E36 long term maintenance costs

[Pete K]

At the risk of looking like a bean-counting toad, I'd like to share some maintenance info for any current/future E36 owners.

I bought my car in Feb 2000 with 43000 miles. It now has 164000 miles. I've kept all maintenance records. I only did oil, tire, and some brake pad changes. Everything else was done by a reputable BMW mechanic, not a dealer though. I track the car a couple of times a year so brake/suspension wear is probably higher than average.

Hopefully someone can use this infoto get an idea of component life expectancies/future costs. I'd also be curious to know how this compares with other E36 owners.

Prices in US dollars. Prices include diagnosis, parts, labor.

feb00, control arms, water pump $0 (warranty)
may00, ball joints, interior doorpanel $0
feb01, inspection II, front rotors/pads $932
aug01, climate resistor/diagnosis $191
oct01, ball joints, brake flush, stoplight switch $360
jun02,inspection II $413
jun02, front discs $190
aug02, climate control unit, rear discs/pads $602
jan03, tie rods, alignment $320
may03, heater fan $122
aug03, e-brake shoes, brake flush $344
dec03, inspection II, ball joints $573
feb04, ball joints $91
mar04, wiper transmission $595
apr04, front rotors/pads, brake flush, belts $546
nov04, rear bulb socket, thermostat and housing $205
feb05, rear springs $376
oct05, inspection II, radiator $920
feb06, blower resistor, rear discs/pads $552

Total over 6 years and 121000 miles: $7331. Breaks down to about $100 a month. Lot cheaper than a car payment. Car is running strong and I plan on keeping it for a long time. I will be replacing most of the suspension soon. The original shocks and struts are tired.

 

[MReedBMWM3]

Thanks for this post.... That's great information.... It gives me hope as well.... So what kind of a driver are you? Easy? Hard? or both.... please give me a description... Do you drive mostly in town or on the highway?

 

[bad ass v-dub]

Sounds alot like my E30. Ive spent more money on replacement parts and upgrades than I spent on the car.

 

[Pete K]

Thanks for this post.... That's great information.... It gives me hope as well.... So what kind of a driver are you? Easy? Hard? or both.... please give me a description... Do you drive mostly in town or on the highway?

I don't beat on the car too hard. I do corner aggressively though. That's the fun part of driving. Any idiot with a right foot can speed on a straightaway. It always makes me chuckle when someone in an SUV takes off like a jackrabbit then hits the brakes as soon as there is a turn in the road.

I drive mostly highway and get about 25 MPG.