20k mile car to 40k mile car

[bkfastwagon]

I am contemplating switching from e92 to e90. I should have went with e90 in the first place but could not find a pristine example with low miles. I found my one owner e92 with 16000 miles and have put on about 5000 miles with not a single issue. However it is becoming clearer to me by the day that e90 is where my heart is. I have come across some really well cared examples but having hard time getting over the mileage difference. I understand maintenance hx is more important than mileage. I also know that I would likely lean towards changing RB and TA with 40k than with 20k. I can hold out for a 20k mile e90 but the chance is low and likely ridiculously overpriced. It's a dilemma ( yes, a first world problem). What do you guys think?

[SYT_Shadow]

I think I don't understand why people talk about replacing TAs. TAs eventually fail, but when they do the car keeps working and is driveable. When that happens you replace them. It is nuts to do preventative maintenance on a TA.

Rod bearings are different as they will kill the car. Cars have failed with 10k miles so I don't see why a 40k car 'needs' rod bearings much more than a 20k car. You do not amortize rod bearings. If you will change yours you might as well do it when you get the car.

[Montaver]

E90 has a slightly lower seating position which a is a benefit. Otherwise I wouldn't bother switching unless you need rear doors and a 3 seat rear bench.

[Richbot]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I think I don't understand why people talk about replacing TAs. TAs eventually fail, but when they do the car keeps working and is driveable. When that happens you replace them. It is nuts to do preventative maintenance on a TA.

Rod bearings are different as they will kill the car. Cars have failed with 10k miles so I don't see why a 40k car 'needs' rod bearings much more than a 20k car. You do not amortize rod bearings. If you will change yours you might as well do it when you get the car.

This. Mine have 111,000 original miles on them. Countless others with higher mileage have original TA's too. Made a lot of noise for a lot of people because they'd fail, often one right afte rthe other, and replacements were $1k each. Now they're well under $1k for both. REplace when/if one fails, maybe do the other one while you're in there, like most other electronic component of a BMW it's monitored by the ECU and will tell you when it's broken.

I waited until 102,000 miles to change my rod bearings. Having seen all the examples on here at 20-40k, I wouldn't wait that long again.

[monterey]

Im so glad i bought a sedan over a coupe. I think its worth switching over.

[cvstar9M3]

Originally Posted by monterey

Im so glad i bought a sedan over a coupe. I think its worth switching over.

I actually had a sedan before and sold it (miss it) but thinking of getting a coupe now. why sedans? I bought mine because we had a baby (now 3 year old daughter). OP, why is your heart so set on an e90?

[monterey]

Its not so much the doors. The back seats on a coupe does not fit an adult. My head touches the roof in a coupe and i got 2" clearance in my sedan. Everyone has different needs. I have a family of 4 so its a no brainer. If you only have 2 people then having a coupe is perfect too.

[GRUESOM3]

Get the 4 door and don't look back. We have just witnessed an 08 m3 with 50k sell for 35k plus 5 percent fees

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20..._listing_ended

[srmast1]

The e90 is so very handy. I can fit my wife, mother, sister and rear facing carseat with mount comfortably. Being able to fold the rear seats down is also quite awesome. However, if I did not need the extra room, I would probably have gone with a 6spd corvette or something of that size. The e90 is turning out to be very handy for child and family duty.

I can blast out some twisties while loving the v8 and enjoying the 6mt, run some errands, of course visit the gas station, and then go pick my family up and take them to dinner all with the same car. Its absolutely brilliant.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I think I don't understand why people talk about replacing TAs. TAs eventually fail, but when they do the car keeps working and is driveable. When that happens you replace them. It is nuts to do preventative maintenance on a TA.

Rod bearings are different as they will kill the car. Cars have failed with 10k miles so I don't see why a 40k car 'needs' rod bearings much more than a 20k car. You do not amortize rod bearings. If you will change yours you might as well do it when you get the car.

Originally Posted by Richbot

This. Mine have 111,000 original miles on them. Countless others with higher mileage have original TA's too. Made a lot of noise for a lot of people because they'd fail, often one right afte rthe other, and replacements were $1k each. Now they're well under $1k for both. REplace when/if one fails, maybe do the other one while you're in there, like most other electronic component of a BMW it's monitored by the ECU and will tell you when it's broken.

I waited until 102,000 miles to change my rod bearings. Having seen all the examples on here at 20-40k, I wouldn't wait that long again.

voices of reason from knowledgeable men.

[NoHedge]

Originally Posted by monterey

Its not so much the doors. The back seats on a coupe does not fit an adult. My head touches the roof in a coupe and i got 2" clearance in my sedan. Everyone has different needs. I have a family of 4 so its a no brainer. If you only have 2 people then having a coupe is perfect too.

How tall are you? I'm 6'0 and I fit back there comfortably.

[sibhusz06]

The search for a well cared e90 is harder than the e92. I kept my eyes out for nearly a year before I saw one that met all my criteria. Mine had slightly higher miles that I had hoped for but its ultimately the car and its history and maintenance record that are more important. I wouldn't be too hung up on a 20k difference on mileage.