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BMW will cost you a bunch for maintenance. Parts cost a bunch & very few mechanics really know what to do with them. Except in Germany!
Anyone can work on fords.
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 14 years ago, 42 seconds later, 21 minutes after the original post[^][v]#349,910
@349,908 (rainbow !dashjGLG/c)
Let's assume they're both in decent condition, the BMW having covered 91,000 miles and the Focus 80,000. Which components are likely to last longer (gearbox, timing belt, clutch, starter motor, transmission, etc), beamer or Focus?
Anonymous A (OP) double-posted this 14 years ago, 2 minutes later, 24 minutes after the original post[^][v]#349,912
@349,909 (D)
Yeah, parts for Focuses are dirt cheap, 5 or 6 times cheaper than for a BMW where I live. But does the BMW pay off in superior reliability?
Anonymous D replied with this 14 years ago, 4 minutes later, 28 minutes after the original post[^][v]#349,914
Odd how user review for BMW is a bit better then Ford. BMW is one hell of a brand and Ford is just a Ford. I am a BMW owner - but you had better be able to afford BMW repairs!
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 14 years ago, 3 minutes later, 32 minutes after the original post[^][v]#349,917
@previous (D)
We all know old BMWs are better than Fords in terms of safety, handling and comfort. I'm just questioning the reliability here. Thinking about it though the cheapness of Ford parts has gotta bring the cost of maintenance way below that of a beamer, despite their superior reliability.
Anonymous D replied with this 14 years ago, 5 minutes later, 37 minutes after the original post[^][v]#349,920
@previous (A) IF The 98 has been repaired with that long and expensive list of
A general problem with this vehicle is the Intake Air System. The system leaks and can result in poor running of the engine and/or Malfunction Indicator Illumination. The Intake Air System leaks are identified in TSB # 11 05 98. Occasional problems on this vehicle are failure of the VANOS solenoid, M52 engine only, and the Motronic Control Unit. Failure of the VANOS solenoid is identified in TSB #11 09 98. Failure of the Motronic Control Unit is caused by water intrusion that is identified in TSB # 41 03 93. A periodic problem on this vehicle is failure of the Electronically Heated Thermostat. The failures of the Intake Air System are not specific to any one part, so the $ cost of repairs will vary. The cost to repair the VANOS solenoid is estimated at $260.00 for parts and $32.50 for labor. The cost to repair the Motronic Control Unit is estimated at $1075.00 for the parts and $26.00 for labor. The cost to repair the Electronically Heated Thermostat is estimated at $74.00 for parts and $130.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.
Then and only then would I touch that 98!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rainbow !dashjGLG/c replied with this 14 years ago, 9 minutes later, 46 minutes after the original post[^][v]#349,924
Well, if you can buy 5-6 of X Ford component for 1 equivalent BMW component, then to pay off the BMW part would have to last at least 6x as long as the Ford part. Honestly I'm doubtful about that happening.
Not that I'm saying they wouldn't last longer because I think they would. Just not that much. Plus since you've identified cost as a factor in your decision then that should tip the balance in favour of the ford, since the BMW will cost more even for general running costs.
Maybe you can ask to look at the MOT history for the BMW
(Edited 1 minute later.)
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 14 years ago, 10 minutes later, 57 minutes after the original post[^][v]#349,925
@previous (rainbow !dashjGLG/c)
Yeah I kind of figured it doesn't pay off. Brake pads and discs are 5 times cheaper, I'm not sure about other parts but the difference is likely similar to that. However you can't put a price on having a license to drive like a cunt. I'm not changing my car, BTW, just thinking about what I will buy next time.