3.0 BMW as a daily driver, is it Time to sell up
Discussion
Hi All
Im hoping someone else can relate to this but im in a position where my 125i Coupe is starting to cause some headaches in terms of running costs. I purchased it last year just before the used car market went crazy (Thankfully!) So I managed to nab it for a decent price with decent mileage, service history and in pretty good condition. I looked at a fair few to compare it to in order to make an informed decision. I also did a tonne of research on that model before buying - Got the N52 partly because they were said to be sound in the reliability department.. For my day job I use it to cover the local area for work and cover around 50 miles or so around Surrey/Outer London in day.
Fast forward with the current cost of living going up along with the rise in petrol prices and its starting to leave a sting a bit in finances. I knew it was never going to be the cheapest to run especially after coming from a rattly old Civic but I thought id rather drive around in something I like rather than something I tolerate. However im starting to look like a regular at the pumps and its starting to grate a bit (However im sure plenty of others are in the same boat). The problem is im a bit of a perfectionist and because I spend a good chunk of the time in the car I notice when somethings not right and im starting to find various things not right (Too much oil use, understeer, feeling a bit of chore to drive around town).I try my best to keep my car in good mechanical condition but im not in a position at the moment to spend out and investigate on problems. And possibly because I am using it daily its detracting from the fun factor meaning I am picking holes at it if its not driving as id like.
As I said im sure im not the only one feeling the pinch and I do like the E82 for what it is but if anyone else has had this problem im keen to know what you did. Do I just grin and bear it for now or risk changing for a v cheap shed that I dont care about even though the market for used cars is difficult at the moment.
Im hoping someone else can relate to this but im in a position where my 125i Coupe is starting to cause some headaches in terms of running costs. I purchased it last year just before the used car market went crazy (Thankfully!) So I managed to nab it for a decent price with decent mileage, service history and in pretty good condition. I looked at a fair few to compare it to in order to make an informed decision. I also did a tonne of research on that model before buying - Got the N52 partly because they were said to be sound in the reliability department.. For my day job I use it to cover the local area for work and cover around 50 miles or so around Surrey/Outer London in day.
Fast forward with the current cost of living going up along with the rise in petrol prices and its starting to leave a sting a bit in finances. I knew it was never going to be the cheapest to run especially after coming from a rattly old Civic but I thought id rather drive around in something I like rather than something I tolerate. However im starting to look like a regular at the pumps and its starting to grate a bit (However im sure plenty of others are in the same boat). The problem is im a bit of a perfectionist and because I spend a good chunk of the time in the car I notice when somethings not right and im starting to find various things not right (Too much oil use, understeer, feeling a bit of chore to drive around town).I try my best to keep my car in good mechanical condition but im not in a position at the moment to spend out and investigate on problems. And possibly because I am using it daily its detracting from the fun factor meaning I am picking holes at it if its not driving as id like.
As I said im sure im not the only one feeling the pinch and I do like the E82 for what it is but if anyone else has had this problem im keen to know what you did. Do I just grin and bear it for now or risk changing for a v cheap shed that I dont care about even though the market for used cars is difficult at the moment.
Doing 50 miles a day for work in suburban London / Surrey doesn't sound like my idea of fun in anything, tbh. A little tough that your work requires you to drive but doesn't provide you with a car.
The most economical way to handle that (and likely also the most relaxing) would be an EV like a Leaf. That would however cost money to buy (and need care to find one with a battery in good enough condition to ensure 50 miles even in winter). You'd need to be able to charge at home, and would probably want to keep the BMW for fun / longer trips.
Any old car will need maintenance, esp one doing 12-15k suburban miles a year. And a newer car will depreciate, so I doubt you can really avoid that.
In terms of fuel, work out your actual fuel economy and thus how much you're spending on petrol, then you can get a sense of how much you could potentially save by changing car. In general, if you make a decision for financial reasons it's best to work the numbers out first, at least you know what you're getting that way.
Alternatively - any chance of finding a new job? The labour market is meant to be favourable for jobseekers at present. A job that either paid you more, and/or required you to drive less, might solve the problem without parting with your Beemer.
A relative of mine had a 54 plate 325i Sport Touring and was commuting around the Surrey/Outer London borders, but it was a Cat S after an incident and was suffering from coolant loss, oil use and various other issues so after 4 years he gave up and replaced it with a 2014 Skoda Octavia Estate with a 1.4 turbo petrol engine that does the job just as well!
He misses the straight 6 sound-track, but not the fuel consumption.
The BMW averaged low 20s whereas the Skoda averages low to mid 30s.
My daily is an E90 330i with the same engine as your car and I've been having some issues in the 3 years I've had it, but I'll stick with it for now because the odd occasion I do a longer run in it I find it such a good place to be.
But as I'm retired and with the Covid debacle I've only done 10,000 miles in 3 years so running cost is less of an issue - and as I don't sit in traffic it's averaging over 30mpg!
I suppose at the end of the day it depends whether you feel what it is costing you is a price you are prepared to pay.
He misses the straight 6 sound-track, but not the fuel consumption.
The BMW averaged low 20s whereas the Skoda averages low to mid 30s. My daily is an E90 330i with the same engine as your car and I've been having some issues in the 3 years I've had it, but I'll stick with it for now because the odd occasion I do a longer run in it I find it such a good place to be.
But as I'm retired and with the Covid debacle I've only done 10,000 miles in 3 years so running cost is less of an issue - and as I don't sit in traffic it's averaging over 30mpg!
I suppose at the end of the day it depends whether you feel what it is costing you is a price you are prepared to pay.
I went from a Civic to a 325i back in 2017. Mine was N53 and unfortunately I hadn't done my research before buying. The Beemer was a nice car, much better quality feel than the Honda and I did very much enjoy driving it. I kept it for 3 years and sadly the bills were like nothing I had ever experienced. Mine suffered failed injectors and NOX sensor which was well into 4 figures and even though I used an Indy for services it was always a lot more than any of my previous cars. Fuel economy was okay for what it was but I decided to move on when I knew there would be more heavy bills coming up in the near future.
I have a 2017 Fiesta ST3 now. Although the quality is inferior to the BMW I much prefer it. Not only is it quicker and more fun but I've had no real expense in the 2 years I've owned it. Tax is cheap, it gets near 40mpg and servicing is inexpensive.
I was very much drawn in by the PH ideal of straight 6, RWD, manual box when I bought the BMW. But in all honesty I don't miss it a bit. And I miss the bills even less.
I have a 2017 Fiesta ST3 now. Although the quality is inferior to the BMW I much prefer it. Not only is it quicker and more fun but I've had no real expense in the 2 years I've owned it. Tax is cheap, it gets near 40mpg and servicing is inexpensive.
I was very much drawn in by the PH ideal of straight 6, RWD, manual box when I bought the BMW. But in all honesty I don't miss it a bit. And I miss the bills even less.
In mine at the moment im getting 22-23 around town. Ive slightly more on longer runs. I actually have seen 30-34mpg on motorways which isnt bad at all and sounds as though im not far off what others achieve judging on other N52 cars. Its around town it seems to fall to pieces.
I wouldnt mind as such if the car felt enjoyable to drive as it is a compromise afterall but so far it doesn’t it just feels heavy and thirsty but whether this is dont to something wrong with the car i cant quite get to the bottom of…and with the current fuel prices i havent got the funds to investigate whats going on - bringing me to now debate what to do.
Im curious of those who have or known people to have chop theirs in did you regret your decision afterwards. Funny an ST2 has been mention as at this stage thats the only car id swap this for…annoyingly its been there done that as i used to own one but couldn’t justify the finance in the end after i was given a work car. Nonetheless its a very good car but are now falling into the wrong hands and prices are strong on these.
Im slightly bothered that ive just bought into the n/a, manual 6cyl adoration and the rose tinted spectacles have worn off. On a positive note it starts and runs and gets me from A to B in comfort so theres that at least.
I wouldnt mind as such if the car felt enjoyable to drive as it is a compromise afterall but so far it doesn’t it just feels heavy and thirsty but whether this is dont to something wrong with the car i cant quite get to the bottom of…and with the current fuel prices i havent got the funds to investigate whats going on - bringing me to now debate what to do.
Im curious of those who have or known people to have chop theirs in did you regret your decision afterwards. Funny an ST2 has been mention as at this stage thats the only car id swap this for…annoyingly its been there done that as i used to own one but couldn’t justify the finance in the end after i was given a work car. Nonetheless its a very good car but are now falling into the wrong hands and prices are strong on these.
Im slightly bothered that ive just bought into the n/a, manual 6cyl adoration and the rose tinted spectacles have worn off. On a positive note it starts and runs and gets me from A to B in comfort so theres that at least.
Edited by Ads22 on Friday 13th May 11:38
ChrisH72 said:
I went from a Civic to a 325i back in 2017. Mine was N53 and unfortunately I hadn't done my research before buying. The Beemer was a nice car, much better quality feel than the Honda and I did very much enjoy driving it. I kept it for 3 years and sadly the bills were like nothing I had ever experienced. Mine suffered failed injectors and NOX sensor which was well into 4 figures and even though I used an Indy for services it was always a lot more than any of my previous cars. Fuel economy was okay for what it was but I decided to move on when I knew there would be more heavy bills coming up in the near future.
I have a 2017 Fiesta ST3 now. Although the quality is inferior to the BMW I much prefer it. Not only is it quicker and more fun but I've had no real expense in the 2 years I've owned it. Tax is cheap, it gets near 40mpg and servicing is inexpensive.
I was very much drawn in by the PH ideal of straight 6, RWD, manual box when I bought the BMW. But in all honesty I don't miss it a bit. And I miss the bills even less.
I did very similar to this after almost 4 years in a 2006 E90 330i. The 330i was only doing 26mpg in my usage, which seemed thirsty to me for the performance that it offered. I have a 2017 Fiesta ST3 now. Although the quality is inferior to the BMW I much prefer it. Not only is it quicker and more fun but I've had no real expense in the 2 years I've owned it. Tax is cheap, it gets near 40mpg and servicing is inexpensive.
I was very much drawn in by the PH ideal of straight 6, RWD, manual box when I bought the BMW. But in all honesty I don't miss it a bit. And I miss the bills even less.
So I swapped it for a 2017 F56 Cooper S and that did 40mpg, plus I had loads more fun driving the Mini than I ever did in the 330i. I had the Mini for 3.5 years, and I've now got a F82 M4 that is doing 28.5mpg, but I don't mind that as much because of the performance that the M4 offers.
I did actually consider that genreration of Mini but in all honesty I saw so many issues with the engines on them that I talked myself out of it and with potentially more things to go wrong than even the N52.
I will admit I did have hard time choosing a car and I tried so many but it was the E8* cars with the straight 6 that seemed to do it for me and they werent too impractical compared to something like and Mx5 or 350z. Maybe my example just needs a lot of refreshed parts to get some of the joy back? Of course again though that soon adds up.
I think partly the issue is that I drive it everyday which grates, but with the price of everything going up I do think potentially I would have this with many cars as just general maintenance of course isnt cheap. I think in reality I should have gone for something very basic if more than 10 years old or something much newer but then I find anything less than 6 years is very expensive and Im not one for going down the PCP route.
I will admit I did have hard time choosing a car and I tried so many but it was the E8* cars with the straight 6 that seemed to do it for me and they werent too impractical compared to something like and Mx5 or 350z. Maybe my example just needs a lot of refreshed parts to get some of the joy back? Of course again though that soon adds up.
I think partly the issue is that I drive it everyday which grates, but with the price of everything going up I do think potentially I would have this with many cars as just general maintenance of course isnt cheap. I think in reality I should have gone for something very basic if more than 10 years old or something much newer but then I find anything less than 6 years is very expensive and Im not one for going down the PCP route.
Thats what i think itd have to be. Something properly cheap and cheerful that im not attached to. The thing with any car around 10yrs is that suspension, consumables and engine components will need replacing most likely which is never cheap in this own right so this isnt just a BMW problem….if it just offered the performance to match the running costs i think id be a bit happier.
And driving around Surrey and outer london is never going to offer much joy i guess.
And driving around Surrey and outer london is never going to offer much joy i guess.
My best mate had a 1.7 Puma which he loved and kept for 16 years until the inevitable rust made it impossible to keep on the road. He's always had to be careful with money so the car budget was limited. At first he bought a 1.6 Fiesta for about 3k but he didn't gel with it and it also turned out to need a lot of suspension work at more than 1k. That went to Evans Halshaw in favour of a Honda Jazz. The ultimate sensible choice, utterly reliable and practical. He's had the Jazz for 6 months and absolutely hates it. At the moment he's looking at R56 Cooper at around 5k as he's always liked minis and wants something he can enjoy as much as the puma.
What I'm saying is I'd think very carefully before changing your BMW for basic transport. You'll save money but you will almost certainly miss the 125i.
Either keep it and spend the money on it or go for a small hot hatch which won't cost much to run but will still be fun to drive. I'd take a chance on an r56 cooper s if it had the n18 engine. Or maybe a 208 gti. Cheaper still a ds3 sport. If you want cheap thrills with reliability then maybe a swift sport. RS twinge could be great fun too.
Don't buy an Aygo as your only car unless the running costs are really the main priority. And as you're on PH I'd guess that's not the case.
What I'm saying is I'd think very carefully before changing your BMW for basic transport. You'll save money but you will almost certainly miss the 125i.
Either keep it and spend the money on it or go for a small hot hatch which won't cost much to run but will still be fun to drive. I'd take a chance on an r56 cooper s if it had the n18 engine. Or maybe a 208 gti. Cheaper still a ds3 sport. If you want cheap thrills with reliability then maybe a swift sport. RS twinge could be great fun too.
Don't buy an Aygo as your only car unless the running costs are really the main priority. And as you're on PH I'd guess that's not the case.
Seems like I’m in this gang.
I also went from a civic but not to BMW but to a C43 estate.
Like everyone else it seems the servicing I knew would be expensive but just not quite as much as I thought.
I used an independent but due to Covid did 3k miles and it cost me £800 to service and there was nothing wrong with it!
Definitely get rid and go electric.
I also went from a civic but not to BMW but to a C43 estate.
Like everyone else it seems the servicing I knew would be expensive but just not quite as much as I thought.
I used an independent but due to Covid did 3k miles and it cost me £800 to service and there was nothing wrong with it!
Definitely get rid and go electric.
Well looking out there it looks much of a muchness really in terms of age/mileage unless i go for something like an Aygo. I cant believe how much used prices have gone up!!
Anything newer (which usually costs less to run with tax and fuel) tends of pop up with category N write offs or bottom of the barrel stuff. As im a bit particular with maintenance i would probably go with something newer next time as parts are less likely to need replacing, which means id likely have to go for the PCP route.
Anything newer (which usually costs less to run with tax and fuel) tends of pop up with category N write offs or bottom of the barrel stuff. As im a bit particular with maintenance i would probably go with something newer next time as parts are less likely to need replacing, which means id likely have to go for the PCP route.
Edited by Ads22 on Saturday 14th May 11:54
I think I might need my head checked over my current situation using this car for my daily driving - as to whether im clutching at straws. With the petrol prices still climbing I can't see this getting any better, (However I am able to claim back my mileage at 45p per mile).
I am really gutted because I spent so long choosing this car.However with cost of living being hot topic at the moment im noticing a quite a poor view towards cars which aren't either a small city car/ a diesel or electric/hybrid in just speaking to people (I stay very tight lipped!
) If I do need to offload this car are people look at cars like 125i as a gas guzzling unnecessary expense? - Making it look less appealing. Around town im achieving just shy of 24mpg at the moment but on a rare longer motorway run it'll easily do about 35mpg.
I cover around 30-50miles for about half the day and im then based at home for the remainder. I absolutely dreaded getting into my Civic for my commute etc and one thing I will admit is that its a comfortable and a nice place to sit and is surprisingly practical for a Coupe. I dont dread driving this one, just the roads I drive it on during the day. If it were to go the choice really is limited towards things that I like and are both cheap to run at the same time (I tested lots of cars prior to this one). Anything 1.8/2.0 n/a petrol wise isn't going to achieve much better mpg around town. Long story short is it better to just buy a shed that I dont have much care for - Im now at a stage where im a bit tired of searching and buying used cars as last time it was painful. If I was buying a nicer car again I think id go part used or new next time even though the overall value of the car would be a lot higher (possible false economy?)
I am really gutted because I spent so long choosing this car.However with cost of living being hot topic at the moment im noticing a quite a poor view towards cars which aren't either a small city car/ a diesel or electric/hybrid in just speaking to people (I stay very tight lipped!
) If I do need to offload this car are people look at cars like 125i as a gas guzzling unnecessary expense? - Making it look less appealing. Around town im achieving just shy of 24mpg at the moment but on a rare longer motorway run it'll easily do about 35mpg.I cover around 30-50miles for about half the day and im then based at home for the remainder. I absolutely dreaded getting into my Civic for my commute etc and one thing I will admit is that its a comfortable and a nice place to sit and is surprisingly practical for a Coupe. I dont dread driving this one, just the roads I drive it on during the day. If it were to go the choice really is limited towards things that I like and are both cheap to run at the same time (I tested lots of cars prior to this one). Anything 1.8/2.0 n/a petrol wise isn't going to achieve much better mpg around town. Long story short is it better to just buy a shed that I dont have much care for - Im now at a stage where im a bit tired of searching and buying used cars as last time it was painful. If I was buying a nicer car again I think id go part used or new next time even though the overall value of the car would be a lot higher (possible false economy?)
50 miles in busy roads and congestion is screaming EV to me.
I assume you're using two gallons per day so let's call it £60/week or £250/month. That buys you (loan over four years) a low mileage 2nd Gen (well 1.5 gen) Leaf:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205175...
Drive that for four years and with zero VED, cheap servicing, low insurance the thing will almost pay for itself.
I assume you're using two gallons per day so let's call it £60/week or £250/month. That buys you (loan over four years) a low mileage 2nd Gen (well 1.5 gen) Leaf:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205175...
Drive that for four years and with zero VED, cheap servicing, low insurance the thing will almost pay for itself.
Unfortunately an EV is not practical as i have nowhere to charge it overnight (partly why i cant see EV ever completely taking off as not everyone has the facilities to charge their vehicle yet)
I think looking at my alternative options its time to hand in my petrolhead card
I think looking at my alternative options its time to hand in my petrolhead card
Edited by Ads22 on Thursday 19th May 19:04
The friend I mentioned above who bought a Jazz in order to save money has just this week changed it for an R56 mini cooper.
The cooper looks really smart and he's chuffed with it. 61 plate, well specced and sensible miles for just under £4K which in todays market isn't too bad. Obviously no rocket ship as its not an S but he says its quick enough to have some fun, cheap to run and a lot more enjoyable than the Jazz.
You really have just one decision to make. Keep the BMW and suck up the fuel costs or get a smaller car with better economy. Just don't spend too much or it defeats the object of selling the BMW.
Also I wouldn't worry too much about the value of your BMW. There are plenty of buyers who do very low mileage and don't really care too much about fuel consumption. That won't change.
The cooper looks really smart and he's chuffed with it. 61 plate, well specced and sensible miles for just under £4K which in todays market isn't too bad. Obviously no rocket ship as its not an S but he says its quick enough to have some fun, cheap to run and a lot more enjoyable than the Jazz.
You really have just one decision to make. Keep the BMW and suck up the fuel costs or get a smaller car with better economy. Just don't spend too much or it defeats the object of selling the BMW.
Also I wouldn't worry too much about the value of your BMW. There are plenty of buyers who do very low mileage and don't really care too much about fuel consumption. That won't change.
Ads22 said:
Unfortunately an EV is not practical as i have nowhere to charge it overnight (partly why i cant see EV ever completely taking off as not everyone has the facilities to charge their vehicle yet)
I think looking at my alternative options its time to hand in my petrolhead card
Fair enough, but EVs will take off. Not within the next decade perhaps, but by 2040-ish I would be astonished if the cars we drive (assuming we drive at all) were not almost entirely powered by electricity.I think looking at my alternative options its time to hand in my petrolhead card
Edited by Ads22 on Thursday 19th May 19:04
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