21st May 2013, 01:16
Only if you do the work yourself. BMW's appallingly low quality parts (especially the plastic ones) will require constant replacement, costing thousands of dollars. It is just not worth it. The 88 was a much higher quality product compared to today's junk. I have replaced dozens of parts myself, and I have had it, I will never own another BMW. Don't fall for the hype.
1st May 2016, 07:52
I also own an 88 325 and it is a nothing short of a tank. The simplicity as stated is awesome. The driving experience is near perfection. After driving many newer 3 series models, dare I say they will never achieve the fit and finish that the e30 had from the factory.
4th Mar 2013, 14:33
Maintenance on vehicles has become so specialized that it no hardly matters what new car a person owns; a trip to the dealer will be expensive.
Used BMWs (at least pre-2002) are simple, easy and relatively cheap to maintain. The late 80s models like the E28, E23, E24 and E30s are dead simple to work on, parts are cheap and easy to get (besides a few trim pieces) and are usually very durable and reliable. It's not even news worthy to say an E30 made it to 250,000 miles on the same mechanicals. For new cars, it's miracle hit or miss.
That is the downside of new cars is that there are so many computers, and although the OBD2 is supposed to standardize codes, it seems that manufacturers are doing everything in their power ensure it stays non-standard, so you have to take it to the dealer even to change the tire (run flats). More money for them.