Fuel-stretching killed my BMW - what will I do?

Hi, we have a 2005 BMW 116i that ground to halt last week and turns out to be its dodgy petrol that caused the problem (i.e. petrol stretching ). We have been quoted anywhere from €1,500 to €4,000 to fit a new engine. At this stage would we be better to try and sell it as is or try and get it fixed as it has been a very problematic car.

Also thinking of buying a2006 Hyundai Coupé: what do you think?

Ruairi Mc Carthy (Mullagh Co Cavan)

Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Ruairi,

I hate to say it, but selling it as it is might not garner you very much. The second hand market is about reliability, reliability, reliability so any car that's already got a troubled history is going to be hard to shift. 

You might actually make more money breaking the car for parts, given the high cost of new parts to BMWs. 

As for the Hyundai, it's a fine car but you might find it a bit impractical after the BMW. Would you consider a nicely-specified Golf instead?

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe