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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Models of Used BMW You Should Avoid
BMW is one of the biggest and most well-known brands in the world, and the social prestige that Bavarian automobiles enjoy makes them impossible to resist owning. There are fun-to-drive BMWs available at every price point, extensive BMW cults and forums around the world, and a unique internal vocabulary that only a select few automakers can match. This is in addition to the rich and distinctive history behind each model.
BMWs do have amazing styling, performance, comfort, and utility, but they also have a lot of issues as they get older. Once they hit the used market, a number of BMW models get a reputation as potential money pits and become incredibly unreliable. The models on this list may appear stunning from the outside, but it is advisable to stay away from them because of how poorly they age.
BMW X5: 2012-2014, 2019
The X5 is the first used BMW car on our list that Consumer Reports advises against purchasing. Specifically, the 2019 and model years 2012 to 2014. This indicates that the X5 has undergone at least two distinct generations. The most unreliable trim level or engine configuration are unfortunately not specifically listed by Consumer Reports.
You have a choice between two turbocharged six and eight cylinder engines, irrespective of which of these two BMW X5 generations you’re looking at.
One of these SUVs will cost you about $1,185 in maintenance per year, according to Repair Pal.
BMWs Are the Least Reliable Cars, Should You Buy One?
Many owners have given certain BMW models the cold shoulder. These BMW vehicles have a reputation for being unreliable.
* Models equipped with the N54 engine – The 35i, for example, had significant reliability problems. High-pressure fuel pump failure, turbocharger failure, carbon buildup on the engine, and leaky/clogged fuel injectors are a few issues that owners encounter.
* BMW X6 (2014–2019) – Despite their sporting looks, these cars had frequent transmission problems. The non-engine electrics and the exhaust were additional trouble spots.
* BMW E46 M3 – This vehicle experienced various issues, including electrical issues, subframe flaws, and Vanos failure. As a result, the vehicle began to literally disintegrate.
2008-2010 BMW X3
The first-generation BMW X3 may not be as svelte and fashionable as the brand’s current SUV portfolio, but it earns high marks for not needing repairs. To prevent the “teething difficulties” that surfaced in early X3s, we advise skipping the model’s first few years (2003-2005). We advise upgrading to the 2008–2010 models since the X3 got a new engine in 2006. These more recent X3s do not have the engine timing chain issue that occasionally affects ’07 models.
Observations to make when purchasing a used BMW
We advise choosing a non-turbo engine because it will be easier and less expensive to maintain than a turbo engine. The same is true for four-wheel drive: if you don’t require it, a rear-wheel drive vehicle will cost less to fix.
When inspecting a used BMW, make sure you thoroughly test all the equipment, such as the Bluetooth, Bluetooth, stereo system, power seats, and windows.
Power locks need to be thoroughly examined as well because they frequently have issues.
Carefully inspect the heater and air conditioner. A loud blower motor should be avoided. Verify that the blower motor is operational at all speeds. Consider air pockets in the cooling system if there is a lack of heat coming from the vents at idling but good heat when driving or revving the engine. This could indicate more serious issues.
Since water is the enemy of electronics, look for water damage and corrosion under the carpet, including in the trunk. Make sure the key in a newer automobile fits snugly in the key holder.
A Be wary if the tires are low on air because there have been reports of hairline cracks in the alloy rims that are responsible for air leakage. The flaws are quite minute and difficult to spot.
Keep an eye out for coolant smells and leaks behind the hood. If the coolant level is low or it appears as though coolant was splashing out of the expansion reservoir, as in this picture, be wary. Was the engine hot enough? Avoid using engines that are too hot.
Keep an eye out for burnt oil odors beneath the hood and thoroughly inspect for oil leaks. It’s not a good omen that the 3-series in the picture below has a significant oil leak.
Because the seals and gaskets in overheated engines grow hard and brittle, they are more likely to have oil leaks.
When the N54 engine (335i, 535i) is started cold, a long crank and a choppy idle typically signify a failed high pressure fuel pump.
Check to see if the tires are run-flat. Run-flat tires cost a lot of money to replace. Many owners use standard tires and store a spare or tire repair kit in the trunk.
Watch out for jerky shifts in the transmission and clunks in the drivetrain during the test drive.
If the car has a manual transmission, all of the gears ought should engage without any grinding. Suspect a worn out clutch disc if the clutch engages closer to the top of the clutch pedal travel.
Check to see if the 4WD system engages and disengages if the vehicle has 4WD. It would be beneficial to be able to test the 4WD system in slick terrain.
Be alert for warning signals and lights. Before making a purchase, any caution light must be carefully investigated. Also see: What to test for when buying a used automobile.
The mechanical condition of a used BMW is far more significant when purchasing one than its age or mileage. Avoid driving in vehicles with accident history or ones whose engines have experienced excessive heat. Look at the history report for a used car. Have the automobile thoroughly evaluated by a mechanic who specializes in BMW before you sign the contract.
Which pre-owned BMWs are the most trustworthy?
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 BMW retains its value the best?
The BMW M3 has the highest resale value among all luxury vehicles. IntelliChoice predicts that the renowned performance model of the BMW 3 Series will hold on to 56.5 percent of its original value after five years of ownership.
Despite its unattractive exterior (really, BMW, what were you thinking when you designed that grille? ), the new G80 generation M3 has excellent handling. It will reach 60 mph in Competition mode in 3.5 seconds. The M3 is, however, entirely focused on handling. Compared to previous M3s, the front end is astonishingly grounded, and the dynamic balance is more neutral. It may be the best M3 yet as long as you don’t need to see it; grip and overall performance are excellent.
Which BMW motor is the most dependable?
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 is more dependable, Mercedes or BMW?
Both BMW and Mercedes are recognized for their high-end, high-performance automobiles; yet, because of the engineering intricacy, should something go wrong, this could result in pricey repair work.
According to the J.D. Power 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study, the most recognizable brands in the world’s 2018 models were evaluated for the number of issues per 100 vehicles. With a score of 108 problems, BMW placed 11th. Mercedes-Benz came in at number 15 with 122.
What are BMW’s primary problems?
Overheating engines, gearbox troubles, oil leaks, and fuel pump issues are a few of the most prevalent BMW issues.
A
Even while we nowadays tend to hope for (or at least anticipate) few to no issues when purchasing our cars, there are no flawless automakers. Even the most reputable manufacturers create cars that unlucky buyers have problems with. A
Which BMW year is the most dependable?
- 8 2002 BMW 318i.
- 7 2008 BMW 750i.
- 6 2012 BMW Z4.
- 5 2016 BMW M4.
- 4 2005 BMW 325i.
- 3 2019 BMW F40.
- 2 2018 BMW i3.
- 1 2006 BMW E90 330i
Exist any trustworthy BMW models?
Have you already made a BMW purchase? Are you wanting to invest in a fantastic car that will last you for many years? If either scenario is accurate, it will be crucial for you to look into typical BMW issues. Leading studies on the subject indicate that BMWs are remarkably dependable. Today’s automotive market has a wide variety of trustworthy brands, including those made by Japanese automakers. By car magazines and enthusiasts, BMW cars are often considered ordinary or below average. However, there is some good news. Before the vehicle requires the attention of a qualified auto repair, considerable time elapses.
BMW or Mercedes has higher value?
According to Darryl Jacobson, managing director of True Price, BMW automobiles have the lowest resale value, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are the best, and Audi vehicles fall right in the middle of the two main German automakers in terms of resale value. His conclusions are supported by an examination of True Price data.
Do BMWs frequently experience issues?
Searching through the various websites that offer reliability data will undoubtedly confirm that BMWs are unreliable automobiles; many show BMW as below average, costing more in annual repairs, ending up in the shop more frequently, and having a higher likelihood of severe, expensive repairs when compared to other auto brands. While it would be absurd to fully ignore these findings, many BMW owners, including ourselves, do not share the prevalent belief that BMWs are wastes of money.
There are undoubtedly some BMWs that have suffered from expensive, persistent problems. Finding horror stories and complaints about dependability is not difficult. On the other hand, a lot of BMWs also reach 100,000 miles with no problems or only a few minor ones. Our 2008 BMW 535i has had more problems than it should have, although our 2007 335i and 2008 135i have generally been dependable vehicles. Remember that these are all N54 engines, which are notorious for being among the least reliable BMW engines, and are all 12–13 years old. Nevertheless, we have a good reliability experience with 2 of the 3.
Given the limited sample size, two out of three may not seem particularly good. The point we are trying to make is that it is difficult to gauge overall reliability and that it actually depends on the individual circumstances. Another BMW may be meticulously kept but have innumerable problems, another one may be poorly maintained but reach 100,000 miles without any problems. This is not exclusive to BMW; you can find examples of this with any automaker.