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Schedule Your BMW Maintenance: Cost of Repairs

BMW maintenance cost

If you're considering buying a used BMW in Indianapolis, you will find plenty of models in good condition at Indy Auto Man. Get prepared for your BMW ownership with our quick guide on its maintenance, repairs, and costs.

BMW Reliability: Are BMW's Worth the Money?

BMW builds high-performance luxury cars. They are well-known for their German quality and reliability. However, the problems still occur, and the engine is the most vulnerable part. 

are bmw worth the money

BMW engine problems, most often, are as follows:

  • Weakening of the timing chain can lead to its disposition and bending of the valves by the pistons. This should be closely monitored, so do not forget to undergo timely diagnostics at a reliable service center.
  • Blue exhaust smoke and poor acceleration will signal you to change your fuel injectors. Their service life is usually 50-60,000 miles.
  • If you do not control the volume of oil consumption, this will lead to an early replacement of the valve stem seals.
  • Catalysts and throttle fail after 18 - 60,000 miles run.
  • Chassis already after 18-20,000 miles requires replacement of racks and bushings of stabilizers.

BMW's automatic transmission is practically no concern. The weak side of the mechanical one is the clutch. If the vehicle is used as a sports car, then the service life of the gearbox transfer case reduces significantly.

BMW is a car that requires attention and care. You should contact a specialized car service and order BMW parts from trusted suppliers. 

Can You Put Regular Gas in a BMW?

BMW recommends only premium-unleaded gas regardless of your car model. These vehicles can run on lower-grade fuel, but premium-unleaded gasoline will maintain its quality and peak performance in the long run.

Is Maintenance on a BMW Expensive?

BMW owners in Indianapolis pay an average of $968 for maintenance and repairs per year. Compared to the $652 industry average, a BMW is an expensive car to maintain. BMW's maintenance costs are comparable to other German luxury brands, such as Audi ($987/year) and Mercedes-Benz ($908/year).

The cost of owning a BMW varies by vehicle. The BMW 3 Series is one of the cheapest models to maintain, which is why it is also one of the most popular. BMW's high-performance SUVs are more expensive than the standard Commuter line. 

Model Yearly BMW Maintenance Cost
BMW 328i $773
BMW 528i $825
BMW X3 $1,034
BMW X5 $1,166

Some BMWs come with a free service period. 2015 and 2016 model-year vehicles are serviced for four years or 50,000 miles as part of the BMW Ultimate Service. BMW Ultimate Care covers models from 2017 for three years or 36,000 maintenance miles.

A free service plan may initially reduce the cost of ownership, but you must be prepared to pay for service and repairs after the warranty period has expired.

What Determines the Cost of Servicing a BMW?

Maintenance costs for your BMW will vary depending on the regular maintenance and unexpected repairs you need. BMW requires a regular oil change every 10,000 miles, a fuel filter replacement every 60,000 miles, and a new spark plug every 90,000 miles. Typically, drivers alternate between cheap and expensive service with each maintenance  cycle.

The service schedule varies by vehicle. For example, M Series models require spark plugs change every 30,000 miles. For more information about your vehicle, please refer to your Owner's Manual or the BMW website. In addition to the annual schedule, BMW vehicles also have a monitoring system that notifies the driver when maintenance is due.

How to Lower BMW Maintenance Costs: Extended Warranty

how to lower bmw maintenance cost

A BMW repair can cost you thousands of dollars, given the expensive special parts in high-end cars. But if you find beneficial coverage, an extended BMW warranty can reduce the cost of owning your vehicle over time, especially as it ages. The extended warranty usually covers mechanical failures after the factory one expires. In this case, you will be only responsible for deductibles and contract payments. 

An extended warranty covers a variety of repairs and can reduce your chances of getting a full repair. Our sales assistants will help you gain the most advantageous warranty to reduce your maintenance costs. But if you feel that your expenses on repairs grow every year, it is time to consider trade-in at Indy Auto Man – choose your next BMW right now!