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General question here for anyone. What was last year to be able to buy a BMW with non-runflat rubber? And same question in an AWD?
I think there is an irony here that surrounds a BMW. It is a drivers car, proven in many ways but specifically a big one in my books in that they still offer a number of manual trannys in them. Yet many/most real drivers and enthusiasts who appreciate the handling strengths that a BMW offers up, like to row their own gears and do their own work. Just how many guys that are at the track on a w/e who don't so their own oil changes and at least tire swaps.
In NA I think BMW's slot is there (where it is) by default. It has such wide range of owners, but most are affluent spenders. Even the young (wealthy) chics all seem to want to buy a BMW. Or at least they want to be seen in one. ANd they buy autos of course, cuz they never learned how to drive a stick. If you were to ask any given one of those wet behind the ears teeny boppers something specific about a BMW's true talents, they couldn't elaborate on even one single thing is my guess, save maybe for saying they are pretty quick if they press the accelerator...(as long as the tranny is rowing its own gears).
Crap...what am i trying to say? I think it is this..that for such a driver's car, it seems almost blasphemous that if an owner who is knowledgeable and capable (given the right tools) that that same car has to be returned to the dlr for almost everything. If anyone has ever re and re'd their own engine and tranny at home in the back yard and then starts it and puts it in gear and drives off troublefree with nary so much as an adjustment till the next oil change, then those guys (and girls...albeit few) knows that level of satisfaction with how well your wheels communicates to you when driving, can even be topped by accomplishing that task. It is a great feeling even tho your back and neck and arm muscles all hurt like blazes. If you have never done it, then you don't know..
So the BMW seems ill-slotted somehow because I know so few would ever entertain an engine swap...at least on any of them in the last 15 to 20 years or so..
It's like its true capabilities fly over the heads of the majority of the wealthy owners who buy and especially, lease them.
During our Used Car Inspection, if it was noted that the oil looked especially dirty the guys would pull the valve cover to see if the engine was sludged up. I can't remember any that they had a problem with.
But, one night I took in a very nice Civic Coupe. Bought new and not a leased car. I remember it had something like 70,000 miles on it. It looked and ran very well.
The guy worked for Microsoft and he drove the Civic a half mile to the Park and Ride to catch the bus. After work, a half mile drive home. As I recall, the Civic was about 8 years old at the time.
The next evening, I was working late and one of the night shift mechanics came to get me. He wanted to show me something on that Civic.
When I walked into the shop, three or four guys were clustered around the Civic looking under the hood.
The valve cover had been pulled and they wre all staring at the valve train which was encapsulated in thick goo! It looked like a jello mold!
You couldn't even see the rockers!
One of the guys thought that it just might have even had the factory oil filter.
Surprisingly, the car showed no sign of distress. It still ran very well and had all of it's power.
The oil got changed several times and the Civic got wholesaled.
The well for the spare is still there.
actually, my BIL bought a 550 (2 years ago I think, might be a 2008) that came with summer performance run flats. It was wasn't until he got home and looked in the trunk that he discovered it also came with a spare tire! Needless to say, when time came for new rubber, he saved a bundle getting non-runflats.
also, BMW does not want you to touch the car. It doesn't even come with a dipstick anymore.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I don't think many leased cars are subject to zero or sparse maintenance but I do know that they certainly don't get over serviced like cars people plan to keep for ten years.
And, I used to tell my customers that. " If you're the slightest bit worried, you shouldn't buy it".
People skimp on non leased cars too.
I was thinking more along the lines of purchasing, not maintenance and repair. Most BMWs are more expensive (similarly equipped) than many other makes to purchase.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I change the oil every 4 - 5000 miles on my leased cars and usually do an air filter and cabin filter once. I also rotate the tires every other oil change so they wear evenly. In the 36K ill have it I think that is enough. I would be willing to bet that is more than some people who own it do.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Just turned in our leased 2007 Accord. After four years it only had 22,000 miles.
In that time, it had four oil changes, one tire rotation, one air filter but no cabin filter.
Whoever gets it will get a great car.
I just can't stand to abuse anything!
I need to find someone like you turning one of those in!
I took delivery of the new CRV a week ago Monday in the snowstorm.
Fly out, you can spend the night here and drive it home!
Oh, and I just detailed it this week. Interior looks vastly better without the dog hair, grass clippings, and my daughters assorted paper droppings! Even waxed it up, so it is nice and smooth and shiny for you.
as to leases, something I have never done, I would probably treat it like my other cars for oil changes, but nothing more. When the service light comes on, it will get a basic oil change.
tires will only get rotated if I see uneven wear, since most likely they will get replaced before return. And not a chance I am changing something like the air filter or brake fluid!
so if I bought it, it would get more and sooner preventive maintencance, but that is stuff not called for in the manual.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'll be poking along in the Ody a few more years I suppose but yours was the last generation of Accord I still really liked.
CRV is nice. My brother has the previous generation of that one. I like the look of the previous version better but almost everything else about the new version.
I hear they are finally pulling the plug on the Element.
I don't think that is going to happen and here is the reason why. All your maintenance schedules are recorded in their computer system. They aren't going to take to kindly to you returning a leased car that hasn't been serviced properly....and the information is all in the computer. I wouldn't want to mess around with that.....extra charges for not servicing the car on time and voiding the warranty!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Last time I bought a car from a private party I had to go over to the DMV (well, the MVC) for registration and plates before I could drive it home. They handed me WTF plates. I still have them on the car.
As we all know, the biggest cost to own any car is depreciation, and according to Edmund's, the lowest true cost to own champ among convertibles over $35,000. is the Lexus IS 250. I believe it is made by Toyota, not BMW.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I believe the last year was 2007 for both. After we signed all the papers we were told about the run flats and it was advisable to buy the insurance as they were worth about $1500 at the time...though now they are about $300 each.
I think AWD could have been offered earlier but our 2008 was the first year you could get AWD and standard I am pretty sure. I believe Audi has had it longer.
And that is just a best guess but hope it helps.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I would not doubt you....just show it to me in print somewhere! (Yogiism)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I would not doubt you....just show it to me in print somewhere! (Yogiism)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
How is that for technology?
'WTF' made it through the vetting process here in CT, too.
I couldn't believe it the first time i saw one of those plates.
Said it here before, became one back when my Dad came home with a 56 Fairlane he bought from his boss and I saw the T'Bird valve covers on the engine when he opened the hood.
Best thing is having an Expedition save my family when hit by a wrong way driver on the highway. The worst is having to put a transmission in my Explorer, which was not the end of the world, after 6 years and 90k.
Funny thing is, this year we have put the second most mileage on the Explorer since we have had it.
Both my kids are away at school, so it could just sit.
I just enjoy driving a RWD vehicle with a V8, so my Fusion has been sitting in the garage quite a bit.
Well, that milage is a little high and all those "dings" bring the value down a bit....
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
No rough stuff necessary. I assume that's some sort of SUV so I wouldn't want it.
To me a SUV has the worst parts of a car and a truck. Not my thing.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Ha ha, talk about different lifestyles. You're looking at those cars and I'm drooling over a 1992 Achieva! I supose I'll have to live through you for the time being.
Speaking of the Lancer Evo, did you see this week's Top Gear show? They race the Evo against a couple of skiers down a mountain in 8 feet of snow. The driver could barely stop giggling long enough to say "I'm in love!"
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Exactly! And BMWs would tend to be leased by the posers who want the flash but don't want to spend the cash to service "somebody else's" car.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I got here by checking my 'recent posts'.
stock up on bottled water and pop tarts(no expiration date).
I just came back in through that link and it was there for me. I also was able to use the 'search forums' feature to get here.
Or maybe you're talking about something that's over my head.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I don't think there is a well in the trunk for a spare. My roof sure wouldn't fit in the trunk if there was a spare in there and if the roof was up, I would have about 4 cubic feet of space if there was a spare in there.
Besides, although there are disadvantages, I think the advantages are on the side of run flats. And, they do probably give a little harsher ride, but that isn't too noticable for most people. Still better than trying to change a flat on the highway side of a 70 mph highway.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
How is that for technology?
I get enough emails without my car sending me more....unless they are jokes!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
In that time, it had four oil changes,
Most people would tell you to change the oil at least once every 6 months, even with low mileage. Short trips with low mileage can lead to that sludge problem you were talking about. Once a year seems to be stretching it a bit. Would you have changed it more often if you owned it?
Where the heck is Richard? I ahven't been in here at the same time as him since before Thanksgiving.
I wouldn't bet on it but I believe the rims are exactly the same for RFTs as for regular tires.
What you may have heard was that you shouldn't remove RFTs from the rims because you will ruin the sidewalls...so they should be left mounted on rims.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
In the loaner Accord, next to the power outlet formerly known as a cigarette lighter is a little covered box that when you open it looks all the world like an ashtray except for the fact that on the lip nearest you are the words "not an ashtray." It turns out to be rubber lined so I guess a hot ash wouldn't be such a good idea.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I have known people who bought new cars every year or so skimp on the maintence. So I don't think it is as much not an issue of cost but one of not being around when the lack of maintence causes problems.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Well, I think it's three things:
1) The discipline to do appropriate maintenance on a vehicle (or to do many other things) doesn't appear to me to be present, in any significant measure, in today's society, which is where my comment regarding turn signals came from. If you can't be bothered to use turn signals, to be considerate of those driving (or riding a bicycle or walking) around you, how likely are you to maintain a vehicle you're going to pass on to someone you don't even know? This is to your point that people who cause the issues won't be around when the effects are felt, likely years and tens of thousands of miles later.
2) Sheer ignorance -- many people driving today appear to be hard-pressed to understand how a car works, in even the most basic way. Changing oil may as well be reading Sanskrit, especially if all you care about is filling the thing with fuel, making the monthly payment, and driving it until the lease expires.
3) BMW's own dumbing-down of maintenance. Before the "free" maintenance was included in the price of the car, many fluids were scheduled to be changed on a regular basis (brake, coolant, diff, trans). Not so much anymore, and here we are.
You can say that again :P
Really dude? Now you're just embarrassing yourself. :sick:
And I have to make some comments.
-'BMW maintenance is in their computers. And a lease car turned in without entries in the computer would incur extra charges.....' I know there isn't a dipstick, but I bet there is a drain plug and a filler hole for the oil. How is BMW going to know about oil/filter changes done in a driveway, an independent mechanics, or at the local quick-lube? My Corvette's tranny is in the rear of the car and doesn't have a dipstick. But it has a drain plug and a fill plug. And in the back of my owners manual, under specifications, it tells how many quarts of tranny fluid it takes when drained. Places other than a BMW dealership can service the car.
-'In 2007 a run flat cost $1,500. Now cost about $300....' I can just hear the finance man telling you this when you bought the car, just before he offered the road hazard warranty to you. And you appear to have believed him. When I got my new 2007 Corvette, with runflats, I checked on the price of new ones. The rear, the larger ones, went for about $425 each for OEM Goodyear replacements. The price now is about the same, they sure haven't come down any, probably now cost more. And I know you are talking Canadian and I am talking US dollars, but the difference doesn't cover these amounts.
-'Leave runflats on the rim, you will ruin them if they are not mounted.....' This would make it pretty tough to stock new ones in the warehouse, wouldn't it? I think if you buy a new one, it's not going to come on a wheel. Stocking all combinations of wheels and sizes would really, really be tough.
More and more, when reading your comments, I say 'Huh?' to myself.
We have to ask isell what the heck it is. From the sounds of it maybe it is a spitoon!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I can't think of one case where I have heard of that happening. If I do trade in a BMW for a Buick I might as well just tell them to put a set of wheels on my casket, it would give me the same amount of driving pleasure.
(and I have rented a Buick a few years ago)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Really dude? Now you're just embarrassing yourself.
So, what do you drive verdugo?
I do like my BMW but I like lots of other cars too. Most people like the car they drive otherwise they would have bought something else.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
One of the ones i know of (maybe you can count this as two) is my sister and her husband who were very much the BMW fanatics up to this century are now driving Buicks. I know a few others that while not be driving Buicks but they are no longer driving BMW's. Almost to a person they all stated that while nice the BMW is not worth the extra price.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D