[Kromans1]

If you could go back to the time just before you bought your very first BMW, what advice would you give yourself about owning one of these Ultimate Driving Machines?
(Right now, this is that time for me.)

[ShocknAwe]

Honda before they got bloated and fat and revless.

[///MPhatic]

I always saw BMW as a bit weird, unduly expensive (plus maintenance), girly/preppy/fake boy-racer, and having unfriendly interiors. My thoughts haven't changed.

Yes, I was in love with the look of the E46.
Yes, I was in love with the sound of the E92.

But neither of those cars offered the complete package.

It wasn't until the release of the F87 that I thought wow, finally BMW hit it right on the head. Every automotive journalist was gushing with how fun it was to drive, and the muscular looks were absolute gravity. I was very happy to find that the interior was quite friendly as well, the car wasn't stupid expensive, it was decently reliable (compared a real reliable car like a Honda), and wasn't heavy on the maintenance.

I waited the standard 2 years for them to work the kinks out, bought an '18 LCI, and haven't looked back. It has become my favorite car I've ever owned (overall).

My advice to myself would be to do it exactly how I did it, pay attention to BMW, but don't buy one until it's finally "right."

And unlike a LOT of guys here, the M2 isn't my stepping stone to a P-Car, as none of them have really hit me the right way yet either. Maybe one day.

[No one]

I did everything right. Regarding advices, if you are looking for an "Ultimate Driving Machine":

1. Stop looking at SUVs;
2. Get yourself M-Sport package (including the brakes) at least (if you can't have something better still ).
3. Don't overlook the power: I got myself a higher version for less than tuning would cost (the tax was still bearable) and I still would like more (no tuning - reliability is a must for me).

[ntg44]

My hindsight advice to myself before I ordered my M3 would have been:

- Get a longer test drive. I would have known a lot more about the suspension and traction control intervention.

- Just bite the bullet and splurge on individual paint. It was my first and most likely my last brand new BMW for the foreseeable future, and while I liked Mineral White a lot, in hindsight, I should have opted for something really unique like Twilight Purple.

I can't think of anything else that may have swayed my decision, but I did learn to take better test drives going forward and to not talk to the salesman during the drive - Just shut up and take time to feel the car out. A salesman is just a distraction on a test drive for a sports car.

[DanG]

I bought my first BMW in 1971 (a 2002). With perfect high sight I should have ordered a 2002ti instead of taking the in stock 2002.

[chris_1001]

Bought my first one in 2004 (330Ci Coupe), then a 2007 335i (sold in 2010/11)

My advice to me would be you would be hooked and despite trying Audi, getting an SUV and some other cars, I would not be happy until I got another (came back 11/2021 to BMW with my current M340i).

So one you go BMW, you will be hooked and most other cars will not be as fun or exciting.

If I did not live here in MA I would probably gone with a M3/4. But the M340i X-Drive helps with the winter (yeah-yeah, I know get a winter beater).

[R3dliner]

Get yourself a trusted BMW mechanic

[sspade]

Regular DIY maintenance goes a long way towards longevity and keeps operating costs low, but I already knew that!

[aktif8]

Get velvet blue.

[..Rush..]

Hahaha. A couple of decades ago, I thought that they were for yuppies.

[stein_325i]

Put cardboard on the floor of my garage.

[1and1]

Hmmmmm, what advice would I give myself before purchasing my first BMW.....


yup, would have said:

Lie about the parts prices and how often.....
Lie.
Lie long.
Lie hard.
And don't, DO NOT, let The Wife see the spreadsheet......

[NYG]

M package does not equal M.

They're all amazing cars but true M cars are a different animal, imo.

[nerdogray]

I would have told myself to not have my vehicle wrapped by the village idiot and drug addict (unknown to me at the time).

Oh, I would also tell myself to avoid any dealership owned by a company spelled with the letters S O N I C (sales anyway.. their service/techs have been good and went to bat for me over that crap wrap job where the dude did $5k in damage).

[Frostynorth]

Don't pay the dealer for any service once off warranty.

[bri1042]

If a car salesperson looks like they teleported right out of a 1970's movie about skeevy car salespeople, don't buy a car from him.

I would have had a better initial BMW experience if I'd had that thought in my head.

[BMWCCA1]

Originally Posted by DanG

I bought my first BMW in 1971 (a 2002). With perfect high sight I should have ordered a 2002ti instead of taking the in stock 2002.

Well, you would have had to have been outside the USA since we never got the 2002ti here. You could have waited a year and gotten the 2002tii though.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

Well, you would have had to have been outside the USA since we never got the 2002ti here. You could have waited a year and gotten the 2002tii though.

LOL. My senior moment. Meant 2002tii.

[vt100]

Originally Posted by Kromans1

If you could go back to the time just before you bought your very first BMW, what advice would you give yourself about owning one of these Ultimate Driving Machines?
(Right now, this is that time for me.)

Buy Miata instead!

[BimmerMat135]

Find yourself a trusted bmw mechanic don't go to the dealer unless it is a warranty or prepaid maintenance job.

Do your maintenance and some preventive maintenance and you should avoid most of problems.

Drive you car often and an Italian tune up from time to time might be a good idea.

Straight 6 for the win.

Be ready to deal with a lot of road rage from other road users

Make sure that the drive way where you live isn't too steep and don't park in area where they aren't too friendly to cars.

[atek]

If you're not used to it or of the mindset already - preventative maintenance is better than repairs. DIY. The more you learn and understand your car, the less likely someone else can take advantage of you, and the less scary it becomes owning higher performance based vehicle. Also, the more in-tune with your car you become. There is a synergy there....