Steve 96C4S

I was getting my 95 740i serviced today at my BMW repair shop (not the dealer) in Rockville Md and the GM found out I was interested in getting a 97 993 C4S from a comment I made while waiting for my car, and flat out said "you don't want one of those!!!" I asked why? He said, "it has a dual spark plug motor and it costs $1800 to replace the spark plugs as you have to drop the engine". He said they are SO expensive to maintain, that I couldn't afford it! He added, that unless I only planned on driving it on weekends, I certainly shouldn't buy the car.

This surprised me, as I've never had anyone "in the know" tell me not to buy a 993 before because of prohibitive costs. I told him I already own an 88 911 and was eventually going to upgrade it one day - to which he said I should definitely keep my older, simpler car and be glad I heeded his advice. I was floored. I told him I'm going to get one anyway, to which he said something like "a 993 is ancient technology". Huh? I told him I didn't like the newer body style of the 996's and he just reiterated that I should not buy a 993! He said that he is very knowedgeable about 911's and that he worked in the racing world for the last 8 years before he went back to work at this BMW repair outfit, this time as GM. He's the owner's son...

I'm confused. I know from reading this board that 993 ownership isn't THAT expensive, compared to my 88 911 - is it?

I wonder why he was so adamant about me not buying one? I asked him, "so what should I buy? I want to replace my older 911 with something newer, eventually." He said, "What about a BMW M5?" I said I already have a 740i for daily driver and I need an automatic in my BMW car, not a 6 speed. He said, "doesn't the M5 come in an automatic too?" What? He's the GM at the repair place - he should have known that they only come in 6 speeds!!!

Strange...
Steve
95 740i
99 XK8 her's

Randy M

That same guy might tell you to get an M3 for their bullet proof motors

Greg Fishman

He is an idiot. Nothing else needs to be said.

neunelf

If he has such profound information and experience it sounds like we could all benefit from his knowledge.
I think you should invite him to this board to enlighten us with his wisdom of all things 993.

Truthfully, he sounds like the type of individual who feeds his own ego by spewing out (so called) facts that others who are 'less informed' are humbled by.

JW in Texas

What an idiot. I never touched my '96 other than oil changes & scheduled maintenence & after beating on an '86 911, a '90 964 & now the Super Cup, no other car can put up with track use like a Porsche can. The Z06 is a great bang for the buck car as are the BMWs BUT not under heavy track use. One of our DE regulars was damn quick in his Z06 but after his 2nd motor replacement (original motor + TWO more) in a year and a half, he decided to sell & buy a BoxsterS before his GM warranty ran out. Smart Guy! Buy your 993, you won't regret a minute!

Anir

[quote]Originally posted by Greg Fishman:
<strong>He is an idiot. Nothing else needs to be said.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Except that Daddy has obviously been too good to this boy, and it shows in his baseless boasts and lack of knowledge in all things automotive (Porsche and BMW). It's sad how often you see this pattern of behavior in those who inherit their good fortune from self-made parents or grandparents.

You might consider writing a letter to Dad about how son is alienating high-end customers with stupid comments and a lack of overall knowledge of BMWs. Start off with "I used to love coming to your shop, but may return to the dealer for future service because..."

Stever, take it from someone who just sold a 2002 M3 with a blown engine at 8,000 miles back to the dealer. Almost everything he said about a 993 would be more applicable to BMW's attempt at a "modern" sports car. The 993 is the best car I've ever owned, and totally reasonable to service for a thoroughbred sports car - especially if you don't mind getting your paws dirty.

Ray Calvo

What do you expect from a bozo selling yuppie-mobiles?

$1800 for a spark plug change? No way - not with the mechanic I got. He works for far less than minimum wage. Then again, he only works when HE wants to, a spark plug change takes a weekend, and you have to put up with his eternal cursing during the job. Also, once he's done the house needs a cleaning as he refuses to change or take a shower right after finishing, so he drags all this dirt/grease thru the house.

Seriously, I've found my 993 to be about the most reliable vehicle I've owned (better than even my suppsedly bulletproof '87 Honda Accord, which needed a clutch and tranny rebuild at 50K miles). 71K miles and no engine/clutch/tranny problems. However, if you have a mechanic do the work, be prepared to prob. pay at least double the costs of your '88 (exc. for valve adjustments, which you no longer have to do!).

I f you're looking for a 993 - get one. If you've driven one and loved the experience, you'll never be happy with a yuppie-mobile.

PK

[quote]Originally posted by Ray Calvo:
<strong>
I f you're looking for a 993 - get one. If you've driven one and loved the experience, you'll never be happy with a yuppie-mobile.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Ray, you forgot to add:

...and if you own one, hold on to it at all cost (even at $1800 for spark plug change)...




PK

Martin S.

The lady (GM) doth protest too much, methinks.

John H. in DC Area

Was this at BMW Excluservice in Rockville? If so, they have ZERO worthwhile experience with marques other than BMW. Don't burden another neuron worrying over what those guys said about any Porsche.

Steve 96C4S

Yes, I hate to say it but it was Excluservice in Rockville. I have always been happy with the work they've done to my BMW and the prices they've given me, which is why I really didn't want to say the name of the shop. They're a really great shop, but this guy gave me some very odd advice. From what you guys/gals have said above in your posts, I'll just pretend I never had that odd conversation with them about a 993.

They've also trashed our idea of getting a Jag XK8 for my wife, but she loves the car, it's everything she thought it would be in the year she's owned it, and it's been remarkably reliable - all in total opposition to what the owner ofthis BMW shop said our Jag owning experience would be. (Flamesuit on and ready)

I wish people would keep derogatory comments about other marques to themselves. It really alienates a customer to their shop. Like my mother always told me, "it you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".

Steve
99 XK8 Jag her's
95 740i <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" />

Malibusteve

Remember Auto Salesmen of any kind are always going to prompt their product as the "best" and lump all others, despite their quality, as inferior. The only purpose they serve is to provide a source for inadequate and inferior info, OH, they also can assist with suicidal tendencies, take a deep breath around one of them and see how long you last. The 993 is by far the best bang for the buck....... Its' development, performance history and avid/obsessive ownership substaniates
what a wonderful car it is. Sit in one, drive one and you will know no better feeling (i.e. definitely "auto-erotic) with the exeception of a few no auto related. Regards, Steve

ZAMIRZ

Seems like anything but BMW praise gets the <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" /> from this guy. Like Anir said, it's sad how the little ones grow up to take over daddy's business and end up doing pulling the bonehead moves <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> . An M5 is a good car in its own right and should be respected for it's own good qualities however it is not a sports car, rather a hot-rodded sedan. The 911 is and has been a true sports car from the beginning. If he's been good to your BMWs in the past, I wouldn't stop going to him because of his lousy persuasive maneuvers, just don't mention any other marque while you're in there and you should avoid any more mindless bullsh!t the guy throws at you.

later,

amir

DJ

[quote]Originally posted by Ray Calvo:
<strong>$1800 for a spark plug change? No way - not with the mechanic I got. He works for far less than minimum wage. Then again, he only works when HE wants to, a spark plug change takes a weekend, and you have to put up with his eternal cursing during the job. Also, once he's done the house needs a cleaning as he refuses to change or take a shower right after finishing, so he drags all this dirt/grease thru the house.
</strong><hr></blockquote>


Not to mention that he keeps trying to sleep with your wife...

Allen

What do you expect a guy who services BMWs for a living to say about ANY other marque than "his" own...? I hear the same about BMWs from Porsches dealers, the same about Fords from Chevy dealers, etc., etc.