Cost of ownership in Europe

[shuda424]

So I am relocating to the Netherlands and am thinking about taking my 135i with ~ 100k (joyous miles ) with me. So far - really have not had any issues other than random sensors going bad and a mild oil leak. Taken decent care of it - 5k oil changes, sparks done at 70k, brake fluid every year or 18 months - havent done the water pump or belts yet.

Wondering if it will get expensive to maintain it in Europe due to the higher labor costs there ? Any experience or thoughts ? BTW - no i dont do my own maintenance - which would be nice if i could but

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!!

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by shuda424

So I am relocating to the Netherlands and am thinking about taking my 135i with ~ 100k (joyous miles ) with me. So far - really have not had any issues other than random sensors going bad and a mild oil leak. Taken decent care of it - 5k oil changes, sparks done at 70k, brake fluid every year or 18 months - havent done the water pump or belts yet.

Wondering if it will get expensive to maintain it in Europe due to the higher labor costs there ? Any experience or thoughts ? BTW - no i dont do my own maintenance - which would be nice if i could but

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!!

No comment on cost of ownership in Europe. But, you could get all the current/and possible future problems worked-out here, before you take it overseas where it would cost more to do all the same work.

[N54Yankee]

Just a thought. A friend of mine moved to Hawaii and researched shipping his Corvette there It was quite expensive and he said forget it and sold. I imagine shipping from from Oregon to Europe would be crazy expensive and most likely nix the idea unless you're really attached to it. Did you price the cost?

[Olgeezer1]

For an idea of maintenance costs in Europe talk to "Dackelone". He's based in Germany and should be able to help.

[Zombie_Head]

BMW Dealership in Germany charges €110 per hour, at least mine does so having the dealer to do everything (or anything) can get very expensive since they use OE parts (which again can be expensive).

For my 125i i was quoted €950 to do all four discs and pads, i just got the parts online and went to a DIY shop and did everything myself. Are you certain you can not do any work yourself? i am sure you can find a DIY shop and you basically rent lifts and tools for as low as €11 an hour.

[NorthernDancer]

I would store the car. Buy a 118d for great fuel economy and touring all over Europe. 135's use a lot of very expensive gas in Europe. Assume your car is very rust free; there will always be a demand for a rust free manual tranny BMW.

[Zombie_Head]

Originally Posted by NorthernDancer

I would store the car. Buy a 118d for great fuel economy and touring all over Europe. 135's use a lot of very expensive gas in Europe. Assume your car is very rust free; there will always be a demand for a rust free manual tranny BMW.

Do some research regarding diesels and Europe, it is such a big theme here (thank you VW) at least in Germany it is a huge issue/topic (which probably means it will spread to neighbouring countries).

[10"]

No disrespect to the 135i but they sell some kickass little cars in Europe; buy something else.

I'd get a used Megane R26.R....

[magalhaes]

I'm also bringing my 128i with me to Germany when I move there early next year. I did a lot of research already. I'm taking care of a lot of preventive maintenance here, with my trusty independent shop (replaced water pump, thermostat, accessory belt), and also taking care of some oil leaks. You also need to consider any changes you may have to do to register the car there (rear fog lights, for example). The orange lights from the indicators have to be off with parking lights and headlights - that can be coded. Also make sure your tires have the "E" logo in them - look for a circle with the letter E and a number.

[Lucky1]

You guys are true 1addicts for sure. That's some real car love right there.

[Zombie_Head]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

You guys are true 1addicts for sure. That's some real car love right there.

Expect anything less? XD