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Originally Posted by xx3
They still are beautiful cars.
Were your problems electrical? Or mechanical?
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Mostly mechanical. The radiators/expansion tanks die approximately every 70k miles like clockwork. I replaced both at 71k and both again at 147k. The MAF sensor went just out of warranty. Valley pan gasket. Small vacuum hose in the valley pan area (several thousand miles later), heat regulator for the center vents, usual suspension bits, brakes all around cost a ton, sunroof seal, 3 windhshields (~$700 a pop, all covered by insurance), left front turn signal just fell out, tires every 18k miles if you take care of them.
All that said, I drive an average of 3500 miles a month, so the mileage piles up quickly on my cars. For someone who drives a normal 10k miles per year, these problems wouldn't come along so quickly one after the other. But you can count on a major bill for service or repair every 3k miles or so. Even worse on high mileage cars. If you can do most of the work yourself, you'll come out way ahead. I'm useless with a wrench, so I was stuck with the dealer.
Still, my E38 made me smile every time I walked up to it, especially when it was freshly detailed. I got compliments all the time and often overheard people talking about the "gorgeous BMW out front" when I was in a restaurant or bar. If you can handle the upkeep, the car is a joy to own.