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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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.
average cost of maintaining a BMW
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.
affordable insurance
The annual cost of BMW maintenance is between $950 and $1,000, which is significantly higher than the national average. While your real expenses will vary depending on the type you drive and how you operate it, RepairPal gives BMW a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5.
BMW is a well-known brand that creates high-end sedans, coupes, and convertibles. The two states with the most BMWs in the nation are California and Florida. So how much does it cost to keep a premium car running? Find out by reading on.
Let’s investigate everything from the most expensive BMW to the different services needed: Do BMWs cost a lot to maintain?
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.
1. The program for free maintenance
For the first few years of the life of your car, BMW offers a limited period of free maintenance. Any BMW can receive free maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles of its lifespan through the BMW maintenance program, whichever comes first. The program expires after three years or 36,000 miles, at which point you must look for maintenance from a local or independent service provider. You may read more about our very particular views on “free maintenance” here.
Given the complexity of any premium car, it might not be the best option to rely on general mechanics for this project. The “free” maintenance offered by the dealership might not be the best option depending on your driving habits and the road conditions. Find a local service provider who specializes in BMW servicing instead.
Owner Ignorance
Any vehicle’s repair expenses can increase due to owner negligence. However, BMWs are an exception to this rule. Regular maintenance is required, including oil changes, air filters, and tune-ups to name a few. a top concern. Bad practices, such as failing to replace parts at the suggested intervals and missing oil changes, could cause serious issues. The best course of action is to get a more cost-effective substitute if you believe that the expense of upkeep is a little too high for your budget.
Your Technician
According to estimates from 2018, the Porsche 911, BMW 640i Gran Coupe, and BMW M4 are the top three most costly cars to maintain and repair during a ten-year period. The 3.0L inline-6 engine used in the M4 is a little twin turbocharged engine that produces 425 horsepower. A track GTS version is available that generates 493 HP using a cutting-edge water injection system.
When do BMWs require maintenance?
Every 5,000 Miles / 6 Months for BMW Preventative Maintenance You should anticipate to bring your BMW in for the following regular preventative maintenance two to three times a year, or every 5,000 miles: Check the brake fluid. check of the front and rear brakes
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.
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.
Is a pre-owned 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 BMW automobiles?
But how many miles do BMW cars typically last? With good care, almost any BMW has the ability to last up to 200,000 or even 250,000 miles, and there will always be outliers that last even longer.
What is included in a BMW comprehensive service?
The following service items are included by BMW Service Inclusive: engine oil service, air filter, micro filter, fuel filter (only for diesel models), and spark plugs.
For the first four years from the date of your vehicle’s initial registration, your servicing is covered (coverage runs until time limit is reach, or mileage limit is reach, whichever comes first). The one upfront payment is personalized through individual pricing for each model to fit your new BMW.
Knowing that all work will be done by certified BMW technicians using only Genuine BMW Parts, the majority of which have a two-year warranty, will give you complete peace of mind.
Applying T&Cs. Coverage is valid for electric vehicles up to four years after registration, and for gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles up to five years.