Want to buy - High mileage concerns?

[Barthurst]

I'm in the market for a 128i and have located a 2008 with slightly higher miles than i originally wanted. (just shy of 50,000 miles at roughly $21,000)

Unless i'm mistaken BMW's warranty runs out after 50,000miles which means shortly after purchasing i'd be in the danger zone.

How well do these hold up in the higher miles? im planning to keep it for a long time so the initial mileage doesnt bother me as much as the short warranty on a new to me car.

What can i expect to break? Do you veterans think this will turn ridiculously expensive and i should back away?

[bmwbrad22]

are you buying private or at a dealer?

[Barthurst]

The one i'm looking at is at a dealer but not a BMW dealer.

130 views and one reply?

i'm assuming some of you must have 50k+ miles on your cars... what questions do i need to ask & what do i need to worry about?


Thanks

[Mak135i]

Since you are not looking at the 135i (n54 engine) all the problems that may happen to the car should have already been addressed. Example 3rd brake light; rear brake light seals; seat belt recall, etc. all occurred long before 50000 miles. FYI: I have 51,200 miles on my 135i

[Hops128i]

I think the 2009 and earlier n52 engines had ticking problems which were in some cases solved with a new cylinder head. You might want to listen to the engine idle for a ticking sound.

[Hamster12011]

My advice to people is if something like the cost of servicing the vehicle is
causing you anxiety, then the car really isn't for you. This is a German car
that will be expensive to maintain regardless of how many miles are on it once the warranty is expired.

[Lucky1]

There have got to be lots of used 128i's out there now, I'm sure you can find one with lower mileage for only a little more money. If you are still set on this car and are concerned about maintenance I'd use the fact that the warranty is almost up to negotiate a lower price on the car. You can pocket the savings for a rainy maintenance day. Oh and since the car is out of warranty I'd find a local indy shop that specializes in BMW's with experience on E90/E92/E82 cars and see if you can save money having it serviced there. Part of the expense of these cars is not just the outrageous cost of parts but the hefty price of labour you pay at the dealership. I know some BMW owners who just ask their mechanics to tell them what parts they need and then they order them online and just pay the labour to have them installed (can sometimes safe even more money).


Also, if you are buying from the dealer is the car certified pre-owned? If it is you get an extended warranty from BMW which will cover some costs beyond the original factory warranty. Talk to them about it.

[Augenbrauezug]

You can find a better deal. Got my car with 31k miles for 24k and its 135. I'll be selling it around hitting 50k.

[Barthurst]

Originally Posted by Augenbrauezug

You can find a better deal. Got my car with 31k miles for 24k and its 135. I'll be selling it around hitting 50k.

Wow, that sounds like a great deal..

Just curious - Why planning on selling around 50k?

[tankus]

I paid 21,900 for my 08 128i and it only had 24k on the clock.You can find a way better deal then you have right now

[KS_128i]

My 128i - sport package, cold weather package, xenons, HD radio, metallic paint, had 42k on the clock and was priced just over $19k at a BMW dealer. I negotiated the CPO which got me 2.9% interest and warranty until 100,000 miles. Worth the extra small money for the finance rate and increased peace of mind for another 50,000 miles.

[Hops128i]

Originally Posted by KS_128i

My 128i - sport package, cold weather package, xenons, HD radio, metallic paint, had 42k on the clock and was priced just over $19k at a BMW dealer. I negotiated the CPO which got me 2.9% interest and warranty until 100,000 miles. Worth the extra small money for the finance rate and increased peace of mind for another 50,000 miles.

Wow that's a great deal! Sometimes i wish i waited around for more 128i's to get on the market.

[bcwoeppel]

I got my2008 135i with 9k miles for 25k. it was on the lot for only 2 hours...I think I just got the right place right time thing because I was looking around for other 135i to see if thats common but its not. BTW, now it has 24k on it, JB4, berk exhaust, HPF intercooler, CAI, stett charge pipe with tial BOV, CM meth kit. I put 255's on the back instead of 245's and 225 on front instead of the 215. Once I get aftermarket rims I'll get 265's on the back..Off topic I know, but what can I say.

[BimmaNubie]

I would stay clear of the high miles. Looking at BMW too many THINGS happen after 50000 miles...so look at other options.