European jaunt in high mileage e46

[jboy72]

An answer, not a question. I have read a few threads which ask whether it is safe or advisable to go on long journeys in "high mileage" BMWs, by which the OP often means any car with more than 100,000 miles on the clock.

I recently went on honeymoon to France and had no hesitation taking my e46 diesel with 144,000 miles on the clock. Mechancially, it feels great and sure enough after 2,400 miles in just over 2 weeks all was as fine on the return Chunnel as it was on the outgoing Chunnel. In fact - it was more than fine. I was expecting to feel a little saddle sore or to need to alternate driving with my wife but not at all. Extremely comfortable seats, lovely icy air con and the outstanding French road system, meant I could have done the same again without hesitation.

So in answer to a question that no-one has actually recently posed - yes, by all means take your high mileage diesel to europe. You will enjoy the drive and your car will probably even thank you for it.

[Jw Vw]

I think people have a mental block when it come to cars with over 100K. No idea why. A BMW is a quality product which hit's big miles if looked after. Some of the posts about cars with over 100K on here really leave me speechless.

[jsk]

my e46 m3 had over 150K miles before i sold it recently. mechanically very good -original clutch and exhaust.

[Harleyboy]

A mate and I are doing a charity banger rally in a 180,000 mile E36 323i, so I hope your experiences are indicative of all high mileage BMW's!! It's a one owner FSH car and with a few checks and some fresh oil, fingers crossed it'll be fine.

No reason it shouldn't make it to Czech Republic and back!

[dcb]

Jw Vw said:

I think people have a mental block when it come to cars with over 100K. No idea why. A BMW is a quality product which hit's big miles if looked after. Some of the posts about cars with over 100K on here really leave me speechless.

+1

They are designed and built for 10 years and 120K miles.

I'd have thought 12-15 years and 150K would be no problem,
with some due care and attention.

Certainly mine, is running fine at 11 years old and 120K on.

If only the owner was in such fine fettle ;->

[Pablo16v]

dcb said:

Jw Vw said:

I think people have a mental block when it come to cars with over 100K. No idea why. A BMW is a quality product which hit's big miles if looked after. Some of the posts about cars with over 100K on here really leave me speechless.

+1

They are designed and built for 10 years and 120K miles.

I'd have thought 12-15 years and 150K would be no problem,
with some due care and attention.

Certainly mine, is running fine at 11 years old and 120K on.

If only the owner was in such fine fettle ;->

It tends to be more of a UK thing though but you're right, regular servicing and maintenance will help with a cars longevity. Our continental cousins have much less hang ups about a cars mileage than we do. When I lived in Holland guys at my work had no problems at all buying cars that had covered 200-300,000km as long as they had been properly looked after. Plus, a lot of Europeans tend to keep their cars for longer periods than us, cover higher miles as they can use the car to go abroad more easily and generally look after them better than we do when they get old and creaky. My Dutch Volvo 850 was 9 years old and when I sold it and it had covered 310,000km. The chap who bought it was really picky about the history and wanted to see every single receipt before committing to buy.

[oxskyline]

my 330 ci petrol on a 02 has just hit 178000 and drives fine she has full bmsh,ive just done 370 miles in the last 3 days ,no problems,as a bove,people are so worried about high milers,when you go to buy just do the important checks,bring on 200k,

[RLK500]

We pounded our e46 328 Tourer all around Europe, with well over 120K on the clock. Never used any oil, original clutch, gearbox was super slick, ran like a dream.

[Jw Vw]

oxskyline said:

my 330 ci petrol on a 02 has just hit 178000 and drives fine she has full bmsh,ive just done 370 miles in the last 3 days ,no problems,as a bove,people are so worried about high milers,when you go to buy just do the important checks,bring on 200k,

Well said mate.

[Frances The Mute]

The problem with people who are scared of doing such things is that they're clearly not on top of their car maintenance.

I'd have no hesitation in jumping in any of my cars for a Continental jaunt - although the Compact would get a bit tiring after a while at sustained, higher speeds.