Are BMWs Expensive To Maintain – Average Price You Should Know

At $950 to $1,000 annually, BMW maintenance costs are significantly higher than the national average. The necessary and optional maintenance costs, as well as ways to reduce your overall spending as a BMW owner, are covered below.

Is the Maintenance on a BMW Expensive?

If you’ve done any research on BMWs, you probably already know how expensive they are to keep up. You will need to pay a price, though, if you want a BMW. The industry average for maintenance costs is $652 yearly. The costs are unfortunately almost twice as high as the average for other brands, which is bad news for BMW owners. According to multiple sources like “RepairPal,” the annual average for maintenance on a It is important to note that this figure is an average for all 50 states, so it may differ depending on local tax rates. The average cost of a BMW is $968 per year.

A BMW’s maintenance schedule for most of 2005 and earlier vehicles is separated into two types of services: The first service is simply an “Oil Service” which occurs every 8,000 to 10,000 miles based on how the car is driven. BMW considers the fuel economy on how fast it “Counts down” on the service interval. The next service is called an “Inspection I” around 18,000 to 20,000 miles. This service includes changing the oil, inspecting the brakes, belts, wiper blades, lights, battery, charging system, tires, and lubricating the door seals and hinges (if necessary). The next service is back to the “Oil Service” at appx 30,000 miles and then at 40,000 miles the “Inspection II” is due. It consists of everything on the Inspection I, but adds an engine air filter, spark plug replacement, valve adjustment (Most “M” cars), and a transmission service (depending on the car). In addition to the routine maintenance discussed above; BMWs require a brake fluid flush every 2 years in tandem with a coolant flush every 3 or 4 years.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a BMW?

The average annual maintenance cost for a BMW is about $950. Although it makes sense given that BMW is a luxury brand, this is hundreds of dollars more than the national average.

The model, trim level, and mileage of your vehicle will determine your specific maintenance costs. From the most expensive BMW to the least expensive, let’s look at some examples of the approximate annual costs by model.

Bmw X5

The BMW X5 is possibly the most problematic model despite being one of the most well-liked ones. The BMW X5 has a number of issues, including stalling while driving, which can cost owners up to $7,000 to fix. Other typical problems with the X5 include water entering the interior of the vehicle, which could cost owners up to $10,000, or an overheated engine, which could cost up to $2,200 to fix. In addition to these potential problems, X5 owners should budget upwards of $1,116 for yearly maintenance and other repairs.

The 2011 model year of the X5 is also the most problematic, with 21 complaints reported on CarComplaints.com for the 4WD model. Additionally, there were 14 recalls for the 2011 X5, including two in January 2020 for the driver and passenger airbags exploding.

Other common repairs that an X5 may face include:

• A/C Evaporator Replacement: $2,038 – $2,668
• Transmission Leak Inspection: $55 – $69
• Fuel Tank Replacement: $2,020 – $2,197
• Clutch Replacement: $1,872 – $2,203

Bmw X3

The BMW X3 is another well-known and well-liked model, selling a record 53,993 units between January 2021 and October 2021. In addition, owners of the X3 can anticipate paying $1,034 annually for maintenance and repairs, just like the X5. The BMW X3 is susceptible to problems like a broken timing chain guide, spontaneous acceleration, and a broken sunroof, despite being slightly less expensive to maintain than the X5. The average costs of these different repairs are $6,200, $10,700, and $4,000, respectively.

A 2020 x3 that has recently been purchased should also be avoided, as there have been 12 recalls on the model. A loss of braking assistance and an issue with the image from the rearview camera were the two most recent recalls, which happened in August and February of 2021, respectively. With 32 engine complaints reported on CarComplaints.com and 5 known recalls, the 2013 X3 is a model year that is also prone to problems. The most recent recall, however, concerned a driver airbag inflator that had been improperly welded in August of 2017.

Other common repairs that an X3 may face include:

• Battery Cable Replacement: $1,048 – $1,223
• Fuel Pump Replacement: $1,452 – $1,526
• Air Pump Replacement: $501 – $776
• Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement: $291 – $319

BMW I3

The BMW i3 is a fantastic choice for those looking for a more environmentally friendly vehicle because it is an all-electric vehicle. However, the i3’s maintenance requirements will differ slightly from those of more conventional BMWs and will cost owners an average of $1,173 a year, as with any electric or hybrid vehicle.

The 2017 BMW i3 has the most reported issues with the adaptive cruise control not functioning properly, but even with the need for more specialized maintenance, the i3 is one of BMW’s most dependable vehicles. Electrical issues have also reportedly been reported. There haven’t been enough reported problems, though, to calculate an average repair price. The i3 has also been subject to recalls, the most recent of which was for the 2019 model year due to a potential crash-causing abrupt power shutdown.

Other common repairs that an X3 may face include:

• Head Gasket Replacement: $1,954 – $2,406
• Blower Motor Replacement: $528 – $580
• Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement: $1,573 – $1,961
• Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement: $291 – $319

The BMW Recommended Maintenance Plan

To keep any car, truck, or SUV in good condition and prevent costly repairs, it’s imperative to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

For BMW owners, your recommended maintenance schedule includes the following service intervals:

• Every 10,000 Miles or 2 Years

A minimum of every two years or 10,000 miles, this is regarded as the first necessary service for your BMW. Check your engine oil, oil filter, tire pressure (PSI), windshield wipers, wiper fluid, and engine coolant at this time. Every 10,000 to 15,000 miles after this first milepost, it’s crucial to inspect the brakes, as well as all rubber belts and hoses on your BMW.

• Every 30,000 Miles

The first significant service interval for your BMW is after the first 10,000 miles, or 30,000 miles. Your car should undergo a more in-depth examination during this milestone inspection. You should pay close attention to checking the engine temperature, wiping the brake pad contact surfaces, inspecting the front control arm and bushing, and checking the brake disc surfaces.

To help ensure even wear on the tread of the tires, alignment checks and tire rotations should also be performed. To help determine whether any problems are occurring under the hood, an engine diagnostic examination is also advised. The vehicle’s vital fluids, such as the coolant and the engine oil, should also be replaced at this time and after every 15,000 miles.

• Every 60,000 Miles

When your BMW reaches 60,000 miles, you should check a number of critical components as the second major service milestone. These consist of inspecting the flexible boots for leaks and checking the parking brake lining. Along with replacing spark plugs and changing the vehicle’s air filters, BMW owners should also check their car for rust in accordance with the rust prevention warranty at this point.

Additionally, it’s critical to keep in mind that for the majority of automakers, the factory warranty coverage ends at 60,000 miles, which is a significant cutoff point. Whenever that occurs, you’ll be responsible for covering the cost of any breakdowns and repairs to your BMW yourself. And, as BMWs are considered a “luxury vehicle,” these costs can eventually add up. But with Endurance’s Supreme for Highline Vehicles, you can relax knowing that pricey repairs for a few BMW models and those from other luxury automakers are covered—with no out-of-pocket costs to you.

BMW Maintenance Costs

When calculating the total cost of ownership for BMWs, as with any other car, truck, or SUV, it’s critical to account for the costs for routine maintenance. Viewing a vehicle’s overall reliability rating can be one way to help you asses the likelihood of potential problems. The likelihood of potential breakdowns and repair needs are higher for a vehicle with a lower score. BMW is ranked 30th out of 32 major auto manufacturers by RepairPal, which gives it a reliability rating of just 2.5 out of 5.0.

On the other hand, a J.D. According to the Power Vehicle Dependability Study, BMW is the eighth most reliable automaker in the United States. in 2020. BMW was ranked higher than other high-end manufacturers like Cadillac, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Chrysler. When BMW models have conflicting ratings like these, it’s a good idea to check them out to see what common maintenance and repair problems they might have.

Along with these various reliability ratings, BMW is the priciest brand to maintain. In actuality, over the course of ten years of ownership, BMW owners can anticipate spending an average of $17,800. The next most expensive brand after BMW, Mercedes-Benz, costs over $4,900 more.

With Supreme for Highline Vehicles, you can find comprehensive coverage for a number of BMW models as well as a number of other luxury automakers’ models, including Porsche, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Land Rover, and more. This add-on to our all-inclusive Supreme plan is an exclusionary plan that will assist in paying for breakdowns and repairs for your luxury car, allowing you to save money and quickly get back on the road.

Protect Your BMW With Endurance

With Supreme for Highline Vehicles, you can save money on costly auto repair bills that are not covered by any standard auto insurance or mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) policy for your BMW X3, X4, or X5 M models. All models of the 8 Series (aside from the I8 and M8), the M2, 3, 4, and M340, as well as a few other luxury automakers’ select models, are all covered.

With the purchase of any protection plan, Endurance customers can even receive a full year of Elite Benefits for just a small activation fee. So you can rest easy knowing Endurance has you covered with extra benefits like tire repairs and replacements, key fob replacement, collision discounts, and more. Any Endurance plan, including Supreme for Highline Vehicles, comes with automatic 24/7 roadside assistance as well as free trip interruption and reimbursement for rental cars.

Why You Should Maintain Your BMW

Regular maintenance has advantages such as improved performance, a higher assessed value, and cost savings (due to the absence of expensive issues).

How Often Does a BMW Require Maintenance?

Oil Changes

• When: Usually required every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
• Cost: $135 to $175
• Why: To remove excess dirt that builds up in your engine
• DIY?: Possible—if you have the right tools

Tire Replacement

• When: NHTSA recommends replacing your tires every six years, no matter how many miles you drive
• Cost: $150 to $350 per tire
• Why: Worn-out tires can lead to hydroplaning and accidents
• DIY?: No—a professional can safely install your tires and ensure a balanced fit for even wear

Engine Replacement

• When: If your engine block is worn out, cracked, or damaged due to a crash
• Cost: $5,000 to $7,000
• Why: Your engine is the key to a healthy vehicle
• DIY?: No—take your BMW to a mechanic for an engine replacement

Windshield Replacement

• When: If you have a crack that extends to the outer edge, if the crack is longer than your hand, or if it’s deep enough that it goes halfway through
• Cost: $100 to $400
• Why: Cracks can prevent you from seeing the road clearly
• DIY?: No—trained professionals can replace your windshield quickly and safely

Paint

• When: If you see peeling or any discoloration
• Cost: $2,000+
• Why: Keep your paint in good condition to prevent corrosion and retain resale value
• DIY?: No—painting a vehicle requires special equipment and a safe, well-ventilated space

Brake Fluid

• When: A spongy brake pedal or poor braking performance
• Cost: $210 to $224
• Why: If you can’t brake safely, you can’t drive safely
• DIY?: No—get a trained mechanic to change out the fluid

Cover Gasket

• When: Burning or leaking oil is a telltale sign of a bad cover gasket
• Cost: $576 to $707
• Why: You need to keep the oil in the right place, otherwise it will affect the car’s performance
• DIY?: No—go to an auto shop to replace the cover gasket

How to Reduce BMW Maintenance Costs

Servicing your car as soon as the computer in it tells you to is the best way to cut down on maintenance costs. By spotting current or potential issues at an early stage, maintaining a diligent and regular service schedule can help prevent the need for expensive repairs in the future.

If you bought your BMW from the dealer, the vehicle should come with a three-year, 36,000-mile manufacturer guarantee/warranty for service called “BMW Ultimate Care.” Under BMW Ultimate Care, every scheduled maintenance procedure is free, including the initial spark plug replacement. For a fee, Ultimate Care can be extended for up to 7 years/125,000 miles on vehicles model year 2017 and newer. Additionally, BMW offers customers a variety of plans that, in turn, cover various levels of maintenance, assisting owners in creating an appropriate budget.

BMWs are more expensive to maintain than other brands, even other luxury brands, once the manufacturer warranty expires. In comparison to the cost of maintaining a car like a Mercedes-Benz over ten years, maintaining a BMW can cost an additional $5,000 on average. Additionally, the maintenance cost of a BMW can be up to $12,000 higher than that of a Toyota.

Experts claim that BMWs do not breakdown more frequently than other types of vehicles. When it comes to dependability, BMWs actually rank in the middle of the pack. According to sources like “RepairPal,” the average BMW requires unscheduled maintenance 0.9 times annually, which is exactly in line with the industry standard.

BMW owners adore their high-performance, luxurious cars despite the added cost. The best tech and safety features are available in these sophisticated, high-comfort vehicles. BMW is still a top performer in the automotive sector. Other brands find it challenging to compete with the brand on this front because the brand is synonymous with status, performance, and safety.

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