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.
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Which BMW model do you own?
The true surprise lies here. The cost of maintenance will be pretty minimal if you own an ancient BMW that was popular back in the day, like an E30 3 Series, for instance. It’s not a sophisticated automobile, so there aren’t many electronics or speciality parts, and since it was a widely sold model, replacement parts are easy to get and labor costs aren’t too high.
However, if you have a brand-new BMW 7 Series, it will cost much more because its parts are more expensive and high-tech. It is also much more complex, which means there are more potential problems and you must rely on more expensive specialists to work on it.
Therefore, when commentators and YouTubers make generalizations about how expensive it is to sustain any business, they are merely selling you clickbait.
Of course, certain BMWs cost a lot to maintain because they are difficult to repair and unreliable, like the E65 BMW 7 Series, which is a complete nightmare. However, some vehicles, like an E46 BMW 3 Series or an E39 BMW 5 Series, are manageably simple and affordable to maintain when done correctly.
Are BMWs challenging to maintain yourself?
It can be challenging for people to repair BMWs on their own. It’s not advised to attempt any complex repairs yourself unless you’re a skilled technician equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge for the job.
The DIY mechanic is not considered in the design of modern BMWs. Repairs have gotten harder as cars have grown more complicated over the years.
A once-simple task now necessitates the use of specialized tools and diagnostic tools, rendering the majority of large-scale repairs beyond the scope of a DIYer.
However, the average Joe can still handle a lot of upkeep and modest repairs.
FAQ: BMW Repair Prices
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.
What are some typical BMW issues?
Older BMWs, mainly those made in the 1990s and possibly the early 2000s, are quite simple to repair, largely because they didn’t have complicated mechanical and electrical components, as was already said. The most recent models of BMWs are extremely high-tech, equipped with multiple computerized systems, electrical components, and cutting-edge engineering. In addition to being prone to failure, these sophisticated systems can also be expensive to maintain, especially after the warranty has run out. The following are some typical issues that all BMWs are expected to have:
- One of the primary problems that BMW automobiles frequently encounter is oil leaking. When the oil filter gasket prematurely wears out, this problem arises. Not only are oil leakage problems difficult to solve, but they can also be expensive.
- Electrical issues: Electrical difficulties are rather typical in BMW vehicles. It’s possible for electrical windows to malfunction, staying open and endangering both your comfort and safety. Additionally, there can be problems with the pressure monitoring systems, restraint system, and door locks, among other things.
- Compromised coolant units: Your car’s coolant system’s job is to prevent the engine from overheating. Unfortunately, some BMWs’ coolant systems might be vulnerable to issues, especially after 80,000 miles!
- Alloy wheel corrosion: BMWs are well-known for their fashionable, branded alloy wheels. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that these alloy tires can corrode. Corroded alloy wheels can affect your car’s performance and safety in addition to being unattractive.
Do BMWs Cost a Lot to Maintain? A Complete Guide
BMWs, particularly the older models, are said to be expensive to maintain among auto enthusiasts, particularly those who favor German vehicles.
But is this simply an outdated superstition that American auto enthusiasts and manufacturers are spreading to discourage customers from choosing these options?
One of the most expensive cars to maintain is a BMW. BMWs are a luxury brand that employ complicated engineering, which frequently calls for highly skilled mechanics and expensive parts when repairs are required. Although BMWs are extremely reliable and rarely require major maintenance, even routine maintenance soon adds up.
BMW is ranked 30th out of 32 automobile brands by RepairPal for having expensive and frequent maintenance charges.
This is due to the fact that several models share platforms, parts, and electronics, keeping some homogeneity.
Let’s examine the reasons for the high maintenance expenses associated with BMWs and the average annual costs associated with each series.
Why does maintaining a BMW cost so much money?
Because it’s a German car with specialized parts and technology, maintaining a BMW is pricey. BMW is not only a vehicle to move passengers from point A to point B; it is designed for driving aficionados. BMW’s advanced technology calls a specialized certification to be repaired correctly. A skilled BMW mechanic will possess the knowledge necessary for a thorough and effective repair.
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.
What are some typical BMW issues?
- Engine Cooling Unit. Overheating is a problem that many BMW owners frequently experience.
- Oil Spills.
- Under Braking, the steering wheel vibrates.
- Tail Lamp Unit
BMWs still dependable after 100,000 miles?
Once more, it mostly depends on the car you’re considering. You should also think about the car’s maintenance routine. A BMW should endure well over 100,000 miles if it has been properly-maintained and receives regular maintenance. Some owners have even driven their BMWs for more than 250,000 km.
As a result, when they receive proper care, they last for a very long period. To this, it should also be added that it depends on where you live. If you reside somewhere with poor driving conditions, you should anticipate a BMW to last less than 100,000 miles, probably even less. Ruined roads, a lot of snow in the winter, and other unpleasant circumstances are examples.
Are repairs on BMWs expensive?
This German automaker has grown to become one of the most well-known automobile brands globally since 1916. Due to their extensive appeal, BMW’s range of high-end luxury vehicles is appreciated by everyone from regular drivers to celebrities and even the most well-known spy in the world. In fact, just between January 1 and October 1, 2021, the U.S. experienced 243,613 BMW sales!
BMW offers up to 16 different vehicle designs in total, ranging from the sporty BMW M series to the compact X1 series. BMWs will cost more to maintain and repair than other makes and models because they are luxury cars. BMW owners should budget upwards of $1,000 to $1,700 annually for maintenance and repairs.
Does owning a BMW make sense?
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.
Which is more trustworthy, BMW or Audi?
Despite the great reliability of both BMW and Audi, Audi ultimately prevails because to its extended warranty coverage and additional safety measures.
Are BMW engines durable?
When maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule, which includes regular oil and filter changes, you can anticipate that BMW engines will last well over 200,000 kilometers.
Owners that neglect the aforementioned routine maintenance are typically the ones who complain the most about engine reliability. However, there are a few extra things to consider all during your ownership.
Because BMW engines are known to burn oil more quickly than those in other vehicles, it’s important to always maintain the oil level topped up in between repairs to prevent damage and prolong the engine’s life.
There have also been a few cases where parts in certain BMW engines have failed earlier than anticipated, and some models have had more issues than others, but overall, BMW makes durable, dependable engines.
Engines frequently last longer than many other automotive parts, and many complaints about breakdowns of BMW vehicles focus more on the electronic systems than the mechanical parts that make up the engine.
Which requires less upkeep, a Benz or a BMW?
Mercedes, BMW, and Audi dominate the pre-owned luxury car market, which is still developing, according to IndianBlueBook, the first pricing and analytics platform for the Indian automotive industry. Any premium brand’s value depreciates by 50% in three years, according to the report “Residual Value Analysis of Luxury Car Segment,” making them particularly sought-after in the used car market. The total cost of ownership, which is anticipated to be 60% more than the vehicle’s on-road pricing over three years, is another factor that prospective buyers should take into account.
In the used car market, BMW vehicles are more expensive than Mercedes and Audi. But when compared to its other German rivals, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are 24 to 29 percent less expensive in terms of service costs. According to the data, only 1% of pre-owned luxury car searches conducted online really result in actual sales, even though these searches account for 7% of all searches made overall. This indicates that premium vehicles have a high aspirational value in the used car market.
Sales of new and used luxury cars are anticipated to suffer as a result of the Indian government’s recent decision to demonetize high-value notes, even if this effect is only expected to last a short while. According to the research, certification of luxury vehicles with warranties has also emerged as a key driver for this market.
The BMW 3 Series 320i Prestige, Audi A4 30 TFSI Premium Plus, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 versions’ on-road prices were also compared by IndianBlueBook. Over the total on-road cost, the analyses also included extras like leather upholstery, cruise control, GPS navigation, parking assistance, a sunroof, and iPod compatibility. After this, the C-Class’s on-road pricing (or price after the installation of these items) turned out to be less than the prices of the other two German automakers. This suggests that investing in a used Mercedes-Benz will offer a better deal than either of the other two.
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