07-16-2020, 04:01 AM
mattkime wrote:
[quote=Gareth]
So in my case, that meant buying the highest mileage example I've ever seen of a manual transmission N54 E61 (2008 535xi Touring):
And my red leather manual E46 (2001 325i Touring) that I've had for 16 years now:
How is the maintenance on those?
The 325i hasn't been that bad, but I do a lot of maintenance myself and have a good indy mechanic for jobs I don't want to tackle or are too big for me. But I'm also willing to do a lot of preventative maintenance for known issues. Only had to limp it home a couple times when the fuel pump died (had to replace that in the parking lot at work) and another when the alternator died.
Only had the 535xi for a few months, but the N54 engine can be pricey but is also an amazing engine for tuning. I also buy most of my parts from FCP Euro for their lifetime warranty (even on wear parts like rotors, pads, wipers, etc) so for someone like me that keeps cars for a LONG time, it means I only have to pay for parts once!