Buying a BMW

I've had the pleasure of driving my dad's X5 on multiple trips to Oregon. I'm not complaining, BMWs are pure class and precision. You really can't get much better than that.
May I ask which beemer you're getting.
Also if you haven't figured out a way, you might wanna get some cool walkies to talk while you're on the road.
Have fun!!

I had a 320i it was a riot. I had too much fun so I had to sell it. :)

I've got a 328i that's done me pretty well here in Chicago with the one exception of rear-wheel drive in the snow. Thankfully it's just more cold here than snowy. If you're interested, look up some local BMW groups – they tend to hold meets every once in a while and it's pretty interesting.

I just picked up a 325Ci coupe this summer, and it has been a pleasure. Of all the vehicles I've driven, this has been the only one about which I can say driving is truly an “experience”. I think I'm sold, and I don't know if I can ever buy anything else.

Two cents worth from one who now enjoys the freedom no wheels …
The BMW is and always was an over-rated vehicle. Simply no comparison to an Audi.

Oops! Should be: freedom OF no wheels.
Two cents worth from one who now enjoys the freedom no wheels …
The BMW is and always was an over-rated vehicle. Simply no comparison to an Audi.

If it's anything like my dad's 2000 BMW Z3 (Z4 replaced this car) it will be a great cars. Dad bought this 2000 as the 01's were coming in, so he got a great price. Its very reliable, but do expect maintence costs to be a tad higher once the warranty runs out. Quality comes with a price, but it is all worth it. Just out of curiosity what kind of Ford did you own?

I've always had a long-standing theory–NEVER once proven wrong–that BMW drivers are assholes. You know, big egos and tiny penises.

Surprisingly, I've liked BMWs and VWs over Mercedes, maybe it's the sportiness. I'll drive my Bug over my Benz if given the choice. But all German cars are highest on my list. Congrats on your new baby. :-)

If you have an AMEX, check out mylifemycard.com. They are doing some things for the Christmas season. Monday (I think, you'll have to check), it is a BMW Z4 for 5000. There are only 3 available so you'll have to get very lucky, but it's worth a shot.
Fred

I agree with one of the posts above. BMWs are great, but do not compare to Audi. I have a 2001 BMW M3 and a 2002 Audi S4. I love both these cars like my own children (don't tell my kids this) but I drive the S4 while my wife gets dibs on the M3. I could go on and on about what is better about the Audi (bi-turbo, AWD – fast as a rocket in the snow and on ice), but what it comes down to is both cars are great and you can't go wrong with either one – especially in warmer climates. These are not mere cars, they are an experience. Price was not the issue. Neither one was a “bargain” as they did not come cheap, especially here in Canada.

You will retain some of the resale value vs. other cars but you will also be paying far more to maintain the vehicle. Also, the latest satisfaction/reliability reports list the european makers behind the USA these days.
I did drive a Z3 for about a month a couple of years ago. It was fun but is so far from practical that you will have to keep another car.

A couple of tips from the Audi fan, though I'm sure they apply to all vehicles in this class:
1. Buy pre-owned and get the info. on the previous owner and maintenance records. (my second Audi, a 5000, was 3 years old, previously owned by a doctor's wife who babied it, and the price was so reasonable, I was able to buy it outright)
2. Always, always have a reliable mechanic for service and have him check it out before you buy. In my case I was fortunate enough to have a local shop where the owner turned out to own an Audi 5000.
3. This ties in with the above – if you are planning a move, make sure there is a reliable service at your new location. Service is the key, whether new or preowned.
4. Service costs more. If you have a reliable place for service, the extra cost is, of course, well worth it. If, however, you wind up dealing with anyone who doesn't really know these cars, things can be horrendous – as it was for me when I had to make an unplanned move.
5. Five year financing on any vehicle is simply not practical. Too many things change!!
Though I'll always put the Audi first, those of us from the VW generation will always have some fond memories to share.

I just bought an Audi A4 Quattro this past weekend and after putting only 150 miles on it over the past couple days, I'm in love. I was looking at the 325xi and 330xi BMWs (wanted AWD) and with the options, I couldn't justify the price difference between the BMWs and Audis. I was able to buy my Audi completely loaded (XM/Bose Stereo, Leather/Premium Package, Cold Weather Pkg, etc) for less than the base-price of the 325. Sure, it has a bigger engine, but at that price: no leather, etc. The interiors are night and day between the two as well…
I still think BMWs are great cars (I was coming from a Mini Cooper which was “quasi-BMW” and was able to drive a couple Bimmers in my past), but I just couldn't justify the price (and couldn't find any used xi's in my area). I do love the orange dash lights of BMW and I'm sure (or at least hoping) there will be a 7-Series in my future… :)
Enjoy the driving experience. It'll be much different than your Ford! :)

Good luck with the BMW. Too bad you didn't check Consumer Reports ratings of new & used cars before you bought it. Pay close attention to the comments about service, and see if your buddies in Seattle can recommend a topnotch mechanic. And now you will become part of the old joke: How can you tell the difference between a porcupine & a bimmer? Answer: The pricks are on the inside. Remember: this is just a joke.

Ok…You're moving from “sunny” California to Seattle with its 364 days a year of rain and fog, and you buy a convertible?

Some pople like cloudy/rain and fog,
I for one do, I have a tendancy to snap when theres too much sunlight (yeah I'm a weird one, so what)
who says California (or LA) is always sunny… It's cloudy right now, and I'm loving it

Congrats on this and the other thing, too!

I've owned and driven BMW's since 1969 and never had a mechanical problem with one. They are more expensive to own, premium fuel, high insurance, more work to keep them clean ( you can't be seen drivin' a dirty bimmer.) but I think you get what you pay for………good luck

Not a very practical car… But to each their own and enjoy:-) In Northern, WI., where it's snowing, a nice 2004 Super Duty Ford F-250 with a crew cab and plow is all I need to get the groceries, clean the driveway, and get the kiddies to and fro… Oh yeah, my dog and I have had many bonding moments hunting in it too!! Now when you are talking bang for the buck, i HAVE it all….

Chris,
Congrats on the BMW. Be careful not to hit a curb. I slipped the backend of my friend's BMW when I was 22… and just before coming to a complete stop, I tapped the rear wheel against the curb. I ended up knocking the drive chain off and crackin something or other… $7,000 in damages.
They're build to drive fast. They just can't take bumps too well. I call it a bump at least.
Nice blog,
B.A.R. Editor
http://www.badassreviews.com
Miss ya on my cable channel

i have a 2002 Bmw m3 custom body kit worth 20K and i love it 5sp manual…drives awesome im looking foward to maybe trading it for the new M3 soon

Well Chris, we both now know something new. Cars don’t interest you.. and they don’t interest me much. I’m going to be getting my permit this year.. ( Procrastination and slowly reading the Driver’s Manual ). BMW holding it’s value ? The Apple Computer of Cars.

Okay, I just bought a 2007 BMW 5 Ser. and love it. Its a six speed and the navigation is the best. This is my second one and I would buy anything else.