How much money spent on your BMWs [Archive]

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Mordan

01-12-2009, 11:05 AM

looking back 9 months ago when I did not have a car at all. I wanted to buy a cheap car just to go from A to B... lol

today I bought 2 BMWs and I have spent

1450 (518)
170
170
200
300
60
2200 (325)
650 (M20 head job)
150
240
530
1050
100
250
250
100

7820 euros minimum since April

with more than 1200 euros in tools. I have 9 000 euros.

I would have never thought to spend that much money for a car. (2 actually)

+ if I had the taxes and fuel costs, I get 11 000 euros minimum. that's a lot of money.

i see it as an investment though. 9 months ago I was a total car newb.

BMWCCA1

01-12-2009, 11:47 AM

I bought my '95 525i 5-sp 26-months ago. I've put over 40,000 miles on it in that time. I've changed rear shock mounts which cost about $30 plus some $20 spring compressors I can always exchange for a full refund. Other than that I've only changed the oil and replaced the crappy Avon tires it came with with 234/45x17" Yokohama W4s for a total including mounting and balancing of $500. I replaced wiper inserts once but I went to the dealership on a Saturday to get them and the parts manager gave them to me since they were technically closed for the day. I can't think of anything else I've had to do . . . oh yeah, the pollen filter for about $16, and air filter, and one low-beam bulb (the illegal kind) for about $20. I guess that makes my total, including buying the car and new tires, somewhere around $6100 USD after 40,000 miles of use.

Ferret

01-12-2009, 11:47 AM

I've spent a rediculous amount on mine...

(£ GBP)
1000 (540i/6)
400 Tyres
250 Clutch
250 New Lowered springs
150 New front suspension arms + top mounts
150 Front Brakes
150 Rear brakes
150 Radiator + Hoses
140 Replacement salvage exhaust + fittings
100 Oil over 12 months
~100 New lighting + adjuster for MOT
90 Front shocks
70 Rear bushings
70 Replacement Cam sensor when a lead disintegrated
~60 PCV plate + gaskets
~50 Filters etc
~50 Plugs
~50 New plug leads
~50 MOT
45 Aircon recharge
40 Hydraulic fluid
20 Replacement plasticwork under bonnet

Probably around another 50 quid in random fixtures and fittings.

Comes to :
Car: 1000
Random crap: 2485

So repairs have cost me 2.5x the value of the car :)

Translated for repairs only that's $3700 ish USD or 2774 Euros :(

It's a lot of money, but thinking about it I do tend to overdo repairs and replace anything I can get at while doing it... currently having a mental battle as to whether to sell her or not as there's an E39 540i/6 coming up for sale in the family.
I'm sure I've missed loads of stuff off this... I'll keep adding as I remember.

Ross

01-12-2009, 12:50 PM

(£ GBP)
1000 (540i/6)
I hate you!

Mordan

01-12-2009, 01:48 PM

pingu

01-12-2009, 01:51 PM

Probably about £4,000 or more. New shocks etc, and a new radiator and water pump. But on the bright side, I don't worry about depreciation and have a luxury, quiet, car that goes like stink.

A real killer was noticing bubbling rust around the windscreen 2 weeks after I'd bought it. My advice: if ever you see a car that not's on the original windscreen then walk straight away - the rust isn't far away.

Sam-Son

01-12-2009, 01:54 PM

more than you can possibly imagine

Russell

01-12-2009, 02:23 PM

Way too much. It is a hobby as well as daily transportation.

About $2,000 per year for everything, including modifications, tools, oil, wax etc. Not including fuel. It is in better condition than when I bought it 6 years ago. I have put over 90,000 miles on the car.

xspeedy

01-12-2009, 02:47 PM

Spent plenty on my used 94 525i bought almost two years ago with 140K on it. I bought it for my wife to learn to drive stick and also as a "project" car to learn BMW repair/servicing. We have put a bit over 20K on it since. I'd have to guess around $3K went into it when I include parts, tools, tires, oil... Some of the major expenses have been things like front end (thrust, control, idler, tie rods), VANOS, belts/pulley/tensioners.

I have done most of the work myself or during BMWCCA tech days at the local BMW dealer to save money. It has been a great learning experience and I have grown more comfortable with doing work at home (even on my 07 335i). Plus, I find most projects to be relaxing. I like the satisfaction of doing it myself and the savings over having a shop do the work. I'd rather spend the money on tools that I get to keep. $500 an axle for brakes is just crazy. I'm sure the money I spent on the car would be nearly double if I had someone else do it.

Elekta

01-12-2009, 03:09 PM

more than you can possibly imagine

and it is a secret...

hell what I paid for it is a mushy inconclusive number ;)

Ferret

01-12-2009, 03:39 PM

that's cheap man for a 540/6.... please I beg you. keep your E34.

Yeah I know, but she has a gearbox annoyance where the synchros on 4th are only working at 25% efficiency!

I dont know about keeping the E34, the fact she throws something expensive *every f*cking month* is really starting to wind me up.

repenttokyo

01-12-2009, 04:27 PM

Paid 2500 for the car in December 2006.

Since then, I've done 2k of bodywork to correct the previous owner's dance with a mailbox.
2k in general repairs right after I bought it - small stuff like washer pump, bigger stuff like control arm and rear subframe inserts, and some bushings, etc.
2k to do the suspension: bilstein's and eibachs.
And then 1k bc of my retarded battery experience that was 100 percent my fault.

So just under 10k in 2 years of ownership - not bad. Most reliable car I have ever owned.

Blitzkrieg Bob

01-12-2009, 06:00 PM

Don't worry guys.

No matter how much you've spent, it still won't add up to the amount that one unnamed member has expended in the pursuit of more HP.

632 Regal

01-12-2009, 06:33 PM

Amen that, a grand a second til 11s 3500-5k to 10s and a grand a tenth after that "if" you do it right the first time.

Don't worry guys.

No matter how much you've spent, it still won't add up to the amount that one unnamed member has expended in the pursuit of more HP.

whiskychaser

01-12-2009, 06:37 PM

Will have had mine 4 years in May. Cost £800 and I've probably spent £1000 on:
3 tyres ( 2 when I got it, one just got a cut in it :-( )
Inlet valves, chains, guides, head gasket sets etc
2 x auto trannies ( I change the tranny instead of just the oil :-) )
Rad, water pump, belts
Plug-in diagnostic tools (3)
I'm not counting MOT or tax as you have to have them anyway.

If I had no interest in cars or fixing stuff I would be devastated.

Jehu

01-12-2009, 06:39 PM

When you include normal wear and maintenance items like Tires, Oil, filters, brake pads.. I've probably got near $20K price of purchase inclusive into this car since buying it for $9,200 in May of '06. I've put 130,000 miles on it in that time. Major items include new clutch and flywheel, alternator, front end parts, shocks and struts and some body work and paint. I am unable to do much of the work myself as I have no place to either work on the car or store things like large floor jack, jack stands/ramp stands. I did the heater core myself so saved over $1,000. USD there but I always marvel at people who suggest you can buy and own an e34 540 6 speed for under $5k.. and not seriously expect to put at least that much again in to get it approaching like new.. You really have to have all systems operating properly together, the level of interdependency requires this to really enjoy the car as it was meant to be enjoyed. For instance the alusil/nikasil issue aside THIS (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=253188872&dealer_id=1148099&car_year=1995&rdm=1231309096836&model=540I&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1994&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=BMW&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=03055&advanced=&end_year=1995&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=851) looks great but if it hasn't had the clutch and flywheel replaced and for this price I doubt it has it will need that more than likely within 50,000 miles, if it has original shocks and struts and front end parts ditto them. Motor/Tranny Mounts? yup.. then you'll want nice 17" Rondell #58s or M Pars.. and new Tires.. you'll need new slotted rotors and Akebono ceramic pads.. Probably new belts and since its located in a cold climate the heater Core will most likely fail eventually ... so sure.. go ahead and scoop it up and make me look like the dumbest box of rocks in town for spending so much... I hope you have a garage of your own and do everything yourself.. then I wouldn't think twice about what it may need.. oh there is a lift in your garage isn't there? lol...

whiskychaser

01-12-2009, 06:52 PM

I hope you have a garage of your own and do everything yourself.. then I wouldn't think twice about what it may need.. oh there is a lift in your garage isn't there? lol...
I think this is Andy's garage, complete with inspection pit and 4 post lift:

Scott C

01-12-2009, 06:53 PM

Jehu

01-12-2009, 07:00 PM

I think this is Andy's garage, complete with inspection pit and 4 post lift:

Brave men.. more to ye..

Bo525i

01-12-2009, 09:54 PM

I´ve spent the triple amount of my cars real worth.. And then some :)

RallyD

01-12-2009, 10:46 PM

bought for $1500 2 years ago
I have repaired/replaced: 2 power window motors, washer motor, hood & trunk struts, springs, shocks, headlight lenses, pads/rotors, winter tires for stock wheels
For $575 I got the Style32 wheels with tires, then had to replace the tires with pilot sport a/s $900
I'm probably getting close to $4500 and put 33,000mi on it.

Ferret

01-13-2009, 05:49 AM

I think this is Andy's garage, complete with inspection pit and 4 post lift:

Lmao, you didnt think a mere clutch change would defeat me?

Seriously though, that nearly turned into a comedy farce called 'two men and a gearbox' or some such. You have to have strength to get away with it as well - one person has to do all the lifting of the box while another does the guidance. Couldnt move properly for a week after either...

Unless you're up for a major challenge I would think carefully before starting a gearbox change on jack stands :P

Would I do it again? Hell yes, I'd rather be sore than hand over the best part of £6-700 in labour charges to a garage.

I think with these cars you've gotta be DIY capable to at least some extent - they're at the age now where they're constantly pandering for attention and if you have to put it in the garage for every little thing that goes wrong you're in for trouble :)

sal_park

01-13-2009, 06:23 AM

Bought the car in April 2002 for 5,000 (GBP) with 59k miles and spent ... ~1000 GBP on it since then (see below) and the car is now at 99k miles. Not too bad I think, however there is a to-do list:

Fuel gauge iffy
rust spot on drivers door and boot lid
Rear door trim coming off
Rear suspension clonk
Check control systems false errors when it's cold
cracked heatlight
less than 100% syncro on 2nd & 4th (not looking forward to that :( )

Since I've owned the car, I've done the following: (excluding standard servicing, tyres, TAX, insurance etc)

rear disc's / pads
(150)

front disc's / pads
lower control arms
Upper control arms
anti-roll bar links (sway bar links)
(400)

windscreen washer jet pump
(20)

aircon fan
(60)

new set of E39 wheels (don't like the look, but much cheaper than 3 new 17' tyres)
(100)

heated seat reto install
(60)

boot lid rubber seal
(20)

battery
(50)

both rear seatbelt sockets
(60)

brake light switch
(20)

Mordan

01-13-2009, 09:29 AM

Alright - I can fess up

2001 - $17,500 for car
8 years of maint, 3 sets tires (+ snow tires/wheels), brakes, oil, headlights, battery, suspension, yada yada (no insurance or gas) - $10,394

Scott
Yes - I have a spreadsheet

haha precise spreadsheet... you nerd! ;)

I have one but it didn't fill in anything for the last 4 months due to lazyness.

this post was to get an idea how much really does it cost to maintain a DIY car.

some people told me I should have paid 10k straight on a good car instead of 3k + 7K in tools and parts.

but then I would be at a 7K loss in a few years. while I hope to get a return on my investment with the tools I bought and knowledge I learnt and the cars I repaired. the 518 will worth nothing whatever I do with it. it is a pure mean of transportation. however the 325 cab's value will stay flat or increase.

also as someone said it, DIY has to be a hobby.

Tiger

01-13-2009, 10:24 AM

Wow! You paid so much for the car... I couldn't even sell my car back then for that much. At that time my 540iA would only fetch for $13000.

Russell

01-13-2009, 10:39 AM

Alright - I can fess up

2001 - $17,500 for car
8 years of maint, 3 sets tires (+ snow tires/wheels), brakes, oil, headlights, battery, suspension, yada yada (no insurance or gas) - $10,394

Scott
Yes - I have a spreadsheet

I have a detailed speadsheet on all my cars and have done so for years. It tracks almost everything spent on the car. including wax, most tools and even injector cleaner. Not gas or insurance.

Yes, I am possibly a nerd/geek (among other things). As a former city planner I am used (pre-disposed) to using detailed info.

KenB

01-13-2009, 12:31 PM

Purchased in 3/03 for $7k w/105k miles...avg. $1.3k/yr. for repairs/maintenance, most done at indy shop.

New: *

Clutch - $600
Brakes - $100
Rotors - $200
Shocks - $500
Fuel Pump - $200
Starter - $200
Alternator - $400
Side mirrors - $70
Oil filler cap - $15
Water pump - $250
Radiator - $200
Belts - $100
Hoses - $100
Tires - $1100 (2 sets)
Aux Fan - $300
Window Regulator - $150
Misc. body trim - $100
Upper Control Arms - $300
Sway bar links - $200
Rear diff - $500
Valve cover gasket - $100
Fluids/filters/plugs - $1800
Coils - $200
CD changer - $100
Some misc. stuff I can't remember right now...

Now has 235k miles, just replaced original clutch, still has original exhaust.
Uses approx. 1/2 qt of synth oil between changes at 5-6k miles.

*Approximate prices - parts and labor

Best, most reliable, fun to drive, cheapest to maintain, car I've ever owned.

Mordan

01-13-2009, 05:22 PM

Purchased in 3/03 for $7k w/105k miles...avg. $1.3k/yr. for repairs/maintenance, most done at indy shop.

Best, most reliable, fun to drive, cheapest to maintain, car I've ever owned.

nice to hear. how long do expect to keep it?

will any of us be pressurized by consumerism to buy a new car? :p i.e. to save manufacturing jobs.

Paul in NZ

01-13-2009, 05:38 PM

i bought my car in 2002 for NZ$16200 ,if i sold today would get $5000- $6000
I havent had any trouble,but i dont want to add up the money i have spent on just regular servicing,plus the occasional battery,thrust arm/bushing,tyres etc...It doesnt matter,its the BEST car i have evr had.It still brings a smile to my face...i have been toying withthe idea of getting something else but even e 39 540 i6 doesnt do it the same for me.
With this in mind I cleaned her up the other day cos a guy from the car club was interested in buying it.When he said he was going to take it i nearly had a panic attack!Luckily his wife said a 5 series was too big!

Mitch90535im

01-13-2009, 05:46 PM

About $300 USD since I bought it in 2001 other than normal maint.

KenB

01-13-2009, 05:50 PM

nice to hear. how long do expect to keep it?

will any of us be pressurized by consumerism to buy a new car? :p i.e. to save manufacturing jobs.

I drove an '06 525i over the weekend...I think I'll keep mine, feels more like a REAL car and it's really still nice and tight. I figure the only thing it'll need this year is maybe and exhaust and I should be good for another quarter million miles.:)

Definitely will keep it even if I do get a newer car but will probably hold off for another 6 months before I start seriously looking.

Kibokojoe

01-13-2009, 11:01 PM

1989 535i was $0 it was a gift from a friend
Repairs over the past 2 years about $4000.00 USD, still needs paint

Bought a 1991 735i two weeks $2750.00. Just purchased a driveshaft $425.00. Figure I will be putting another $1000.00 before this year is over.

I have noticed that everything on a Bimmer is ridiculously expensive. The way I look at it ...I own two Honda's. The price it cost me for a oem replacement part and to have a certified mechanic to install the part is about the same as buying an aftermarket BMW part and installing it myself. So why do I have two Bimmers because it is the best car I have ever driven in my life. Nothing else fly's or corners like a BMW...hands down...NUF said

Mordan

01-14-2009, 06:11 AM

I read a consumer report saying BMW and Mercedes had the most expensive repair parts

Honda and Mazda had the least expensive.

RallyD

01-14-2009, 08:58 AM

I read a consumer report saying BMW and Mercedes had the most expensive repair parts

Honda and Mazda had the least expensive.

That all depends where you buy your parts from.

attack eagle

01-14-2009, 10:37 AM

8k ish... including 5 speed swap, Hellas, electrochromatic retrofit, electrical gizmos, stereo work, Kmacs, new tires all around...

attack eagle

01-14-2009, 10:39 AM

That all depends where you buy your parts from.
agreed. Japanese OEM parts are more expensive or as expensive as MB and BMW. Except you are stuck buying at the dealer.

Mordan

01-14-2009, 10:39 AM

That all depends where you buy your parts from.

baseline of the study is dealer price

and here in conti europe, I haven't yet found a reliable supplier of new parts. but I can get parts from wrecked car for cheap of course.

you guys in the US are lucky. You have bavarianautosport
we are lucky here because there are so many wrecked BMWs. (due to a larger population of course and because many young stupid drivers buy a second hand bmw)

russiankid

01-14-2009, 08:40 PM

About $2500 in parts, $3900 for purchase.

bmwrp8

01-15-2009, 05:10 AM

don't want to count how much i spent...might cry:p but here's the list ive done so far and still counting.:)

*changed the oil and oil filter (castrol magnatec 10w-40) (K&N sport oil filter)
*Resetted oil/inspection service interval computer
*Replaced engine thermostat (BEHR thermostat (Germany))
*Replaced fuel filter
*Replaced Spark Plugs with OEM BOSCH sparkplugs (6pcs.)
*Replaced fuel pump (BOsCH germany)
*Replaced crankshaft position sensor
*Repaired stock schock absorber(rear)
*Repaired bushings
*Replaced front rotor disk(BREMBO OEM)
*Replaced brake pads (F/R) and brake pad wear sensor(Ferudo sports brake pads)
*Replaced transmission ATF DEXTRONIII and transmission filter
*Replaced Idle control valve
*Replaced front shock absorber (Bilstein touring OEM)
*Replaced aircon compressor (Sanden) Fixed aircon problems
*Fixed "check control" computer display with contact cleaner
*Fixed "Dip Beam" problem of check control computer by buying H.I.D resistors
*Fixed "Washer Fluid Low" problem by reconnecting/Reassemblying washer fluid sensor and wiring harness
*Bought K&N Air Filter Recharger Kit and Cleaned/Oiled Simota Race Air Filter
*Bought and Retrofitted E39 Dome light with Mood/Ambiance light
*Swapped low HID 4300k to fogs and high 6000k to low beam
*Reinstalled alarm and tapped to OEM BMW central lock
*Fitted additional horn with relay for alarm system
*Retrofitted E39 AT shift knob(circle) leather on gone metalic
*Replaced headcover gasket **checked head status**-OK!
*Fixed "Hunting Idle" by professionally adjusted Air Fuel Meter (AFM)
*Fixed suspension bushing and replaced thrust arm bushing with poly urethane
*Bought federal tires at 255/40zr17 (rear) and 235/40zr17 (front)
*Bought HELLA OEM headlights with smiley projector headlights...2pcs.
*Bought HELLA OEM projector foglights..2pcs
*Bought right white euro side markers
*Valves adjusted
*Injectors cleaned 6pcs.
*Replaced 4300k foglight HID with 3000k HID
*Installed front tower brace
*Replaced Alternator with 115amp.OEM
*Replaced battery (AC Delco(2 years warranty))
*Replaced center propeller shaft bearing
*Repaired 4pcs.mags
*Replaced water pump assembley
*Replaced Radiator (Nissin replacement (germany))
*Replaced auxilliary fan (OEM germany)
*Replaced front and rear bumper with original AC Schnitzer bumpers
*Replaced coolant level sensors
*Replaced timming belt and tentioners
*Replaced fan belts
*Replaced engine coolant with BMW OEM coolant
*Replaced upper radiator hose with OEM BMW hose
*Installed upper radiator BMW OEM hose clamp
*Replaced inner radiator hose (BMW OEM)
*Replaced transmission oil pan gasket
*Replaced engine support
*Replaced transmission support
*Replaced intake and exhaust manifold gaskets
*Replaced Vacumm hose (brake booster)
*bypassed and disabled aircon heater
*Replaced engine Fan blade assembly
*Replaced front shocks (bilstein sport)
*Replaced rear shocks (Tein adjustables)