a couple minutes and makes this all so much easier.
Simple coil switch lol but love Scotty
I'd love to see him do an episode on replacing N54 turbos!
I have replaced the hood struts on my 2004 Ford Crown Vic now after 20 years. Have replaced with more expensive TRW struts. The old spring loaded hood lifters on older car is better. The Ford Crown Vic is very available all around, and very few plastic parts. The inntake is aluminium on this car. The EV's has less taxes here in Norway. The best prices in the world. But the insurance are high, caused by the high repair costs of these cars. Has got a lot of problems with charging in this winter. The china busses in Oslo have had alot of issues in the winter. The diesel busses has been a replacement.