I have a 1998 318iSE Touring with 11000 miles and as new condition. I mainly use an old Volvo 940GLE Estate for normal work and to transport the dogs. I know the Volvo will be good for at least 200000 miles and 20+ years but can anyone tell me if I can expect the same from my BMW. Both cars are maintained meticulously and driven gently.
Many thanks in anticipation of reply. I am just new in here!
Kind regards
Roger

I know several people with 92-93 318's and have 170k+ miles on them on the original engine and transmission with no problems.

bmw's are made to last...my 87 325is has over 200K and it still kicks ass, i drive it hard to! just make sure u change the oil every 3k miles and u should be good to go:smoker2:

My Cousin has BMW 318is 1992 and it was reading 156,000 Miles when I visited him last time. No problems at all. ;)

My other cousin had 325 86' it runs forever!!!!!

No worry, every BMW is durable and last forever....;) ;)

If you had to buy a used, old BMW, chances are you can't go wrong, but there are a few years to watch for. I have this guide on buying a used car and they give low marks to the 3 series in the early 90's, compared to other cars in its class, but other years check out pretty good.

I have a friend that own a 1989 320i touring and it is in perfect condition. Those cars are forever.....

If you don't kill the engine rev to the redline when the engine is still cold you can do your 200k miles with it no prob. In general for that generation - listen to your car it will tell you when it sick, serious.:bandit:

See the picture in my signature. that is my 1990 BMW 325 with 180000 kilometers, and runs like it was new. I brougth it from Holland last year. I went trough an emission control last week and from the maximum CO limit that is 4.5% in Costa Rica this car got 0.01%.

should you change the oil more frequently than the "next service" indicator on the dash? how often?

I change the oil every 5000KM this is aprox. every 3000 miles.... Also I change spark plugs every 2 months, I use split fire triple platinums. Is also a good idea to replace the original air filter with a high perfomance K&N filter, you will save money and the performance will improve a lot.

You change the spart plugs every 2 months? I change the oil about every 4-5 months... usually when it tells me too. Spark plugs should last 50,000 miles not 2 months.

Yes I changed them every two months I like to keep my little baby nice and well maintained. On my 2001 Toyota Rav4 I don't usually changed them so often....

I have seen some early 90's go 500000 kms. These are properly maintained examples though. All cars break, some more often then others.

1986 528e, 275,000 miles (443,000 km), few problems, runs great