I got my 1st Bimmer in 1980...a beautiful ruby red, (Granatrot) 1976 2002. So much fun to drive. Simple, very, very reliable, and easy to work on. Sure, it had a few little quirks that actually added to its appeal. Loved that car for more than 200k miles. Started to shy away from the Germans after electronics started to overcome the entire automotive industry. I couldn't afford regular trips to professional mechanics and I lack the knowledge to keep up with the electronic revolution. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for that car though. Keep up the good work Nathan. Love your channel.
I agree with everything you’ve said… I think I purchased my first BMW about 20 years ago and while they have weak points they are great cars. We own three of them now… Keep up the good work..
It really depends on where in EU you live. EU is likewise or even more diverce in climate and distances than US . Where i live i walk to get anything, drive 16km to work and max. 50km to see family. I worked with people who drove more than 200 km to get to work. What a nightmare
Very fair point about the differences between US and European car usage - miles covered and weather extremes. As to wet floors - I avoid cars with holes cut in the steel roof for sunroof or glass for this reason. As to the complexity issue - absolutely ! The worst of this is driven by emissions and exhaust gas recycling and filtering (Cats and DPFs). Understand why they are needed but we had an easier life before.
I'm on my 5th BMW and I must say that if you keep up with maintenance they are Great . I've had all types of cars in my 68yrs. and Euro cars are the best , American cars are money pits . I've had more problems and spent more money on my Corvette , Charger SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee than my Saab , Volvo , Mercedes and BMW put together .
Bought an '88 325 e30 in 1993, and owned at least one since. Current fleet: 2001 M Roadster, 2003 e46 330i, 2012 e91 328, & 2015 f30 335. Live in Canada, temps drop to 30 degrees below, AGM batteries have never left me stranded
I agree with this video. I no longer argue reliability anymore. The thing is most people don't perform maintenance or pay attention to their car. I will say some of it is the manufacturer fault. But at the same time paying attention and performing maintenance increases reliability. I will say a Honda that is neglected can cause issues as well. Take car of your car and it will take care of you. If I have a honda and a bmw I would look after them differently.
Thanks for your help for all these years. Sorry to see you ease out of BMW after all these years. I've learned enough to keep the 2012 N52, 128i on the road for many years because of your work. I do all the annual preventive maintenance ($$$ like you said). Garage queen here in North central Texas, out of the weather like you recommended. The other thing that made me laugh was being an American and getting in the car and dropping the hammer for 4k miles. Always, anytime, any weather. I can get in my cars, trucks, SUV's and drive cross country any day any time. Merica
I think the type of BMW matters a lot. Personally I feel the 90s in-line 6 with an iron block is the way to go and a good compromise to reliability and getting the BMW experience. . I’m a big fan of the e39 -it’s my fave BMW ever. As tempting as it is to get the v8 540i 6 speed……what you can get a 528i 5 speed for is just the best deal. I got a 97 528i with the iron block so cal car with only 100k miles, low owners and dealer service records for 4,000 dollars US. At that price there is no better deal on a BMW vs quality and dependability out there. Also the 328 from same era e36 is great. I do not know if prices will go up but if you see a 528i manual -especially a 97/98 with iron block low miles for sale-grab it. You can Dinan stage 1 it for like 150 bucks and you’ll be close to 530i performance with IMO a better more bulletproof block and engine. E39 and e38 interior from 97-01 is best ever. The feel of the e39 is just stunning. You will not find a car now that feels as good with as nice of an interior that will be bullet proof for years. To be honest that in-line 6 and model are pretty dependable on the BMW scale and some stuff you can DIY. For 4 grand -get outta here ….there isn’t a better car for the $. It’s a workhorse too. For your long drives and major stuff you’ll drive it all the time and enjoy every second-put like 300k on it for 10-15 years….then keep your motorcycle or sports car for the weekends to keep the miles down. Best car for the $ hands down IMO
I first purchased a 1986 325is in manual for $1500 in 2014, fell in love sold it purchased later in 2016 a 2006 m3 SMG personally loved the SMG as well idk what people are talking about. Fell out of love with bmw when the m3s cam bolt backed out and detonated the engine and swore off BMWs. And then purchased a 325it LCI in 2019 fell back in love. Kept it and 2020 purchased a zhp and now I have inventory of parts
I live in AZ with a garaged E39. My radiator blew in August 2015 @ 110F. Car is a joy to work on, zero rust. Though I do wish we had the BMW diesels like the 3.0 biturbo or the 4.0 like my wife’s family drive in Romania. In the market for a E38 4.4 which I wish this channel had come through at some point. Pretty much the last BMW’s I’d ever get involved with. I’ve learned a huge amount from this channel.
Jeez you really have a tough time making a point here. You aren’t the only one to have owned a ton of BMWs. The Problem is an average used BMW with 100k mi has anywhere from 15-20 issues typically that if you repaired all Of them you would spend far more than the worth of the vehicle.
I 09 6spd manual 4 door e90 is hard to love but I still love it. I just replaced the whole cooling system and hoses and coilpacks. Still needs a couple things like oilpan gasket and abs sensors but its otherwise a very reliable car and never left me stranded
I agree with most of the things you said. Except the part about the climate. Europe is pretty much the same as USA, really cold in the north, really hot in the south. And cars in Europe also travel really long distances, for example when people from the north go to Austria to ski.
I can agree with most of that. I still daily drive my 95 e36 just hitting 300k and I’d drive it anywhere. My E90 is a complete maintenance hog. However, it’ll run 2 yrs. without a problem then suddenly 7 things break at once 😆
Preach the truth. Although my e46 has never let me down in cold weather but cost me a $hit ton in upkeep. My old truck is easy to work on and doesnt have trouble starting until its about 10 degrees F. Got a 454 in it so its slow to warm. The bimmer was a ton of fun in the rocky mountains though. If it doesn't sell I wont mind keeping it.
BMW , just like any car will have issues after the first owners, who have everything repaired under warranty. The second owners and after buy the car, drive them until the die and then complain about the car. But put off repairs due to cost. I have bought 25-35 e38 and e39 series BMWs with the timing chain guides, abs modules, window regulators, overheating that were bad due to cost to repair and were neglected. Some with over 300 k miles and still going strong!!
Got an 07 e91 2 years ago with 88k and love the engineering and just everything about it from the interior to the mechanics and design it is just all around different and very thought out. You can tell even on my 07 they designed stiff to force you to take it to the shop. Especially after 2012 I would imagine more so. Learned a lot from you and other youtubers the last two years. I’d say the maintenance cost and repair intervals is about doubled than any other car I’ve worked on especially after 100k. But maintenance on any car after 100k is going to have to happen eventually or later. If you didn’t grow up working on cars and enjoy tinkering around with stuff. Do not get a bmw unless you can really afford taking it to the dealership. Most of the repairs are double diy. The oil pan gasket I can see being a pain. But have enjoyed the challenges
Hey Nathan, like you, have many cars, and many Neanderthal friends who break theirs. Been watching your channel sporadically but can say it's been fun to watch your adventures. Keep it up!
I have owned 9 bmws. I made sure that all maintenances n up keep was done. BMW driving on race tracks while belonging to the chapters in the area. I most say If you can’t do the maintenance or afford to. Don’t buy one.
As a European I agree with your comments with the side note that this depends on which country you live in. For Example in Poland you are much more likely to also have to drive a lot. But if you live in Amsterdam you probably don’t even own a car at all. Also we do drive a lot faster so that plays in to wear on brakes and suspension, driving 100Mph+ is a daily occurrence for example. The speed limits are much higher over here. Weather wise it also depends, someone in Norway will probably see much lower temps for much longer time but not the heat off courses. So it’s much more diverse I would say, Europe is not one place. :)
Hello Nathan I have a question. I own a 97 318i m44 and the accelerator Bowden cable bushing ripped/ ruined and Inwas looking for just that bushing but it appears to not be sold on its own. So I went on looking for the entire Bowden cable, I looked at fcp turner and pelican parts but none have it ( pelican parts supposedly had it but they didn’t). So I stumbled upon a z3 Bowden cable which uses the same engine and I’m just asking if that cable would work on a 318i. Or should I just go looking for one at a junk yard. Thanks
Read a comment about someone owning a 2002, when are you going to make more videos on that car? I was really excited to see it when you bought it and it just sits in the corner now lol
Hey Nathan; I've been with you since shortly after you started the channel. My budy Cooper is emailing you regarding some M3 questions. I'd appreciate if you could get back to him. I know your a busy man, anything you can do is greatly appreciated!!! -Brian Rose
Hey I have a question I have a BMW 330xi 2006 every time I go over a pothole and makes this loud banging sound and don't absorb the pothole do I have to change the suspension or do I have to change the bushings what do you think it is
Climate change does have a huge effect on these vehicles, especially if it’s not garaged kept at all, high mileage, and deterioration is very detrimental towards any bmw, if you can’t do basic maintenance avoid owning a bimmer, because bankruptcy is imminent.
Hey mate, Nathan you really need to improve your presentation style! Your audience is behind the lens not in the shop! Talk to camera, without looking all around the shop. It gives the viewers the impact you’re extremely nervous and uncomfortable doing these presentations 😬😬! I like your content, not the presentation! Get a personality 🤪🤪
I see literally nothing wrong with his presentation, he looks at the camera just not the whole time, have you ever stared into a camera and talked for 10 minutes? It's a little awkward.
I got my 1st Bimmer in 1980...a beautiful ruby red, (Granatrot) 1976 2002. So much fun to drive. Simple, very, very reliable, and easy to work on. Sure, it had a few little quirks that actually added to its appeal. Loved that car for more than 200k miles. Started to shy away from the Germans after electronics started to overcome the entire automotive industry. I couldn't afford regular trips to professional mechanics and I lack the knowledge to keep up with the electronic revolution. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for that car though. Keep up the good work Nathan. Love your channel.
The 2002 is the best BMW.
I apreciate your honest opinion Nate, thanks. Bmw needs some extra love on time then and they are really fun to drive.
I agree with everything you’ve said… I think I purchased my first BMW about 20 years ago and while they have weak points they are great cars. We own three of them now… Keep up the good work..
Yep, I’ve had every single one of those issues you named an my opinion is you treat your bmw well and it will reward you back .
Very well explained! In Europe driving more than 15 miles is long distance 😂 in USA driving 30 miles for drinks is just fine 😂
Totally true
It really depends on where in EU you live. EU is likewise or even more diverce in climate and distances than US . Where i live i walk to get anything, drive 16km to work and max. 50km to see family. I worked with people who drove more than 200 km to get to work. What a nightmare
Very fair point about the differences between US and European car usage - miles covered and weather extremes. As to wet floors - I avoid cars with holes cut in the steel roof for sunroof or glass for this reason. As to the complexity issue - absolutely ! The worst of this is driven by emissions and exhaust gas recycling and filtering (Cats and DPFs). Understand why they are needed but we had an easier life before.
Got my E36 325i convert about 4 years ago. Great handling and fantastic seats.. seems like excellent build quality.
I'm on my 5th BMW and I must say that if you keep up with maintenance they are Great . I've had all types of cars in my 68yrs. and Euro cars are the best , American cars are money pits . I've had more problems and spent more money on my Corvette , Charger SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee than my Saab , Volvo , Mercedes and BMW put together .
Bought an '88 325 e30 in 1993, and owned at least one since. Current fleet: 2001 M Roadster, 2003 e46 330i, 2012 e91 328, & 2015 f30 335.
Live in Canada, temps drop to 30 degrees below, AGM batteries have never left me stranded
I agree with this video. I no longer argue reliability anymore. The thing is most people don't perform maintenance or pay attention to their car. I will say some of it is the manufacturer fault. But at the same time paying attention and performing maintenance increases reliability. I will say a Honda that is neglected can cause issues as well. Take car of your car and it will take care of you. If I have a honda and a bmw I would look after them differently.
Thanks for your help for all these years. Sorry to see you ease out of BMW after all these years. I've learned enough to keep the 2012 N52, 128i on the road for many years because of your work. I do all the annual preventive maintenance ($$$ like you said). Garage queen here in North central Texas, out of the weather like you recommended. The other thing that made me laugh was being an American and getting in the car and dropping the hammer for 4k miles. Always, anytime, any weather. I can get in my cars, trucks, SUV's and drive cross country any day any time. Merica
I think the type of BMW matters a lot. Personally I feel the 90s in-line 6 with an iron block is the way to go and a good compromise to reliability and getting the BMW experience. . I’m a big fan of the e39 -it’s my fave BMW ever. As tempting as it is to get the v8 540i 6 speed……what you can get a 528i 5 speed for is just the best deal.
I got a 97 528i with the iron block so cal car with only 100k miles, low owners and dealer service records for 4,000 dollars US.
At that price there is no better deal on a BMW vs quality and dependability out there.
Also the 328 from same era e36 is great. I do not know if prices will go up but if you see a 528i manual -especially a 97/98 with iron block low miles for sale-grab it.
You can Dinan stage 1 it for like 150 bucks and you’ll be close to 530i performance with IMO a better more bulletproof block and engine.
E39 and e38 interior from 97-01 is best ever. The feel of the e39 is just stunning. You will not find a car now that feels as good with as nice of an interior that will be bullet proof for years.
To be honest that in-line 6 and model are pretty dependable on the BMW scale and some stuff you can DIY. For 4 grand -get outta here ….there isn’t a better car for the $.
It’s a workhorse too. For your long drives and major stuff you’ll drive it all the time and enjoy every second-put like 300k on it for 10-15 years….then keep your motorcycle or sports car for the weekends to keep the miles down. Best car for the $ hands down IMO
I first purchased a 1986 325is in manual for $1500 in 2014, fell in love sold it purchased later in 2016 a 2006 m3 SMG personally loved the SMG as well idk what people are talking about. Fell out of love with bmw when the m3s cam bolt backed out and detonated the engine and swore off BMWs. And then purchased a 325it LCI in 2019 fell back in love. Kept it and 2020 purchased a zhp and now I have inventory of parts
Thanks for sharing. Got an F30 N55, with reg maintenance it’s been great. I also keep it covered.
I live in AZ with a garaged E39. My radiator blew in August 2015 @ 110F. Car is a joy to work on, zero rust. Though I do wish we had the BMW diesels like the 3.0 biturbo or the 4.0 like my wife’s family drive in Romania. In the market for a E38 4.4 which I wish this channel had come through at some point. Pretty much the last BMW’s I’d ever get involved with. I’ve learned a huge amount from this channel.
Jeez you really have a tough time making a point here. You aren’t the only one to have owned a ton of BMWs. The
Problem is an average used BMW with 100k mi has anywhere from 15-20 issues typically that if you repaired all
Of them you would spend far more than the worth of the vehicle.
I 09 6spd manual 4 door e90 is hard to love but I still love it. I just replaced the whole cooling system and hoses and coilpacks. Still needs a couple things like oilpan gasket and abs sensors but its otherwise a very reliable car and never left me stranded
I agree with most of the things you said. Except the part about the climate. Europe is pretty much the same as USA, really cold in the north, really hot in the south. And cars in Europe also travel really long distances, for example when people from the north go to Austria to ski.
I can agree with most of that. I still daily drive my 95 e36 just hitting 300k and I’d drive it anywhere. My E90 is a complete maintenance hog. However, it’ll run 2 yrs. without a problem then suddenly 7 things break at once 😆
Preach the truth. Although my e46 has never let me down in cold weather but cost me a $hit ton in upkeep. My old truck is easy to work on and doesnt have trouble starting until its about 10 degrees F. Got a 454 in it so its slow to warm. The bimmer was a ton of fun in the rocky mountains though. If it doesn't sell I wont mind keeping it.
BMW , just like any car will have issues after the first owners, who have everything repaired under warranty. The second owners and after buy the car, drive them until the die and then complain about the car. But put off repairs due to cost.
I have bought 25-35 e38 and e39 series BMWs with the timing chain guides, abs modules, window regulators, overheating that were bad due to cost to repair and were neglected. Some with over 300 k miles and still going strong!!
Got an 07 e91 2 years ago with 88k and love the engineering and just everything about it from the interior to the mechanics and design it is just all around different and very thought out. You can tell even on my 07 they designed stiff to force you to take it to the shop. Especially after 2012 I would imagine more so. Learned a lot from you and other youtubers the last two years. I’d say the maintenance cost and repair intervals is about doubled than any other car I’ve worked on especially after 100k. But maintenance on any car after 100k is going to have to happen eventually or later. If you didn’t grow up working on cars and enjoy tinkering around with stuff. Do not get a bmw unless you can really afford taking it to the dealership. Most of the repairs are double diy. The oil pan gasket I can see being a pain. But have enjoyed the challenges
Hey Nathan, like you, have many cars, and many Neanderthal friends who break theirs. Been watching your channel sporadically but can say it's been fun to watch your adventures. Keep it up!
I dont like using a bmw in winter or cold or snow. The car just seems more happy in easier middle temps.
I just love your videos! Keep up the good work
I have owned 9 bmws. I made sure that all maintenances n up keep was done. BMW driving on race tracks while belonging to the chapters in the area. I most say If you can’t do the maintenance or afford to. Don’t buy one.
I have had both BMWs and Jaguars for 20yrs also and they do require that you pay attention to them.
BMWs are like people, sometimes they are dependable and don't let you down and sometimes they are pieces of shit
As a European I agree with your comments with the side note that this depends on which country you live in. For Example in Poland you are much more likely to also have to drive a lot. But if you live in Amsterdam you probably don’t even own a car at all. Also we do drive a lot faster so that plays in to wear on brakes and suspension, driving 100Mph+ is a daily occurrence for example. The speed limits are much higher over here. Weather wise it also depends, someone in Norway will probably see much lower temps for much longer time but not the heat off courses. So it’s much more diverse I would say, Europe is not one place. :)
performance requires effort, BMW is worth every bit of effort, blood, sweat and yeah cash to keep it at the top (2009 BMW X3, Silver, black leather)
I've had more overheating and radiator issues with my BMWs vs any other make.
Listening to you... but staring at the ar behind you😍
🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻👏🏻, I have owned 3 BMWs, now I currently own an X3MC on MHD stage 2, E30 MAP,
but I just use it for that low end torque…
1. Not an "Easy Keeper."
Hello Nathan I have a question. I own a 97 318i m44 and the accelerator Bowden cable bushing ripped/ ruined and Inwas looking for just that bushing but it appears to not be sold on its own. So I went on looking for the entire Bowden cable, I looked at fcp turner and pelican parts but none have it ( pelican parts supposedly had it but they didn’t). So I stumbled upon a z3 Bowden cable which uses the same engine and I’m just asking if that cable would work on a 318i. Or should I just go looking for one at a junk yard. Thanks
Read a comment about someone owning a 2002, when are you going to make more videos on that car? I was really excited to see it when you bought it and it just sits in the corner now lol
Hey Nathan; I've been with you since shortly after you started the channel. My budy Cooper is emailing you regarding some M3 questions. I'd appreciate if you could get back to him. I know your a busy man, anything you can do is greatly appreciated!!! -Brian Rose
I will look when I get home, thank for the heads up
@@NathansBMWWorkshop Thank you as always!!
I hate when people trying to open the window and ice on the windows why would u do that can't u just wait till the ice melt
What is the reason that BMW engineers can not solve same issues over decades because they tend to make everything more complex than needed.
I gave up after 3 BMW's.
Hey I have a question I have a BMW 330xi 2006 every time I go over a pothole and makes this loud banging sound and don't absorb the pothole do I have to change the suspension or do I have to change the bushings what do you think it is
Could be control arms or struts
u 1000000% ✅
Climate change does have a huge effect on these vehicles, especially if it’s not garaged kept at all, high mileage, and deterioration is very detrimental towards any bmw, if you can’t do basic maintenance avoid owning a bimmer, because bankruptcy is imminent.
BMW's suck. Got it. Glad I've got 3 of them.
you talk like you have never been outside US...
First
Hey mate, Nathan you really need to improve your presentation style! Your audience is behind the lens not in the shop! Talk to camera, without looking all around the shop. It gives the viewers the impact you’re extremely nervous and uncomfortable doing these presentations 😬😬! I like your content, not the presentation! Get a personality 🤪🤪
I see literally nothing wrong with his presentation, he looks at the camera just not the whole time, have you ever stared into a camera and talked for 10 minutes? It's a little awkward.
The guy’s a technician not a newscaster.