The pre-owned BMW cars mentioned above can be dependable, but Kent points out that they are adapted from motorsports. Because of this, their engines are more demanding and have higher-quality components. For instance, the S54 can only reach 8000 rpm since it uses mechanical valve lifters. Therefore, you must regularly adjust the valves—a requirement that modern car owners are less accustomed to than motorcycle owners. Then there are the suspension, brake, and transmission parts that are unique to the M.
High-performance automobiles typically require more frequent maintenance, though. It goes hand in hand with their performance, thus it doesn’t make them unreliable. Driving long distances will increase the cost of ownership just from a maintenance perspective, according to Kent. Don’t purchase a used BMW M vehicle if you can’t handle that.
It’s important to note that these “analog era” cars are simpler to work on at home. Furthermore, Kent adds, “since the [values] are continuing to climb, a lot of these cars just don’t get driven as [often] as they used to.” A automobile can also sustain costly damage from not being driven. Some horror stories about old BMWs are also the result of customers purchasing depreciated vehicles without anticipating the hefty (to them) maintenance costs. Deferred maintenance results in an increased repair price for the subsequent owner.
Furthermore, according to Kent, “there is just a large community at BMW when it comes to figuring out problems and figuring out solutions.” Similar to the Porsche IMS fixes, aftermarket components can eliminate potential costly nightmares. According to Kent, proactive maintenance for E46 and E39 automobiles alone often costs between $10,000 and $15,000.
This is the reason why, according to Kent, “service history is #1 [and] finding a BMW technician that knows what they’re doing is #2” for people looking at secondhand BMW M vehicles. Pre-purchase inspections might also spot issues before they become your issues.
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What used BMW M vehicles are the most dependable?
Regarding BMW M reliability, Mike Kent of EAG advises staying with naturally aspirated vehicles from the company’s “analog age.” In this situation, that refers to vehicles with either the S52, S54, or S62 V8 inline-six engine and manufactured from the late 1990s until around 2010. Or, to put it another way, one of the models below:
- 2004-2006 E46 M3
- Z4 M Coupe/Roadster, 2006–2008
- 2000-2003 E39 M5
- Z3 M Coupe/Roadster, 1998-2002
- 1997-1999 E36 M3
These M automobiles are generally dependable, however that depends on routine maintenance. Therefore, have a pre-purchase examination and check any service records before you decide to buy. These vehicles are still in need of repair and some of them are almost vintage-era models. As a result, any examples you discover for sale are probably going to have aging-related problems like worn suspension parts and outdated gaskets. Once more, a PPI ought to alert you to these issues, which are not exclusive to BMWs.
Even these pre-owned BMW M vehicles have problems, just like newer BMW models. Kent assures me, fortunately, that BMW benefits from “a vast community when it comes to figuring out difficulties and working out solutions.” The remaining issues can be resolved if you set aside some grueling time and/or money.
Reliability of the BMW E30 M3
The E30 M3 is a durable vehicle that works well as a daily driver. These vehicles were made for the track, hence they were intended to be driven aggressively. However, because of their age, these vehicles require extensive upkeep, and their ownership costs are considerably higher than those of the more recent M3 versions. Since the S14 lacks hydraulic lifters, you will at the very least need to maintain fresh and appropriate fluids in the vehicle and perform routine valve adjustments. If you can’t do it yourself, valve adjustments cost roughly $200 to $250 at an independent shop and must be performed every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Some BMW stores are capable of doing it, but it will likely cost you roughly $1,000.
Because the majority of E30 M3s for sale today have extremely high mileage of more over 150,000 miles, an engine rebuild could be expensive to factor in. If you do it yourself, it will cost you about $2k; if you hire a shop to do it, it will cost you between $5 and $6k. You should budget $10–15k if you also need to replace your cylinder head.
Overall, the E30 M3’s engine is quite dependable and built to run hard, but given that the vehicles are almost 30 years old, maintenance and upkeep become costly. You can look at our maintenance guide below, which details all the routine maintenance that must be performed on these vehicles to keep them in good operating condition.
Are BMW Cars Good?
Before examining whether or not BMWs are dependable, it is important to understand why this topic has generated so much controversy. The fundamental cause is straightforward: BMW produces some of the world’s most sought-after automobiles. Given this commonality, it makes sense why so many individuals are interested. In reality, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW make up the holy trinity of illustrious luxury manufacturers from Europe. BMWs are quite desirable.
Its cars are well known for their sporty handling and performance, as we already noted. BMW has gained a lot of fanatical praise for its M-tuned automobiles. The iconic BMW white and blue roundel mark is a symbol of accomplishment for average people. In fact, according to a Consumer Reports poll, BMW was the second-best car brand in terms of driving enjoyment. Even for overall owner satisfaction, they placed second.
There is also the matter of preference. BMW offers a wide range of vehicles, from expensive luxury sedans like the 7-Series to more affordable crossovers like the X2. There are really sporty M-spec BMWs for enthusiasts in between. They are followed by their more subdued siblings, who have received similar tuning and engineering improvements. Customers can therefore easily become fans of the BMW brand since they can essentially purchase any vehicle that fits their needs.
BMW X7
A luxurious 7-seat SUV like the Range Rover or the Mercedes-Benz GLS may be made very easily. However, BMW has made sure that no one will forget the X7 with its uncompromising design language. The X7’s performance also discredits a number of conventional sedans.
Theoretically, a vehicle’s reliability rating should increase with price. Sadly, this is not the case. The average reliability rating for the BMW X7 is 45 out of 100 according to Consumer Reports. Additionally, it received a 3 out of 5 anticipated reliability rating.
The electrical system, which has several issues ranging from jerky acceleration and a buggy infotainment system to broken chairs, is the main cause of the X7’s poor reliability.
The automatic transmission of the BMW X7 is likewise problematic. Some vehicles include an extra starter motor bolt that can accidentally fall into the transmission and result in a number of issues.
Do BMW M vehicles cost a lot to maintain?
Yes, BMW servicing is more expensive than many other manufacturers, whether they are premium or not, once the warranty expires. Over a ten-year period, a BMW may cost $12,000 more to maintain than a Toyota and $5,000 more than a Mercedes-Benz.
Because it’s a German car with specialized parts and technology, maintaining a BMW is pricey. It’s not merely a car to get people from point A to point B; it was designed for driving aficionados. A $400 battery replacement, for instance, might be necessary because the mechanic must register the battery with the engine control module. If not, the battery risk of an early demise since the vehicle won’t “know” how to charge it.
Additionally, the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) system in cars connects countless sensors and controls. A BMW may require a sophisticated method for a simple repair on another vehicle, which increases labor expenses.
Yes, a 3-Series BMW requires pricey maintenance once the manufacturer or certified pre-owned warranty has expired. A used BMW 3-Series typically costs $1,000 to $1,700 per year in maintenance and repairs.
A BMW 328i oil change can cost between $149 and $174, according to RepairPal. Nevertheless, depending on your area and BMW model, you can pay more than that.
Mercedes or BMW, which is more dependable?
Both BMW and Mercedes are recognized for their high-end, high-performance automobiles; yet, because of the engineering intricacy, should something go wrong, this could result in pricey repair work.
According to the J.D. Power 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study, the most recognizable brands in the world’s 2018 models were evaluated for the number of issues per 100 vehicles. With a score of 108 problems, BMW placed 11th. Mercedes-Benz came in at number 15 with 122.
Which German vehicle is the most trustworthy?
One of the most dependable brands on the international market, Volkswagen is the marquee brand for the Volkswagen Group.
The German government founded Volkswagen in 1937 with the goal of giving the populace a dependable automobile that was inexpensive for the average driver, hence the appellation “people’s vehicle.”
Volkswagen is known for a wide range of vehicles, from beloved family and young driver favorites like the Golf and Polo to legendary movie stars like the Beetle.
The Beetle was so well-liked that it survived in production for decades before finally being stopped in 2018. It was partially created by famed automaker Ferdinand Porsche, who later went on to found his own firm.
Due to their low costs, dependable engineering, roomy interiors, and all the modern amenities that drivers require today, the Golf and Polo continue to be among of the most popular hatchbacks on the market and are steadfast family favorites.
What M3 is the most trustworthy?
The F80 does not have many typical problems, making it likely the most dependable M3 since the E30. Crank hub failure has been reported, and despite being primarily a concern with customized vehicles, it does occasionally occur with stock vehicles. You’ll spend about $2,500 for this prophylactic measure, but the peace of mind is probably worth it.
One thing to keep in mind is that many F80s have modifications, which is fine as long as you’re aware of them.
On occasion, owners will tune the vehicle to produce more power without making the required supporting alterations, which might harm the engine and hasten wear. A pre-purchase inspection is a must, just as with any other car on this list, so make sure you shop carefully.
How long is a BMW M3 good for?
If previous M3’s are any indicator, the engine and transmission should easily reach 200,000 km unless you mistreat the car or neglect to maintain it properly. Both E36s and E46s with 150k+ and 100k+ mileage are in good condition.
Is the BMW M3 quick?
The vehicle outperforms the stock M3 in every single performance metric. The base engine, a 3.0-liter straight-six twin-turbocharged BMW, produces 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque and 503 horsepower (375 kW) in the Competition edition. The basic M3 can only hit 155 mph and needs 4.1 seconds to get there (250 kph). The tuned vehicle outpaces that with a breathtaking top speed of 193 mph (311 kph).
For 2021, the BMW M3 received a significant update over the car from the previous generation. The powerplant, which partners with an eight-speed auto in the Competition configuration, is one of many similarities between it and the M4. The car’s top speed is increased with the optional M Driver’s package to 180 mph (290 kph), yet it still falls short of the modified M3 in the above video.
The first official M3 Touring wagon was introduced by BMW this year, and we’d like to see it get the same Pure Turbos upgrade as the sedan version. It would be quite the sight to witness a wagon speeding down the Autobahn at 193 mph. A BMW M3 CS is also in the works, but it will have a design that puts the emphasis on dominating the track.