Hahaha, it's all relative, but really, who'd be selling a car they took pristine care of? Ans:? Nobody...
Couldn't believe all I read when I fell into this 2001 BMW 330XI, 146k when purchased, that called out to me and said, yeah, take me, I'm a decent price, body is super clean and it drove like it was on rails!
Ok, well, 6 months in, here's what I've done so far, all work by me, in chronological order:
Secondary Air Pump, wasn't working, codes!
SAP Valve, SAP vacuum hose, see above!
Moly engine clean, was disgusting, but hey, 12-15k oil change recommended...
Amsoil, Amsoil filter, it purred when changed.
Cabin Air, Engine Air filters, needed.
Plugs, just because, didn't really need, but cheap enough, just do it.
Front O2's, started tracking down lean codes, one was lazy, worth changing imo.
Rear Springs, both sides broken (bottom).
Rear Shocks, one shock literally fell apart once unbolted.
Pirelli Tires, Wheel Alignment, had winter tires on it, fairly new, so an investment.
Oil Filter Housing Gasket, Vanos Hose, OFH was leaking nasty, not enough to drip, but collect and burn on side of the engine!
Power Steering Gasket, leaking, new gasket and tightened hoses and all good!
Tensioner Pulleys, one was shot...
Water on passenger floorboard, first big rain, floor was wet, re-seated all door gaskets
Fuel Filter, just because, and lean codes
Inner Ball Joints, one had movement, change in pairs.
Control Arm Bushings, nasty vibration when braking!
Front Rotors and Ceramic Pads (R1 Concepts, drilled/slotted)
Just this week, hard failure Fuel Pump - replaced!
Upcoming... Parts on hand!
Oil Level Sensor
CCV Kit
Right Passenger window regulator
Need to do:
Fix AC (not working)
Fix smell from vents

Fix Sunroof Cover (guides)
Fix license plate rear lid switch
Front Struts/Springs
Get winter rims for Winter Tires I have...
So take a look... Some things have amazed me that they go so bad, either so fast, or just so bad. I've had cars with 100k in them and they functioned a hell-ova-lot better for sure. Don't give me the high tolerances becaus Razeckar argument. They are fun to drive, I'm enjoying it, but they stink as far as cost per mile concerns. My real race car is a Pontiac and it would kill this little BMW and all the $ I put into that was because I wanted to, not because I "had" to.
Not hating, just relating my recent, new, BMW experiences to the OP. I knew going in they are high maintence, but wow! Hahahaha, I just want to get through it all so I can just get in and drive, not worry about "what next"???
Regards!
