Is it okay to buy a second hand BMW?
Simply by choosing to go for a used BMW, you’re almost guaranteed to get a reliable car. It’s often one of the things the brand is criticised for, but we beg to differ. With the correct maintenance, BMWs are actually highly reliable, regardless of model. When it comes to buying a second-hand BMW, the biggest risk is how well it’s been maintained. After all these are performance cars so are likely to have been driven in an ‘aggressive’ manner! If it’s an ex-company car that has been shared between drivers, it may have experienced some hard miles.The luxurious elements that elevate BMW foster much of the dissatisfaction with reliability, common among sophisticated platforms, domestic and foreign. However, several strong BMW variants hold their own with high safety ratings, reliability scores, and fuel-efficient powertrains.Give that potential BMW a thorough once-over. Check for signs of wear or damage on the paint job, tires, and interior. Cleanliness is next to godliness when it comes to luxury cars, so pay attention to the overall tidiness. And remember, a well-maintained BMW is like a fine wine—it gets better with age.
What are the disadvantages of buying a used BMW?
Higher initial costs, potential maintenance expenses, and limited selection are factors that potential buyers should weigh carefully. By understanding these cons, you can make a more informed decision and determine if a BMW approved used vehicle is the right choice for you. BMW oil changes tend to be pricier than those for other brands due to several factors. The high-quality synthetic oil used in BMWs, advanced engineering, and specialized tools and equipment contribute to the higher cost. Additionally, the maintenance required for BMWs ensures optimal performance and longevity.High Ownership Costs (Con) Owning a BMW comes with higher-than-average ownership costs. Premium gasoline, high-end tires, imported parts, and specialized labor contribute to the overall expenses. Additionally, BMWs typically require synthetic oil changes, which further elevate maintenance costs.The price typically includes parts, labor, and oil, with BMWs requiring high-performance synthetic oil and specialized filters that can contribute to the higher cost compared to standard vehicles.Like most imports, BMWs cost more to maintain and service, as well, their parts and repair methods coming from across an ocean. Although you should expect a certain level of dependability from day one, all cars have parts designed to wear out, so maintenance and repair fees will eventually become inevitable.
Which BMW is least expensive to maintain?
Which BMW model is the cheapest to maintain? The BMW 3 Series—especially the 320i and 330i—is widely considered the cheapest to maintain due to its reliable 4-cylinder engine, simple RWD layout, and wide availability of parts. BMW 1 Series (groups 16-28) The cheapest model to insure is typically the 116d SE (in group 16), so that’s a good place to start if you want to keep running costs low. The 120d xDrive M Sport cars are pricier on the insurance in groups 28 – but that’s still not bad in comparison to some larger BMW models.
How many miles is too much for a used BMW?
If you’re considering a used BMW, you’ll want to consider the following factors when determining the condition of any low-mileage used cars you’re considering: Use: What is considered high mileage? Anything over 75,000 miles falls under this category. The cutoff for good mileage on a used car is generally somewhere between 30,000 and 60,000 miles, but today’s used cars are lasting longer than ever! Even a used car with 100,000 miles or more can be a good choice if it has a strong maintenance history and a lack of deeper structural damage.Although a newer car with high mileage may show signs of use, it might still outperform an older model with fewer miles. For example, a two-year-old car with 40,000 miles can be a better long-term investment than a ten-year-old car with 50,000 miles.There’s no rule to how many miles on a used car is too much, but by attempting to stick to the 12,000 miles per year rule is a great place to start. Find out how old the car is, multiple the number of years by 12,000, and if the number on the odometer is significantly higher than that, some concern might be warranted.
Is used BMW high maintenance?
High Maintenance and Repair Costs Owners of older BMW models often face higher maintenance and repair expenses compared to non-luxury brands. Specialized parts, advanced systems, and the need for skilled mechanics can quickly add up. Most BMWs are capable of lasting 200,000 to 250,000 miles with routine maintenance, and many push well past that with the right care. Models equipped with inline-six engines like the M54, N52, or B58—and diesel workhorses like the M57 or B57—frequently reach 300,000 miles or more.If you’re considering buying one or looking to keep yours on the road for as long as possible, you’ll be happy to know that BMW models are engineered to go the distance. With proper care, many BMWs easily surpass 200,000 miles, and some even push past 300,000. Longevity depends on how well you maintain your vehicle.That being said, some recent studies show that BMW models can last up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles, with an average lifespan of at least 15 years. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz vehicles tend to last up to 150,000 to 200,000 miles with an average lifespan of over 10 years.Many BMWs often exceed 100,000 kilometres without losing reliability, as long as they’re regularly maintained. Many people consider cars over 100,000 km on the odometer to be close to the end of their life, but with BMWs, this is not the case.BMWs are rock solid up to 100,000 miles. Then, the plastics/rubbers/gaskets etc start to fail. The part is usually a cheap part, but can sometimes be expensive to repair. BMWs are known for oil leaks (gaskets) and a weak cooling system.