Are BMWs Expensive to Maintain?

It’s no secret that buying a luxury car like a BMW is going to cost more, on average, than a regular brand. But, the costs of car ownership don’t stop after you first drive it off the lot—if you want a vehicle to last for years, you’ll need to keep it properly maintained and repaired, and this will require you to spend some money too.

There’s a common idea that BMW maintenance is more expensive than other vehicles, but just how true is this? To find out, we combed over some data on BMW maintenance and reliability. Here’s everything you need to know.

Do BMWs Cost More to Maintain than Non-Luxury Brands?

The short answer is, yes, it can cost more money to maintain a BMW compared to non-luxury brands. This is because BMWs are built to a higher standard of quality and performance than many other common car brands, and this requires more expensive and intricate parts. It also means that certified BMW technicians need more specialized training, which can further increase the price tag. If you live in the U.S., foreign cars can also be more expensive because of the cost of importing those parts.

However, exactly how much more isn’t always clear because it depends on several factors. In fact, you may end up spending less on BMW maintenance costs in some cases.

Most importantly, you have to consider how old your BMW is. Older cars generally cost more to maintain because they’ve had more time on the road, which translates to higher mileage and greater wear and tear. Newer vehicles don’t have this issue, and they’re also often covered by new car warranties and factory maintenance plans.

When you buy a new BMW, you’ll be enrolled in BMW Ultimate Care. This maintenance program covers a wide range of scheduled factory maintenance tasks, and it can greatly reduce your maintenance costs in the first few years of ownership. You can also buy extended coverage plans to save money on pre-owned vehicle maintenance.

Contact our BMW dealer near Coral Gables, FL to learn more about how you can save on BMW maintenance.

Do BMWs Cost More to Maintain than Other Luxury Brands?

Most car shoppers expect to pay a premium for maintenance on a luxury vehicle. The real question is, does BMW upkeep cost more than maintenance on other high-end foreign brands?

According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for a BMW is $968. Let’s see how this compares to other luxury brands, as of this writing:

BMW vs. Mercedes-Benz Maintenance Costs

In the world of luxury cars, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have one of the most heated rivalries of all time. Both of these German-made marques have been noted for their impressive performance and excellent array of comfort and tech features. So, which one is more expensive to keep running? Well, it depends on who you ask.

According to RepairPal, the average yearly repair costs for Mercedes-Benz are $908, which is slightly lower than BMW. However, different sources paint a different picture.

In a recent Consumer Reports study, the average 1- to 5-year cost for a BMW was $1,700, while it was $3,500 for Mercedes-Benz, which is more than double. Mercedes-Benz owners also spent about $3,300 more over the 6- to 10-year timespan than BMW owners.

How Reliable Are BMWs Overall?

A brand’s overall reliability is an important factor to consider when buying your next car. A car’s reliability rating is directly tied to how much money you’ll spend on maintenance and repairs over time, especially as the car starts to age. How does BMW rank against the competition?

J.D. Power is one of the foremost authorities on the matter. Every year, they produce their Vehicle Dependability Study, which ranks major brands according to how many issues they have per vehicle. In that study, BMW ranked right around the average score, which is significantly higher than Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Land Rover, and Tesla, as well as other non-luxury brands like Honda and Ford.

What can we conclude from this? Despite the fact that BMW maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations often costs more, BMW vehicles receive high scores in terms of dependability, which can massively offset maintenance costs because they may not need as many major repairs over time.

BMW Maintenance Costs: The Bottom Line for Shoppers in Miami, FL

No matter which brand you’re shopping for, it’s important to research average maintenance costs because they can vary quite a bit between different makes and models. If you’re thinking about buying a specific model, you can contact our BMW service center in Miami and ask our expert team for insider advice.

Are you interested in saving money on luxury car maintenance? Don’t forget to check our service specials to find the best deals on BMW parts and service. We also offer service financing to help you manage your budget and keep your budget in check. Call us at (786) 235-9765 to learn more.