The CAR WIZARD shares the top BMW's TO Buy & NOT to Buy!
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- Опубликовано: 10 июн 2024
- Taking from his years of experience working on cars the CAR WIZARD 🧙♂️ shares the top BMW's TO buy and NOT to buy!
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I heard from another mechanic that the best thing is you can do is buy a 1994 Toyota Celica.
Yeah these BMWs once they age, they become ENDLESS moneypits
Hmm...did he tell you to rev up your engine?
Hmm...did he tell you to rev up your engine?
Sean harding yes
Luka Groot Don’t forget the $5000 scan tool!
As someone who's worked on many e46 BMWs I can confidently say that they're THE BMW to buy. They're not hard to work on, at all, they handle pretty well and the I6 in the 330 is built like a brick shithouse. Parts are cheap and plentiful.
Are there any significant issues with any of the other models (323i, 328i etc.)?
what about e30?
What years do you recommend Joseph?
@@BelovedChatter 2003 and up, earlier ones had bad subframe rust issues.
@@ryanpham3308 They are all similar, just the power output differ. The biggest issue with the E46 is the cooling system has a bunch of plastic parts, that gets brittle with age. You buy a $200 dollar cooling system overhaul kit from FCP Euro that consist of a new radiator, some fresh hoses, a waterpump and a thermostant and you're most likely good for the rest of any E46's natural life. I'd say like the Wizard says, the biggest problem with E46's is mainance that hasn't been done, and is just piled on. You can drive these cars into the ground where half the car doesn't work, which is why people do. The second biggest problem is kids owning them, and thrashing on them. Whatever you do, dont buy one thats riced the fuck out. Its going to be trash.
I've had an E46 for nine years, I never cheaped out on it and it never let me down.
That's the thing, they will keep driving despite poor maintenance. Because of that everything accumulates and then they blame the car and sell it to...
The e46 is a simple car, try with bi turbo or direct inyection models...
I've got 2 x e46s and an e39. Love them...anything newer......no way!
@@petermonk117 can you elaborate on the e39 owner experience? I'm thinking of buying one of does, thinking of the 520i
@@ruicastro7009 of course. I bought a 135kmiles e39 523i manual touring with lpg conversion 2 yrs ago. Now on 160k and used as a daily driver. The usual bits of bodywork are showing its 20yrs of age so I have just taken it off the road. Changed entire front suspension myself including struts etc when they got worn. Rear air suspension bags too. The real bastard is the rear tailgate springs/ openers on the touring...but I was prepared for this anyway. The only really crap thing is the rear brake lines that go over the petrol tank....starting to look a little rusty and as I need to weld the jacking point nearby I have taken it off the road to do both these jobs. Love the car and will continue doing these types of repairs. Driving the e46 right now. E39s not without issues but certainly can be worked on DIY and the last good 5 series in my opinion. Hope that is of help!
As a BMW tech, there’s a few things I agree with and some I don’t. You get used to them, there’s some real gems out there but for the love of god don’t buy a E65
I had an E65 and second this statement. Sold it at 68K miles. Did a water cooled alternator replacement, now that was expensive.
Im looking for a E60 or E90, can you help me?
@@SlayersFan1988 Alongside myself a lot of techs own an E90 or E60 as they are older reliable cars. Easy to work on and parts widespread, what engine you looking at? Both are not without their faults, always buy on condition and history not just mileage
@@jamiemorgan1 Im in argentina, the E60 only came the 530i version(as well the 530d), and the E90 im looking for a 325i, 330i or 335i sedan. Thanks.
@@SlayersFan1988 Not sure on the exact engines you got. But I’d avoid the N53/54 too many issues, N55 is great, N52 is very reliable although the expensive water pumps can go and oil leaks on N52,55. Diesel wise, the M57 is a great engine and a few mods can make it bulletproof just look online. N57 is okay but has timing chain and EGR issues. Avoid any 4 cylinder petrols and V8s tbh
“There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes” Jeremy Clarkson. BMW isn’t far behind.
He didn’t say that stop lying and spreading lies about begat clarkson says he has a Mercedes idiot
Menuka Ariyadasa BMW is far ahead, what you talking about??
@@diablocls55 I am talking about the fake quote that Jeremy clarkson said that others use he didn’t say that he owns an amg Mercedes
Menuka Ariyadasa oh my bad I didn’t even mean to tag you, I meant to respond to the guy who originally posted the comment regarding Jeremy Clarkson 😂🤦♂️
"If you have a moment where everything in the BMW works , then it's an act of God." - wizard
Lmao
Not if they are maintained. Neglect them and the damage will escalate quickly. Most BMW owners and renters over the last 300 years really just want the badge.
Everything works in mine & i have 22s on it yea bih
james brown
Get back to us when it has 250k miles
Or be like me A BMW mechanic that has a 7 series addiction xD. ( 12K to keep a 2000 e38 running for 3 years) and 6 months of work.
So true the one I had had about twenty things broken at all times so glad I got rid of that piece of junk
It's amazing how BMW went from reliable and practical to unreliable and complicated. Older BMWs were as easy to work on as a lawnmower with a ton of engine bay space. now you have to pull out almost the entire front of the engine to change the alternator.
Man idk what bmw u have had my bmw alternator sits literally ontop easiest replacement than a basic Honda
Well on an e46 taking out the air box and scoop takes 2 minutes: 2 bolts, a hose clip, 3 plastic pop rivet clips and there's the alternator under that.
@@dantheman1337 Yeah and this "mechanic" has the guts to say an E46 is a car thats hard to work on... guy must be on drugs :D its the most modern, best riding car you can realistically DIY 90% of the time. In another video he showed parts he had to take off to change a 3 dollar gasket, he didnt have to take half of them out - he probably just has fat hands :DDD
Thats the case for most modern cars tbh not just BMWs. Watch a tairdown video of any Audi engine post 2005 for instance and you'll see what I mean. The Germans in general are notorious for over-complex and horrible to maintain design and they really went crazy with it post 2000ish.
90s BMWs are actually pretty easy to DIY but post 2005 are just so complex and full of computers I wouldn't even attempt it.
I'd like to say that a more accurate statement could possibly be that BMW used to be reliable & FUN! Practical has never really been a part of their heritage but even their "luxury line" of vehicles such as the E34, E28, and E23 totally RIP!
When a mechanic seems like he is a good person and would make a good friend, you gota trust him. This guy's exactly that. What a gentleman. I'm happy to recommend your channel to others. Wish you and your shop the best.
It's like scotty kilmer on Valium...
Fairly high dosage at that !!!
hahahahaha
He talks so much shit
scotty would never daily a mercedes. but he agrees about the bmws
Mmmm celicas and valiums good memories
BMW has one of the strongest brand followings it’s actually crazy
They're awesome cars with tech and mechanics ahead of their time for the price new, but because of these new and scarcely tested innovations, they're more prone to fail, and more expensive to maintain. Other companies will pick up the same tech a few years later, adapt it, perfect it, then put it in their cheaper cars. I guess its a price to pay if you want the cool new stuff, the powerful engines, the luxurious interiors, electronic gadgets, etc, without paying the REALLY big bucks..
Vekta lmao I wish the tech they put in failed. You can replace them. 4.4L v8 oil consumption, plastic everything, luckily the whole engine is still somewhat non plastic. Then there is the ibs bs they put in that only they can change using bmw software. Now battery cost will be about $500 out the door. Turbo oil line will fried over time. The list goes on. Hard to find a newer bmw that doesn’t display with any issues. I almost got myself with one. Ended up getting a brand new Subaru Legacy for space and pricing but turn around selling it for a 2018 Mercedes instead. Maybe one day when bmw actually make the ultimate driving machine that doesn’t break down and costing owners a leg and an arm. Until so stay away from bmw. Well loaners and lease is ok.
@@vietassassin Ive owned 3 so far. A 1997 325iS M sport, 2000 740iL 4.4, and now a 2005 Z4 3.0i. The only one that really gave me any problems was the 740iL. But that was my mistake for buying it at 230k... it ran no real issues at all for about 2 years until the tranny started acting up. The person I bought it from also knew about the problem, (shop told him, we used the same place and they remembered the car lol) but he lied to me. I've loved my BMWs but they are scary. Never know what might go wrong and how much ita going to cost you.
@@vietassassin also my 4.4L never had any issues with oil, never heard that one That was a very solid motor even at its mileage, but maybe I got lucky
Vekta well yours was a 2000 still a lot better than the newer one my buddy has own. ‘13 550xi in the dealer atm with valve stem job. You can check out the lawsuit on it too. ‘15 fixed the issue with the n63tu which it replace n63.
My 03 e46 runs pretty well at 181k surprisingly hasn’t broken down yet. I would say it all depends on how well the previous owners maintained the car.
heavily agreed! and how well you continue to treat and maintain it. my '06 325ci is an absolute beaut and machine at 126k!
Had my e46 for 10years.
If you can wrench a bit and get a laptop with inpa to get error information, I would advise the car.
But not if you need to pay someone else to do it.
He even mentions this in the video
My dad used to have an '83 320i that he wanted to pass down to me when I got my license. Unfortunately I didn't care much for cars at the time so passed on it. He eventually had it scrapped. Biggest regret in my automotive life.
“I’m gonna tell you guys upfront right now, I don’t like BMWs.” This is why I tuned in. This ought to be good. His honesty kills me.
Confirmation bias
@@seething1361 exactly, someone who starts off saying they don't like something then proceeds to judge them is purely bias.
@@seething1361 he doesn’t like them because he works on them... work on them yourself and you’ll see. They’re horrible
@@nukedpancakes3_863 you are talking rubbish
BMW drivers crying & punching the air as they defend their BMWs while it’s in the shop getting worked on for the 50th time in less than a month.
BMW reliability in a nutshell:
Pre-90s: built like a tank, simple, easy to work on, metal everything
1990s-mid 2000s: plastic everything, somewhat complicated, harder to work on than pre-90s but 90% of stuff still DIY-able
mid-2000s onward: plastic everything, hyper complicated, computers everywhere, built to be leased not owned
What do think about a 1998 740il for $2000? Buy don't buy?
Your right 😄
@@philliesphan312 A must buy
I find BMW cars just fine to maintain. It takes a bit of thinking because of complexity and a bit of care because it's fragile on older ones the plastic is gonna be brittle.
how about 1994 BMW Series 3 318is
I'm just enjoying my 04 E53 while it lasts, it's
black and the paint still shines and the headlights are crystal clear, the interior is clean and the star pattern x5 rims are clean. The Sound and feeling of that v8 taking in air and growling, I love it. It has 173,000 miles on it and it never left me stranded for the year and a half I've had it. It was an impound at the tow company I work for and my boss sold it to me for $1,900.
Bimmer gang!!!
I am a new bmw owner and honestly it’s the way it drives that sold me. There is no other make/model that feels like a bmw. And I’m going too maintain it too keep that ride and drive quality.!.?!?!
German cars are a little like Jurassic park:
Yeah, but your engineers were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should.
That's honestly what I was thinking for the longest time.
BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc. add features and change things that need not changing. For example, the suspension in E46 is the exact same as in E36 but it's not Steel but instead Aluminum and the car itself is about 200 kilograms heavier than E36. The result is that where E36 corners and gives loads of joy, the E46 understeeres and is horryfying.
The first question should not be "Can we?" but "Should we?". Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Ford (in Europe), etc. do that and it works great. Toyotas and Hondas are stupid reliable and Ford Focus RS DESTROYS rivals like the Golf GTI or the RS3 on track and is more reliable than them, and cheaper.
@@edim108 this comment is so wrong it hurts
Ok, but what is wrong?
You have all right to disagree, but make a point why you do. Right now I don't know what you disagree with.
@@edim108 I can't agree with you. I have both - E36 and E46 (and one E30 too). E46 is not 200kg more but more like 50-100kg. it is nicer more refine car. I mean the body is supperior compare to E36, E46's front towers are integrated to the firewall and has much more bracing. Engines in the other hand are not that great, I prefer single vanos M50/M52 instead dual vanos drive by wire M54 . As a car enthusiast E36 suit best to me and E46 may be would be best for engine swaps and than motorsport.
@@HugeCockAndBalls yea i didnt even know where to begin lmao so i just let it be
"BMWs get worse with age, so i suggest the oldest models"
A lot of the older models are very simple and easy to work on, they don’t have a lot of that fancy technology that can break
@@kingjlinza I was making a joke
I have an 528 e39 and so far only normal maintanse but y have full record of service from it so I know it's a rarity
@@kingjlinza Then why not go back to horses and chariots and shit. This logic is ridiculous.
@@lilnightvision3637 don't quit your day job, jokes are not your thing!
I think the most significant thing I'm learning from watching your videos and several other car channels is that the model name doesn't equal Quality or Junk (with a couple of exceptions). It depends on the year!
ur completely right about one thing, there's always something broken on a BMW. but there's one thing about floating at 200kph that always puts a smile on my face. I had an E65 2002 with well over 350K km for about 10 years and I was so pleased with that car that I bought an F02 2012 as its successor. I guess it depends on where you live cause over here (Lebanon) EVERYONE knows how to fix a BMW and for cheap!
Its probably called a speeding ticket!! 😂
200? you have never hit 200 in your life.
@@wonderwalls3565 lol
im sure you know a lot about me 🤣
Not much needed.@@GhassanAwada
Can you do one for Audi's please my good sir
Easy, stay away from all of them
Tru
Easy, buy a good volkswagen.
@@neroxen_"Good Volkswagon"
Isn't that an oxymoron in itself?
i have an audi s5 4.2 v8 6 speed manual, it has 47000 mls on it, drive's like new no problem whatsoever, i think also do good maintenance and you have any problem
On this episode... Car Wizard show's us how to kick a hornet's nest properly!
😂😂😂
lol yep. some of it has some truth, others not some much.
The BMW fanboys are triggered
@@mikeekim007007 Especially the E46 and the E60 guys...
A cat is fine too... , the real BMW fanboys agree with him, but love them anyway.
Ogri Grindstaff relax , no apostrophe......
I have an 1990 E30 318. One previous owner. Absolute beauty. Minimal electronics, even manual window winder! 240,000 kms and still plenty of go in her. Surprised the Wizard didn't recommend the E30.
Literally had an 02 745i with 80,000 miles on it took me like 3 years to fix everything & have it in perfect condition lasted me 3 months till some guy passed a stop sign & destroyed the front passenger side.....now i have a 740i can’t believe how easy it is to work on them & how well everything has held up from the outside to the inside love it .
Its such a shame that what was once the pinnacle of automotive engineering has become a [Stupidly expensive] disposable item with more user experience similarities to a laptop than a car.
Well said!
I could hear Scotty Kilmer’s laugh by looking at your picture 😂
Yup, 100% agree with you.
Love this comment- I know I'm a grumpy old man, but I really don't want to drive a computer, I want to drive a CAR. I will NEVER own any vehicle with an "infotainment" system
Even Jeremy Clarkson said that any BMW before they started making them complicated is the ones to have...anything after year 1999 is asking for trouble. As well, notice people in the ghettos are driving more German cars than Japanese?
"I've seen people lose tons of cash on these cars". Translation "I've seen Hoovie lose tons of cash on these cars"
Hoovie is a genius. He makes money by losing money.
Loved my 1993 e34 (525i). Straight 6 engine with an automatic. Other than the control arms and dead pixels in the dash it was crazy reliable.the v8 was originally an issue with Nikasil. Also the exposed headlights/foglights always attracted rocks. I'd love another e34 in a 5-speed. I'd take it over my 98 e38, though the 740iL is still solid. (control arm bushings still routinely go). Love the comment and agree with you wholeheartedly.
I have been recently considering an e38. Nice to hear a good mechanic's opinion.
I was on the brink of buying a E60 M5, that V10 had me mesmerized for a while. Did my research, they're cheap for a reason. No hate, just more than I wanted to mess with.
I almost bought an m6 with that same engine. Good thing I didn't. The price was a red flag right away. 13k for a supercar? stay away lol
Just get a e60 535i and nod it like and e90 👍
Or if ur not into working hard buy a 550i it’s v8 twin turbo
The m5 has an f1 engine that’s why you need to change the rods every 100k miles. It’s pricey. Just get 535i or 550i
Good to know considereded one a few minutes ago after insurance money came in but I asked if I really wanted a v10 and 500 hp and the answer is INLINE 6 baby. idk what tho
I love how calm he is, it’s hilarious
Married to right woman, I guess! ;)
@@learndesignwithdevits a personality traits. Nothing to do with his wife.
I'm the same way as him and my wife bitch nags and fights everyone she knows all day everyday.
E83 X3 which is recommended is exactly the same thing, with same engines etc, as an E46 witch is not recommended... Why so?
The E90 3 Series is a great car with a great engine if it has the N52 engine in it. It can keep running for thousands of miles with regular maintenance.
late reply, but im about to buy an 330i E90, is pre LCI as reliable? i prefer LCI
@@ahdash4998 Hi, The E90 pre LCI have N52 and the LCI have N53, the N52 is little more reliable.
Love my E46 325i with the ZF-5hp, just rolled over 109k miles! Best car I bought for less than $5K with little money as a college student. Most affordable BMW I've had. My dads friend works on BMWs since the 80s. Drives a 2002 330i M Sport with a manual the past 8 years. He helped me with fixing the little things on my 325i. It all comes down to how it was treated. Just like any car.
My e46 M54B25 haw over 350k km and still in all 6 cylinders is 13 atmospheres.
Save all the E46s for me, pretty reliable car if you do your own work and keep up on maintenance
YEP! my 2000 323i has 251k miles and its solid. i love it
The issue is that when your buying an 16 year old E6 the lack of oil changes , or bad clutch or complete suspension rebuild is overall wear you cant get rid of... you cant " catch up " on maintainance . the bmw cooling system, and vanos , and transmission ( if auto ) can kill you. I have a e36, but am kind of afraid to get into something very expensive or complex to service. I do what I can myself, but cant do it all.
He is recommending V8 BMW's.....
Yup, just did my radiator yesterday at my friends shop on the lift. Spent a couple hours working on it with the radiator and CEL for the misfire on cylinder 3. Great car compared to any other car I've had.
Just buy a Manuel and make sure it’s was taken care of.
Couldn't agree with you more. Had two 320i's, a 1978 & 1981, and felt I can work on them when the time came. I also liked their build quality, timeless looks and solid handling. Adequate power for normal driving at around 100hp yet still tossable. Sorry to have sold the 81, I wish I kept it as I'd still be driving it to this day!
I almost shut off the video when you said you don’t like driving manuals 🤯. But I was able to regain my composure and finish hearing you out. Great video.
In Germany we say BMW means "Bring Mich Werkstatt" which means "bring me to a mechanic"
Bring mechanic with
i thought BMW’s were made better in Germany rather than the USA
@@AlizadeStewart no difference. Broken down, malfunctioning wreck regardless of where it is made.
Mercedes is 👑
In Malaysia, the Malays call it " Banyak Makan Wang" literally " Eat Alot Of Cash", heeee3
E46 is maintanable and not costly if you do the work yourself....the engine isnt bad. Just have to show it some love and replace parts that go bad after 15+ years.
Sylv Alta thanks I can maintain one you recommend a lil supercharger ?
@@orlandoa.8146 Id recommend a turbo kit if it's a daily driver but by all means supercharger is also a good go to ....if you want to make your E46 a beast
I have maintained my manual 5 speed 330ci for the last 10 years, all the work myself. I do preventative maintenance. I love this car.
But Wizzard is right, most E46s are ragged but if you can find a good one it won't break the bank to maintain.
I love my 325ci e46 but I do all my own work and I researched it before I bought it watched a bunch of youtube videos to know what to watch for. But he's is not wrong if the car has not had the regular maintenance done on it , it will be a pos but I guess you could say that fir any make. Just my 02.
Thank you wiz and the misus. Your advice is very helpful coming from a nuanced and true experience perspective. As a car enthusiast, I really enjoy these "buy these, not those" vids. I hope you don't get too much slack from the automakers, but maybe they outta listen to you also, and hopefully improve their cars. Kudos.
Thanks Car Wizard! I’m currently in the market for a vehicle and your videos are really helping out.
E30, E24, E28, E21, E32, E23 or pretty much any Bimmer from the 80s is awesome, and anything before that is too!
you forgot E34. I think even within the 90s the E36 and even the E38 and E39 was pretty good, sometimes electric troubles. Everything after the 00s is an electric and mechanical nightmare. The E46 has some issues, but you can tackle them after that they are decent as well.
E39. i bought one that was a taxi it had 780000 kilometers and all i had to change was my ecu. That thing lived up to a million and a bit loved that car so damn much
I got an E32 and it's a total nightmare. Whoever decided to make the cooling system/all the electronics should be fired.
@@summerodds5281 My Dad had several E32, depends on which one you got. the first ones were really with a too small radiator (86-88) but they fixed that issue, and you can just get a bigger radiator. Thermostat has some issues, but it is cheap AF. Some of the Waterpumps in 90s are with plastic wings, which is crap. But to be honest all in all those are small issues.
bmw e36 is good as well
Is that what happened to the Wizard, he pulled out all his hair working on E60s?
Love your videos thanks keep bringing the good content and saving us a lot of research !
Thanks for advice! Really helps 👍
Instead of 40,000 miles service on a BMW, just put it on a lift, stand under it and get a free 40,000 mile oil shower. I like sourcing parts from World PAC. We had a customer with an X3 with a jumped timing chain, the estimated labor hours to replace the timing chain for the cam and crank was 22 hours. The customer declined the repair and the car was scrapped. A BMW salesman in Houston stated that 80% of new BMWs sold are leased. I can see why.
e39 540i M-Sport, they're slowly fading away but the good examples last forever.
I have an e39 525d full M-pack with the suspension and all, almost maxed out on options (i have even put e38 contour seats) and it is perhaps the best car I will ever own in my life. Everyone who gets into it just goes speechless. No other car from that period can go toe to toe with it. Not even modern mid-size sedans (unless they are premium)
@@lyubomirgeorgiev1465 kogi shte me povozish i az da onemeq? btw pusni nqkoq snimka da vidq salona
I have a 2001 540i sportwagon and love it more than anything after the e60 m5 haha
I have to disagree: they eat VANOS pumps, and when they blow head gaskets you can't rebuild the engine because of the multilayer block casting. I've never seen one last beyond about 120k.
@@sqmotorsports9230 I've had two so far, one with over 190,000, another with 123,000, and I've seen many online with 200k plus and even 300k
I have used and new budget BMW experience. I never chased the name, but just gravitated toward these particular cars due to how they drove.
The first was an 88 E30 325i with four doors and I would call that the best "investment" in a car. At the time (2008), I was looking for a beater for $2k or less to drive myself to work and save wear and tear on the newer SUV. I didn't need 3 rows off seats and a V-8 to drive by myself. I got my 325i for $1800 with 212k miles on it and blown front shocks. The AC didn't work. I plugged in a connector and then it worked. The engine and transmission, however, were solid. I thought I'd have it for a year or two and get rid of it, but I had it for 8 years. It was easy to work on and I could do a lot of things myself. It also just felt great to drive. I loved the look and feel of it. I had to do typical things on it like the water pump/timing belt, clutch, fuel pump, and wheel bearings. The odometer broke at 284k miles and I'm sure I had it will over 300k before I got rid of it. For a few months, I kept this while I had a new car and still drove it for utility purposes or anywhere I didn't want my new car getting scratched up. I did end up getting crazy and replacing the control arms and steering rack myself. For my convenience, the two used/remanufactured racks both leaked, so that was awesome. Having done that and gotten power steering back, it developed a cooling issue and at that point, I just got rid of it. I wish I hadn't now, but I was tired of working on it and couldn't justify putting money in when I had a new car.
The new car (which I'm on now) was a 2015 X1 base model. This is the last year that was based on the 3-series chassis, so it has rear wheel drive, solid handling, a great transmission, and the thing is actually practical. In the price range (low 30s), I was looking at all kinds of small fuel-efficient crossovers to replace the big V-8 SUV. I need some cargo space, but not that much. It was about finding something efficient, yet still fun to drive. This is rated at 34 MPG on the highway, but also 240 horsepower and 260 ft lb torque. I didn't get a lot of tech options, but I don't care about that. I'd otherwise have been looking at something like a Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, whatever crap GM had, etc. What made me go this direction for a new car was the warranty and maintenance vs. other cars and better dealership experience. At the time, it was 4 years/50k miles for both. I work from home, so I don't rack up the miles.
Fast-forward to 2023 and it's out of warranty now... The general plan is 10 years or 100k miles for me to keep it. I'm not stupid... I do not want to own an "old" BMW that's newer than the early 90's. It was problem-free during the warranty period. Literally nothing wrong. What's gone wrong since: Front and rear washer fluid pumps, radiator, and one of the shade panels for the panoramic roof separated from the track. Now that panel operates "manually."
I'm at about 56k miles with it now. It's in excellent condition, but I think it's conspiring to bankrupt me pretty soon. All that being said, I love this car. It doesn't win beauty contests, but it does everything I want it to do and is a pleasure to drive. I would not, however, buy a new BMW or go up-market with the model. They're just too expensive and complex even though the loaners are fun to drive. A restored E30 though, I'd be all over that.
To be fair I bought an E46 330ci at 187k miles with no reverse and aside from the trans which I rebuilt and is working great now it had no other issues and is absolutely pristine, I have to say when we’ll maintained these cars are absolutely wonderful if you can fix them yourself they are joyful to own
In Poland, we are saying that BMW is shortcut of "Bedziesz Mial Wydatki" which mean "you will have expenses" :)
or "Bóg Mnie Wybrał" which means "God Chose Me"
Big money waste
In malaysia we called it 'Banyak Makan Wang' which translates endless moneypits
the canadian meaning for BMW is Broke My Wallet....which is true, its never been emptier since Ive owned BMWs and Land Rovers together :) lol
Dobrze
1985 BMW 535i, 5 speed manual transmission. Perhaps the most reliable car I've owned. Sold it with 300K miles on Original engine, did not burn oil and would blow the doors off most new cars. Easy to work on, parts were available. Great handling. Miss that car.
My e34 535 made it over 500k miles without a breakdown.
MAINTENANCE.
I have a e46 and very little issues with it. The work isn’t hard to do yourself. Absolutely love it
Wizard you’re nailing the BMW recommendations I should have watched first before commenting
I’d have to disagree with you on the E46. Had a few and they run like a clock and have held up really well. Really enjoy working on them.
E34s are my favourite but they love to rust and replacement parts are a bit costly sometimes. Also, if you get one replace the entire cooling system along with an electric fan conversion. No idea why you’re recommending a V8 though lol. 6 cylinder M50/M30s are really the only the ones to have.
I tend to stay away from E60s and E90s since they are absolute pigs to work on. Early N47/N57 diesels are shit too.
I know an e46 320d with 300k miles and first engine. Italian car though no rust at all...
Me and my friend have a 325i and 323i (both 2.5L) both of us had Vanos problems and one of the cars was already replaced and a cracked sub frame in both cars. And every part is expensive. The LCDs dont work as they used to either. A coupè and a sedan
@@BLACKRACERONE lemme guess u are from america,
@@Mr-cl2bh europe
Flavio Lopes Hmm seems to be luck of the draw then. It’s odd since I know people who’ve had remapped 320d and 330d and their subframes were/are fine. You’d expect those to go with the torque output. Yeah I actually forgot about the vanos system, it’s annoying but it’s not that hard to repair yourself.
Not the year but the model 2002 I really like
My fav
A friend of mine had a 1972 Tii and, it was def a nice car, the one thing we wish it had was a 5 spd for lower RPMs at modern freeway speeds.
An early BMW 5spd. will drop rt. in just shorten the driveshaft.
@MThis a common inexpensive upgrade done hundreds of times to 02's. I did it back in 1994 as a complete noob ... also upgraded to 3 series brakes, 3 series fact. recaros (bolt in) as well as bushing and suspension upgrades, bumper deletes, all plug and play at min cost for huge benefits.
Ultimate 5-speed Conversion Page for Getrag 245 >www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/131907-the-ultimate-5-speed-conversion-page-for-getrag-245/
"... the Getrag 245 overdrive 5-speed manual transmission can be found in a 1980-83 e21 320i ...
It bolts directly to the M10 block, but is about 3.6" longer than the original 4-speed..."
maan, we had and E53 for 4 years...It was incredible. the only issues we had were a fuel pump relay, and a couple of outer door handle carriers. It was endlessly fun to drive, had 330,000km (205,000mi) on it when we moved on from it.
Do not regret it at all.
Had an 2010 E60, drove it over 100k miles, never had a major issues. Never did any work on it. Never went to the dealer except for recalls. By the time I sold it, it did have issues that I didn’t want to deal with - mostly PCV stuff, Sunroof track broke, and there were some other little things but it was mostly in tack. The interior build quality was exceptional. It was still worth detailing and looked great. Timeless design, still looked current and relevant. But it was definitely a smart phone on wheels and had a lot of plastic in the engine bay.
I love that there's guys like you out there in the world, thank you for your honesty and advice Car Wizard!
I have a 1989 525i 5spd with 289,000 miles on it. It even passed California smog test. In the rain that car is very fun for such low power lol
Awesome!
Nice car
That car is older than me by a decade hahaha
E34 era the last of the great ones.
I had a 520i and a 535i e34 and they were already old when I bought them but had very little isseus with them
I have a 2003 X5 that has 230k miles. It has an M54 engine with the GM transmission and regular springs instead of the air suspension. It's quality and reliable and does great in the snow. Seems to be the exception to the early X5s.
I agree with you, sometimes these people are wrong, he was probably referring to the X5 with the v8
The 3.0 model is quite good. And they're crazy cheap right now.
The rear air suspension is cheap and easy to fix.
What do you think of the Z3? Are they a pain to work on or are they still in the acceptable range?
I think you missed the mark on this one, Wizard. E46 are about as good as they come. The m52-m54 engines are pretty bullet proof. Yeah, they have their common failures and you will be doing a few coolant system overhauls and your typical oil leaks but they are great cars. For you to recommend a BMW v8 in general as “reliable” just shows how much you missed the mark on this video. M62 had the cylinder liner issues, valve stem seals, timing chains, timing chain guides, they are money pits. And then you recommend an e83 but then not an e53? Both have 3.0 inline sixes. The same engine. Same components. The v8’s in the e53 are trash but the inline 6 is bullet proof. You missed the mark on this.
Yeah and he missed the M57 e39 models. Shure the coolant system fast connectors fall apart when they age and the suspension parts need to be changed sometimes. But i just cant understand how wrong he went with this video. But i guess it's the cultural differences between the states and europe. Here in europe every other car is a mercedes, bmw, audi or volvo and in here they are considered as rock solid cars to own and drive. I would repair an bmw e46 over toyota corolla E120 any time.
Yeah I've noticed that unless it's older than 20 years, wizard isn't going to recommend the car. However, I feel like these videos are aimed towards people who could mistake an alternator for a turbo. In which case, no BMW on the planet will be reliable for them.
@@jippo91 they didn't sell those in the US, only the petrol models.
If the e46 is the bench mark, it solidifies how awful this brand is
@@aero2507have you driven or owned an e46? they are the best driving cars ive ever driven and ive driven half a million dollar cars
The older BMW's (until the late '80s) were pretty rust sensitive, while the newer one's (after about 2000) are too complex with too much electronics and plastics.
So, the best choice are the '90s like the E34, 36, 38, 39's and above that, these are also the best looking ones 🙂
Further, the 6 cylinder types are relative simple and typical BMW good quality (I own a Z3 / 2.8) while the 8 cylinder types are more complex and repair sensitive.
Totally agree with you. E39 523i manual gear. Bullet proof.
I own an e34
E30. Begin and end. Last of an era. Everything else in the 90s after that had more in common with a Honda civic than a BMW. Sorry.. Fanboy I have one.
@@alvaroramirez2221 I'm thinking of buying one but it's an automatic, I prefer a manual one but they r hard to find. Are the automatics any good or should I stay away from them? It's a 1998 one
As an owner the e83 is a lot of fun. Never left me on the side of the road especially after I started replacing everything and trust after 150k you’re gonna wanna start but you can push it to 200k if you want but just start earlier lol
Hi Car Wizard, I really enjoy your videos I wish I could bring my car to you for service but I am in Canada. I had a 1983 320i in university and you are correct - that thing was bullet proof. No more BMWs for me though, especially after watching this. Thanks again.
Want a BMW?
Early 90s and older - Buy
New ones - Lease
Fuck Noo Early E90’s are terrible with the water pu
NO drive to bravaira and buy a new one
Pay hundreds a month to rent a car or risk repairs costs which will almost certainly be less. I will take the used BMW. Good luck finding any early 90's and older model that isn't rusted, roached inside, and generally neglected.
Leasing can make since IF you buy-out the car at the end of the term and then keep it at least another five years.
When it comes to luxury cars, usually those who buy are getting suckered. Luxury cars have higher maintenance and insurance costs, so the smarter move is to lease, that way you get a new car that gets full service and reliable too bc it's new
@@spakentruth - You think when you lease you're not getting suckered? You are paying for the depreciation of the vehicle for the time you have it, plus interest on that depreciation, and finally profit on top of all that. Then after three years of essentially renting the car you give it back, own nothing, and have to start from scratch again. How does this make more sense than buying say an eight year old 7-Series for 1/10 of what it cost new and spending even two grand a year on repairs? Do the math. It isn't even a question of "reliable" but wear and tear.
The beauty of older BMWs is you can pick them up dirt cheap and assuming you turn your own wrenches, you can have a great car for a very fair price. Case in point, I picked up an E46 330i M-sport in need of TLC for $2k. $800 in parts later, I have a reliable, fun, daily beater for
yea, even going to an independent can be costly. parts are always expensive unless you find OEM. i enjoy my 2000 323i as it so old that its go a touch of modern tech but still mostly basic so i can learn and if the car blows i can just tear is down and learn some more. there great if you want to learn as theirs good info on how to repair them and it saves you alot. You can then reinvest the savings into buying quality tools for the next job
Do you think when more depreciation hits the same can be done with e90s ? (Naturally aspirated ones at least)
Xenon Games I think the naturally aspirated e90s are a great buy and they’ll only get better as they continue to depreciate. However, much like all older BMWs, the majority haven’t been maintained and are usually a basketcase by the time they reach the $4k price point.
Most mechanics don't know how to work on them anyway. Useless. Will just charge you for hours of diagnostics.
Love my E38. I’m so glad that was one of the ones you recommended. Originally bought it as a secondary car not really a daily, but it quickly became my daily, and it’s been my reliable mode of transportation while my E92 is in the shop lol. Honestly thought it would be the other way around haha. Old is gold.
You are the Greatest, Thank you brother!
Do Audi next!
AUDI = A Useless Driver Inside
US Spec E60s were all produced in Germany. You can't blame the Chinese for that. Almost all BMW-Brilliance produced E60s stayed in China or some parts of Asia.
The US is lucky to even offered a manual transmission on a M5 and M6 (for some reason) while Europe is screwed with the SMG as the only choice
@@kclefthanded427 Yes that was completley mad to not have 6 Speed Manual as option.
I was thinking i rememver driving them and the vins all started with W
@@CRAPO2011 That's Germany.
@@gpaje Yes i agree, never encounterd a Chinese assembled e60. Assembly really doesnt matter anyway as the major components come from the same suppliers.
I have had good luck with the e30 325i. It's mechanically simple and nice to drive, and there is good parts availability for them still.
I'm thinking bout buying a 07 750li our those good cars if I keep up on the maintenance?
E39. Perfect combination of built like a tank, simple design and a HUGE following, very easy to mod and plenty of them out there to find parts. Materials were top notch.. Still have their issues like window regulators that no matter who makes them, they break.. poor design but insanely cheap to repair and easy to do. LOTS of DIY videos on RUclips. Again, maintenance is key.
Just stay away from the double Vanos. it is literally a ticking time bomb. I own a 2003 540i but luckily the previous owner took care of replacing the timing chain guides. And i had to take care of every single oil leak. So now im riding around in pretty much a brand new car lol.
And they rust like a tin bath
The e38 7 series was my favorite BMW. The 740il in silver is just pure sexiness.
I don't know if I'll ever part with my dark grey 2001 with only 89,000 miles. I had my front driver side window regulator go out today though. And the door behind it sounds like that regulator is going bad as well. Gives me something to do I guess.
I bought my neighbors for $400 and doing all the work on it myself. It's high milage but the body and interior are in pristine condition
When he is recommending the e38 he is also recommending the e39 as well, because they are 99% the same car and same engines.
@@mikeca98 it's like $50 in parts, if I remember
@@gtarules1- Thanks, but I went with a front door regulator made by URO Parts that I bought from CAR ID for around $190. It seemed to be better made than the cheaper ones, and figured since I was saving on labor...what the heck. I also had to replace the door cable clip, and several of those darn green door clips.
Now I have a misfire code on one of the cylinders and suspect it may be from a lingering slow valve cover oil leak getting past the spark plug threads. Or maybe just the plug or coil failing. Luckily this isn't my daily driver.
yo wizard been watchin a while and your recommendations saved me a couple times lol but dude you are so unintentionally funny its crazy
Hey Wizard - love your channel!!
I currently have a e46 330i. 207,000 miles on it. Great car. I picked it up and have put about 50k miles on it. I love working on the m54. Easy to work on fantastic car to drive. Not even that expensive to fix/maintain.
I love my e36 M3. I also loved the e39 M5 that I had, but it was admittedly expensive to maintain and keep in perfect shape.
I just got done doing the CCV job which involves taking off the intake manifold on my 2002 e46 325i lol. I did the CCV system, Starter, Coolant lines, and vacuum hoses. I broke just about every plastic slip and discovered that if you want to change the starter you need to drop the transmission and use a 12mm torx socket I think. I opted not to do that so i used a 3/8th tiny wrench and a breaker bar and was able to change it. Working on these cars is not for the faint of heart but you definitely save thousands doing it yourself. That doesn't mean its worth it tho lol.
Should’ve jus went 02pilot w/ non return
Great job David! another great video! liked and subscribed!
I am original owner of my 2003 e46 330Ci. Always ran great never left me stuck anywhere. Just gotta make sure you do the cooling system refresh at 100k-120k miles
Yeah it depends on the engine for the E46. The 4 cylinders are bad though (at least the petrol ones with an N in the front)
How deep does one have to go on a 'cooling system refresh'? Thinking of buying a 2003 E46 330Ci manual with 70k miles. Do you mean change all major parts of the cooling system?
@@apexmarbella Yes sir
@@TheAnunnaki-NYC all of it except for the heater core, if you lived a clean life
E21 is really tough to find in decent shape and used parts are tough to come by. The e30 would be the better choice in my opinion. Much larger enthusiast base, aftermarket support, etc. yet a very similar driving and ownership experience
E30s are getting expensive for a decent one. The E34 is a better value. They may be bigger but they still handle and rip.
E36s are generally pretty good too. The last of the simple BMWs
@@19jacobob93 Definitely, the best cars I've ever owned were manual E36 325i's. That M50 is such a sweet and reliable engine and has decent power, I've raced 5.0l V8s from the same era and the 325i is quicker haha with coilovers, a few breathing mods and a chip tune they sound amazing and go hard, I'm going to buy another one after getting rid of the unreliable disappointment that was the E46 325ci...
I agree the E36 is a fantastic car.
The E38 Seven Series is such a beautiful luxury sedan! The E32 before it is great too, especially with the V12!
Went looking at 2012 318i today, there was a struggle to get into reverse gear but other than that the car was very clean. Clutch felt nice brakes were good. What problems might happen to cause the issue with the gearbox to say it would struggle to get into reverse?
I have to disagree on the e46, yes they are often neglected but that’s every old German car. Other than the cooling systems they are pretty reliable. Last generation BMWs you should buy: E39, E46, E38 just my 2 cents.
Cam and crank angle sensors, vanos, oil burning.
Their problem is in their price - teenagers buy them and junk them. Mine is 17yrs old, have it for over 6 years, beside regular maintenace no surprising expenses. Really nice car to work on, did diy even vanos repair, ccv, tons od videos here on youtube. It might be the last bmw for DIYer.
i agree. my 2000 323i has 251k miles and only had cooling issues. no engine or trans work. still starts like new and starts good in the winter with a crap battery to. you would never know it has that many miles.
I have a 2000 e46 wagon manual with 195k miles and a solid maintenance history. So far it has been super reliable.
It is a 195k car, I bought it for $2300 and had money aside to do preventative maintenance. I did the majority of the work myself and it’s surprisingly simple - power steering lines, cooling, fuel pump & bushings. It has a fuel filter gasket leak, unbelievably it hasn’t burned a drop of oil in the 6k miles. I did a 2000 mile road trip and it didn’t skip a beat.
For a average buyer I agree that the e46 isn’t a good choice. The interiors don’t hold up well, especially in hotter climates. Seemingly clean looking examples can be on the verge of repair hell.
But if you live in a place with great bendy roads, with the simpler manual transmission, it lives up to the hype imo.
@@christopherldavid yep mine is the m52tu engine, the one right before they got the emissions stuff changed. mine burns no oil as well. the newer 325 and 330 of the e46 has different coil control rings/wipes and they burned oil. its a slow car but its a solid car. and they feel more nimble and tossable then my e60 550i m pack. with the 550 i feel like im gonna slide but i never do. the same speed with e46 and its like im on a Sunday drive to church doesnt feel like its gonna let go at all. will alot less weight they feel way better. 550i is a great car but the weight you can really feel. even thought the 550 will outperform the e46 the e46 just feels better.
I really appreciate your videos. I like the calmness with which you tell things. I wish a reliable mechanic were in my area. Keep it up
Suggestion: First and foremost get AAA, second if you live in a college town (That has an automotive class go up there an talk with the teachers they could point you in the right direction), or track (samething), sometimes the dealership is the better decision, and always keep looking.
The calmness is actually what i dont like. If someone is telling me what car to buy or dont buy i want some excitement... some eagerness about what he is talking about. Why the fuck am i going to listen to a guy telling me what i should or should not buy when he cant even be hardly bothered to move his mouth enough to talk about it.
Nice!! My folks bought me a 1983 BMW 320i as a HS graduation gift in 1991, it had the 4cyl w/the 5spd and a sunroof...it was Baltic Blue w/a phantom top...lowered, 5star Fitipaldi's, two 15" Redline woofers, Bose mids and tweets, JBL cassette deck and 2 JBL self-cooled amps, with a 24key Zapco EQ w/the 200w boost, so in total over 1200watts....as soon as Pantera released it 1992, the album A Vulgar Display of Power was heard for blocks when I was around, "F***king Hostile" was always blaring....🤘🏻🇺🇸
Just bought a 07 X3 M sport (E83) I’m so glad to hear it’s one “to buy” my heart is so rested knowing that lol!
I don’t care what you say, I’m sticking with my e46 325i and I love every bit of it
Me to e46 4life sooner or later I'm going to put an lsd
Same! Love my 02 325i E46. 109k miles and still going strong!
He pretty much mentions it before the video it’s his opinion he’s not trying to change your views
Love my E46 330ci
LUV THE "BUY THIS... NOT THAT" EPISODES ... PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING... THX CAR WIZ..
STOP! SHOUTING! ALL! YOUR! WORDS! IN! CAPITALS! GODDAMMIT!
Your caps lock is on.
I had a 1998 E36 323is. My motto, "Every new week is a new repair"
Hi Wizard - thanks so much - what do you think of the 2008 135i - where is it on your spectrum of disaster - I know it's in the later epoch of what you don't suggest but that's what I've got!
As someone who just dropped almost $10K on my BMW I agree!
You probably drive a newer automatic one
@@xL0stKIlah with mapped in pops and bangs🐌
What do you drive?
@@Swiffer360 X5
1500 expenses* on an e36 for 7 years of ownership
1500-2000 on an e90 for 2.5 years
1000 on an e46 for 1.5 years
*Including oil and filter changes + tires
I do most of the work. Not bad, huh?
Ive actually owned a e53 x5 with the 3.0L engine. No air suspension. Its had some issues but its actually been a really reliable car. Its very heavy and feels tight to this day. I think its most likely a hit or miss if you get a good one of these. Plus if it was maintained well from day one you'll probably have better luck.
Car wizard What do you personally think of the bmw 328xi e92 or e90? Specifically one from 2008 or around that year range
Hi Wiz, thanks for all the good content! I work on my own Porsche and it's fine but it takes me FOR EVER to get things done, even though I have a nice jack and stands and ramps and creeper and always spend time finding the exact tools I need for a job - and I wonder if there's any chance you could do a video on how to just be quicker at repairs? What are the secrets? Is it possible? Or is it just a function of experience alone? Many thanks again!
I already had a feeling that BMW was at it's peak in the 90's and this just confirms it. Even so my dad had a beautiful 3 series 1994 ragtop convertible that was pretty much perfect until the engine head cracked.
I still think a well cared for 90's Bimmer is cooler than any of their offerings from the last 20 years.
its*
90s*
They always run great right up until they don’t.
My daily is a 1981 vw and is dead reliable.
Wizard, I could listen to you talking about cars for hours.
Very useful series!
2010 BMW 520d with 99k miles on the clock - a good or bad buy? engine is clean and good inside out, has been maintained over the years - 2 previous owners and never did a lot of driving around town in south of Ireland. Wondering if I should buy it????? always at my own risk but any suggestions help