Don’t buy a BMW
I was told in advance that a BMW is the most thrilling ride but also the most frustrating mechanical experience I’ll ever have. I have found this to be true of my 2004 BMW X.3. It is beautiful, fast, responsive and has a great comfortable ride, but it has been in the shop so many times I’m ready to pull out my hair. I have spent as much in repairs as I have for the price of the actual car itself in only three years time. I will take a tremendous bath on this if I sell it, but I’ve been stranded in the desert on the ride back from Las Vegas to Los Angeles 3 times now, which in my opinion is 3 times too many. Even if you get a good one, BMWs are notorious leakers. There’s always fluid everywhere, in the garage, in the street, etc. . Both the regular seals and aftermarket seals are not good, my BMW mechanic won’t even own one because of the problems. Save yourself some time, money and headache, an older model Mercedes is so much better. They cost about the same amount to fix and you won’t be fixing it very often.