Was it worth it?

[TMR013]

So, today I found out that I'm looking at a $1200 to $1500 bill to replace the water pump on my 79K miles, N54 135. I want to ask if others felt it was worth it.
My last car was a Honda S2000, a fantastic car. I had to take it in for an issue 1 time, other than maintenance, while I owned it. My BMW, I'd have to say I've had a loaner in my garage at least 6 times since I've had it. That is a very poor record compared to the Honda. And I have to say that the S2000 was not a typical Honda, I don't care what anybody says, the S2000 was a serious performance vehicle.
My point is, I want to know if you feel the extra hassles you have to deal with owning a BMW was worth it.
I knew going into BMW ownership what the issues might be. Knew I wasn't buying a reliable car, I was buying a performance car. And that was OK. And I have to say, despite all the issues, driving the car has been a dream. I can't imagine owning another car besides a BMW today.
So wondering what everybody else thinks. Am I an idiot for buying a ridiculously expensive car to maintain. Or is the driving experience worth it?
My opinion, it is worth it.

[litebulb]

I ordered my parts for getbmwparts.com and went to a indy shop. Ended up paying $800 CDN (parts, labour and taxes). Are those dealer prices?

[135TX]

Worth it so far but I haven't spent any money on repairs only enhancements and maintenance. But let's say Honda made an s2k with 300 hp in coupe form, I wouldn't be driving a bmw . I converted from Honda as well so I'm partial.

[tglazed]

Do it yourself. 500 bucks

[brocklanders]

I had a 2000 528, I bought it with 40k miles. When it hit 60k miles the waterpump went, it was $1200. When I traded that car in it had 120k miles and there were multiple $1200+ repairs, the complete ac system the abs module just to name a few. I did have my e90 325 untill 80k miles but the cpo was about to run out and I got scared, traded it in and started leasing. I do plan to keep my 135 but it will not be my daily after 50k miles.

[Billup]

I think it's worth it. I had an Rsx-S before the 128, and even though the cost of ownership has been generously more, the overall package of the car has made it well worth it in its own. I had a $1,300 bill not long after I got out of warranty, but as much as it hurt, I still smile every time I get in the car and I always turn around and look at is as I walk away.

Totally worth it.

[Yeineken]

Hasn't happened to me yet and I can tell it's worth it. Hell I just dropped $350 on a new TPMS Sensor + install.

It's easier and cheaper in the long run to do most of your repairs. So study up!

[Lucky1]

I own my car outright now so I just take the POV that any major repairs can be offset by the fact that I didn't have to make a monthly lease or finance payment inbetween. If the annual repairs start consistently getting beyond the cost of getting a new car I'll rethink my position.

If I had to pay for these expensive repairs on top of still making car payments that would be a totally different story.

[e36addict]

Originally Posted by Billup

I think it's worth it. I had an Rsx-S before the 128, and even though the cost of ownership has been generously more, the overall package of the car has made it well worth it in its own. I had a $1,300 bill not long after I got out of warranty, but as much as it hurt, I still smile every time I get in the car and I always turn around and look at is as I walk away.

Totally worth it.

I agree with this. I'm an E36 guy, and obviously a DIYer, so i'm used to cheap repairs. The 1 wasn't really a step up in repair costs.. I definitely recommend either DIYing these repairs or take it to an indy shop (coming from a dealer tech, whom has worked at multiple indy shops) as the costs there will be much lower, and in many cases, indy techs are much more experienced. The most expensive things thus far for me on the 1 are HPFP: $350 - free labor.. Water pump: $350 - free labor.. and turbo failure: $995 (pure stage 1) - free labor.. I'm so hooked on this car, and these costs seem pretty normal to me.

[nikijack]

Hi: My 128i, 2011, has 184,000k, and only one repair, a rear wheel bearing. I repaired that myself, plus all maintenance. The best car I've ever owned, and my 8th BMW.
Jack

[Tuxedo]

Yes and no, I love my 1vert but feel a monster is hiding in the software waiting to strike much like the ripples in the cup of water on the dash in Jurassic Park.

If Acura made a TSXvert I would no doubt own it instead of BMW, owning an Acura has so much peace of mind. I had a 92' Vigor and an 01' e46, both great cars but no doubt say advantage Vigor.

BMW is in the Thoroughbred market tho and Acura is not... simply put how many times in 80's-90's movies does an e30 vert pull into scenes (some scenes even as focal-point). Acura does not, that BMW residual value plays on my desire/psyche for the 1vert.

[Zombie1]

I love this car its had issues but it should be expected at this point with these BMWs. I feel if you stay on top on the maintenance there isn't anything to worry about. I LOVE my Little base model Baby BMW. I love this weast so much my brothers just don't get it. They both have nicer more expensive cars one has an 08 Gallardo with alot of work, the other has a 2014 audi S4 both I can say do not love their cars like I Love mine.

[NYHoustonman]

What worries me, primarily, are the big things that can go wrong out of warranty and regardless of maintenance: HPFP, turbos, water pump. I've had that last one fail. I think if I happened to have all three fail I'd begin to question whether or not the car is worth holding on to, but for now, I'm happy .

[JS135]

Originally Posted by Tuxedo

Yes and no, I love my 1vert but feel a monster is hiding in the software waiting to strike much like the ripples in the cup of water on the dash in Jurassic Park.

This is the perfect way to describe how I feel. No problems (knock on wood . Need to do some general maintenance at the moment but I'm just waiting for something horrifying to happen. That's probably why I find myself on Auto trader everyday.

[bmw1racer]

How long have you owned the car? Have you had any other major/costly repairs?

If you amortize the cost over the time you've owned the car, it might not hurt so much.

When I blew my diff in my E36 it cost over $4K to have it replaced, but I owned the car for 18 years, so it wasn't that bad, looking back.

[chris82]

I've had 3 repairs other than general maintenance so far. My A/C was leaking freon, so that was about $350 with parts and labor at my indy. Heater core was clogged, that was another $200-300, and my passenger front window regulator broke which was another $300. This is spread out over maybe 2.5 years. I've put 30k on the car, and it's at 43k now. I would say it's worth it. Car puts a smile on my face and I think it looks amazing lol.

[1smokehouse]

My last car was a Volvo S40. I think it was actually more expensive, but I enjoyed the car. Put 120K on it and sold it to buy the 1er. The 1er is FAR more fun to drive, so don't care too much about the repairs when they come. As many have said, once the warranty runs out, have a good indy shop lined up and it won't hurt as bad. Especially since they won't charge you job hours for each repair if you try to bundle like the dealer!

[edisapimp]

I haven't had any issues outside of routine maintenance, and my car is modded. You should get a civic for your next car.

[dm874]

^+1

[sometorque]

Originally Posted by TMR013

So, today I found out that I'm looking at a $1200 to $1500 bill to replace the water pump on my 79K miles, N54 135. I want to ask if others felt it was worth it.
My last car was a Honda S2000, a fantastic car. I had to take it in for an issue 1 time, other than maintenance, while I owned it. My BMW, I'd have to say I've had a loaner in my garage at least 6 times since I've had it. That is a very poor record compared to the Honda. And I have to say that the S2000 was not a typical Honda, I don't care what anybody says, the S2000 was a serious performance vehicle.
My point is, I want to know if you feel the extra hassles you have to deal with owning a BMW was worth it.
I knew going into BMW ownership what the issues might be. Knew I wasn't buying a reliable car, I was buying a performance car. And that was OK. And I have to say, despite all the issues, driving the car has been a dream. I can't imagine owning another car besides a BMW today.
So wondering what everybody else thinks. Am I an idiot for buying a ridiculously expensive car to maintain. Or is the driving experience worth it?
My opinion, it is worth it.

I'll bite. I owned an 04 S2000 and now own a 2011 135i DCT.

I loved every moment of owning my AP2. Aside from the alternator going at around 50k, it was bulletproof. I lived down in Miami when I owned mine, so the top was generally down. Hands down the best gearbox in any car I've ever owned. I used to tell people the s2000 was like a finely tailored suit when you sat in it. With all that said, it wasn't the most pleasant daily driver. Everything rattled and in comparison to the 135i, it wasn't even remotely as refined.

My short time with the 135i (just bought mine about a month ago) has been a joy. It's not as raw and visceral as the s2000 was, but my god the torque. It just pulls and pulls. The interior and amenities are also night and day. Its the perfect everyday car for an enthusiast.

No regrets purchasing my 135i. I'm sure I won't be happy when things start breaking, but the smile it puts on my face makes paying those bills worth it IMO.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Not sure why the bill for a water pump is $1200 - $1500
We have the water pump + kit for $435 shipped and installation would be $250 max.

[Ubelmort]

I had a 325i for 8 years and I had it up to 172k without any really big issues. Most stuff like stated above, if you can fix it yourself then do it. With BMW, your paying for the performance and the personal enjoyment, they last a very long time as long as you don't beat it up and keep a regular maintenance schedule.