BMW is one of the most recognizable brand names in the world and is one of the most popular luxury car brands in America (second only to Mercedes-Benz). But as you can probably guess with the term “luxury”, these cars can be quite expensive.
Not only is the initial cost of the car expensive, but the maintenance costs are also high. While the costs to maintain a BMW aren’t as much as other luxury car brands like Porche or Ferrari, it’s definitely more expensive than more affordable brands like Honda or Toyota.
Let’s take a look at the specifics of the BMW maintenance cost you can expect with these vehicles.
Not All BMWs Are Created Equal
Before we get into the particulars, it’s important to say that not all BMWs are going to cost the same maintenance-wise. Different BMW models, makes, and years will all have different costs associated with them.
An older model might cost less at first, but lacking certain safety features and having to repair older parts can make the maintenance much more expensive. A newer model might cost more at first but not have much to maintain the first few years.
However, newer models will also have new technology which can be expensive to repair or replace if something does come up.
The point we’re making here is that there’s no exact number when it comes to maintaining BMWs, especially with all of the different engine specs, years, models, and other factors that can affect the BMW maintenance cost.
Insurance Costs
A big part of maintenance is insurance. Insuring your car is not only legally required in most states, but it will also help cover any accidents or maintenance troubles that arise.
Since BMW is a luxury car brand, it will be more expensive to insure compared to other non-luxury car brands. But, as we mentioned, the exact number of what it will cost you will depend on a number of factors, including:
- The year of the car
- The model/type of car
- Your age
- Your accident history
- The car’s safety features
- Your state
- The cost of the car (higher cost usually means higher insurance cost)
While all of these things will affect the cost of your insurance, it’s safe to say that a BMW will be more expensive to insure than other more affordable car brands.
General Maintenance Costs
All cars require certain general maintenance schedules that include inspections, oil changes, tire rotations, filter replacements, brake checks, etc.
The state inspection will be comparable in cost to other car brands since they’re standard across the board and usually cost a fixed price no matter what the car brand or model.
However, the other maintenance costs are more expensive for a BMW. Oil changes in a BMW, for example, should use higher quality oil. The higher the quality of the oil, the more expensive the oil change is going to be.
This is especially true for the newer models boasting the latest and greatest engines. Those will require a high-quality oil which will definitely be more expensive than an oil change for a non-luxury vehicle.
Replacing and Repairing Parts
You’ll also have to think about costs that come with repairing and replacing parts in your BMW. Maintenance doesn’t end with check-ups and inspection. Years of driving will result in things that break or need repair; it’s inevitable.
When it comes to replacing parts in a BMW, whether that’s brake pads, filters, or more serious things like brake lines and transmission parts, you’re going to be looking at a huge auto bill.
BMW is a German car brand meaning that most parts have to be shipped from overseas, which will increase the cost. Not only that, but BMW replacement parts usually have to be special ordered because they’re less common luxury parts that aren’t on hand at all times.
The newest technology found in BMWs also presents an expense. Since the technology is so new, it’s also expensive. This means any repair that’s necessary will also be expensive.
Overall BMW Maintenance Costs
As you’ve probably gathered from this post, maintaining a BMW is more expensive than other car brands. You’ll probably have high insurance costs, higher general maintenance costs, and much higher repair and replacement costs.
The main source of increased cost when it comes to BMWs are their specialized parts and their luxury status. The luxury status of the car will increase your insurance costs and fundamentally increase the labor costs as well.
The specialized parts of the BMW will also make their replacement and repair more expensive overall. Especially when you factor in the import costs as it’s a German brand vehicle.
How to Reduce Maintenance Costs
There are ways to reduce maintenance costs for your BMW.
Do your research on which model and year that you’re buying. This can have a huge impact on the maintenance costs. For example, certain BMW models don’t have the most expensive engine, which means that engine repair and maintenance won’t cost as much compared to the state-of-the-art options in other models.
You should also be sure to follow regular maintenance and repair schedules. Catching a problem early and fixing it will cost less in the long run compared to skipping maintenance and ending up with a huge issue later on.
Also be sure to find an auto shop that you trust. Some shops will up the price based on the luxury brand of your car or take advantage of the specialized labor and parts. Finding a trustworthy shop can save you money over time.
BMW Maintenance Cost: Bottom Line
When you buy a luxury vehicle like a BMW, it’s no surprise that you’re going to be paying more compared to a non-luxury car brand. The BMW maintenance cost over the lifetime of the vehicle is expensive; there’s no denying that fact.
However, think of it this way: you’re buying a luxury car, so expect some “luxury” prices. These are also great, reliable, stylish, and safe cars, so higher maintenance costs might be worth it to you.
If you want to check out your BMW’s repair manual, check out our website. We’ve also got other car maintenance tips on our blog.