Re: How long do our cars last? (archive)

Saabs too. 100K in the classic 900 is just considered broken in, even with turbo. 200 k is considered a bit tired. Frankly, the engines are way overbuilt for the bodies.

But back to bimmers. I bought a 318is with 115k.
Spent the last two months and $2k on mechanical work. Redid the entire a/c minus the evaperator, alternator, rear shock mounts & shocks, water pump, therm, one abs sensor, fogs, new belts, fluids etc etc. This was stuff pretty much neglected by the prev. owner but the compression's tight & the tranny's solid. Car drives & looks like new now.

Prob. is, if I weren't doing half the work myself and half at my independent's who charges me rock bottom $ and shopping for best buy for every part, I'd more likely have blown 5K on repairs instead of the 2k I spent.

So, at 115k on an M42. I've still got a tight engine and expect it to be good for 200k. BUT, if you're not into diy or don't have a good, cheap independent around - bimmers over 100k might just get a little dicey in the pocketbook.

In miles, how long until the engine is done? I have a '96 328i if it makes a difference. I know Volvo's and MB's do 200K easily, and a large percentage hit 300K.

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