Can someone in US please answer my BMW questions...

[oriononion]

Hello,

I am looking for a new work car and I am considering an 80's BMW - probably a 3 series (maybe a 5). I currently use a 92 Oldsmobile Achieva S for my work car. It eats gas and is one of the worst engineered cars that I have ever come across making maintenece and major repair a royal pain.

Can everyone who reads this post please give me your opinion/answer on the following questions:

1. Which model is the easiest to work on? I would consider myself a good problem solver and a capable mechanic. I have owned Volvo's in the past and changed transmissions and timing belts. No problems with brakes, hoses and plugs. I'm not interested in superchargers, etc. I want to find a car that has some room under the hood to move around in like the Volvo and unlike the Olds. I'm also looking for something that has been 'logicaly' engineered and posibly something that was built by humans and not exclusivly by robots.

2. What model and years (3,5 or 7) have good parts availability and supply? It would stand to reason that the cars with the highest production numbers should have the highest parts availability at a lower price.

3. What are some of the common problems that I should look for on the model that you suggest?


Thank you all in advance for your answers. I have done a little research but have not really reached any conclusions and I thought the best people to ask these questions of are the owners.


Thank you all in advance,

Orion

 

[Big Daddy]

Welcome to the board. Your question is very broad. Here are some thoughts:

1) I believe all the 80's models will be about the same as far as ease of repair. However they are going to have a lot of miles on them as you are talking about a 15-25 year old car.

2) I do not believe any 80's model BMW has any parts issues.

3) I am not suggesting any model so I cannot answer this one. Decide what you want then ask the question specific to the model you choose.

 

[frolf]

don't take my opinion to the bank..... but i'll give you what i can.

in terms of easy cars to work on, e34's (5) have a pretty big engine bay, i've only peeked in a few, but it seemed like they had room. my e36 (3series) has an ok amount of room, but nothing like american cars. there are a lot of parts available for all 3 series cars, but i'm not to sure on older 5s.


welcome to bmwboard