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.
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BMWs are expensive 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.
Objections To Purchasing A Used BMW
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.
Reasons Why BMWs Are Worth the Price
Are you looking for a new car and thinking about a BMW? If you’re on the fence, the asking price is probably the reason. Even though these cars are more expensive than certain other models, they also include amenities that come from no other manufacturer. These are some of the quality, luxury, performance, and dependability factors that make BMWs an investment that is worthwhile.
Review of a Used BMW: Pros and Cons
In 2017, more than 2.4 million automobiles were sold by BMW. Since 2010, that number has been continuously increasing. BMWs are without a doubt the pinnacle of elegance and sophistication. But is investing in a used BMW a wise move? In order to make an informed choice, continue reading for a look at the main BMW advantages and disadvantages.
The dependability of the essential components is one of the finest benefits of purchasing a BMW. You may drive now without fear that you’ll fast exhaust the motor and transmission thanks to the greater HP and torque. This vehicle is a terrific ride in the city and on the interstate due to its competitive fuel efficiency and CO2 levels.
You anticipate luxurious comfort when you buy a luxury vehicle. Your expectations will be met and surpassed by any BMW series in this regard. Outstanding interior design is one of BMW’s key advantages. Even a used BMW with a few zeros on the odometer will appear and feel pricey and opulent thanks to the high-quality materials utilized inside.
Perhaps you were unaware that BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke. BMWs are indeed made in Germany. You should expect to pay more for specialized repairs and maintenance if you own a foreign vehicle. These expenses may accumulate over time. Without a doubt, the cost of repairs for a BMW will be higher than for a domestic vehicle. Picking a mechanic with BMW experience is your best chance. Superior engineering, however, guarantees longer life and good performance for a longer time-frame.
As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, its value rapidly decreases. Over the course of its first five years, a new car will typically lose 60% of its total value. If you are purchasing a car that is 5–6 years old, this is to your advantage. If you buy secondhand, you could be able to get your BMW for almost half the cost. Purchasing old items makes a lot of economical sense. Take a look at this 2013 BMW X1.
The fact that having a BMW will cost you more than buying an average automobile won’t come as a surprise. You’ll require premium fuel, top-tier tires, and more expensive, imported parts. Additionally, the cost of labor and changing your synthetic oil will go up. BMWs rank first on the list of most expensive automobiles to maintain in the end. You should keep in mind that used BMWs include a ton of intricate electronics when making your purchase. When repairs are required, that will result in more work and parts being required.
You now have it. You should think about a few BMW benefits and drawbacks before purchasing a used BMW. Remember that some of these advantages and disadvantages also apply to brand-new BMWs. A secondhand BMW is the best option if you want a luxury vehicle without having to spend the full sticker price. In search of a pre-owned BMW in Portland? View our selection of the best driving vehicle.
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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.
BMWs are they excellent to own?
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.
What drawbacks come with owning a BMW?
High Costs of Ownership The fact that having a BMW will cost you more than buying an average automobile won’t come as a surprise. You’ll require premium fuel, top-tier tires, and more expensive, imported parts. Additionally, labor costs and a change of synthetic oil will be higher.
Is buying a BMW 3 Series worthwhile?
What Makes the BMW 3 Series Good? The BMW 3 Series is a respectable luxury compact car, yes. Performance, which is still its main selling point, is characterized by assured handling and quick acceleration. The M3, the top model in the series, is designed to be track-ready while the base model has excellent fuel efficiency.
Is maintaining a BMW expensive?
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 do people buy BMW vehicles?
Simply said, drivers have practically endless reasons to choose a BMW over a car from another manufacturer since BMW offers the highest performance, safety, and quality out of any luxury automobile brand. After purchasing your first BMW, you won’t ever want to purchase another car from any other manufacturer.
Is BMW superior to Audi?
BMW’s vehicles, which are made to provide the “ultimate driving experience,” frequently outperform Audi in terms of handling. Because of their overall stronger suspension systems that promote a smooth, pleasant ride, Audi vehicles are significantly less agile than BMW vehicles. BMW typically ranks higher for dependability