Quote:
Originally Posted by TriumphTim
I agree with your general evaluation of the chassis and material aspects, I have similar experience currently owning an E30, E46, and E90. But are you saying you haven't spent any money or time on maintaining the Z4?
My reply was toward how a potential owner may define money pit, is it $100 in parts and a weekend of DIY labor every month to maintain instead of being with family or friends? $500 every few months? An initial $3000 hit of deferred maintenance at a shop after purchase but smooth sailing for the next year?
Absolutely no disrespect to the OP but asking if a 20yo BMW is a "money pit" is the wrong question, it will need care and maintenance regardless of mileage. All cars are money pits, a person needs to decide if the joy of ownership is worth the cost in time and money.
I think a PPI will give a good overview of what a car needs and the going rate for maintenance, the $100 would be well spent to see what someone is getting into if they don't plan to DIY.
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Yes, it has not been a money pit. I am saying based on my extensive experience owning five versions of a BMW 3 series, which is now just over 37 years and about 1.1M miles of ownership, the Z4 has required the least amount of repair comparative to the other four Bimmers I've had and still have. That list includes an 18-year and 256,000 mile E30, a 27-year 200,000 mile Z3, a 135,000 mile E46 (I had it just for 30 months), and a 19-year 426,000 E90.
I did just change the DISA valves in the Z4 because I had the intake off to repair rodent damage to the knock sensors harness, but the DISAs were in decent condition. Other than a broken drivers cup holder and the pin for the cubby light switch, no other breakage of parts. It's been routine maintenance otherwise.