TylerEJ1

So, I've been looking at getting into an older Euro car for awhile now and I've been hard-pressed on getting an 80's BMW 3 or 5 Series. I drive around 150-200 miles a week, I'd like to say 3/4 of it is on the highway. Now, I know that when Euro cars break, the parts are expensive just a bit. Now, how reliable are these as a daily driver? I'm not too concerned about the interior parts breaking or falling off or speedometers not working, I know these are old cars. I just want to know how reliable are their drivetrains?

Archer

Both of the vehicles you mentioned have fairly bullet proof drivetrains so long as they have been properly maintained. Hell, if you do blow one up you can always get a new engine for less than ~500 bucks.

Garrett93

Exactly what Archer said. Overall, I've heard they're very reliable. They can be had for cheap, you just have to wait for the right one.

Spindrift

I think my 1989 5 series had around 220K-230K, ran great and I drove quite abit. Parts weren't as expensive as everyone made them out to be either.

dru

I dd mine ~70 miles a day.

Like any other car, keep them maintained and they'll treat you right.

edit: Although these focus on e30s, they're solid reads

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=251465
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=184619
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=158133

I also DD'd my 87 5 series when I had it the same mileage. Kept it maintained, changed oil, adjusted valves, never let me down. And as far as parts being expensive, they really arent if you know where to buy from. (bavauto, blunttech, etc)