BMWs are known as luxury vehicles. While it costs a fortune for their maintenance, people still choose to buy them. Because BMW, for most, isn’t just a brand of cars but a lifestyle they have chosen, but are BMWs reliable?
Consumer Reports claims that most new BMWs are produced to excellent quality levels and will easily cross the 100,000-mile threshold. A top-notch secondhand car is a great long-term asset when correctly maintained and used.
Now that we have mentioned how reliable a BMW is let us get into further details about what makes BMW a stellar purchase if you’re thinking about buying a car.
Are BMWs Fun to Drive?
You receive something remarkable thanks to the skilled German engineering, which enables you to feel connected with the vehicle and the road and enjoy driving as you go along.
Driving a BMW is simple, whether it’s cruising down the freeway, braking, or making sharp turns. The quick handling, stability, and safety features will win you over.
BMWs are fundamentally automobiles manufactured with driving experience in mind. They always feature a perfectly balanced suspension, great brakes, excellent transmissions, and a tranquilizing yet self-assured engine tone.
Once you accelerate, you reach 60 mph without exceeding 3.5k rpm on most BMWs.
All these and more reasons make BMWs some of the best cars in the world to drive around, whether it’s for a sporting event or if it’s just for your everyday use.
How Many Miles Can a BMW last?
With good care, almost any BMW can last up to 200,000 or even 250,000 miles, and there will always be outliers that stay even longer. Additionally, some models can even endure longer; as a result, it’s not unusual to see BMWs from earlier eras on the road.
You should have no problems and be able to drive a gently maintained BMW for up to 15 years.
A decade after you purchased it, the paintwork on a BMW will still look considerably better than it does on other automobile models. As a bonus, its high-quality components won’t require regular replacement.
BMWs are generally regarded as reliable automobiles, with the usual owner reporting faults after 80,000 to 120,000 km.
Car Wizard on Youtube has this very informative video on what BMW models you should avoid and which ones are gems to have and own:
Common Problems with BMWs
Users, at times, report quite a few problems with BMW vehicles. These problems can range from faulty automatic headlights to something as serious as oil leaks.
Let us look at some common problems all BMW owners go through.
1. The Engine Cooling System
The health of a vehicle depends on the effectiveness of the engine cooling system. BMWs are no exception to this rule. In most cases, a leaking water pump or coolant leak is to blame for the car overheating.
Unfortunately for BMW owners, a malfunctioning cooling system frequently causes some BMW vehicles to overheat. You must have your car inspected if this occurs.
2. Oil Leak
A trip to the workshop is in the cards for you if you smell burning oil while driving or spot an oil puddle where you had previously parked your car.
Numerous things, such as a broken fuel pump or a faulty valve cover gasket, can result in an oil leak.
If the gasket is neglected for too long, the repair will take longer and cost more. The best action to prevent a leaking oil filter gasket is to ensure the car gets its regular oil changes on schedule.
3. Discharging Batteries
Owners of BMWs have reported problems with their batteries draining overnight. While numerous technological flaws in the car might create battery problems, likely reasons include inadvertently leaving the lights on or the doors open.
Furthermore, if the smart key is too close to the car when parked, it could eventually lead to battery issues. The intelligent key might keep the car’s systems running through the night, reducing battery life.
4. Fuel Pump Malfunction
Fuel pump malfunctioning is the most infuriating for owners to experience.
Issues with the wire connections bring on these problems. In BMW automobiles, sputtering at high speeds, weak acceleration, or an unwilling engine to turn are typical signs of fuel-pump problems.
More than 136,000 BMW automobiles were recalled due to issues with the high-pressure fuel pump. The gasoline pump has problems with other BMW models as well.
5. Door Handle Issues
Door handles have been a source of complaints from BMW customers, especially for the BMW X5 SUV.
The typical symptom is the door handle operating normally but not unlocking or opening.
The most frequent fix for this issue is to replace the door’s locking mechanism completely. Because this repair calls for specialized equipment, bring the car to a BMW repair facility.
6. Electric Window Failure
Electric windows on BMWs have a reputation for having problems. The motor fails in most cases. The windows only fully close if the engine is working.
Since BMWs are among the most often stolen automobiles, open windows may attract criminals. Therefore, this issue raises red flags for buyers.
Additionally, driving with windows open is never comfortable, particularly in nations with uncomfortable weather and a long rainy season.
Final Thoughts On BMWs Reliability
There is a strong fanbase surrounding these German-manufactured vehicles. They have their flaws, and they also have features that stand out.
Ultimately it depends on what you want to buy and what is essential for you in a car.
Generally speaking, most BMWs should behave without faults until at least the 60,000-mile mark, and with proper care, can exceed 200,000 miles.
FAQs
How Can You Make Your BMW Last Longer?
Maintenance plans are made to assist you in identifying issues quickly and avoiding harm. If you want your car to last and remain in the most fantastic shape, you must only use genuine BMW components when replacing one.
Are BMW Engines Known To Be Decisive?
Among its users, BMW engines are renowned for being incredibly powerful. One firm with high-performance, potentially efficient engines is BMW. In addition, many engines are dependable and have a lifespan of 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance.
Can Your BMW Rust?
BMW cars don’t often rust, but if they aren’t maintained, they can rust quickly, so you need to exercise caution. These cars frequently ride closer to the road, which increases the risk of corrosion, particularly during the winter. The simple solution is to wash your car often and use an underbody treatment to prevent corrosion when driving on salted roads.
