BMW Servicing cost in Oz

[T3rminator]

Ok, so I'm currently looking at something to buy, relatively cheap i.e. under $20k, with a bit of get up and go. I've so far pretty much short listed a couple , Falcon XT 5.4 3v or SV8. I know the XT goes for a lot less, but I'd use the remainder to mod it up.

Anyhow... was just leisurely browsing at Car City yesterday and was awe struck by a magnificent looking vehicle. It was a 1999 BMW 540i with the 4.4L V8. It was in great condition given its age, fully optioned, and engine was smooth as silk when she was started up from cold. About 150,000kms and was priced at $13k....!!!! WOW I thought. And then I remembered I've just come back from the UK and that servicing of European cars here is probably not as convenient and cheap as over there .

DOes anyone here own a Beemer and are the costs of maintenance as bad as people think? I see more european cars being driven on the road compared to 5 years ago so I'm assuming there would be lots of independent garages that can service these cars now?

Is BMW really a Big Money Waster?

[Fiesta God]

Can highly recommend BM Autowerks in Oakleigh.

Have done lots of work for family and they seem to take the pain out of owning a Beemer in Australia.

There was a recent thread a couple of weeks ago on Euro servicing costs, see if you can find it.

[tweeked]

If it seems good and you are serious, see if you can get it for a day and take it down to a place like Southern BM in Moorabbin. Pay them to give it the once over. It is also where I would take a BM to be serviced, they specialise in them and are quite a bit cheaper than the Dealers.

In all, that model hasn't got anything too scary like SMG pumps that can cost 5-6000 in parts alone.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Yes, make sure it is inspected by someone who knows what to look out for, then ask them the cost of usual consumables like brakes, filters etc.

They will be able to roughly quote ownership costs for x years providing all is well mechanically. If you buy parts like pumps, rotors and other more costly bits online you may save a bit of cash and waiting time when they need doing.

The most important thing is to build a relationship with a mechanic that you know will look after your car like their own, after all... It's more than just 'transport'.

[GQ_Smooth]

Having owned 2, 7 series BMW's in the 90's myself, when things go wrong, parts are expensive and the labour required it fit them is on average higher then a Japanese / US-Aussie car, due to the complexity of the electronics. There isn't much difference in service costs, if you're willing to source the filters yourself.

The price looks fine, so long as you factor in a major component going down costing 3-6K to repair/replace, if you chose not to go to wreckers.

[T3rminator]

My biggest concern is probably the VANOS...if that goes then its lots and lots and lots of $$$$$$....i guess without risk there is no reward :o)

I've also heard the 4.4L is prone to cracking on the head gasket due to overheating.

Will give the shops you guys have mentioned a call and see their verdict.

[deesun]

My recently purchased 2004 330ci, purchased Oct with 74k on odo, went to local dealer and was quoted 1200 for 80k service + brake flush + coolant flush = 1600.
Went to local mech who specialises in euros. Tune,plugs,air filter,brake and coolant flush, particle filter, rear bushes and rocker cover gasket all for less than 1200.
I think if you have a popular/common engine type then there will be aftermarket spares for it at reasonable prices.

[|Nate]

My 06 130i is quite reasonable to maintain. I cannot comment on the older Beamers but as suggested, get a reputable independent like SouthernBM to give it a once over.

For older Beamers, PeninsulaBM (If you're down this way) are very professional and reasonably priced.

[Cheese3]

I had a 95 bmw m3 as my first car and it was flawless , I did 100k of hard km's and not one single problem . . . IMO it's just a stigma the servicing cost . . .

[lucas2]

Why not look at a BA or BF turbo? Can be had for relatively cheap and easy to modify. Unless you are looking only for V8's? Good luck

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by lucas2

Why not look at a BA or BF turbo? Can be had for relatively cheap and easy to modify. Unless you are looking only for V8's? Good luck

V8s all the way

[ryeman]

Repeating...
If it has a water cooled alternator bad thing can happen to your wiring loom/dash instruments.

[Nikked]

Why not a BA XR8 or GT?

[Sox]

I have a '96 328 coupe, and the costs are pretty good.
Some parts are significantly higher than average, but others are similar.
I do all the work myself, and source parts from all over the place. Sometimes genuine, but mostly aftermarket.

Try and find a local mechanic who's has some experience working on them too.

I've had my Beemer for over 6 years, and would buy another one in a heartbeat.
Bought it with 106,000k's, it now has over 250,000k's.

Engine, gearbox, and diff haven't been touched, and it still goes like the clappers.

[EDManual]

stretch to a e39 M5! $20g, Get it chipped to undo the limiter, and off you go at 300km/h!

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by EDManual

stretch to a e39 M5! $20g, Get it chipped to undo the limiter, and off you go at 300km/h!

$20k?!?!!?!? where are you looking? Scrap yard? :o)

I did look into it, but its $30-40k. There are 4 on carsales at the moment and the $30k one has 230,000kms on it. Too much of a risk for that money. VANOS was a big issue for the E39 M5s.

[Bearman]

I've seen X5's going fairly cheap (sub $20k) on car sales. 2001 to 2004 with km's ranging from 120K to 200K. Mix of 6 and V8, diesels are dearer.

These have piqued my interest. Online reviews reckon the diesel is the pick, the 6 is a bit sluggish and the V8 is great but loves a drink.

Just wondering what the known issues are.

[EDManual]

look at those car yards that just move em on to dealers (you may need a dealer mate, but not always). Or auction houses. you will get one for around 20.

[Vincenzo]

T3rminator, late last year I was looking at a T3. Eventually in November I flew to Perth for a 1986 635 CSi, and drove it back to Darwin via Canberra.

As others have suggested get it looked at by someone in the know. Make sure the service record for the vehicle is up to date. Southern BM has a good reputation that has even made it's way to the TopEnd. BMW dealerships can look after it but you may lose an arm and a leg in the process.

The service costs for my 635 are on a par with my AU XR6. It took a while to find the right mechanic but I found a guy who trained old style on Ferraris in Italy (9 years) before moving to a BMW dealership in Adelaide (15 years) then to Darwin. I do not regret my decision at all. Like just about any car, well maintained they will service you for a long time.

Cheers Vincenzo

[Iggypoppin']

I have a guy who does all my servicing. But damn you wouldn't want to price up parts like a drivers side catalytic converter. $4200 for the new part. Ouchy.
Some hoses are half inch into one inch with odd bends. Hose as long as my finger cost me $80. But then, it's all minor stuff and the car is basically reliable. I have two new cats coming at a cost of around $400.
Maintain the cooling system on ANY BMW, stay on top of servicing and you'll be fine. If you like the 5 series at 13k you'll love this: my 7 series with 195,000klm and full books for 4.5k and my old sonata. So far only a split hose and the catalytic converter have been the only expense aside from fuel. Oh speaking of which, factor in a huge fuel bill, not because they are overly thirsty but because you'll never want to stop driving it.
Best so far was 4 weeks ago I put $380 of 98 in in one week. Service station bloke knows me far too well.

[Cheese3]

Originally Posted by EDManual

stretch to a e39 M5! $20g, Get it chipped to undo the limiter, and off you go at 300km/h!

If they were $20,000 I would have one instead of both my cars , they are said to be the ultimate M5 . . . you wont find a decent one under $35,000

[Sox]

Originally Posted by Cheese3

If they were $20,000 I would have one instead of both my cars , they are said to be the ultimate M5 . . . you wont find a decent one under $35,000

Ohhh, I'm still lusting after an E39 M5.

Same as you, if they were 20k, I'd have one in my garage.

Considered to be the ultimate balance between mongrel and refinement, sorta-kinda like an AU XR8 on steroids...

[Iggypoppin']

That and the E46 M3 are two of my favourite BMW's ever. E39 540iL in manual would be the cheapest way to feel like you're in an M5, they're such a nice car.

Just saw my neighbours 2005 745iL roll in, puts my 740 to shame! At least he came over to tell me he likes my car but that big 745 is so much better looking, sounding....everything.

Damn these euro barges might just steal me away from the blue oval!

[GT0132]

Good timing.

Misses X5 Diesel was in for service last Friday. A 2006 model done 145,000 kms she's had since new.

Service not done at BMW but at an accredited workshop

A major service which was really drop all oils and coolant plus change brake pads was $2,400 all up

A repair to the sunroof was quoted at $2,900 for parts (which was just the plastic railing - a common fault with these apparently ) plus 2 days labour (gulp)

A repair to air cond was quoted at $4,000. Slight crack in gas canister which needs replacing plus labour to pull dash out and refit.

LH electronic mirror faulty but did not get that quoted

We're looking at selling it and buying a 3 series . either a 320 or 325 as she no longer needs it.

[IDT]

I have an 07 335i and some of the prices guys are claiming are rediculous. My last major service in Perth cost me $1100 including oils, filters, coolant and labour. I shop around everytime and make sure i give them heaps of notice. Last service was 3MW in perth.

[Cheese3]

Older BMW rock , newer ones they seem to have to much electrical issues

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...k&sort=default - Tough

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...k&sort=default - Manual

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...k&sort=default - gorgeous

I need to stop looking at BMW or ill buy another one and ditch the fords. m535i e28 yes please and a E36 3.2 M3 and drop an LS7 in it . . .

[ryeman]

I agree about complexity ... To keep ahead they just keep piling it on.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by EDManual

stretch to a e39 M5! $20g, Get it chipped to undo the limiter, and off you go at 300km/h!

While taking a bypass to jail on the way

[PridenJoy]

Meh, Mercs are better!

[Iggypoppin']

I like Mercedes a lot but in terms of looks they don't have it like BMW does (personal opinion). The AMG models are certainly attractive cars but I don't like the regular Mercedes models as much.
That and if you're talking mid 90's models, BMW absolutely demolishes Mercedes for looks and performance.