I've been in the E36 "genre" for a few years now while I never actually got around to buying one. I've learned A LOT about the older generations of BMWs and have no idea how the newer generations stack up to their bulletproof past. I'd like to hear anyone's opinion on how their E9* has held up so far. I know they are still low mileage, but with so many more computers/electronics in these cars it leaves a lot to go wrong.

My next purchase will most likely be within the next 3 years and will probably be an E90 (if i decide to stay in the BMW community). The E46 has never really appealed to me style wise.

I'll need a DD and it must be dependable/relatively hassle free, which is why I've looked into other cars such as MINI Coopers, Subarus, VW... This will be a long term ordeal and I plan to put money into modification, but nothing affecting the car's performance past chip/exhaust/tune.

I'll probably be re-opening this thread later on down the line, but for now this is regarding your initial purchase likes/dislikes.

Thanks,
Corey

Only problem for me in 14000 km (~8700 miles) is a flat tire.

Check this thread out too http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=670097&highlight=reliability.

Also do some searches, there are many others threads on reliability.

I had a small problem with some A/C lines vibrating on my radiator, took the dealer a few attempts at finding it, but they finally did. No problems other than that in 4900 miles.

didn't really think about searching since they are so new...thanks

Only defect on delivery (that was missed by the dealer) was a slightly broken passenger door stereo speaker (distortion at certain frequency range). This was repaired without incident nor cost about a month into ownership. Nothing else, 6000 miles into it.

didn't really think about searching since they are so new...thanks
MY06 325 and 330 e90s started production in Sept 05, so they've been around for more than 2 years, that isn't very new. Some other brands barely last that long before being redesigned.
That being said, the 335 with the twin turbos is much newer and there aren't many out there that have collected enough miles esp. out of warranty. It also had some teething problems, so if you are considering that, you may want to wait a while longer before passing any judgments.

You consider VW high in reliability? I like VW but those two don't really go hand in hand.

I've heard newer VW aren't the disaster they used to be. Even given that the GTi is at the bottom of my list and MINI/Subaru are at the very top. BMWs will always have a top spot...for some reason I can't let go of the idea of "never owning a BMW."

You consider VW high in reliability? I like VW but those two don't really go hand in hand.

I also own a 2001.5 V6 Passat GLX ( this is the year where they made a change to the car half way thru the year hence 2001.5) . I have just hit 100K miles and zero problems to date other then regular maintainance. I also used to own a 92 Jetta and I drove over 300K miles on a 4 cylinder before it starting blowing blue smoke. So for me I have no issues with VW reliability !

I have had mixed results with my 2001.5 GLS 4-banger. At 40K developed a seal leak around a oil-actuated doo-hickey that advances the timing? Anyway, covered by warranty but would have been a $1,500 job if not for the warranty. A couple electrical gremlins are starting to creep in now as I pass 77K miles. I had thought about a new VW Passat VR6, but the reliability data is not looking good. Consumer Reports rates them as "much worse than average" and the message boards on the VW side are a-buzz with a problem with a faulty bolt on the oil pump that has a nasty habit of breaking (at around 10K miles, maybe more) and dislodging the pump, and killing your oil pressure. If you manage to stop the car, the repair is around $2,000, if not... ouch.

CR really likes the reliability of the E9* series.

So, for because I really like the way the E9* drives, and the questionable VW reliability, I'm moving on over to the BMW side of the road.

-- KK

I actually just read in Consumer Auto Guide (fake CR i think?) that they gave the E92 a best pick/best buy.

The latest Consumer Reports buying guide predicts the following reliability:

328 RWD: Better than average
328 AWD: Average
335 RWD: Average

Many years ago, the 3 series was better than average, it trended downwards for a long time and now appears to be trending upwards. By the way, Mercedes used to be great but now is terrible.