Expert: Josh Fields - 10/18/2006

Question
I'm thinking about purchasing a 1996 328is.  I believe it has been serviced regularly, but it has 148,000 miles, many highway.  I'm worried about it being so old that I will need to replace the transmission, clutch or some other big ticket item.  I've heard bmws can go 300,000 without major engine rebuild if serviced.  Does this include the transmission?  Can I expect a water pump to go sooner as well?  Sorry for all the questions, but my major concerns are the big ticket items.

Thanks for the great service you offer.
Mike  

Answer
Mike,
 I purchased a '99 328is about a year ago, and it had 100k on the clock.  The main thing to watch for is the waterpump (in your case) I'm pretty sure they should be replaced around 100k, so ask the seller if this has been done... if not then ask for a discount off the price.

 You mentioned clutch, so I'm assuming this is a 5-speed coupe.  Unfortunately there is no way of knowing how the previous owner drove, and the clutch could be worn prematurely.  Replacing a clutch isn't that bad though (if you do it yourself) you could do it in an afternoon, for $300, and using high-quality parts.

 If you have any objections to replacing parts, and absolutely cannot fix anything yourself.. then you could get into some trouble.  But if you can do some work yourself, or afford to pay someone to do it for you.. then by all means it's got plenty of life left in the vehicle.

 BMW's can, and have, made it past 300k miles (I've owned 2 like this) without a rebuild.  If you have an Automatic Tranny, I HIGHLY doubt you will make it to 200k without a rebuild, but the manuals are bullet proof (providing you aren't drag racing).  The key is to keep the oil and filter changed regularly.  I personally run Mobil-1 Synthetic oil in ALL of my vehicles and I've been VERY pleased with the results.  It costs slightly more, but you can go longer on your intervals.. so the price actually balances out, and you are getting better oil.

 Good luck,
 Josh