BMW is renowned for producing some of the best driving machines the world has ever seen, yet the majority of mechanics will advise you to steer clear of pre-owned models.
Once upon a time, BMW was a renowned automaker, a premium German brand with a lengthy history and an amazing collection of vehicles crisscrossing the globe. Sadly, though, circumstances are now different for the employees at the Bavarian Motor Works. The brand has been permanently damaged with prior owners and do-it-yourselfers due to an emphasis on producing mass-market automobiles that don’t age well.
August 2021 revision: You’ll be delighted to know that we’ve updated this post and go into more detail about the many issues a Bavarian automobile owner may run into if they decide to purchase a used BMW. This should assist you in making the greatest choice for your upcoming automobile purchase.
The majority of knowledgeable owners and mechanics will advise you to avoid used BMWs, especially those manufactured within the previous 20 years or so. Simply put, they are not worth the money you will undoubtedly have to invest in them. They are expensive to repair, have expensive replacement parts, and require a lot of labor.
They certainly have a cool appearance and a certain charm. But when you force personal checks to pour in at the neighborhood Euro repair shop, that beautiful siren tune will finally hit a string of unfavorable notes. Here are 15 compelling arguments against buying a used BMW.
In This Article...
What Used BMW Is the Most Reliable?
You should be safe in any model if you are looking at used BMWs that are just a few years old and have few kilometers on them. It could be challenging to avoid the minefield of faulty BMWs if you are considering something older.
With the exception of the 335i produced from 2006 to 2010, the E90 generation of the 3 series is one of the most dependable BMWs that can still be regarded as current. The well-known BMW driving dynamics should be available even though the convenience amenities will lag below what contemporary cars provide.
For those willing to go even further back in time, the E46 3 series, which is one generation older, has also been praised by enthusiasts as being among the most dependable BMWs ever made, with many examples clocking over 100,000 miles without experiencing any significant problems.
What to think about when purchasing a used BMW
The Bimmer’s traditional rear-wheel drive architecture and potent engines make it a great driving vehicle.
A new BMW is pricey, thus many customers choose used cars instead because they are widely accessible and reasonably priced.
What should you think about when purchasing a pre-owned BMW? Are the BMWs trustworthy? What are the typical issues? The depreciation should be taken into account first.
Depreciation: One problem with BMWs is how much they lose value over time. For instance, a BMW 3-Series that is three years old costs roughly $30,000, whereas a 3-Series that is six years old typically costs around $17,000.
This indicates that the value loss from a three-year-old 3-Series will cost you almost $4,000 every year.
Given this, choosing a 5–6 year old BMW A would be a better choice from a budgetary standpoint. Finding a good-condition BMW that is between 5 and 6 years old is not too difficult.
Ownership expenses: Compared to the ordinary car, BMWs have greater repair, maintenance, and insurance costs.
With more costly components,
Expect to pay much more each yearA for a BMW than a Honda or Toyota for premium gasoline, synthetic oil, high-end or run-flat tires, and greater repair labor costs.
BMWs are robustly constructed and well-engineered, but they won’t be as dependable as Japanese manufacturers. In general, reliability ratings for BMW vehicles range from “below average” to “average.”
It goes without saying that a secondhand BMW will occasionally require repairs. The use of plastic rather than more resilient materials is one frequent concern plaguing BMW and other European cars. With time, plastic parts deteriorate.
A Long service intervals used to entice buyers of new cars are also ineffective. Models with turbochargers are usually more problematic.
Maintenance and Repairs: Finding a reputable local repair facility that specializes in BMW may be a smart option if you intend to purchase a used BMW.
A Because of their complexity, these German machines may not be repairable by every garage.
Servicing at a dealership can be prohibitively expensive, so finding a nearby reliable BMW-specific business is a significant benefit. Even pre-inspecting the used car you wish to buy using their services can be something you think about doing.
An additional choice is DIY. You can save a ton of money if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and you know what you’re doing.
BMWs: Are they worth it?
When BMW began promoting its cars as the “Ultimate Driving Machine” in the 1970s, the company soon grew to become one of the world’s top luxury automobile manufacturers.
BMW has a long history of producing eye-catching vehicles and SUVs that receive high praise from automotive writers.
Both auto fanatics and everyday people who just want the best for their vehicles greatly prize them.
Because they are high-performance luxury vehicles with excellent interiors, a smooth ride, high levels of comfort, and some of the best technological features available, BMWs are a good investment. BMW is a brand that embodies high status, and their cars offer an exceptional driving experience.
Why are used BMWs so inexpensive?
The oversupply of BMWs on the used market is one factor contributing to their low price. Similar to other products, when there is a surplus and a decrease in demand, the price of the commodity falls. If you’ve ever looked at a new BMW, you’ll note that practically every model has excellent lease offers. But what takes place when those vehicles are rented, returned, and then traded in?
BMW lease returns are normally either sold at auction or offered for sale as certified pre-owned vehicles on dealer lots. Additionally, when dealer lots are overflowing with CPO vehicles, it lowers the cost of the vehicles not just for dealerships but also for individual sellers. And whether you’re a dealer or an individual selling a car on the street, you must price the vehicle you’re selling in accordance with the going rates in the market in order to maintain a competitive edge.
Is it wise to purchase a pre-owned BMW?
Maintaining and making repairs on a secondhand BMW is continual. The more mileage a used car gets, the more wear and tear you should take into account. A used BMW could cost more than other pre-owned vehicles. But you can also end up paying extra due to the expense of replacement parts and the servicing they require.
Rear-wheel drive and a powerful engine are hallmarks of BMW vehicles. Finding a used BMW car is simple, which can help you prevent the depreciation that happens as soon as a new car leaves the lot. The best choice may be to purchase a used BMW that is five or six years old from a financial standpoint.
Having the resources you require can assist you in finding the car that best suits your requirements, extending its lifespan, and lowering the overall cost of ownership a BMW. The following are the fundamentals you should be aware of when purchasing a secondhand BMW.
Which used BMW should I purchase?
- BMW i3. If you buy a used electric i3 that is a few years old, you shouldn’t lose too much in depreciation because the value of these vehicles is declining extremely slowly.
- 5 Series BMW (2010-2017)
- BMW X3 (2010-present)
- BMW Z4 (2009-present)
- 1 Series BMW (2011-present)
- 3 Series BMW (2005-2015)
- BMW X5.
- 7 Series BMW (2001-2008)
Is a vintage BMW dependable?
When examining whether or not BMWs are reliable, the subject of age is crucial. It is frequently discovered that older BMWs—generally those produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s—are more dependable than newer BMWs. Though not always the case, take note. This applies to the majority of other brands as well, not only BMW. Early automobiles from the era have rudimentary engineering and construction. There is less of a possibility that something could go wrong because of the simplicity of the mechanical or electronic components.
Even if they do, correcting them won’t be that expensive. Newer cars, on the other hand, are quite high-tech. The iDrive entertainment system, external safety sensors, as well as the extensive web of wiring, computers, and electrics running throughout the full length of the car, are just a few of the many electrical components found in BMWs in particular. The modern engineering of newer BMWs can make them more prone to problems. Not to mention pricey, particularly once the warranty expires.
In reality, the majority of the components and labor needed to maintain and repair BMWs are identical to those for other models. Certain parts inevitably need to be replaced. The same issues might arise with a regular Honda or Toyota, but BMW’s high-performance parts will cost more just for the raw materials. In addition, labor costs are greater for BMWs because they require more time from mechanics than the ordinary vehicle. In general, you can easily expect your BMW repair price to be $1,000 or more.
Long-term reliability of BMW
BMW’s overall reliability outperformed that of high-end rivals including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Lincoln, and Acura. the J.D. Power A 2019 study assessed how frequently 3-year-old vehicle owners encountered mechanical issues over the course of a year. BMW reliability ranked above average in this survey as well
Is a BMW or a Mercedes better?
BMW remains the overall champion when it comes to luxury performance, even if the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is one of the best-performing large luxury sedans on the road right now. Customers should choose a BMW automobile if they want performance and style in one convenient package.
Do used BMWs cost a much to maintain?
BMWs are by far the most expensive car manufacturer to repair, claims Your Mechanic. The competition is not even close. With an average maintenance cost of $17,800 over ten years, BMW comes in #1. Mercedes-Benz came in second with an average maintenance cost of $12,900 during a 10-year period. In contrast, the typical Toyota only cost $5,500 to maintain during a 10-year period because they are recognized for requiring less maintenance.
According to Your Mechanic, such high maintenance costs are usual in German premium vehicles. Audi comes in sixth with an average $12,400 maintenance expense over a 10-year period. This is primarily a result of the pricey, high-end parts that these luxury vehicles require. Naturally, it will cost a lot of money to fix those pieces when they break or need maintenance.
However, while being premium vehicles, they also have ongoing problems. For instance, according to Your Mechanic, a BMW is four times more likely to not start than a typical automobile. It was ranked seventh overall as a result. Additionally, the window regulator on the BMW required replacement 18 times more frequently than the window regulator on the ordinary car.
How much does a BMW require in maintenance?
Remove the Band-Aid now. Every 10,000 miles, BMW owners may anticipate paying between $150 and $400 per service. A significant service may cost up to $3,000 or more. In the end, owners spend more on maintenance and repairs than most brands, between $1,000 and $1,700 annually.
You may always purchase an extended warranty, either directly from BMW or through a third-party service contract, if you’re concerned about future ownership costs. Standard BMW maintenance expenditures are not covered by a car warranty, but it will cover pricey items that are more prone to break over time.
We’ve combed the market and selected a handful of the top third-party extended vehicle warranty companies because there are many possibilities for extended coverage. These are businesses who did well in regards to things like price, standing, and customer support.
To help you reduce your out-of-pocket vehicle ownership costs, compare the best BMW extended warranty packages above.