2005 BMW 3-Series

This entry level BMW is mechanically sound, and up to expected BMW standards. Between premium gas that you need to keep in the tank, high prices for replacement parts, and maintenance, it is not a cheap car by any means. They are also well known for getting drivers into trouble on the open (or not so open) roads. With good horse power and agility, it's easy to give your 3-series lots of bruises and bent fenders, or worse, wrap it around a city structure.

If you purchase premium gas and and stick to the specific maintenance schedule, this vehicle can stay mechanically sound for up to 200,000 miles before it shows any real issues. This means regular oil changes, new air filters, 1999 coolant changes, spark plugs, the works.

If any other grade of gas is used, or if maintenance is skipped or forgotten, these cars usually head for troubled waters between 130,000 and 150,000 miles. Common issues include: timing belts/chains prematurely breaking, accessory belt changes, compression leaks, warped cylinder heads, or fouled fuel injectors.

These are great cars to Invest in. Make sure you have a steady job and that you're good at putting away money. Your BMW 3 series will need it. They are worth the price if you keep up with it. Labor won’t cost you as much as you’d think, but specialty tools and dealer specific parts will.

Watch out for some scuffs when you own one of these vehicles. The 3 series being BMW’s ‘anyone can own’ car, they seem to have skimped on the integrity of the body parts. ‘Little things’ such as moldings and weather stripping don’t hold together well.

There are a few things you can do to up your performance. These cars are not afraid to take a few upgrades. Turbos, Octane Boosters, and high grade Spark Plugs are always a useful additions. You might also want to replace the factory Timing/Serpentine belt, or chain with a higher grade. These cars are great for the driver who wants reliability, a decent warranty from dealerships, and a quality car. They are also good if you want a small thrill on the morning drive to work.