Customer Reviews

BMW Buyer's Guide

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is fine as an illustrated guide to the different models, as there is a large photo and usually a few smaller detail photos for each model, along with some technical statistics following the photos, and snippets of owner commentary. The introductory "Buyer's Guide" chapter is a good 5-6 page guide on what to look for when evaluating a used BMW, or other brand for that matter. The rest of the guidance comes in the form of a 1-2 page intro to each model in which the changes to and quirks of the particular year or model are discussed, and then notes on the photos with arrows pointing to the problem areas on the car.

I guess I was expecting a bit more detail on what makes one BMW a better buy than another, comparisons of the different models, series, etc. Instead, I found the actual buying advice, while valuable, a bit skimpy.

This actually is a pretty good book. There are a number of color photos for each car (it covers 2002's-e46 BMWs, even M models and the 8 series!) with text captions for problems to look for for each car. It lists the specifications for each model and provides a handy summary of repair costs and parts costs for items such as bumpers, fuel pumps, oil filters etc. I don't remember seeing a pricing guide for each car, but such information can easily be found in a bluebook or a website like edmunds.com.

This isn't a repair manual, but definatly gives a prospective buyer a number of things to think about and look for when shopping for a used BMW.

Fred Larimer's "BMW Buyer's Guide" is not only a truly
informative book for anyone contemplating buying an
used BMW but, in addition, it is a treasure for anyone
interested in the BMW in general. Specifically, it
provides beautiful pictures of various BMWs with a
comprehensive outline of potential problem areas prone
to the models illustrated. More importantly, it
provides an useful and meticulous outline of the steps
to be followed in testing an used BMW prior to the
actual purchase of an used BMW and, by extension, any
used vehicle.

This actually is a pretty good book. There are a number of color photos for each car (it covers 2002's-e46 BMWs, even M models and the 8 series!) with text captions for problems to look for for each car. It lists the specifications for each model and provides a handy summary of repair costs and parts costs for items such as bumpers, fuel pumps, oil filters etc. I don't remember seeing a pricing guide for each car, but such information can easily be found in a bluebook or a website.

This isn't a repair manual, but definatly gives a prospective buyer a number of things to think about and look for when shopping for a used BMW.

The intent of the book is to help assist you in the process of purchasing a used BMW. I would assume that a book like this should be more geared towards individuals having limited or zero experience/prior knowledge of BMWs. Although the book is grossly inadequate, at least it's written for this target audience. That's the only positive comment I have for it.

I'm that target audience. Up until two weeks ago, I wouldn't have known if a ride was a BMW unless I was staring right at the BMW logo on the nose, or caught sight of a cryptic numeric model designation on the rear. I am now on the hunt. Therefore, the last two weeks I have spent every free moment scouring the internet for information on BMWs. I am amazed at what I have learned in such a short time. Thank God for the internet!

So, here's what I expected of a book like this, and what I got:

I looked at the index, and saw that the chapters were broken down by BMW series. No surprise here. I was tempted to jump right to the E46 section, as that was my target model. Instead I went to the beginning of the book, were general information applicable to most/all models was presented. The book is comprised of two parts - the general section at the beginning of the book, and the individual series chapters making up the rest of the book. The first section of general information is only 8 pages (7 if you don't including the fluff preface and introduction on the first page). 8 pages??? Are you kidding me??? If you spend any time looking for information on BMWs on the internet, you'll find that there is a whole lot more information that they author could have provided. 5 minutes worth of reading, and I was pissed. Save your money, Google "BMW" and you'll get what you should have gotten here.

The remainder of the book is entirely the sections dealing with each BMW series. If you're in the market for a BMW, chances are you're looking to buy in a particular series because of your particular price point, mileage considerations, desired options, etc. Perhaps you're interested in more than one, so you might have use for more than one chapter. Every series section uses the exact same layout and organization without variation. Don't think that you may get lucky for your particular target series and be presented with more information than I'm describing here. With this book, it appears you're not paying for information as much as you are a cookie-cutter layout. So, here's EXACTLY what you'll get for each individual series chapter:

1 introductory page (exactly 1 and only 1), providing general information about the series, changes from the previous series, recall information, etc. There are 20 chapters to cover all of the BMW series. It is AMAZING that the general information for EACH and EVERY single chapter is exactly 1 page. Heaven forbid if there was actually more useful information for a particular series that could take up more than one page of space! News flash..there is, and either the author was lazy or it did not make the editorial cut. Again, save your money, Google your target model, and don't let another tree be wasted on this book.

Next is a single page containing a "Ratings Chart" showing a rating level for 1) Model Comfort/Amenities, 2) Reliability, 3) Collectibility (what is that? maybe recouping your value? Who knows, it's not explained), 4) Parts/Service availability, 5) Est. Annual Repair costs. I searched the entire book and could not find any information explaining WHO it was that provided the ratings, or HOW the data was compiled. Is it the author's opinion? Ratings charts are useless to me, they are too subjective. So if you're going to present this useless information, at least tell me what the source is. This page is pure fluff, it will include one or two example pictures of a single model within the series to fill up the space left on the page. If you really want ratings, save your money and Google your target model and the word "ratings." At least you know who's doing the rating.

Next is a two-page section called "Garage Watch." This section tells you about common problems to look out for. This could and should probably be the most important information provided in the book. Each model in the series has this two-page section. In every case, the two pages is a single photo containing one view of the exterior of an example model. This photo spans both pages. Overlaid on the exterior shot of the car are small boxes with one or two sentences describing a potential problem. Each box points to a spot on the car's exterior. Granted, you have a bullet list of things to look for, but again, the potential for more extensive information is sacrificed for a page layout. Scour the BMW forums online and it will become evident very quickly that there is a ton of additional information regarding problems and issues that at least a portion could have been added to this section. The information that is provided is often useless or not very helpful. For example, a warning is given regarding the tendency of thermal reactors to crack, and in states requiring original emissions equipment, both reactors are required. The box containing this warning points to the hood exterior. Apparently this part is somewhere under this closed hood in the picture. How about telling me what a thermal reactor is, or showing me a picture where they are located on the engine so I know what to look for? This section is filled with such examples. "Watch out for a leak here, or a leak there" but don't show me a picture. Save your money and go to BimmerForums.com. You'll never have enough time to cover the wealth of information provided there.

Next is a section containing a list of Specifications for each model, occupying one or more pages, depending on the number of models in the series. The NADA website has this, in addition to probably a hundred others sites. Don't buy this book.

Next is a list of replacement costs for common parts. What was the author thinking? Prices are only going to hold for so long. This book was published in 2002. Pricing information is now rendered useless. Use this page to wipe your butt or line your hamster cage.

Next is a page titled "What they said about..." which has a list of a handful of auto review quotes. You know, the one or two liners that pop up on your car commercials. Worthless. We're shopping for a BMW for a reason, it's no big revelation that each BMW gets positive reviews. I paid for this??

Next page is a page titled "I bought a..." which is a list of a handful of quotes from ordinary people who purchased this model. Refer to my comments in the previous section. I paid for this too?? Don't use this page to wipe your butt, it's so weak that your fingers will probably poke through.

Section over. A whopping 10-12 pages (on average, stuffed with pictures mind you) for each model. Now ask yourself, is the price of this book worth what I just detailed for you? As for me, I wanted help buying a E46 3-series. I paid for less than 20 pages of useless information. There is no subjectivity here, I've told you exactly what's in the book.

Here's some other information that I wanted and reasonably expected:

Detailed list of options that are std and optional for each model. The "blue book" websites (i.e. Edmonds, NADA) provide this), but I was hoping for a single reference section in the book. Save your money, use the web sites.

Descriptions of options. For example, would it be expecting too much for an explanation of what Electrochromic Rearview mirrors are? A coupe with a 3rd seat? What is that? Surely there's not a seat stuffed into the trunk of that coupe, or is there? If you don't know now, you will not know after buying the book.

Detailed description of each "package" offered for each model, containing a detailed list of the options included in each package. For example, tell me what options make up the "Sport" package for each model year. That way, when the seller tells me that it has the package "x" I don't have to ask if the car has option "y." Likewise, if the seller tells me it has the "Sport" package, can I assume the seller is lying if the car has a four-spoked steering wheel?

My rant is over. If you doubt my review and are still thinking about buying it, I would love to sell you mine, along with the proverbial swamp land.

See that book does what its design to but only that and with so few info its hard to recommends the book over all the info you can finds on the differents Bmw forums.

This is a good book for those that are new to purchasing BMW's. Having owned three getting this book, I found it to have some interesting information that made it a good coffee table read as well as a begining reference when car shopping.

Those that own previously owned BMW's either love our mechanics because the car purchased was in good condition or they love us but we purchased a bad egg and will be spending big $$$ at the shop.

No, this isn't the BMW Bible. Join the BMWCCA for that book, but it does contain a large amount of good information and nice photos of the various models up to the 2001 X5 which makes it a good buy for a non-BMWCCA member wishing to learn about the various models.

It does what the author said it would do, provide a "guide" for the buyer.

Get it and enjoy.

I have always had an interest in BMW's however after moving to California that changed. I lost all interest after the "Yuppee" mobile craze hit. It seemed only real phoneys owned them. However now the phonies have moved on to SUV's so Beemers have become interesting again. Not the new ones but ones from the 80's. This book is a wonderful cataloge of the Beemers. Wonderful photos, fantastic articles, and easy to read. One of the best books on cars I have ever read.

Informative text. Before buying a used BMW, buy this book. Especially useful in talking to sellers over the phone. Use the information on each model to get the seller talking about what repairs and maintenence have been performed. It will put you in the driver's seat during negotiations.

If you have never owned a BMW, this book is required reading. Pros: (1) Contains an overview of the more common problems with BMWs (a godsend). (2) Author provides a step-by-step primer of how to inspect a used BMW, which is more thorough than anything else, including the Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide. (3) The book's primary focus involves highlighting problems on a model-by-model basis with pictures of the different models, organized according to E number (i.e., the automotive platform), and includes cost replacement charts, detailed specs charts, and owners' insights. Cons: (1) Just about all of the owners offering remarks are from California. I live near DC and would like to read comments from owners that have to contend with east cost drivers, hazards, and road conditions as well as ALL four seasons. (2) Balance. In contrast to all of the negatives pointed out for each model, the book doesn't highlight the positives. For example, if traction control is standard on the E46 323i and 328i, it should be highlighted somewhere on those two pages, perhaps with a different color border indicating a positive. The few positive comments are buried in the one-page introductory remarks for each E type. (Gushing hype lifted from Motortrend or Car and Driver doesn't offer insight into owning a car.) (3) Each section offers ratings charts for the different models, which are ambiguous at best.

THAT BEING SAID, the book was an invaluable resource when I purchased my used BMW. It really helps to have the devil's advocate sitting on your shoulder (or tucked under your arm) when laying out this kind of money. But my mechanic's reassurance convinced me that my BMW choice was reliable and worth the investment. (He bought the same model for his wife and she's never had a problem.) If anyone's decision to buy a used BMW was based solely on reading this book, few would ever buy one. But having read the book, I can't imagine buying one without it.