You do not need to own a BMW to join Bimmer Garage. Many members are still searching for their first car, saving up for a dream M model or learning about the brand before they buy. If that is you, this topic is your starting point.
Why introduce yourself before you buy
Buying a BMW, especially a performance model, involves many decisions: which model, which engine, which gearbox, what budget and what to check. Members who have owned these cars for years can save you time, money and stress. When you introduce yourself and explain your plans, they can point you in the right direction from the start.
What to tell us
A good introduction for a future owner includes:
- Your experience: have you owned rear-wheel drive or powerful cars before?
- How you will use the car: daily commuting, weekends, family trips, track days.
- Your budget, including a realistic amount for maintenance and repairs.
- Your country, because prices, taxes, insurance and available models differ.
- The models you are considering and what attracts you to them.
- What worries you: reliability, running costs, finding a good example?
Common questions from future owners
Many new members ask similar questions, and you are welcome to ask them too:
- Which generation offers the best balance of fun and reliability for my budget?
- Is a high-mileage car with full history a good idea?
- Manual or automatic for daily use?
- How much should I set aside each year for maintenance?
- What should a pre-purchase inspection include?
You will find many answers in Buying & ownership and in the blog's buying guides. If your question is not answered there, start a topic in Buying & ownership after your introduction.
Learn before you buy
While you search, read topics about the models you like. Learn the known issues, the typical maintenance items and the questions to ask sellers. The more you know, the easier it becomes to recognise a good car and walk away from a bad one.
Share the moment you buy
When you finally find your car, come back to your introduction and tell us about it. Members love seeing a search end well, and your experience will help the next future owner.
Welcome to the community, and good luck with your search.