Considering a new BMW but put off by the price? Purchasing a used BMW can help you save a lot of money. These are widely available and far less expensive used than new.
BMWs have a long-standing reputation for high craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. They are renowned for the dependability of their rear-wheel drive and potent engines. The company produces a wide variety of designs, from sports cars to luxury automobiles.
It’s crucial to conduct thorough research before considering a used BMW. Here is a look at some things to think about.
The price of owning a BMW The BMW isn’t your typical car, and neither is the cost of maintenance. If you choose to purchase a BMW over a Subaru or Honda, you should be prepared to pay an additional $2,000 a year in repair, insurance, and maintenance costs. The car needs premium fuel, improved tires, synthetic oil, as well as labor and parts that are more expensive than usual.
Depreciation. Expect a significant decline in the value of your investment. Simply by comparing the cost of a BMW 3-Series that is three years old—roughly $30,000—you can see. At six years, it is worth around $17,000, though. The rate of depreciation, on average, is $4,000 per year. This indicates that for a used automobile buyer, purchasing a model that is five or six years old is likely wiser than purchasing a fresher one.
servicing and repairs. Because they have particular specifications, you must take your used BMW to a store that specializes in the brand. If you don’t have access to this kind of mechanic locally, repairs may be highly expensive and inconvenient.
Although you can get the service done at a BMW dealership, independent shops that focus on German vehicles will normally charge lower prices. Before you buy a car, make sure you bring it to one of these businesses to be inspected.
Dependability. Although Japanese vehicles have a higher track record than BMWs, BMWs are nonetheless dependable. Auto magazines and enthusiasts consistently give BMW cars “average” or “below average” ratings. Despite the company’s claims of lengthy servicing gaps, their turbocharged versions actually seem to have more issues more frequently.
Due to the fact that many parts on BMW and other European cars are made of plastic rather than more trustworthy materials, repairs are among the most frequent. The electronic system’s intricacy is another issue.
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Issues with Documented Reliability
You can learn everything you need to know from Consumer Reports. Since 2007, they have not given the company a “above average” rating. Add to that the fact that according to official data, BMWs are the most likely to be off the road after four to eight years than any other brand. Not exactly a glowing recommendation for brand dependability, but BMW must be aware of the issue, so why aren’t things getting better?
The most dependable BMW is the E90 3-Series.
The 325i was the entry-level model when the E90 made its début in 2006. A 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine with 215 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque was installed in it. The E90 range was then revised in 2008, and the 325i was replaced with the 328i. It had a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 200 lb-ft of torque and 230 horsepower. The 268-hp 330i, according to BimmerLife, is one of the most potent naturally-aspirated BMWs ever produced.
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.
BMW 3 Series, 2006–2011
The popularity of used BMW 3 Series vehicles among enthusiasts is almost cult-like. The models from 2006 to 2011 are at the top of this list. These lively compacts, which come in sedan, coupe, wagon, and convertible body styles, benefit from BMW’s famous driving characteristics and a solid reputation for dependability. For models, look for the 325i, 328i, or 330i. These omit the turbocharger and stay clear of the potential engine issues that the more potent 335i may experience. When purchasing a secondhand BMW, keep in mind one basic rule. Always choose for the model with simpler parts if you have an option. Less things can go wrong.
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. In this study, BMW reliability also performed better than average.
Are BMW engines trustworthy?
BMW is known for producing high-end vehicles. You could be wondering if they are trustworthy, and the answer is that they are absolutely trustworthy. Even though they have quite high price tags, they are still worth the money. They have superb and potent engines that will allow you to use them at their maximum speed.
- 1. BMW B58 Motor
- 2. BMW M20 Motor
- 3. BMW M50 Motor
- 4. BMW S62 Motor
- 5. BMW N52 Motor
- 6. BMW M54 Motor
Which BMW year is the most dependable?
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.
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.
Is buying an old BMW worth it?
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.
How durable are used BMW cars?
According to MotorAsk, a BMW may last 150-200,000 miles with good maintenance, and if you drive the average annual mileage of 13,500 miles, you can anticipate owning a BMW for 10 to 15 years.
Is repairing a BMW affordable?
BMW owners spend, on average, $968 annually on maintenance and repairs, according to RepairPal. BMWs are costly to maintain compared to the $652 industry standard. The maintenance costs of BMW are comparable to those of other German luxury models like Mercedes-Benz ($908) and Audi ($987).
The cost of owning a BMW varies based on the car. Compared to its normal commuter line, BMW’s high-performance M line and SUVs are more expensive to maintain. One of the reasons the BMW 3 Series is so well-liked is that it’s one of the most cost-effective versions to maintain.
Using information from RepairPal, the following table compares the cost of maintenance for a select BMW models:
You’ll be glad to learn that a few BMWs include a free maintenance term. Under BMW Ultimate Service, maintenance is included for four years or 50,000 miles on vehicles from the 2015 and 2016 model years. BMW Ultimate Care offers three years or 36,000 miles of maintenance on models made in 2017 and after. If you’re wondering how the two plans differ, BMW Ultimate Service covers more wear and tear and maintenance-related items than BMW Ultimate Care.
Free maintenance programs can initially reduce the cost of ownership, but you’ll need to be ready to pay maintenance and repair fees once the program has ended.