BMW undoubtedly produces some of the most trustworthy vehicles in Europe, but it’s still very simple to purchase a vehicle that will cost you a fortune to maintain.
Given that BMW is one of the most well-known automakers, it is not surprising that the used car market is overrun with BMW vehicles. The crucial point, though, is whether or not BMWs are pricey. To answer your question, you must take into account a number of criteria before looking at a used BMW. To begin with, some BMWs have mediocre, at best, reliability. While there are some BMW models that are incredibly reliable, there are also many models that are money pits that you should avoid.
Although you might have to spend a fortune to purchase one, vintage BMW models from the 1980s and 1990s are fairly dependable. On the other side, as you will see in this list, a number of contemporary BMW models from the 2000s are rife with flaws, recalls, and complaints. BMW is one of the most expensive non-exotic motor brands to maintain and repair, aside from the fact that these models have their fair share of headache-inducing problems. Following are 10 BMW models you should never purchase used.
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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.
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.
Choosing a Used BMW: Model Options and Typical Issues
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.
Do BMWs Cost a Lot to Maintain?
BMWs have a lengthy history of having a high maintenance cost. BMWs are one of the most expensive non-exotic manufacturers to maintain, if not the most expensive. Unfortunately, the stereotype is still largely accurate.
It could be difficult to try to do the handy work yourself to save money. The electrical system of secondhand BMWs has historically been one of their biggest weak points. Many of the electrical problems were caused by inadequately built drainage systems, which have now been fixed. This issue will, however, be particularly important to watch out for in older models. You would still likely need to take it to a mechanic because repairing it yourself will be more difficult than simply replacing a damaged mechanical element.
Simply said, an older BMW is a good illustration of a “money hole.” For more information on the topic, read this post titled “Are BMW expensive to maintain?” Some of the findings actually startled me.
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.
Are BMW components pricey?
In a nutshell, yes. Compared to other brands, BMW parts are among the most expensive. Additionally, the cost of the parts increases with the age of the BMW.
BMWs require between $5,000 and $12,000 more in maintenance than the majority of automobiles. This is so because BMWs are German automobiles produced with specialized components, technology, and parts.
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What BMW model is the best?
1. BMW E30 M3 The very first BMW M3 produced, the E30, is regarded by many auto aficionados (including us) as the best M3 ever. It was the BMW M3 that started it all. It created history at the time, and automotive enthusiasts still talk about it now.
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.
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.
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.