How is a BMW 3-series after 100,000 miles?

Question

I've been looking at some on autotrader.com and the ones I like are a little older, 97 and 98, and they have 137k to 167k miles. I would obviously prefer to have the lower mileage one, but my question is how long before they start to break down? And I hear it's costly... Is it worth it?

Answer 1

well maintained will last to 300k (i just drove one) with original engine of course all maintainance done and on time, it helped it was a manual 318 ti clubsport edition  ..1997 as well

parts for older bmws are actually on par with parts for older cars and older bmws are easy to work on

breakdowns are usually due to poor maintaince schedule  

Answer 2

BMW's are some of the greatest cars made.  The German made cars are so reliable and bilt to last! You want an example, I can give you 3 being a bmw fanatic and owner.  I have a 91' 318i that has 215k miles on it.  I have a 85' 735i with 250k on it.  I saved the best for last, my 1979 733i has going on 318k on it! I keep up with oil changes and tune ups every year.  You do that and treat that BMW well she will keep you on the road and keep you worry free.  Mileage means nothing on these cars.  Sometimes a repair will cost you just a little more than a american or even japaness car but its well worth it when you are able to just keep going.  If you do any of your own work or have a friend that can do it, parts are only from $5.00 to $20.00 more than american cars.  Good luck and dont let mileage fool you if you can test drive it and know there are no known problems with it.

Answer 3

bmw's are very reliable cars. it would take at least 200,000 miles for an e36 (92-98 3-series) to break down. and by break down i mean for the engine or transmission to go. breaks, rotors, shocks and smaller parts would wear out before 200,000 miles but that wouldn't be the car breaking down that would just be parts that needed replacing for maintenance like on every car. my dad is a mechanic and replaces my parts for free but i buy the parts and they are not expensive at all. having maintenance done at a bmw dealership is where it could get costly. it could be costly if an independent mechanic overcharged just because it was a bmw. ( my dad said changing bmw parts is actually pretty easy) its worth it because BMW's are great and you will see if you get one. if you do buy a bmw with high mileage save some extra money to replace worn parts (that any high mileage car would need)