Are BMWs expensive to maintain?
When shopping around for a BMW, it’s a good idea to consider how much they might cost to run
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Choosing a BMW as your next car will mean you’re getting a high-quality vehicle that looks as good as it feels to drive.
With the premium nature of a used BMW comes a slightly more expensive price tag, but many would argue it’s worth it (and we’d agree).
As with any luxury car, it’s a good idea to consider if the running costs still fit your budget after the initial purchase price.
Years of quality engineering, premium quality parts and the performance edge do mean that maintaining a BMW can be pricier than looking after a budget model.
However, choosing a luxury car usually means that you’ll have to fork out for fewer repairs over time, thanks to its high-quality build.
BMW servicing costs
While car servicing is not a legal requirement, unlike MOTs, BMW recommends that you service its cars every 12 months.
Depending on the age of your BMW model, you can check the service status of your car using the iDrive infotainment system or the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.
The iDrive system can show you your car's ‘vehicle status’, including things like brake pad condition and engine oil status. This will ensure you know exactly when your car needs some care and attention.
A typical service will include a brake inspection, a brake fluid and oil change, spark plug replacements, and an air filter change.
In the UK, a standard car service can cost around £150 and upwards, especially if you need to cover the cost of replacement parts.
There are usually a few different servicing options, depending on where you go.
BMW itself also offers a choice of servicing plans, including the BMW Pay Monthly Plan for a fixed monthly servicing price and BMW Service Inclusive, which will cover the cost of BMW servicing for your first four years from purchasing.
If you buy a used BMW, many retailers offer their own servicing packages.
BMW repair costs
Repairing a luxury car like a BMW is usually more expensive than fixing a budget model, as the higher-quality parts will be more expensive.
This does mean that you’ll likely be making these repairs less frequently, however, as BMWs are built to last. You’ll have to decide whether the higher cost of parts is worth the higher quality vehicle experience.
BMW cars are reviewed as reliable models and have even seen a vast improvement in recent years. If you keep on top of regular servicing and maintenance, you’ll likely only experience the usual wear and tear that builds up over time.
BMW models come with a three-year warranty when brand-new, while the batteries in electric BMW models are covered for eight years.
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BMW insurance costs
In the UK, vehicles are split into one of 50 insurance groups based on various factors. These include the cost of repairs and parts, the length of the repairs, and the car’s performance.
BMWs in lower insurance groups are cheaper to insure and get more expensive as you move into higher number groups.
The cost of insuring a BMW will depend on the group it sits in, as well as individual factors like if you have points on your licence, where your car is stored and driven, and your predicted annual mileage.
If you choose a BMW that’s in a high insurance group, live in an area with high crime rates and have points on your licence, you can expect to pay more than you would for a lower insurance group vehicle that’s used in a low crime area with a clean license.
It’s a good idea to check the insurance group of a BMW before purchasing to make sure it suits your budget.
Models like the BMW 5 Series, 7 Series and 8 Series are all in higher groups, while the BMW i3, X1 and 1 Series are usually lower down and can be cheaper to insure.
Which BMW models are expensive to maintain?
You’ll usually find that the most expensive BMWs to maintain will be the ones that are on the pricier side to purchase and have the largest engines.
A larger engine usually means that your BMW will sit in a higher insurance group and will get through more fuel, so these running costs will be higher.
Higher maintenance costs don’t mean that you’ll be making more regular repairs on your BMW – just that the repairs you do make will be at a higher cost due to the cost of premium-level parts.
At the top end of the scale will likely be the BMW i8. This is the brand’s plug-in hybrid sports car that can hit 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds. The incredible power means that insurance is likely to be higher, and you might find yourself burning through more fuel and electric mile range than the standard plug-in hybrid model.
The BMW 7 Series is also an expensive model to insure, with a large engine that doesn’t make fuel efficiency its priority.
BMW does offer a range of reliable models that are slightly higher in price to maintain, thanks to the luxury label, but it’s worth the extra costs if you want premium quality that’s made to last.
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