It seems Toyota did have an internal problem with those engines. I think the sludge problems that have been seen on some of the BMW forums are a result of 15,000 mile oil change intervals as some on this thread have stated.

Enthusiasts are still buying new BMWs but the majority of modern-day Bimmer buyers just want the image or whatever else that comes with the label. They couldn't care less about looking under the hood prior to that 15,000 mile mark. It is those CPO cars that I would not want to get stuck with unless it has some record of oil changes to go with it.

I've put about 19,000 miles on my e46 and it has been perfect so far. I also change the oil at 5000 to 7500 mile intervals and stay as far from the dealer as I can.
Buy a well looked after BMW, your wife will love it.

Hey guys,
Sorry, didn't mean to flame Toyotas nor Lexus. I had a bad one, and I can't change that. I realize they are great cars and trucks, but we don't want one. The Lexus is350 drove great, was just being driven (by me) for a car to compare to. It probably is a great choice for most, just not mine.
I have family members that swear by Toyota (and Lexus). I do know my wife's Corolla falling apart by 40,000 miles was not common. That still tainted my oppinion of them. Again, thats just one car, but was ours.
We liked the 330i better anyways.
Thanks for the input guys, I mighta had a beer or 3 when I typed that part.

Yes kaisen, I had heard of the Toyota sludge issue. I've also heard that using synthetic oil, letting it warm to operating temperature, and regularly changing the oil (not at 7500 or 15000) will nearly eliminate the issue. Since you seem to have it out for Toyota as well, I'll bring up the JD Power ratings that you seemed fond of in the GM threads. In the bulk of them, Toyota is at or near the top, be it reliabilty or resale value. Overall I think that the ratings are crap, and unrealistic, but turnabout is fair play. There is, however, a reason why many Toyotas are still on the road at 300k or beyond, and they enjoy one of the top resale values of any make.

I really don't have it out for or against any one company, but if a car company screwed me badly (starting at 13,000 miles) why can I not hold that against them? If I blow 3 motors in 18 months, is that ok by you, or if a car needs tune-ups every 6-7000 miles is that what you accept? Or if a car burns 1+ quarts of oil per 1,000 miles and has less than 40,000 miles on it. Or if a car is in the shop every 4 weeks in it's first 18 months (x2 cars)? I've been there and driven many miles, abused and owned many cars. I believe I have a right to an opinion, not like ones who just accept what they read. But I do give many companies JUST one chance, I have choices, they have reputations that one car has either gained/lost my loyalty by.
Yes, Toyotas are great cars for many, but I DO HOLD A GRUDGE! I was putting the wife through college and couldn't afford the expenses a "still new" car afforded me. And I didn't like the other stories I have lived. At the same time I had MANY GREAT cars, just were mostly American cars (none perfect) but acceptable. And I drove a beat up F250 327,000+ miles while the others were failing me often. I abused the crap out of that 72 model (360cid) and it sucked gas, but I couldn't break it. Oh, I did brake jobs, replaced a starter, water pump, carberator, clutch, etc... BUT the parts were cheap and lasted for a long time. I even totalled a Toyota wagon with this truck (this bought my first house). I never repaired the truck, used the money as downpayment on the house. But, the truck had a bent bumper and fender, cracked grill. I started forming an opinion then. I also kept driving that truck.

I am not out after Toyota, nor others. I do want a car that YES, I am proud to OWN, even if the neighbors look at it. I do want a car that holds resale pretty well, and one that drives well. One that costs mebbe $40k or so, yet is trusty for years to come. I prefer new, but accept info offered on good used stuff. As far as the neighbors go, who cares?

This was intended as a quest for information, as in, what would you like your wife to drive! It got sidetracked, but I learn everyday. I have gotten into hobbies (like SIG pistols, M16 rifles, FAL rifles, custom bolt guns, and lately Glock and Hi-power pistols, these I can afford many), for the wife, I want just ONE good car.
Sorry to be longwinded, seems I learn a lot here,
See ya,
John

what a weird thread...

here's my $0.02. If your wife deserves a nice car because she has to (in your words) "put up with me", then I'd buy a used Honda for her and spend the money saved on psychotherapy. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

But that's just my crazy opinion. ymmv. :p

I quoted articles, rather than opinion. This is all I said in my own words:
"That's interesting. Have you heard of Toyota's sludge problems in their V6's? Oh, sorry, Toyotas are perfect."

Both BMW and Toyota have had issues with sludging. This is not opinion, it is documented fact. Choosing to 'warn' potential buyers about BMW's issue, then defend Toyota seems illogical.

E

Yep it's getting wierd, when folks with 11,000 posts reply, offering wierdness, what else can I offer. If I say "she put's up with me" and that makes you offer a response, I guess I must have got attention! My wife has seen me go from making money that was mindspinning back in late 70's, early 80's, me having 3 construction groups, to bankruptcy. She accepted me. I accepted me, I tried and maybe too hard, I failed.

spend the money saved on psychotherapy, your advice? C'mon guy, I have a great wife that I want to offer my best to. I believe I can offer honesty without needing your advice. I asked for car advice, I spent 2 years of Psychology as a minor. C'mon, you can do better and keep your post count alive as well. If your wife can accept your best for 30 years and accept that as your partner, I offer you to be more honest. I've been sorry, I've strayed, but I am proud to now soon offer her a car for our 30th anniversary that I feel she is worthy of. From my sorry ass, that never missed a single day of work.

Do you accept things sometimes abstract?

hey, you asked for advice. If I were in your position I'd buy a cheaper car and get my head shrunk to deal with self-esteem issues.

But that's just me. I do however follow my own advice. Hmm, maybe that's my problem.

I love things that are abstract. Do you always take everything seriously?

I value your advice on honesty. I'm working on that. How am I doing so far?

Yikes, I take things too seriously and do take folks wrong too often. Self-asteem, do you take that as my problem? My head is fine, just thirsting for information, and wanting to make the correct car choice.

I probably soon sell my Porsche and pay off another bill, again, what does this have to do with the car I asked about?

C'mon guys, I am not looking for fights, just info. If I do not like your choice, that is OK. I appreciated your effort and advice. I have not ruled out Audi, Volvo, nor ?

I still want a good choice for my wife, maybe not your choice, that's why they make so many cars, so we have these choices to make. So many decisions, but I have time, no hurry!

I apologize to anyone offended by me, I am working a lot of hours, and physically busting my arse to get things done at work. Is tough for an old fart (sorry ass) like me. I'm not that sorry, nor strapped for funds, but have a daughter wanting to start college, wanting to go to law school this next year. I promised her I'd pay every cent of her school, her car and living expenses as long as she makes mostly correct decisions.
At that point, I see working MORE overtime, but I will pay all bills, and hope to enjoy my wife's car when I can.

I really want a z06 Corvette, is not in the wife's top 10 choices.

Damned, we drove another 06 330i today, was nice.

My stuff?

Looked at the M06, what a car!

I gotta sell my van!

I want a car to make us happy!

That car needs to be affordable! By my afford!

I want the best I can afford?

Best if notes are less than $600 month.

ricochet, I think you are seriously overlooking the audis. i just got an a3 and was comparing with the 3 series. fwiw I found the A3 and A4 to clobber the 3 series in almost every category. I was looking for a practical car that was still sporty and fun to drive as well. The three series fell short for me on mpg, rear seat room, looks, and value. The A3 is actually a propperly quick hatch and even though it's FWD it doesn't torque steer or understeer much at all....the turbo has almost no turbo lag and a whopping 207 lb-ft of torque at 1800rpm. seriously, go with your wife and drive an A4 with the sport package. You will save money and have a better all around car.

jfw's right, Audis are excellent cars, and usually a better value for the money than a BMW. My A4 had stunning build quality, but for some reason I just like driving my BMW better, it feels "special". They're worth a test drive though.

As for the rest of it, just look at the name of this forum, you'll figure it out........

Thanks for the info guys! We put a couple Audis together and when equipped like we desired, the price was pretty close to our wanted BMW car prices. That's not a bad thing, but seems she still wants the BMW.

Heck, we went and drove several Ford products, the new Fusion is kinda exciting for a Ford product (the price is great) but it will be a Ford regardless (and I like Fords), it is questionable. I also drove a Mustang GT convertible, what a hoot, was fun. When I brought it back, she smelled like burnt rubber. That car was fun, and performed great for a car of it's price.
Geez...

I am trying to figure out the BMW costs still. Maybe I'll go drive a z06 vette, the wife does not want it, but I wanta beat up some more tires. That Mustang GT was fun. This decision may take time, and more test drives.
I'm enjoying this decision test so far.

I bought an BMW E39 530i Sport a few months ago. I've never owned another car like it. I hope I've got it for another 10 years or more. I love it.

We bought the wife a five year old 328i last year (no payments!). It has a year left on the warranty and so far it's been a great ride. We looked for 5 series, but it had to have a stick shift and those are hard to find.

Audi with a 1.8t is notorious for oil "coking":

http://www.thesqueakywheel.com/complaints/2005/FEB/complaint6043.cfm

Wife just bought a 03 325i 5spd, sport pack. Fantastic car to drive.

Yeah, the turbo on a 1.8T is only good for 100k or so. Not all that pricey if you DIY though, and irrelevant as the new ones have the 2.0 FSI turbo motor.