Reliability...you folks scare me!

[fraz]

Recently purchased a 2012 128i vert; my sixth Bimmer. All six were bought new, and included three 3 Series, two 5 Series, and a Z3 Roadster. I had no issues with any of them. The Z3 was a 99, bought in Oct 98. I just sold it for 6500 bucks after 13 1/2 years and 106K miles. Not a single significant issue over the life of the vehicle. Just standard oil/filter changes, and it never required topping off between changes. I replaced the valve cover gasket at 103K because I was getting a dime size drop of oil every week or so. The gasket took care of the problem. The front pads were changed at 78K, and the original pads were on the rear when I sold it last month! I bought a new OEM rear window for 240 bucks and changed it out at 103K.

I read about issues with mirrors, water pumps, cost of battery, etc. What has happened? (oh, forgot to add RFT!)

Should I ask the party that bought the Z if he would like to trade for my new 1?

[Rodzilla]

Your 128 should be trouble free. Don't worry mon.

[rps]

If anything does give you a problem, it's covered for 4 years, 50,000 miles at no charge. The HPFP problem is only for the N54 135i's not the 128. Enjoy it and drive it.

[3liter1]

Originally Posted by Rodzilla

Your 128 should be trouble free. Don't worry mon.

+1. no problems here. 35K miles!

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by fraz

I read about issues with mirrors, water pumps, cost of battery, etc. What has happened? (oh, forgot to add RFT!)

Never heard a peep about mirror issues or water pumps. Battery is covered for 4 years but that's a wear item on any car. RFTs are stiff and expensive but they're the only part that touches the road so no need to skimp there.

[Fox128i]

I've had my 2012 E82 since October and not one single issue. Fantastic car...

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by Fox128i

I've had my 2012 E82 since October and not one single issue. Fantastic car...

Ditto for my '08 128i cabrio with 34,000 miles.

Tom

[Rawhide]

This forum is probably not a good gauge of reliability. Mostly because posting "Nothing is wrong with my car" makes for a boring thread.

I've had 2 1 series. A 2008 128 and my current 2010 135. Neither had any major issues, and I drive about 20k a year.

[BimmerEnthusiast99]

The N52 is solid. Only problem you might anticipate is the third brake light lens falling out (cabrio?).

[cvandenhaute]

My 2011 128i is so far the most reliable car I had, not one single issue in 18 months so far, not even a little, I only had to go to the dealership for my 2 oil changes. That never happened with any other cars I had before

[Xtian]

Yeah man. I've had mine since August and almost 800 trouble-free miles.

[bimmer74]

My 2009 128i with 43,000 miles has had a few issues:

- driver's side power window motor failed
- there was an AC system leak
- 3rd brake light cracked
- seat belt recall performed
- shifting from 1st to 2nd (manual tranny) has to be done very slowly before the tranny warms up to avoid a crunch . A different transmission fluid will hopefully help

Overall not too bad but also not trouble free.

[coda72]

I have almost 4,000 miles on my 2012 vert, and I've had no issues at all.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by bimmer74

My 2009 128i with 43,000 miles has had a few issues:

- driver's side power window motor failed
- there was an AC system leak
- 3rd brake light cracked
- seat belt recall performed
- shifting from 1st to 2nd (manual tranny) has to be done very slowly before the tranny warms up to avoid a crunch . A different transmission fluid will hopefully help

Overall not too bad but also not trouble free.

To some that would be a "lot" of problems.
To owners will realistic expectations those issues are pretty mundane.
Plus, everything is covered under warranty, except for the trans thing.
But, as you said, change the fluid to a higher performance variety and it will be better.

My 135i had an AC issue, TPMS broken wire, 3rd brake light cracked, HPFP replaced under warranty but it didn't fail. I had it replaced for peace of mind and it was covered under warranty.
I say my 135i is very reliable.
Expecting to not have 1 or 2 issues come up is not realistic.
We've become overly sensitized consumers.
Real problems are like the HPFP issue, engines leaking oil, engines burning oil, trannys that need rebuilding well before typical useful life, and issues that are ongoing repeatedly, those suck.

OP, enjoy your new ride. Cars run better and longer if the driver loves them. If the driver is neurotic about the car, the car will sense that and it will become problematic.
Yeah, I made the up.