Should I Sell A 2018 BMW 320i for A Small SUV

tempestswitch on 27/05/2024 - 11:34
Last edited 28/05/2024 - 21:10

Morning OzBargain People

My mum has a 2018 BMW 320i M-Sport that she had since new.
It's only at around 30,000kms. It's out of warranty but have had a few annoying issues that have been a pain such as a stuck fuel door ($500 fix), emergency SOS feature out of battery ($500 fix), alternator replacement, etc.

She really doesnt want to sell the BMW but with how exxy repairs are, I'm trying to convince her to sell it for around 30k and purchase something like a Mazda CX30, Toyota Corolla Cross, Skoda Kamiq or VW T-Roc (SUV for her leg issues + all of these have powered tailgate).

She is adamant that she wan't to keep the BMW but I'm worried that she'll end up spending more money over the next few years.

The BMW doesn't even have CarPlay… If anything tech sucks in that car.

UPDATE 1:

Here's my other thoughts.
She drives about 4,000kms a year.
She pays over $2000 in insurance and $500 in servicing per year.
She complaing about getting in and out of the car bacause it's too low for her and she has bad legs/back.
She doesn't like how there is no CarPlay.
She likes that she drives a BMW for the brand.

By swapping to a nice Mazda CX30 or VW T-Roc, she would be paying capped price servicing at around $300 per year and only $700-800 for comprehensive (double checked with a quote)
That's a saving of over $1500 per year. Own the car for 5 years and the difference in selling the BMW and "upgrading" or sidegrading to something more modern has better outcomes.

Things will be covered under warranty for the next 5 years. Servicing will be cheaper. Insurance will be cheaper. She will get CarPlay. She will have a higher car that is easier to get into and out for her poor legs/back and she won't need to groan in pain getting in and out.

For those that think I'm a bad son for telling her to do something that she is hesitant about, I disagree. I'm looking at the outcome of the next few 5-10 years and where her health might be by then. Getting into a newer car that is more hassle free, easier to get into and has more features is way more of a win than her keeping her BMW cause she likes that it is a BMW.

UPDATE 2:

BMW quoted $400/hr in diagnostics. Rego/CTP is due in a few weeks.

We went looking at cars and she was very impressed at the Mazda CX30.
Smooth and easy to drive.

She loves the look, the ease of getting in, the colour and the features that the BMW didnt have.
She doesn't miss anything about BMW apart from the brand. She was sad because her dream was to have a luxury car one day but she's had a think about it and realised that by swapping to another car, she'll have way more benefits in terms of health and practicality.

Mazda is $39K and negotiated a few grand off it.
BMW was valued at 21K. Managed to play hard ball and negotiate to $30K.
I paid the deposit as it's her birthday soon.

All up, a few grand in change-over.
The BMW was up for CTP + Rego. The new Comprehensive insurance is $1000 cheaper. All of these savings almost pays off the difference for a new car.

Both of us are very happy!

Poll Options

  • 57
    Sell BMW, Pay $10K for New SUV
  • 63
    Keep BMW
Automotive BMW Car

Comments

  • Oofy Doofy on 27/05/2024 - 11:51
    +6

    Sell and buy a Toyota, Honda, Suzuki or Mitsubishi…. heck even Hyundai and Kia are worthwhile and reliable options these days.

    The above is pretty much common knowledge at this point.

    I would have off-loaded it after the fuel-flap door cost alone. lol

    If your Mum wants to keep her car chugging along, despite the expense, leave her be. I doubt you'll change her mind, she'll probably learn the hard way. Unless money is just funny to her…

    • boomramada on 27/05/2024 - 15:40
      +6

      Unless money is just funny to her…

      We talking about OP's inheritance here

  • Drakesy on 27/05/2024 - 11:54
    +2

    Dump the BMW

  • altomic on 27/05/2024 - 12:10
    +2

    sell it immediately

    and buy something less prone to repairs that will cost the equivalent of the GDP of a small island nation.

  • JimmyF on 27/05/2024 - 12:20
    +27

    Should I Sell A 2018 BMW 320i for A Small SUV
    My mum has a 2018 BMW 320i
    She really doesnt want to sell the BMW

    Its not even your car, let you mum enjoy the car she wants to enjoy.

    $1k in 'repairs' isn't the end of the world, who knows what she might or might not have coming up with any car she owns.

    The BMW doesn't even have CarPlay… If anything tech sucks in that car.

    and? It isn't your car, it is hers. If she is happy, then let her be happy.

    • tempestswitch on 27/05/2024 - 20:54
      +2

      She doesn't enjoy the car. She enjoys the look of driving a BMW.

      The main reason I'm telling her to sell it is because she is complaining about struggling to get in and out every time as she has pretty bad health issues and her general strength is weak. Getting into a lowered sedan seems like it's not helping the cause.

      • boomramada on 27/05/2024 - 21:02
        -1

        At least she got some taste, you can always get her a BMW X3

  • apple2016 on 27/05/2024 - 12:35

    none of the cars you listed come close to the bmw for fun to drive factor , but yeah you pay for that as well! Let your mum enjoy her car…

    • tempestswitch on 27/05/2024 - 20:58

      She doesnt drive for fun. She drives always 10km under the limit and would not notice the difference between a 1.4L NA and a 4.0L Twin Turbo.
      She drives to get A to B and to show that she drives a BMW.

      She doesn't like the leather, she doesn'l like how there is no phone mirroring, she doesn'l like how low it is. etc.

    • brendanm on 27/05/2024 - 21:22
      +6

      In what world is a 320i "fun to drive"?

      • Buyingcrap on 28/05/2024 - 05:09
        +3

        It's a RWD sedan so that's immediately more fun than 90% of cars on the road.

        • brendanm on 28/05/2024 - 06:32
          +4

          It has about 8hp.

          • Drakesy on 29/05/2024 - 13:01
            +1

            @brendanm: Woah that's uncalled for.

            You're overestimating the power of the BMW 2.0L lawnmower engine.

      • WorstAgreeableRadish on 29/05/2024 - 08:57
        +1

        It's all relative.

        When I had my BMW 135i, my dad's 2007 Merc C200 felt like an old man's car, something that wants you to drive in a slow and boring way.

        Then I got rid of the BMW for a Kia Sportage. 6 Months later my dad's C200 was quite fun to drive, and I can promise you a 2018 320i is much more fun than that.

        • brendanm on 29/05/2024 - 10:39
          +2

          C200s are a gutless turd as well, especially that old supercharged one, the later turbo ones are still garbage. 320i is a gutless wonder.

  • LanceVance on 27/05/2024 - 13:11
    +2

    Sell the BMW and go for something Japanese or Korean. Don't go for another European car brand or you'll wind up with the same problems.

  • Muzeeb on 27/05/2024 - 13:32
    +4

    The BMW doesn't even have CarPlay…

    @pegaxs - we found it! This doesn't have all the bells and whistles.

    Should I Sell

    It's not your car to sell. Poor mum, pushing your ozbargain ways onto her.

    Why not be a top bloke and DIY the repairs for her. I had a quick look on YouTube and there's tutorials for all of her current F30 issues. There's even videos on there of girls doing the fixes in case I accidentally assumed your gender. No excuses.

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 27/05/2024 - 16:58

      Why not be a top bloke and DIY the repairs for her.

      Thanks for asking. Cheers.

    • pegaxs on 27/05/2024 - 17:22
      +2

      BMW doesn't even have CarPlay…

      I believe it comes as a DLC pack that you have to pay a subscription to for BMW because they are basically arseholes.

    • tempestswitch on 27/05/2024 - 21:02
      +5

      Not really a poor mum IMO.

      I'm pushing her because she has a poor muscle and bone health and shes currently doing a tonne of physio and doctor work to get better. She complains every time about getting in and out of the car because it's too low. That's not helping her case at all. She even said to me "I don't want to sell it cause I feel bad since it's a BMW". That's just someone who likes the brand.

      I am already doing DIY things for her. Have polished the car, ceramic coated it, wash it every week, dash cam installs, buffed scratches out, PDR work etc.
      There is an excuse.. I cannot fix the fuel door. That has to be broken into by BMW and replaced specially by them.

      • Muzeeb on 27/05/2024 - 21:23
        +3

        Would have been handy info in the OP. It came across as a purely financial/tech decision not an ingress/egress decision for a sweet little old lady with a caring/loving son.

    • smartazz104 on 29/05/2024 - 07:03

      There's even videos on there of girls doing the fixes in case

      Were these on YouTube or were you on one of the other sites…

  • Euphemistic on 27/05/2024 - 13:55

    How long is she likely to keep driving? If its less than 5 years keep the BMW.

    If longer, then consider something new.

    • tempestswitch on 27/05/2024 - 21:02

      Probs another 10 years

      • skillet on 28/05/2024 - 10:09
        +1

        Start saving for repairs.

  • Sye on 27/05/2024 - 14:00
    +4

    How much was the alternator?

    • tempestswitch on 27/05/2024 - 21:22
      +2

      I forgot but around a grand

  • nick90 on 27/05/2024 - 16:44
    +2

    The maintenance of BMW will only increase as the car age. However, at the end of the day, it's your mum call.

  • oscargamer on 27/05/2024 - 17:10
    -1

    "She is adamant" you say…..so despite your probable best intentions, back off. She's an adult.

    If my kid started to tell me what car to buy/when to change it, that would be a very short conversation.

    • tempestswitch on 27/05/2024 - 21:05

      She's adamant that she doesnt want to sell the car because she likes that it's a BMW. It's the look of driving a fancy BMW.

      She hates the lack of CarPlay, lack of ACC, lack of comfy seats, hates how low the car is etc.

      • oscargamer on 27/05/2024 - 21:24
        +1

        So, that would have assisted if you had added that into the post………..

        Then physically take her shopping for a new car. Once sitting inside a new car with all the features she likes….she can then decide which new car to buy

  • kogi on 27/05/2024 - 17:43
    +4

    I've gone through similar with older people

    It's what they know and is comfortable with. They know they can park and drive this one.

    $1k-$2k per year in repairs is cheaper than forking out $10k.

    • User102430 on 27/05/2024 - 23:24
      +5

      Correct, always amazes me how quickly people are willing to lose $10k/year in depreciation, however, they're annoyed to pay $1k in repairs….

  • voo123 on 27/05/2024 - 19:08
    +2

    You gotta realise the BMW 320i is a base tier car for the brand, so understandably it doesn't drive like a proper BMW. But then selling it for a small SUV isn't too enticing either.

    • boomramada on 27/05/2024 - 20:18

      Does a proper BMW drive like M3?

    • tempestswitch on 27/05/2024 - 21:18

      Correct. But getting a mid/high tier small SUV I would argue is more lux than the 320i.
      The BMW has cheap leather, small seats, cramped interior, small screen etc.

      Even base model cars have 8+ inch screens, carpaly, roomier interior.

      The 320i is similar to a Mazda CX3 or Mazda 2 interior due to a huuuuge centre console on the BMW.

      • Muzeeb on 27/05/2024 - 21:31
        +2

        The BMW has cheap leather

        Fun fact: in a base model beemer it's called SensaTec which is just a fancy name for plastic that has the appearance of leather.

  • tempestswitch on 27/05/2024 - 21:13

    People are quite divided in the comment section.

    Here's my other thoughts.
    She drives about 4,000kms a year.
    She pays over $2000 in insurance and $500 in servicing per year.
    She complaing about getting in and out of the car bacause it's too low for her and she has bad legs/back.
    She doesn't like how there is no CarPlay.
    She likes that she drives a BMW for the brand.

    By swapping to a nice Mazda CX30 or VW T-Roc, she would be paying capped price servicing at around $300 per year and only $700-800 for comprehensive (double checked with a quote)
    That's a saving of over $1500 per year. Own the car for 5 years and the difference in selling the BMW and "upgrading" or sidegrading to something more modern has better outcomes.

    Things will be covered under warranty for the next 5 years. Servicing will be cheaper. Insurance will be cheaper. She will get CarPlay. She will have a higher car that is easier to get into and out for her poor legs/back and she won't need to groan in pain getting in and out.

    For those that think I'm a bad son for telling her to do something that she is hesitant about, I disagree. I'm looking at the outcome of the next few 5-10 years and where her health might be by then. Getting into a newer car that is more hassle free, easier to get into and has more features is way more of a win than her keeping her BMW cause she likes that it is a BMW.

    • Muzeeb on 27/05/2024 - 21:33
      +1

      For those that think I'm a bad son

      You're just a bad son for a poorly proposed original post then did a post and ghost. That's why everyone went off on a tangent to your argument. 10 hours later your updates make more sense. FFS.

      • tempestswitch on 27/05/2024 - 21:46
        +2

        Sorry just been angry calling BMW for 4 hours and how they want to charge me $3000 for a fuel cap door assembly… Didn't write up the full thing

        • Muzeeb on 27/05/2024 - 21:49

          That's crazy money. Is it the actuator area or do they replace the complete assembly ie the whole plastic section.

          Like this

          • tempestswitch on 27/05/2024 - 23:25
            +1

            @Muzeeb: Similar but the 320i F30 doesn't have the green emergency latch. Also something else needs to be replaced. Some electric part related to the latch/release mechanism

  • ozbargainoid on 28/05/2024 - 07:29

    Sell the Eurotrash and buy anything japanese.
    Mighten have the 'badge', but will be a far better built vehicle.

  • SlickMick on 28/05/2024 - 08:22
    +1

    I had a 2018 320d. Yes, the tech was lacking. But worse, it's terribly unreliable after warranty. I spent a fortune replacing electrical components.
    If she can get $30K for it, I reckon she should take the money. I ended up selling mine for $5K to get rid of it (though it'd done 200km, and that was before covid when car prices went nuts.)

  • sumyungguy on 28/05/2024 - 08:53

    Cars with high hip point

  • mini2 on 28/05/2024 - 09:58

    Sell the BMW. It's just a matter of time before all the plastic bits in the engine bay fail and leak coolant or oil.

  • LFO on 28/05/2024 - 10:43

    My mum has a 2018 BMW 320i M-Sport that she had since new

    I guess she bought a "sport" model, back in 2018, for a good reason.
    Are those reasons still valid?
    If yes then keeping it seems fair.

    • tempestswitch on 28/05/2024 - 20:59

      She never bought it for the sport model. It was on clearance and she liked the lack of chrome, wheels and sunroof.

  • 2esc on 28/05/2024 - 14:09

    It's her life her choice. Drop the subject. Give her time you've planted the seed she may come around to the idea.

  • brad1-8tsi on 28/05/2024 - 17:55

    Good luck getting $30k for it

    • tempestswitch on 28/05/2024 - 20:58

      Got a value of $22k and negotiated it to $30k trade in.
      We're both happy

      • brad1-8tsi on 29/05/2024 - 08:37
        +1

        The $8k extra in trade-in is just an offset against other negotiables.

        Why don't people understand that car dealers don't pay more than wholesale for a vehicle. They have a clue. It's their business.

  • tempestswitch on 28/05/2024 - 21:07
    +1

    UPDATE:
    BMW quoted $400/hr in diagnostics. Rego/CTP is due in a few weeks.

    We went looking at cars and she was very impressed at the Mazda CX30.
    Smooth and easy to drive.

    She loves the look, the ease of getting in, the colour and the features that the BMW didnt have.
    She doesn't miss anything about BMW apart from the brand. She was sad because her dream was to have a luxury car one day but she's had a think about it and realised that by swapping to another car, she'll have way more benefits in terms of health and practicality.

    Mazda is $39K and negotiated a few grand off it.
    BMW was valued at 21K. Managed to play hard ball and negotiate to $30K.
    I paid the deposit as it's her birthday soon.

    All up, a few grand in change-over.
    The BMW was up for CTP + Rego. The new Comprehensive insurance is $1000 cheaper. All of these savings almost pays off the difference for a new car.

    Both of us are very happy!

    • BobLim on 29/05/2024 - 01:15

      Mazda is $39K

      For a CX-30? I imagine the dealer is delighted too - inflation and the SUV markup are very real it seems. Glad you need the high hip point, otherwise the 3 is a better choice IMO

      A few years ago it seems like few were willing to spend that sort of money on a small car unless it was a premium brand, but here we are and that's what they cost. Even at that time though (and certainly second hand), I'd take a premium trim Mazda over a more expensive base-model BMW any day - it'd be interesting to see what the dealer does with the 320.

      Hope your mum enjoys the car

  • Always 2020 on 28/05/2024 - 23:43

    Why don't you buy 2 BMW badges from Amazon or the wreckers and swap them onto your mum's new Mazda SUV. After all she just wants to drive a car with BMW badges on it. A win win situation for you and your mum.

  • May4th on 29/05/2024 - 06:12

    it sounds like you've already told her the pros and cons of keeping the bmw vs a new car. I'd buy a new jap/korean with wty and higher riding position but it's her decision in the end

  • mrvaluepack on 29/05/2024 - 07:11

    Cx30 has no touchscreen though, everything has to be done by the knob.

    • IpGem on 29/05/2024 - 12:01

      I think it has a touchscreen but can only be used when the vehicle is stationary.

      But surprisingly, the knob is interestingly more convenient to use than a touchscreen. I have a cx5 and I'd rather have that knob over a touchscreen any day.

      • mrvaluepack on 29/05/2024 - 14:03

        cx 5 still has the old mzd system which allows you to input addresses while driving. the new mazda connect system freezes up and doesn't allow you to input addresses.

  • Epic CC on 29/05/2024 - 07:58

    X1 or X2?

  • Willy Beamish on 29/05/2024 - 09:05
    +1

    Your mother has a perception issue. She wants the status of driving a BMW and that is it. Tell her no one cares, it's 2024, get something more affordable and suitable for her.

    • May4th on 29/05/2024 - 09:21
      +1

      what status? who is impressed by a 320i let alone a 2018 model?

  • soggypotato on 29/05/2024 - 10:57

    Maybe book a test drive for her or something to persuade her

  • adante on 29/05/2024 - 11:05

    Agree that your mum should change cars. If I can hazard a guess she's at the age where she should be enjoying her life, and if she is really getting her rocks off from luxury car then who is to judge - I say lean into this and get an aston martin!

  • IpGem on 29/05/2024 - 12:11

    From brother's experience, Eurozero will only bring more problems when it starts having one. I'd be delighted if I'm to get 30k for that trash. Cx30 should be way way more reliable and peace to that 'piece' of mind

  • xuqi on 29/05/2024 - 13:23
    +1

    Alternator replacement after ~30K driving?

  • ChickenAdobo on 29/05/2024 - 20:46

    39k in Mazda cx30 is too close to an Atto 3 2023 runout

    • tempestswitch on 29/05/2024 - 20:55

      Negotiated a few grand off so ended up closer to 36K. To step all the way up to a Atto 3 means almost doubling her ideal changeover budget
      Mum doesn't like the Atto 3 design. She also struggled to grasp the EV technology. Just prefers fuel at the end of the day.

      • ChickenAdobo on 29/05/2024 - 21:12

        fair enough. Just providing option as another option.

  • Chinese on 31/05/2024 - 08:58

    Sell the 320 and buy an x1/3?

    • tempestswitch on 31/05/2024 - 23:52

      Nah after this we all agreed never to go back to BMW

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