[mr29]

so from research ive done it appears 7 years is the life cycle of most bmw from new to 7 years before they become money pits.would this be accurate? looking for comments

[TCsqüared Aütowerkes]

I don't know what you mean by saying that they become money pits.
The usual life cycle for a BMW is seven years.
Approximately into a BMW's sixth and seventh year, BMW does a LCI (Life Cycle Impulse).

[mr29]

Originally Posted by TCsqüared Aütowerkes

I don't know what you mean by saying that they become money pits.
The usual life cycle for a BMW is seven years.
Approximately into a BMW's sixth and seventh year, BMW does a LCI (Life Cycle Impulse).

the cost of keeping it outweights the repairs and maintenance it needs and it would be smarter to buy a new one

[TCsqüared Aütowerkes]

Originally Posted by mr29

the cost of keeping it outweights the repairs and maintenance it needs and it would be smarter to buy a new one

That would depend on the owner.
Many individuals prefer owning older BMWs and performing the maintenance themselves.
Others prefer to buy new BMWs and let the dealership deal with it.

[Pappy]

Originally Posted by mr29

so from research ive done it appears 7 years is the life cycle of most bmw from new to 7 years before they become money pits.would this be accurate? looking for comments

Just like any thing else, it depends on how much care they get. I would say flogging it around is one way to shorten it's life..

[Mentos]

Originally Posted by mr29

the cost of keeping it outweights the repairs and maintenance it needs and it would be smarter to buy a new one

Those costs will pale into insignificance when set against the depreciation you'll suffer on a newer car.

Don't get me wrong, like anyone I like buying new cars, but it certainly isn't the financially sensible route. Keeping your car longer or buying an older car, aside from very rare cases, will almost always work out cheaper in the long run.

[smashhell]

Originally Posted by Mentos

Those costs will pale into insignificance when set against the depreciation you'll suffer on a newer car.

Don't get me wrong, like anyone I like buying new cars, but it certainly isn't the financially sensible route. Keeping your car longer or buying an older car, aside from very rare cases, will almost always work out cheaper in the long run.

Yep.
My F10 535i brought new last year, will be expected to worth half of the car price in 3 years.
So in 3 years, my car will go from $58000 to $29000.
It is impossible for any maintenance to cost me $29000 dollars in 3 years. Which means you will never save any money in buying a new car.
If you can, keep the car 10-15 years till it die. That will save you the most money.

[morfinx]

Originally Posted by smashhell

Yep.
My F10 535i brought new last year, will be expected to worth half of the car price in 3 years.
So in 3 years, my car will go from $58000 to $29000.
It is impossible for any maintenance to cost me $29000 dollars in 3 years. Which means you will never save any money in buying a new car.
If you can, keep the car 10-15 years till it die. That will save you the most money.

That sounds too low. 3 year old 335i should go for low 30ks.

Leasing is also another option for people who always want to have the latest and greatest and want to always be covered by warranty.

[ORay]

[quote=smashhell;13235387]
Dunno, I'm startin' to wonder. Special-ordered maxed-out '04 M3 trans went out at 55k, dealer wanted $16k to fix & mechanic friend repaired for $3500.
Dealership pretended is rare, friend says not so rare with SMG. Luv the car but 'fraid when will go out again. Also have '12 M3 with 8500 miles took to dealership today 'cuz on tight turns the differential making (almost inaudable) sounds & feels like binding & horrific rear tire wear. Tech told me diff needs fluid & unrelated tires are my problem. I work on hot rods lots, but know of very few who can work on newish cars...if it breaks it is $$$. May be I'll go back to USA brands (Hummm, new CTS-V, yum!).

[shivaswrath]

OR....just get the 6 year maintenance upgrade and keep it under 100k, that'll last you a lifecycle. sort of.

[josonalico]

Others prefer to buy new BMWs and let the dealership deal with it.

[smashhell]

Originally Posted by morfinx

That sounds too low. 3 year old 335i should go for low 30ks.

Leasing is also another option for people who always want to have the latest and greatest and want to always be covered by warranty.

Well in a year and 12000 miles, my 535i dropped from $58k to $44k. I lost $14k value in one year's time.
All I could say is BMW 5 series depreciate fast, way too fast.

[morfinx]

Originally Posted by smashhell

Well in a year and 12000 miles, my 535i dropped from $58k to $44k. I lost $14k value in one year's time.
All I could say is BMW 5 series depreciate fast, way too fast.

The depreciation curve isn't linear. The first year always has the largest hit.

[djkojione]

My E92's original sticker was $52K...I bought it for $30K....drove it for a year and sold it for $22K....not exactly great at keeping their value.