Is BMW Expensive to Maintain?
Yes and no. It really depends on what you mean by expensive because in many cases the expensiveness depends on the model itself.
Not all BMWs are the same, some are great when it comes to reliability and maintenance is very low. While other models are very problematic and will drain your wallet.
So, many people consider the brand BMW expensive to maintain because of the fact that they choose the wrong model. But let’s break everything down in detail.
BMW’s Reputation for High Maintenance Costs
Buyers are asking themselves, are BMW expensive to maintain, why does BMW have this reputation for being so expensive?
The first thing you need to be aware of is the fact that BMW is a premium brand and all premium brands are expensive to purchase and maintain compared to economy cars.
These models use premium parts and fluids, which makes routine maintenance a bit more expensive. But not crazy expensive when it comes to basic maintenance such as fluid changes or filter replacements.
These models become expensive when problems start to accumulate. For example, oil leaks. This adds up the cost and that’s why many people consider BMW expensive to maintain.
How BMW Compares to Other Brands
We learned some of the major factors why are BMW’s expensive to maintain. Now let’s take a look at how this brand compares to other brands in the luxury segment:
- BMW vs. Mercedes-Benz: When compared to Mercedes-Benz, BMW has similar maintenance costs.
- BMW vs. Audi: Audi is a bit more expensive to maintain than BMW. Primarily because this brand has V6 engines that are rather complex. While BMW is a bit more straightforward to work on.
- BMW vs. Lexus: Lexus is a brand that is cheaper to maintain than a BMW. These Lexus models are known for their longevity. Requiring fewer repairs in the process.
- BMW vs. Toyota: Toyota is even cheaper to maintain than both Lexus and BMW. These models have rather simple designs and also cheaper parts. Toyota always prioritizes quality.
So, is a BMW expensive to maintain? Well, when compared to premium brands Mercedes-Benz and Audi, BMW is pretty similar. But when compared to Lexus and Toyota, BMW is more expensive.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a BMW?
Average Annual Service Costs
So, how much does it cost to maintain a BMW? Let’s share our rundown about the annual costs of owning one.
BMW owners spend on average between $900 and $1,500 every year on maintenance. These costs depend on many factors such as the model, age, and how well the car was previously maintained.
For 10 years of owning a BMW, the owner spends on average about $17,000. This makes BMW one of the more expensive brands to own. But this is the rough number. For example, with a 3 Series model, you will pay far less money over 10 years compared to an M5 for example.
Most Common Repairs and Expenses
Here are some of the most common BMW maintenance costs:
- Oil changes: $100–$200 (BMW requires expensive fully-synthetic oil.)
- Brake pad and rotor replacement: $500–$1,200 (BMWs have larger brakes that require more expensive maintenance.)
- Cooling system repairs: $300–$1,000 (Water pumps, radiators, and hoses can fail quite often in many BMWs.)
- Oil leaks: $100-$500 (BMWs tend to leak oil from various seals and gaskets. This is expensive to fix in some cases.
- Battery replacement: $300–$500 (BMW batteries are expensive and can often fail.)
- Transmission service: $500–$1,500 (BMW’s automatic transmissions require specialized fluid and servicing.)
- Electronic and sensor issues: $200–$1,000 (There are various sensors that can fail and require replacement)
So, how expensive are BMW to maintain? Well, quite a lot to be honest. These costs add up quite quickly if you don’t choose the right model.
Why Are BMW So Expensive to Maintain?
BMW maintenance can be pretty pricey because of several reasons:
- Premium Parts: BMW is a premium brand that by default means that you will pay a premium on every part you buy.
- Complex Engineering: Modern BMWs are extremely complex. Especially V8 engines that are quite difficult to fix and require many hours of labor.
- Frequent Repairs: Cooling system leaks and oil leaks are very common things when owning a BMW. So, you will frequently be at the shop.
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Specialized Service Requirements: BMW shops have specialized tools for different services and this adds up to the cost.
High-Tech Features: BMWs have plenty of tech and these features often require very extensive knowledge to fix.
Are BMWs Hard or Easy to Maintain?
Is BMW hard to maintain? The answer to this question is somewhere in the middle. They are not the easiest and also not some of the most difficult vehicles to maintain.
Especially older BMW models like the E46 and E39 are very straightforward and easy to work on. These are very DIY-friendly platforms that anyone can work on.
However, when you move a bit into the more recent models like the F30 or the G20, these models can be more difficult to grasp for beginners.
Cheapest BMW Models to Maintain
BMW 3 Series, X1, and Other Budget-Friendly Options
So, what is the cheapest BMW to maintain? If you want a BMW with lower maintenance costs, you should consider these models:
- BMW 3 Series (E46, E90, F30): These models equipped with inline-6 engines are very reliable.
- BMW 5 Series (E39, E60): Although larger, older 5 Series models are extensively covered by the aftermarket.
- BMW X5 (E53, E70): The X5 is also a great alternative, these models basically have the same powertrains and drivetrain as the E39 and E60 models.
We covered the cheapest BMW to maintain, now let’s see which ones to avoid.
The ones you want to avoid are the V8 engine M models, they often have problems with the rod bearings. Resulting in complete engine failure if not detected on time.
How to Maintain a BMW and Save Money
Use a Factory Service Manual
In order to maintain your BMW just as BMW wanted, you need to have a factory service manual. In this manual, you have all of the procedures explained in detail, as well as the torque specs, and fluid specs.
Stick to Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is the best thing you can do for your BMW. Stick to the following:
- Regular oil changes (every 5,000–7,500 miles)
- Cooling system inspections
- Brake fluid flushes
- Spark plug and coil replacements
- Transmission fluid changes
Choose Independent BMW Specialists
When owning a BMW, visiting an independent BMW specialist is a much better and cheaper way to fix your BMW at a dealer. These guys love to work on BMWs and also do not charge a lot compared to dealerships.
Use Quality Aftermarket Parts When Possible
Whenever you can, you can also choose to opt for quality aftermarket parts. OEM parts are very expensive. There are plenty of companies that make high-quality parts in the aftermarket.
Learn Basic DIY Repairs
If you are a DIYer, learning the basic maintenance procedures is a great way to save a bunch of money on maintenance. Knowing how to change your oil, coolant, or do the brakes will save you thousands in the long run.
Final Verdict
Is BMW expensive to maintain? Well, it really depends on the model. We recommend choosing a model that has a more reliable engine. For example, an inline-6. BMW excels at manufacturing 6 cylinder engines. Avoid the 4 cylinders, these are most notorious for creating problems.
If you are an enthusiast, learn to do these procedures by yourself. This way, you will save a lot of money during the course of ownership.