Ironic (archive)

In the 6 months I have owned my 850, I have driven it 7000 miles, putting the total mileage @ 57000. The only work it needed was to put in a new thermostat (which I did myself) at a total cost of $37.50 for the part and $18.00 for the tool to help replace it. I have also fixed the lights that burned out in the window switches, at a total cost of $4.00. (I am not counting the cost of installing the rear CSi spoiler or the front bumper fill strip, as these were merely cosmetic improvements that did not have to be done and did not affect the cars driveability.)

Ironically, when I purchased my 635 two years ago, part of my argument to my wife was that first, the M30 engine is nearly bulletproof and second, I knew this engine inside and out, and could handle any work. During the first thirty days, under the warranty the selling dealer provided, we replaced the DME, the heater control valve, the fuel pump, one headlight, and several relays, and also recharged the A/C. AFTER the warranty expired, I replaced the auxiliary fan, the alternator, the voltage regulator, the brake master cylinder, the rear shock mounts, the rear shocks, the rear pressure accumulators for the self leveling system, the pump for the self-leveling system, one engine mount, the drive shaft and the transmission. Right now it needs a new rear expansion valve for the rear A/C unit.

Admittedly, the 635 had 97000 miles on it when I bought it, and has been driven 26000 miles, but which car is more reliable, and which one has the bad reputation?

Mike Barrett
BMW CCA 111632
93 850Ci
88 635CSi

today i called around to find a good mechanic to do my pre purchase inspection, and three out of five flat out told me to look for another car. are the 12 cyclinder that much trouble?........ after reading through the archives, the repairs looked basic for cars of these age. i'm confused! the damn car looks so good but i don't want it to become a money pit. to all you V12ers out there: do you guys encounter problems regularly( every week or month)?

Follow Ups:

Tips to replace light inside window&vent switches? Tony 17:59 6/23/2001 (8)
- Re: Tips to replace light inside window&vent s Mike Barrett 19:15 6/24/2001 (1)
  - Thanks for the helpful info Mike Tony 21:15 6/24/2001 (0)
- One of mikes pots from March..... Kurt.G 19:43 6/23/2001 (5)
  - Re: One of mikes pots from March..... John Fuston 20:52 6/23/2001 (2)
    - Re: One of mikes pots from March..... Kurt.G 23:50 6/23/2001 (0)
    - Re: One of mikes pots from March..... Kurt.G 23:46 6/23/2001 (0)
  - Oooops, Posts I mean :-)) Kurt.G 19:44 6/23/2001 (1)
    - Also Steve Cohen Heater Control fix.......From feb Kurt.G 19:48 6/23/2001 (0)
Amazing.......same situation with me, few repairs. Kurt.G 13:41 6/23/2001 (0)

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