[speeder]

All of the actual ownership experience related here points to a very stout car with some normal maintenance issues, like oil leaks and suspension bushings at certain mile posts. Nothing at all to indicate a finicky or unreliable vehicle.

FWIW, one of my best friends in the world has a 2001 325i sportwagon that he bought new with 240k miles on it. He is not good at taking care of his cars, not a DIYer at all and it's going strong. He's looking forward to 300k miles.

I would not buy an unmaintained or abused example but otherwise, I'd have no qualms. And they sold so many that there is no excuse for buying a bad one, there are thousands for sale. I would not buy an abused Asian car 10 years old either.

There is an argument for buying a Japanese or Korean car, (cheaper), but it's not that BMWs are weak/temperamental cars. Just the opposite is true.