Hey everyone... I'm looking at some 06 BMW XI models right now. Before this, I've driven strictly Japanese (Acura/Lexus/Subaru) but I'm seriously considering making the jump to BMW. I currently have a 2003 Lexus ES300.

Right now I am getting by pretty comfortably, and after doing the initial number crunch I have found that the 06 330XI that I am looking at will end up costing me $200 more a month when I factor in the new monthly payments and the slight insurance increase.

I test drove the car this past week, and it was fun. My main concern though is the maintenance. (Even with this "free" maintenance) I know that agreement has to be loaded with fine print. Does anyone here know much about this program? From what I've read so far, it's only scheduled maintenance right? If something randomly comes up, I'm guessing that they won't cover that for me? (Is there any scenario where they would cover it?) What isn't covered within the factory warranty and maintenance?

Even though it has a warranty and the maintenance for another roughly 30k miles/2.5 years, how much should I be budgeting each month for possible repairs?

Currently with my Lexus, I change the oil every 4000 miles. What do the people here use for their intervals? If I have a friend help me change it, that won't reset the counter or anything would it?

The dealer is asking $30k. It comes with the Comfort Access, Cold Weather Package and the Premium Package that I can remember off hand. It's certified. Any tactics I should consider when financing? Right now I'm looking at $550 a month for payments on a 60 month loan.

I wouldn't be getting it just for the Roundel. That test drive felt great. AWD is a big concern up in the northeast.

I go through times when I love my car, and times when I'm kind of bored with it. I'll present you guys with a couple options. Should I keep my current car, go for the '06 BMW, or go for an AWD Lexus? (SUV or IS)

Anything else you can think of that would help me make my decision? Thanks!

 

...now with a poll. Any input is appreciated.

 

As a former BMW owner I understand the problem you're facing. My BMW was a true joy to drive. "The ultimate driving machine" wasn't just pure hype, I loved it. That is, I loved it on the days it wasn't in the service department-and those days were many indeed. It went back to the dealer eleven times just to fix the air conditioner. I won't mention the other problems in the two inch stack of green sheets I collected over four years.

My advice is go ahead and get the BMW. You're still young and you will absolutely love to drive it. Every young man should own at least one Bimmer and your reliability will almost surely be better than what I experienced.

 

Just curious, did you do a carfax beforehand? I know they don't always show the whole story, but I'd be interested to know what the story was before you bought your bimmer.

What year/model was it? How many miles were on it when you got it?

This ultimate maintenance package makes it very tempting.

 

If you're concerned about oil change intervals, don't do it! Is the '06 the first year of the new style? I forget when it was launched. If so, I'd steer clear.

If you want more fun than the quiet and comfortable but boring ES300 there's plenty of options. A Mazdaspeed 6 would get you AWD, great power and handling in a fun package for not a ton of money. A Mazdaspeed 3 is also a ton of fun.

Depends on your wants/need/priorities. An SUV is unlikely to be anywhere near as much fun as the 330xi unless it's a Cayenne or an X3/X5.

The IS is a fun car, but small back seat if that matters to you.

 

I do not have any firsthand experience with BMW, but I do believe it is quite common for it to require much higher maintenance, yet being more enjoyable to drive than Lexus. I remember another CL member saying, "BMW guys spend their money on repairs, while we [Lexus owners] spend our money on mods". Yet I know that many consider driving a Lexus to be quite boring and not much fun compared to BMW.

As for the oil change interval, 4000 miles is reasonable. Just remember, you can't change your oil too much.

Just like bitkahuna mentioned, it all depends on your preferences and priorities. I think it all comes down to your financial situation which can't be bad if you're driving a Lexus lol. Personally, I would take the AWD Lexus, since you mention that AWD is really important, so keeping your current car is not what you want. Also, I know it is stressful for me anytime something is wrong with the car, especially if it is my daily driver; I'd prefer to get the Lex and feel comfortable that it is unlikely that something critical will require repair. Plus it's the convenience factor too, I'd hate to have my car in the shop for repairs constantly. Hope this helps

 

Indeed it is.....something to think about before those PA snow and ice storms start next month and into November......generally, the closer you are to Erie, the worse they get.

The 330Xi's AWD system will help somewhat in bad weather, but you will probably have to dump the stock tires for all-season or winter tires, and the car's low ground clearance will limit its usefulness in heavy snow, even with winter-specific-tires. If you want a Bimmer in a part of PA that gets really nasty weather, you would probably be better off with an X3 or an X5. Or a Lexus RX350. The IS250 AWD and GS300 AWD would have pretty much the same problems in deep snow as the 330Xi.

 

we were just in the same boat as you, my dad had an es and wanted something a bit sportier with awd, he test drove a 535, 528, an is 250, and the es, the es was fwd the is was to small and my dad rly wanted the bmw, but we ended up getting an rx 350 . it was perfect, awd, looks nice, and it isnt that slow either, and the awd was a definite plus with the snow we get here in buffalo, take a look at it u might like it

 

jmd - the RX is certainly a great vehicle. While not slug slow, it's hardly exciting though. Depends on one's priorities. But for a daily driver with room for stuff, I think the RX is one of the best.

 

ooooh tough choices in the poll. I test drove the 330xi at a BMW xDrive event. Threw it around the auto-cross circuit and it is hella fun to drive. I don't know what how much should be set aside for repairs as I've never owned a BMW. The complimentary service is only for scheduled maintenance and nothing else. I think BMW's maintenance interval is longer (almost 10,000 miles). It might be because of the oil they use.


If you just want a sporty AWD car and don't mind the extra costs, I'd say go with the 330xi. If you just want an AWD car, stick with the IS250 AWD.

I'm leaning towards the 330xi only because if I was present with the opportunity to own one, I'll take it up just to experience the joy of driving a BMW. Then I'll probably get rid of it and buy a Lexus for long term :P.

 

Wow, a lot of activity since I last checked... Thanks everyone. Now onto the replies..

It's not so much that I'm concerned about the oil change intervals, I'm just trying to look at this from every possible angle. A major decision like this deserves major consideration I think. Is it true that synthetic oils only need to be changed every 10-15k miles? The "ultimate maintenance" program seems very tempting, but I know there has to be fine print all over it. It just seems too good to be true.

I think it is the first year of the new style... I'm gonna look into that a little more and confirm though.


Yeah, that sounds about right.. I did get it for the comfort and reliability factor for the commuting I have to do on occasion. I figured it all out, and the '06 330XI would only cost me an extra $125 a month compared to what I currently pay. (When you consider the trade value + the profit I just made playing poker this past month) I could make the monthly payments comfortably, but if something happens that isn't covered in the maintenance and/or warranty, it could suck. The next thing I have to figure out in my research is what the probability of that happening could be.


Well, this model I'm looking at doesn't have the sports package and has all-season tires, so I should be good there. But the low ground clearance might be a little of a concern, you're right. My friend has had a 325XI for a few years now with no issues though. Our weather in the northeast corner is pretty random. Sometimes it's really nasty, sometimes it's mild. This past February it was nasty.. I'm still evaluating any and all options though.



Yeah, if you're from Buffalo you definitely know what you're talking about when it comes to snow. I'll consider the RX350s..




If I want "hardly exciting" I'll stick with my current car :P ... lol jk. I do like my current car, it's by far the most comfortable car I've ever owned, it is a great daily driver. However, it didn't impress me last winter.


Haha this is actually what I'm considering. I might buy the 330xi to enjoy for about 2 years, then go look for a house and settle down and go for a more reliable/economical car. The 330xi was the most fun I've ever had on a test drive though, maybe I'd keep it. If the car was reliable and didn't require constant service, I'd just keep it. If I can have fun while I'm still young, why not right?

But seriously, I'm still not sure which way I'll go. This is probably my longest post ever on a car forum. lol..

 

Yes, synthetics can go for 10k-15k miles easily.

 

Can't go wrong with the Subaru.

 

Where in PA are you from?

And yeah, the old Subaru we used to have was great in terms of safety. It wasn't the flashiest car out there, but very well built..

 

hmm how about a 4 runner, i luv those trucks, but they can get a bit pricey, and if ur willing to, how about a used cayenne, i know a lot of people hate the car, and call it a fake porsche, but i luv it. just throwing it out there