I have had both cars with both engines and I had more problems with my 2.8 than my 1.8T. The problems I have had with the 1.8T is because of me modding it.

And kolbs, why are you looking for BMW?

Josh

 

Seems like it's one thing after another with my car. It's a great car, but I'm not so sure my budget can keep up with the maintenance. I wish I would've read into the car before I boughtit, especially since I didn't really have any plans to mod the engine.

 

Get a 2.8. In your price range (and so a higher mileage car), the 2.8 will probably be more forgiving if any of the previous owners weren't particularly diligent about maintenance.

 

Cool cool cool,good stuff from everyone-I appreciate it,I would like to get into a car that has potential to modify but as I am looking for a second car and being a family man,I dont drive like a mad man nor want to mod the hell out of it,I would probably do the basics on any car I get(intake,exhaust,stereo system from Sound Advice) but basically just get me from home to work and after driving the car for a few months,go on a road trip

 

if those are ur plans then i think the 2.8 is good. i have similar plans as u but im not a family man lol. and ever since i've got mine, al i've done are front control arms, front and rear pads and rotors, and soon have to do valve cover gaskets, wheel bearings and 02 sensors. as u can see, i've had no engine problem. i've had the car since may which is not that long but im rly happen with it. i also kno a guy in my area that has the same car as me, he's had it for like 1 and .5 years. he has done no wrenching around the engine at all. and the 2.8 is hella fast on the highway if u ever needed that little bit