Is a 91 BMW 318i semi-reliable?

[KaBudokan]

As I posted in another car thread, I had thought about bidding on a 91 318i that was up on eBay. I passed on it, only to do a Carfay report tonight and see that it had the odometer rolled back.

However, I did find another BMW 318i advertised locally. It's actually a convertible (COOL! :cool. I ran the VIN through Carfax and the car comes up clean.

It has 93k miles on it. It's a pretty damn good price, and it's a bit more than I had planned on spending.

My main concerns are:

1) If I need to get anything fixed, it will cost a lot to get a BMW repaired.

2) Insurance will be MUCH more expensive than on my old Toyota I had...

Any thoughts, primarily about issue #1?

Thanks.

 

[trulfe]

another concern should be the lack of power, although the body is nice.

 

[b0mbrman]

Not as reliable as the same year Mercedes 190

 

[trulfe]

horsepower is similiar to a Honda Civic. (134)

 

[KaBudokan]

<< horsepower is similiar to a Honda Civic. (134) >>


Well, Honda Civics are the other type of car I've been checking out. For about $1000 less, I can get a 91 Civic DX with 8,000 more miles.

Would you rather drive around in a Civic hatchback or a convertible BMW? lol (Actually, either one would be ok, but the bimmer would be more fun I think...)

 

[rominl]

but then it cost you much less to maintain the civic than the bimmer

 

[Thegonagle]

If you don't know cars too well, have it checked out to tell you if anything is about to break down. I think any car can be fairly dependable as long as you keep up with it's maintenance.

I'm looking for a convertable too. I'd like to snag my uncle's 88 Alfa Romeo Spider when he's done with it.

Remember it is seen as blasphemous to drive a convertable in the winter time, so you might want to get that Civic as well.

 

[KaBudokan]

<< but then it cost you much less to maintain the civic than the bimmer >>


Well, that's my main concern I think. The BMW would be nice, but I honestly don't know what the maintenance/repair costs are relative to something else, other than the vague term "expensive."

I haven't known anyone that has had a BMW in a while, other than friend's brother way back in 86 who had an old 2002 tii. Other than that, all the people I have sort of kind of known with one had new ones they were leasing or whatever.

I guess I am just wondering if I am being entirely impractical, getting caught up picturing myself cruising in a convertible bimmer...

 

[KaBudokan]

<< Remember it is seen as blasphemous to drive a convertable in the winter time, so you might want to get that Civic as well. >>


HAHA... I'll be the a$$hole driving with the top down and the heat cranked in the middle of January...

 

[Thegonagle]

No!!! You'll get salt spray in the interior! A convertable isn't just a car. It's a religion (so I hear).

 

[Gs400TRd]

Well, I would be very careful with the 90-94's I have a few friends that HAD them (key word is had) They are expensive too repair. parts are very expensive. numerous electrical problems. But unless you are a die hard bimmer guy I wouldn't get one. the M3 I used to drive around was a lot of fun, but again routine maintenance was expensive, and the reset tools also cost money. I would say the reliability of the 1999+ 3 series are much better but they still have the "world" famous electrical glitches. try looking into a 4 door accord of the same model year. They are very nice dependable cars.

 

[Zenmervolt]

I don't know about the BMW being that much more expensive to maintain. My sister got a 1982 320i (1.7 litre FI engine, ~100 hp) for her first car and it has not been very expensive to maintain if you neglect the time the insurance rebuilt the bodywork because she flipped the car. In terms of routein maintenance the car is great, solid as a rock. The fact that it wasn't totaled by the insurance company after it was flipped should say something about the design durability. Yes the car is lacking in power and doesn't take off with much hurry, but that is all forgotten once the road winds. The only car I've found that feels better on a twisty road is the Porsche 914 I just bought and the 914 is a legndary handler. Basically, get the BMW if you want it. The BMW may cost a few dollars more for some maintenance, but I doubt that it will be significant, it certainly has not been significant in the case of my sister's car. Rule number one with a mechanic though, don't take it to the dealer for repair, you'll get bent over if you do. Find an independant shop that specialises in imports and that is owned and operated by the mechanics working there. Start a decent relationship with the mechanics and in most cases they'll do whatever they can to help you out. A couple bucks here and there shouldn't discourage you from the BMW, they are great cars and if they are treated right (all regular maintenance done) they are unlikely to give you trouble.

Zenmervolt

 

[bigshot]

stay away frm the early 90's BMWS up to about 1994

the early 90's had many problems witht he electrical and they need alot of matiance. My buddy has a 91 BMW i tell you it is a POS..it is falling apart and is in the shop all the time...right now he has to unplug the battery everytime he parks it so he can start his car when he comes back...

for 9 grand i would get a ultra reliable car such as a 95-96 maxima...a older accord or civic or even a toyota.