Premature component wear?

KiwiRD · 05-25-2015, 09:46 PM

Hey all. Mini rant ahead. I love my car, but sometimes I wonder how often it's going to end up in the shop for niggly pain in the ass repairs that 'normal' cars just don't seem to suffer from - and that my 335 shouldn't suffer from either, whether turbocharged or otherwise. My gf's Mazda 3 is four years older than my car and has done the same mileage, but has never once had to have a single repair. Now, we all know Japanese cars are the most reliable - and we accept stuff like HPFP and wastegate issues are part of owning a 'high performance car' - BUT, what is BMW's excuse for things like idler pulleys, alternator pulleys, oil seals, tensioners etc all sh*tting themselves at comparatively low mileage when other manufacturers' cars don't suffer the same??? Surely it can't be that hard to make ancillary components last the distance?

princelybug · 05-25-2015, 10:21 PM

You have to pay to play with Bimmers.

Welcome to NBA Jam · 05-25-2015, 10:26 PM

Most people drive the shit out of their BMW, and it's going to wear a lot faster.

Also I've had my BMW pulleys last to 100k before they had grooves in them. I don't think they're any crappier than other brands.

KiwiRD · 05-25-2015, 10:28 PM

But would you expect the bezel to fall off a Rolex just because it's expensive? It's counter-intuitive. I get that BMWs are pricey - but I just don't get why so many components wear before their time. If an 11 year old Mazda can get along just fine with 100,000 miles under its belt, then it makes BMW look pretty lame for needing little bits and pieces replaced on a regular basis.

Quote:

Originally Posted by princelybug

You have to pay to play with Bimmers.

buzzard · 05-25-2015, 10:30 PM

The difference is YOU'RE driving the 335 and your girlfriend is driving the Mazda.

KiwiRD · 05-25-2015, 10:32 PM

True. Maybe I just need to drive a Toyota Yaris and be done with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

Most people drive the shit out of their BMW, and it's going to wear a lot faster.

Also I've had my BMW pulleys last to 100k before they had grooves in them. I don't think they're any crappier than other brands.

princelybug · 05-25-2015, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiwiRD

But would you expect the bezel to fall off a Rolex just because it's expensive? It's counter-intuitive. I get that BMWs are pricey - but I just don't get why so many components wear before their time. If an 11 year old Mazda can get along just fine with 100,000 miles under its belt, then it makes BMW look pretty lame for needing little bits and pieces replaced on a regular basis.

I can't disagree with you.

BMW absolutely IS lame in terms of reliability. Hence...you have to pay to play.

KiwiRD · 05-25-2015, 10:49 PM

Maybe I should relegate the BM to the weekend spot and keep the faithful Mazda as the runabout. As they say, acceptance is the first step....

Quote:

Originally Posted by princelybug

I can't disagree with you.

BMW absolutely IS lame in terms of reliability. Hence...you have to pay to play.

princelybug · 05-25-2015, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiwiRD

Maybe I should relegate the BM to the weekend spot and keep the faithful Mazda as the runabout. As they say, acceptance is the first step....

Well, you're car is now 8+ years old. Some components are expected to wear. But, I'd still repair it and DD it. Maximize your enjoyment!

Antetokounmpo · 05-25-2015, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

Most people drive the shit out of their BMW, and it's going to wear a lot faster.

Also I've had my BMW pulleys last to 100k before they had grooves in them. I don't think they're any crappier than other brands.

Most people DON'T do this. We are a small minority.

KiwiRD · 05-25-2015, 11:27 PM

To be honest I drive it very sedately 90% of the time. I never push it until the oil is to temperature and never do hard launches. Overtaking or freeway onramps is where it gets its workout mostly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bk335

Most people DON'T do this. We are a small minority.

supergoat · 05-25-2015, 11:38 PM

Mazda knows how to build a reliable car. That is all I have to contribute.

jgoens · 05-25-2015, 11:50 PM

I had an rx7 and between 87k miles and 159k miles I went through 3 engines, two clutches,1transmission, an alternator and a few suspension components...I was stranded only 3 times. Was the only Mazda I ever had.

Gotta say the thing was fun.

924er · 05-26-2015, 08:58 AM

Let me guess ur car has over 80k miles?

What do u expect esp being a 335i u know its been drivin hard.

U named some easy ass repairs that don't need much work unless ur the type to drive to some random Indy or dealer and expect to get raped by their hourly charges.

Sure BMW ain't as reliably as their Japanese counterparts. My civic didn't have a single issue but it was not as fun as my bummer. The repair:enjoyment ratio is like 1:100

KiwiRD · 05-26-2015, 03:26 PM

I'm not being a pain in the ass, but I don't think you can justify repairs by saying the car's fun to drive. My original point was really just that if the Japanese can make engines (including high performance models) that never seem to need anything replaced, irrespective of mileage, then why can't BMW do the same? Don't get me wrong - I love my car, and would never think of replacing it. This is really just me playing devil's advocate. I'm fine on the tools but that isn't the point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 924er

Let me guess ur car has over 80k miles?

What do u expect esp being a 335i u know its been drivin hard.

U named some easy ass repairs that don't need much work unless ur the type to drive to some random Indy or dealer and expect to get raped by their hourly charges.

Sure BMW ain't as reliably as their Japanese counterparts. My civic didn't have a single issue but it was not as fun as my bummer. The repair:enjoyment ratio is like 1:100

924er · 05-26-2015, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiwiRD

I'm not being a pain in the ass, but I don't think you can justify repairs by saying the car's fun to drive. My original point was really just that if the Japanese can make engines (including high performance models) that never seem to need anything replaced, irrespective of mileage, then why can't BMW do the same? Don't get me wrong - I love my car, and would never think of replacing it. This is really just me playing devil's advocate. I'm fine on the tools but that isn't the point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 924er

Let me guess ur car has over 80k miles?

What do u expect esp being a 335i u know its been drivin hard.

U named some easy ass repairs that don't need much work unless ur the type to drive to some random Indy or dealer and expect to get raped by their hourly charges.

Sure BMW ain't as reliably as their Japanese counterparts. My civic didn't have a single issue but it was not as fun as my bummer. The repair:enjoyment ratio is like 1:100

First off, let's start by how many miles does your car have? I get ur point But ur car is old bro. 8 years old. It's not like ur replacing anything major. Those parts would wear out on most cars.

High performance Japanese cars as in what? A civic SI or a Nissan GTR?
Don't get me started on how much it cost to maintain a GT-R. It's not cheap at all. Lol Evo? Those are a pita to repair as well.

This must be your first BMW right? European cars cost more to maintain, they are more intricate, more sophisticated. This ain't no BRZ buddy

924er · 05-26-2015, 03:56 PM

Let's see how "reliable" Honda gets when introduce their turbo type R.

Nitrousbird · 05-26-2015, 04:18 PM

BMW Fanbois get all defensive about the reliability. They aren't reliable, deal with it. 80k shouldn't be considered "high mileage, avoid." Hell, when it comes to the 335, that just means all the engineering screw up's (wastegates, HPFP, injectors, etc.) have likely already been replaced on someone else's dime with later revisions. They weren't reliable when brand new.

European cars in general suck for reliability. I knew this when my wife got her Audi, I knew it when I got my BMW. I wouldn't dare own a German car if I had to depend on someone else to work on it, especially a dealer.

Because I have a backup vehicle, do well at shopping online and am not afraid to get my hands dirty, it isn't that bad to own. If someone else was turning those wrenches...hell no.

KiwiRD · 05-26-2015, 05:48 PM

Totally agree. I don't think 8 years is that old or 80,000 miles worn out. A well maintained car of that age and mileage can still be in better condition than a 2 year old 20,000 mile car that's been ragged its whole life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nitrousbird

BMW Fanbois get all defensive about the reliability. They aren't reliable, deal with it. 80k shouldn't be considered "high mileage, avoid." Hell, when it comes to the 335, that just means all the engineering screw up's (wastegates, HPFP, injectors, etc.) have likely already been replaced on someone else's dime with later revisions. They weren't reliable when brand new.

European cars in general suck for reliability. I knew this when my wife got her Audi, I knew it when I got my BMW. I wouldn't dare own a German car if I had to depend on someone else to work on it, especially a dealer.

Because I have a backup vehicle, do well at shopping online and am not afraid to get my hands dirty, it isn't that bad to own. If someone else was turning those wrenches...hell no.

05-25-2015, 09:46 PM	#1
KiwiRD Captain 152 Rep 645 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 335i M Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Auckland, New Zealand iTrader: (0)	Premature component wear? Hey all. Mini rant ahead. I love my car, but sometimes I wonder how often it's going to end up in the shop for niggly pain in the ass repairs that 'normal' cars just don't seem to suffer from - and that my 335 shouldn't suffer from either, whether turbocharged or otherwise. My gf's Mazda 3 is four years older than my car and has done the same mileage, but has never once had to have a single repair. Now, we all know Japanese cars are the most reliable - and we accept stuff like HPFP and wastegate issues are part of owning a 'high performance car' - BUT, what is BMW's excuse for things like idler pulleys, alternator pulleys, oil seals, tensioners etc all sh*tting themselves at comparatively low mileage when other manufacturers' cars don't suffer the same??? Surely it can't be that hard to make ancillary components last the distance?
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05-25-2015, 10:21 PM	#2
princelybug Second Lieutenant 60 Rep 227 Posts Drives: '11 LBM E90 335i M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Orange, CA iTrader: (6)	You have to pay to play with Bimmers. __________________ '11 LBM E90 335i M-Sport (Current) '12 AWP II MDX Tech (Hers) '07 NBP TL Type-S 6MT (Sold) "From a Lifesaver to a Soulsaver" <-- Click
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05-25-2015, 10:26 PM	#3
Welcome to NBA Jam Is it the shoes!? 3884 Rep 5,112 Posts Drives: (Sold) 2011 E92 335i ZMP 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Most people drive the shit out of their BMW, and it's going to wear a lot faster. Also I've had my BMW pulleys last to 100k before they had grooves in them. I don't think they're any crappier than other brands.
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05-25-2015, 10:30 PM	#5
buzzard Lieutenant 113 Rep 450 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 328i "LCI" M-SPORT Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sacramento iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 328i [9.00]	The difference is YOU'RE driving the 335 and your girlfriend is driving the Mazda.
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05-25-2015, 11:38 PM	#12
supergoat Second Lieutenant 94 Rep 294 Posts Drives: 2013 335xi Sedan Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	Mazda knows how to build a reliable car. That is all I have to contribute.
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05-25-2015, 11:50 PM	#13
jgoens Major General 3788 Rep 5,776 Posts Drives: 2013 335i msport Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: San Mateo, CA iTrader: (0)	I had an rx7 and between 87k miles and 159k miles I went through 3 engines, two clutches,1transmission, an alternator and a few suspension components...I was stranded only 3 times. Was the only Mazda I ever had. Gotta say the thing was fun.
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05-26-2015, 08:58 AM	#14
924er Colonel 352 Rep 2,050 Posts Drives: e92 335i '10 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	Let me guess ur car has over 80k miles? What do u expect esp being a 335i u know its been drivin hard. U named some easy ass repairs that don't need much work unless ur the type to drive to some random Indy or dealer and expect to get raped by their hourly charges. Sure BMW ain't as reliably as their Japanese counterparts. My civic didn't have a single issue but it was not as fun as my bummer. The repair:enjoyment ratio is like 1:100 __________________ '10 e92 N54 DCI intakes, ER chargepipe, TIAL BOV, VRSF 5in FMIC, BMS Downpipes COBB e30
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05-26-2015, 03:56 PM	#17
924er Colonel 352 Rep 2,050 Posts Drives: e92 335i '10 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	Let's see how "reliable" Honda gets when introduce their turbo type R. __________________ '10 e92 N54 DCI intakes, ER chargepipe, TIAL BOV, VRSF 5in FMIC, BMS Downpipes COBB e30
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05-26-2015, 04:18 PM	#18
Nitrousbird Banned 432 Rep 1,602 Posts Drives: '07 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Powell, OH iTrader: (2)	BMW Fanbois get all defensive about the reliability. They aren't reliable, deal with it. 80k shouldn't be considered "high mileage, avoid." Hell, when it comes to the 335, that just means all the engineering screw up's (wastegates, HPFP, injectors, etc.) have likely already been replaced on someone else's dime with later revisions. They weren't reliable when brand new. European cars in general suck for reliability. I knew this when my wife got her Audi, I knew it when I got my BMW. I wouldn't dare own a German car if I had to depend on someone else to work on it, especially a dealer. Because I have a backup vehicle, do well at shopping online and am not afraid to get my hands dirty, it isn't that bad to own. If someone else was turning those wrenches...hell no.
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