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Are used BMWs a good investment?
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.
Which used BMW is the best to purchase?
- BMW 3 Series GT – Despite not exactly being a fan favorite, the 3er GT is a great second-hand purchase because of this.
- BMW Z4 – The BMW Z4 is beginning to show its age and there aren’t any indications that it will be replaced anytime soon.
- BMW X5 – The BMW X5 of the E70 generation was a fantastic premium SUV.
Is maintaining a secondhand BMW expensive?
One of the most popular BMW vehicles is the 3 Series. We made the decision to contrast its upkeep and repair expenses with those of the Audi A4, Nissan 370Z, and Lexus IS models from a few other manufacturers. We’ll examine the five-year costs of owning 2019 and 2015 model years, like we did before.
The differences between the BMW 330i and the Audi A4 for 2019 models are minimal. Although repairs are substantially less expensive, Lexus IS 300 maintenance expenses are comparable to similar vehicles. However, the Nissan 370Z prevails since it requires the least amount of upkeep and repairs.
Let’s examine the 2015 Lexus IS 250, 2015 Nissan 370Z, 2015 BMW 328i, and 2015 Audi A4 now:
You’ll observe that among these vehicles, BMW has the highest ownership costs. In fact, YourMechanic discovered that over the course of ten years, BMW owners spend $17,800 on maintenance and repairs. That is more than any other brand, including Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, and Audi, that was surveyed. Porsche, on the other hand, was left out of the poll and receives a worse dependability rating from RepairPal: BMW receives a score of 2.5 out of 5, while Porsche receives a score of 2.0 out of 5.
The Nissan and Lexus models will also prove to be significantly less expensive to maintain over time. Nissan is not a premium brand, despite the fact that the 370Z is undoubtedly a luxury sports car. Furthermore, since it’s a Japanese car, repairs are less expensive.
Lexus is a comparable tale. Since Lexus is Toyota’s luxury subsidiary, many of their vehicles’ components and engines are interchangeable. The LX, ES, and GX have the same engines as other Toyota models, whereas the Lexus IS 300 and 250 have unique engines that require premium fuel. The benefit of being one of the most dependable brands extends to Lexus automobiles.
It is helpful to compare BMW maintenance prices to those of other brands. On the other hand, we’re confident that many owners would concur that driving a BMW has a certain exciting quality. In a league of its own, it. Perhaps after getting behind the wheel, you’ve determined that the cost of maintaining your BMW 328i is worthwhile. Just don’t utilize a mortgage loan to pay for them.
Last but not least, the annual repair cost rankings for all of these brands are as follows (through RepairPal):
- Mazda: $500
- Lexus: $551
- BMW: $968
- Audi: $987
Which year makes the greatest used BMW?
The 3-Series, notably the 2011 model, is near the top of the list of best used BMWs. The 3-Series is a small premium sedan that is consistently in demand and is regarded as having a good overall value. It has a large selection of great drivetrains, receives high marks for safety, and has above-average reliability.
What BMW retains its value the best?
The value of the BMW 2 Series is even better maintained; according to the most reliable BMW resale value assessments, it will still be worth roughly 49% after five years. Once more, the first two years account for about 25% of that depreciation.
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.
Which BMW model is the best?
The 1-Series M Coupe, which was introduced in 2010, represented a promising beginning for BMW. Until BMW actually produced it, no one realized they wanted this car. It’s simply a high-performance version of their subcompact 1-series, with a 335-horsepower engine that has been tuned. Its remarkable agility and track performance were made possible by its power to size ratio, which particularly thrilled the Top Gear team, which named it the Car of the Year in 2011.
It nevertheless upholds the BMW brand on the inside, with premium materials and a stylish cabin layout. Sadly, despite its popularity, the 1-Series M Coupe was discontinued in 2011, making it one of the most elusive and expensive BMWs of the twenty-first century.
What makes BMW the best?
Some automobiles have attractive exteriors but lack the power to compete. Other vehicles are functional but not particularly attractive. BMW makes a point of designing exquisitely constructed cars that are of the highest caliber. One of the best all-wheel-drive systems in the world is that of BMW. Their BMW will gladly traverse most terrains, including snow and off-road situations, for those adventure seekers. The inside features luxurious leather seats that are as pleasant as the outside. The automobile also has cutting-edge electronics inside.
Although there are numerous vehicles in its class that may compete with the BMW, they often lack the comforts that come with owning one. You should own a BMW because it has a certain vibe when people get in, plus it’s just more enjoyable to drive than many of its rivals. Visit your neighborhood dealership right away to learn more!
Are vintage BMWs 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.
What is the most well-liked vehicle produced by BMW?
It may appear that BMW has lost its way and is now producing SUVs rather than the compact sports sedans and coupes we’ve come to know and love as its portfolio expands and SUVs gain importance. But when you truly examine the data, you can see some positive trends for true BMW fans.
The 3 Series and 4 Series were BMW’s best-selling models last year, with the company selling 490,969 units of each. The X3/X4 siblings, which sold roughly 414,000 vehicles, were the next best-selling BMWs, with about 76,000 more units sold. A 16 percent rise in sales over the prior year may be seen in the 490,000 3 Series/4 Series vehicles sold.
The 5 Series/6 Series (326,212), the X1/X2 (311,928), and the 1 Series/2 Series were the models that came after the BMW 3 Series/4 Series and X3/X4 and X3/X4 (265,964). Interestingly, despite the BMW iX/i3/i8 and Z4 going out of production, the Z4 (14,778) had even less sales than the dead-last BMW vehicle.
The BMW 3 Series and 4 Series are small-ish, sporty sedans and coupes that are meant to be the company’s mainstays. The 2002 BMW was the vehicle that established the firm as what it is today. It is now a 3 Series corporation because the 3er is the logical replacement for the original 2002. Something would be amiss if the 3 Series and its 4 Series brothers weren’t the brand’s best-selling model.
A further surprise is that the 3 Series and 4 Series models together accounted for the majority of 2021’s BMW sales. Currently, SUVs rule the market, and the BMW X3/X4 would have been my first visitor. However, it’s tremendously exciting to see the BMW 3 Series take the lead for the brand and that in 2021, the 3 Series was preferred by more people globally than the X3. especially when vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 are stealing BMW customers.
The following year, sales for BMW should also increase. The BMW 3 Series is going to receive its LCI facelift, which will include some design, interior, and maybe technological modifications to keep the 3er current until this generation completes its life cycle.
Which BMW year is the most durable?
When it comes to the creation of sport sedans, BMW has established the benchmark for premium vehicles with the E90 330i that Acura and Volvo aspire to match. The BMW E90 330i is your best option if you’re looking for a sedan that provides the ideal balance of functionality and performance without sacrificing stability and comfort.
The BMW E90 330i is one of the most popular luxury vehicles in the United States and is not only the best-selling model in the 3 Series. It also sold over 336,232 units. Even in the mid-size luxury automobile category, the BMW 3 Series received the Top Safety Pick designation in 2006. The best car options in terms of driver injury prevention and driver restraint features are highlighted by this award.