gwf545

My530i, You said: Think about TCU. The max number it can have update SW is about 11 or 12 times. Then you'll need a new TCU, just another $1000 mininum. Think about active steering alignment, it's at least $200/$300. Think about Active Roll Stablisation calibration, and so on.

Where are you getting this information? Can you provide a source and authenticity of what you are saying here? I'm sorry, but I am skeptical about this being correct. Thanks.

UUronL

It is accurate. There are threads that have discussed this before.

gwf545

It is accurate. There are threads that have discussed this before.
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I recall one thread, but I don't recall that anyone ever came up with anything definitive? Can you direct me to a thread that provides a specific source or validation for this?

JDN

I don't think the TCU thread ever got nailed down, IIRC. Besides, the E39 didn't come with low maintenance costs either. I remember three or more repair bills that well exceeded the $1000 mark. I had to replace an AC, had some devlish oil leaks, radiator replacement, suspension repair, etc. I replaced the outdoor thermometer three times because of poor location in the early model. IIRC, it was always over $300 to get it working again. With that said, the car is now running well with over 100,000 miles and a well satisfied son as the new owner.

gwf545

I don't think the TCU thread ever got nailed down, IIRC. [/quote]

That's why I keep asking. Unfortunately, a lot of people seem to pick up on stuff like this and promote it as "fact" when in reality it is no more than urban legend. Until I see a valid source and documentation, I'll never believe it.

my530i

Believe it or not, check it with your dealer or send an email to BMW, and you'll get a firm answer.
The point here is owning BMW after warranty expired is expensive!

Bimmer32

What about extended warranties, and I'm talking about ones that are respected. You can get extended warranty for 6 yrs/ 100K (after manu. warranty of course) for about $2300-3000 dollars. That should over bumper to bumper like the original manufacturer's warranty.

For veteran bimmer owners, do you think this amt. is worth it?

I don't plan to drive it that much (10k per yr). If I sell after 4/50K, I might as well lease the beast.

allenman

It ain't gonna happen. It's not just a BMW issue.
The (previous) high quality brands (Mercedes, BMW, Porsche) are especially going to suffer. It's not only the complexity of the cars, but the fact that raw materials are simply not what they once were. Paint, sheet metal (now plastic, aluminum, or hybids materials), plastics, glass, will never have the durability of the older cars. These are the crucial areas where they can save wiehgt and money. And yes, the costs, both warranty and non-warranty, will be prohibitive. As I did a little work on a middle 90's SL the other day, my friend mentioned that he wanted to buy a new one (SL) and keep it 10 years or so. Not only will it not make sense financially, as there are too many of them in the market, but the car simply does not have the quality built in that the older cars did. It simply will not last, or be able to be refurbed, for that length of time. Neither will a new BMW, E60 or not. Sad but true.

You really don't think the manufacturers, with their relentless drive for more units, are going to let you buy a new car every 6-8 years do you?

netjazz

What about extended warranties, and I'm talking about ones that are respected. You can get extended warranty for 6 yrs/ 100K (after manu. warranty of course) for about $2300-3000 dollars. Thahttp://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=Post&CODE=02&f=2&t=15265t should over bumper to bumper like the original manufacturer's warranty.

For veteran bimmer owners, do you think this amt. is worth it?

I don't plan to drive it that much (10k per yr). If I sell after 4/50K, I might as well lease the beast.
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That is the only way to go. The warranty for $2/3000 is a must IMHO to cover you from 50/100,000 miles. Risk otherwise is far to great to get caught with some really large repair bills with the tech. as it ages. Really unknown factor as to how well the tech. in the E-60 will hold-up. Uncharted territory. $1,000 a pop is nothing for repair service on these cars. A couple of visits to BMW and the insurance pays for itself.
The question again is "What to do after the 100,000 mile mark? I guess to play it safe, if you can afford a new one at that time, is to trade in the old one or sell it. Unfortunatly cars with 100,000 miles do not bring back much money, so you just have to figure you got your money's worth by getting to 100,000 miles and go from there.

Evenflow545

If you maintain a 1988 Caprice Classic properly, It'll run for 300,000 miles too. It all depends on how well you take care of the car, and how much cash you want to dump into it.