Hi, I think I am going to take the plunge soon: to own a Beemer before my next Big Birthday! But hubby is not very supportive, and trying to talk me out of it by saying how expensive the maintenance cost it.
So, my belived OzBargainer, can you please tell me what is the regular maitenance cost of a Beemer here in Australia/Brisbane? I am only looking for a simple chick's car.
Thanks in advance.
Lexus actually gives you the most value for money though. I cross shopped with Mercedes Benz and asked the salesman why the leather feels funny and he told me if I wanted real leather it would cost a few grand extra but that the faux leather is just as good. I asked if the Mercedes can auto-break for me on the highway like the Lexus I tested could and he said it's an optional extra and asked if it was an option on the Lexus? (this was comparing the top variant of each car - the Avantgarde and Sports Luxury)… not to mention all the other options which there was to choose from: GPS/HID headlights/Sunroof/Rear-shade/Sound System Upgrade etc that were standard on the Lexus.
@NancyCat:nancycat did you know that lexus has the best quality and longevity of any other car brand in the world? yet you say its not in the same league as the German brands, and that is true lol its not in the same league, its actually above them. its better quality, better longevity, cheaper to own and maintain, its better in every category, yes looks are subjective so if you say the Germans are better in the looks department than I would say you are entitled to your own opinion.
badge snobbery is another subject that I wont get into right now:)
Toyota often issues product recalls that involve both Toyota and Lexus. Why is that?
Examples:
Lexus & Toyota Corolla - airbags
Lexus & Toyota assoted models – engines
Lexus & Toyota Kluger – brake cylinders
Lexus & Toyota Land Cruiser - steering
(Source: https://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/952857)
I don't see your point, some of the parts used are the same yes but can you point out to me what current Toyota sedans have a RWD configuration and which Lexus' do and tell me they're the same car?
Sure some models have the same architecture but so do VW/Audi/Porsche (Tourag/Q7/Cayenne all run off the same production line with just the shell and interior different)
What makes the German brands better than a Toyota then?
Please don’t get me wrong, I do think Lexus are good cars.
I just don’t understand why there’s such a huge price difference between a Toyota and a Lexus, given they share similar (or same) parts/technology/architecture.
And yes, I do know that many European cars share the same production line, and many of them aren’t even made in Europe! But at least, their prices are more comparable.
I am not a car expert, I have no idea what RWD configuration is… but I know if money wasn’t an issue, most people would prefer a German/European car to a Toyota.
if you're not a car person and dont know what RWD is then perhaps it is beyond what you want to know
Lexus has unique engineering not found in Toyotas
It is now legend that they spent $1 billion dollars making a V8 engine to use exclusively in Lexus cars ONLY
this is what you pay for
Lexus have an 8 speed automatic only found in Lexus
they make quasi enthusiast vehicles
if you dont know the difference then that is irrelevent to you
The Lexus LF-A actually retailed for $750k in Australia and is sold out worldwide, it costed more than your typical Ferraris/Lamborghini's. It may still be made by Toyota, in Japan and tuned by Yamaha but to some people the engineering of a car takes priority over a badge.
The last LF-A that was available for sale was a used one by Lamborghini of Brisbane with an asking price of $1,000,000 - you could have ordered a brand new nicely spec'd Aventador from their dealership at that price (or a nice house)!
the flip side is that i believe the old es300 and es350 are just camry v6s in different sheet metal and leather
they are still nice cars dont get me wrong but you cant expect an ENTIRELY different range for every Lexus
Correct. Same as Nissan and Infiniti. Same underpinnings/platform and just more bling.
Still good value against the Germans though.
the rwd Skyline in only a Skyline in Japan
outside its the Infiniti q50
you dont find that in any Nissan outside of Japan
in my opinion, this is worth paying for
you aren't getting a Camry in different sheet metal
Is this OzBargain or TossBargain…
Was looking at CLA, A3 and 220i, somehow the BMW was the first car i test drive, didn't bother going to Audi and Merc. The drive and handling was great for such a small car.
If you want a simple chick car and earn less than 100k a year I wouldn't buy a beema. Rule of thumb never buy a car worth more than half of your income.
I think the OP is window shopping though
My apologies in advance - I know this is a little off topic. But I'm hearing good things about Lexus, and I agree with the concerns of BMW electrics reliability after 5 years.
We are in the process of upgrading from a 320D to a X3. We want the extra space, and a heap of the optional features, mainly active cruise. Our only restriction is that gov doesn't get any luxury car tax.
Is there a Lexus, or other, SUV under LCT limit with comparable features??
I was all set to get the X3 with extended warranty and upgrade before warranty expires.
The Lexus NX was just released: http://www.caradvice.com.au/295042/lexus-nx-review/
Don't think it's reached our dealers yet… although I'm not sold on the styling yet. I was unsure about the styling in the new Lexus IS videos and pictures but after seeing one in real life, I really like it.
In saying that, I'm not a fan of the X3 styling either - I think BMW tried to make it look a bit budgety to convince people to upgrade to the gorgeous looking X5/X6.
These (and RX) might compare with the X3 petrol, but I don't understand why anybody buys petrol BMWs. I'm sure they couldn't have driven the diesel??
I reckon Lexus is crazy avoiding diesel engines. They say hybrid is the future, yet their hybrids still aren't as efficient as diesel. Meanwhile, Europeans are working on diesel hybrids.
I'm starting to think maybe I'm a little bit of a rev head, and maybe there's more to comparing cars than torque!!??
If I haven't already made a purchase when the NX 300H comes out maybe I'll take one for a drive and see what I'm missing.
Have you ever driven a lexus hybrid? They are basically whisper quiet unlike the BMW diesels. They also consume around 5 L per 100km and they have shit loads of torque from 0 rpm thanks to the electric motor.
@BargainMyMiddleName:
Yeah but they're really expensive too, right?? From what I've seen, the Lexus SUV with equivalent torque is in a different price bracket.
From what I've read of NX, it looks like it would be equivalent of an X1??
Yes like he said definitely check out the lexus NX, very nice package under the lct limit. Here have a look at this article from carsales:
http://www.carsales.com.au/news/medium-4x4/lexus/lexus-nx-fr…
I have a 2005 E46 330i, which was a rarer top of the range model, so parts are a little more expensive for me.
In the two years I've had it, I've only had one expense I couldn't predict, when the power steering pump failed. The repair for that problem only cost me $650, including installation and bribing the mechanic to come in on a Saturday.
Otherwise, my biggest suggestion would be to go through an expert, not a dealership. I use a place in Canberra called Advanced Tech Automotive, though I know of a few similar places in Brisbane and Melbourne. The costs are about 25% of dealership prices.
That is nice to know Alex.
If you have reservations about the cost of maintaining a prestige car it probably means you can't afford to truly maintain in.
My 2cents, wait for the Hyundai Genesis to come out. All the reviews are glowing
I think she's more after the badge snobbery than the actual features.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid…
save money & buy my Kia Koup black 2 door 18,000km
SUM-UP: from reading the above I think general consensus is that if you want the thrill of European be prepared to pay for it, you may be fine and never see a really expensive bill. I owned BM's for years they are a drivers car responsive and always enjoyed the drive.
I hate Japanese cars but have to admit in the brief times I have owned them they are incredibly reliable don't leave oil on your drive and just get you from A to B.
You mentioned the Hubby… well Japanese are similar they are reliable, dependable and will always be there for you! BM's are the like the European love affair… exciting but may end tragically!
Well said MMM…
Also it's probably like a mid-life crisis :-)
Never had a BMW yet (Want a E46 M3), but we have two Audi's. Compared to Japanese cars they are not for the faint of heart. Not so bad if you can do some work yourself or have friends in the trade. And if you do get one out of warranty, keep away from the dealerships at all costs LOL
We had a 3 series that was serviced twice a year, it NEVER costed less than $1000 each time
yep that seems to be the case in Merc and Audi land too
$500 for very minor service
$1k for major
$2k for any big time repair
ongoing joke used to be that it cost $2k to do anything to an Audi A4/A6 and at the end of the day, its an $8k car on a good day!
surely this is not the car for someone on ozbargain!
I would never own one if I had to take it to the dealership. I have an S4 and have done O2s, EGTs, AFM, coolant sender. All this cost less than a minor service would
not sure if this helps, i don't owned a Beemer but an Audi A4 (2009) 2.0T model.
I will assume all European cars has the same service intervals.
The service interval is 12 months or 15,000 kms (whichever comes first). the cost of the 1st 3 years of service ranges from $600-$800 (serviced by the dealership). the killing one was the 4th year (major service) where auto transmission oil needs service. Since the A4 uses CVT, it costs me around $3K for service.
Hi
I have an x3 now 2 yrs old. Regular servicing is around 750 a year (depending on milage) plus you can check with them to see if they have corporate agreement with your employer if so they give 4 year free servicing. However things like tires, break pads etc are at extra cost.
I paid 1300 to dealership for the 4th/60K major service.
Can I just say, You cannot compare previous models such as E46 E36 E39 etc, to anything current.
Telling OP what you think of F20, F30 F22 F45 F10/11 and E89 would only be the relevant information.
But there is an underlying theme here, taking a BMW to the dealer is, and will forever be, expensive.
You can save money on servicing, repairing at a Indy workshop, but ensure you choose a Euro specialised one, and they know what they are doing.
I've found an even better solution: find someone who knows their capabilities and tells you when to take it to a specialist.
Now I'm not paying $99 an hour to change fluids, but only when I need someone experienced to investigate an issue.
If you are buying used, try and get one from BMW approved premium selection pre-owned. This way you will get some warranty (2 years?). If you have 60K to spened you can get a 125i brand new this will come with a new car warranty, fixed price servicing and road side assist should you need it.
I spent less money on my 2nd hand but well looked after and well serviced BMW 320 (yes older model) many years ago than I did on each of my "many" Commodores that followed it! and although my Hyundai was a lot better than the Commodores it too has seen a lot more money spent on it than the Beemer ever did!
and I will never forget the quality of the BMW - just beautiful!
BMW is a fantastic car if you have a lot of money to maintain. Otherwise go for ToYoTa.
A old BMW X5, I have been told by BMW specialist it will cost $8000 per year for maintenance. Plus BMW is not reliable compare to ToYoTa. Only thing is it is great to drive.
is there something wrong with your T and Y key?
early year x5's are well known for their electrical gremlins as reflected in the price difference between them and later year x5's
Okay, just had my 2008 320d serviced. $200 for brake fluid and oil change.
Got my log book in front of me - here are the service requirements for a 2008 320d:
30K oil, vehicle check, air cleaner, micro-filter, fuel filter
55K vehicle check, brake fluid
60K oil, vehicle check, micro-filter
82K front brakes
92K oil, vehicle check, rear brakes, micro-filter
115K brake fluid
120K oil, vehicle check, air cleaner, micro-filter
150K oil, vehicle check, front brakes, rear brakes
170K oil, brake fluid
ps I retract my agreeing that bmw electrics start failing after 5 years - turns out comfort access failure was "only" a wiring problem - only cost $16 in parts. Unfortunately, it took a while ($400) to find the fault.
I don't think the bmw has cost me as much as a commodore did for the same duration.
Where abouts do you go for your service SlickMick? That's a pretty reasonable price.
Midas Albion. Yeah they're good. I was only recently made aware that they have a European car service facility.
They also put me onto Stirling Electrics just down the road who do all the technical stuff for $99 an hour.
We had a merc, after a few years it got expensive to maintain, the windscreen wiper motor alone was $300, and that was a second hand one!
lol
Sorry striker, I have to agree with 'Son of a Zombie'…Lexus is just a fancy Toyota, with a different badge. Yes, Lexus are far better than Toyota-Toyota, but Lexus is not in the same league as BMW/Audi/Mercedes. Lexus are over priced.