Owning a BMW is a status symbol for many people. But how expensive is it to maintain one? The short answer is it’s as expensive as you would suspect with a brand like that. In this post, let’s look at some of the things you’ll need to budget for if you own a BMW. Let’s then proceed with useful tips for ensuring your BMW runs smoothly for as long as possible. So, if you’re thinking about buying a Beemer, read on.
What Is the Average BMW Maintenance Cost?
The average BMW maintenance cost is more than $1,000 per year. This cost includes oil changes, brake pads, and other routine services. Compare this to the industry average of $652 per year and it becomes clear why maintaining a BMW can be an entirely new ballgame. It can escalate further if you have a more expensive BMW model or don’t keep up with regular maintenance. For example, replacing the engine can easily set you back anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000.
If you’re wary of paying this kind of money for repair costs, you can protect yourself by securing an extended warranty. An extended warranty is a service contract that helps cover the cost of repairs after your manufacturer’s warranty expires. Many dealerships offer them. There are also plenty of third-party insurance providers that provide this service. They can be a great way to keep your maintenance costs down. CarShield is a company known for offering this service. If you want to learn more about the company and the experiences of previous clients, read as many CarShield reviews as possible.
What Are the Common BMW Maintenance Requirements?
You’ll need to keep a few common BMW maintenance requirements in mind. For example, here is the maintenance schedule for a BMW 3 Series:
Oil Changes
You should change your BMW’s oil every 10,000 miles. Failing to do so can result in decreased performance and engine damage.
Tire Rotations
You should rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This will help them wear evenly and prolong their life.
Brake Inspections
It would be best if you had your BMW’s brakes inspected every six months. This will help you catch any problems with the braking system before they become too serious.
These are just a few of the common BMW maintenance requirements. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for a full list.
How Can I Keep My BMW in Good Shape?
Your BMW is a high-performance, premium vehicle that you’d want to stay in good shape for as long as possible. Here are a few tips for keeping your BMW running like new:
1. Keep Up With Regular Maintenance.
This is the best way to prevent significant repair costs down the road. Religiously sticking to your BMW’s maintenance schedule will ensure that it keeps up its level of performance. A routine trip to the service center includes oil change, tire rotation, and brake inspection. Mechanics there will also inspect different components of your car to ensure that everything is in good order.
2. Use the Right Fluids and Parts.
Using the proper fluids and parts is essential for keeping your BMW running well. Consult your owner’s manual to determine which fluids and components are best for your car. Avoid using cheap knock-off parts or liquids. This can damage your BMW and void your warranty.
3. Drive Sensibly.
BMWs are built for performance. But that doesn’t mean you should drive them like race cars all the time. Doing so can wear down the engine and other components prematurely. In addition, putting the pedal to the metal also raises the risk of an accident. So, it’s best to take it easy when driving your BMW and enjoy the ride. Drive your BMW sensibly and you’ll enjoy its unique combination of speed, power, and luxury for many more years.
4. Store It Properly.
If you’re not driving your BMW for a while, it’s essential to store it properly. This will help protect it from the elements and prevent any damage. For example, you should winterize your BMW before putting it into storage if you live in an area with cold winters. This involves adding antifreeze to the engine and topping off all the fluids. It would help if you covered your BMW or parked it in a garage to protect it from snow, ice, and salt. In the summer, it’s vital to protect your BMW from the sun. Park it in a garage or under a carport to keep it from direct sunlight. If you don’t have a garage, try using a car cover. This can help protect the paint and interior from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
5. Ensure Tires Are Properly Inflated.
This is another crucial step in protecting your BMW. Tires that are not inflated properly can wear down quickly and may lead to an accident. Not only that, driving on underinflated tires will severely impact your fuel mileage. So, it’s important to check your BMW’s tire pressure regularly. Inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s specified pressure to ensure their longevity.
6. Get Regular Cleanings.
It’s important to keep your BMW clean, both inside and out. This will help protect the paint and interior from dirt, dust, and other debris. Wax your BMW regularly to help protect the paint job. Vacuum the interior frequently to remove dirt and dust. You can use a leather conditioner on the seats to keep them looking their best.
7. Warm Up Your Engine.
This is especially important in the winter. Warming up your engine before driving will help reduce wear and tear on the engine. It will also help ensure that your BMW runs at its best performance.
8. Use Quality Fuel.
Using quality fuel is another way to keep your BMW running well. Avoid using cheap, low-quality fuel. It can compromise your BMW’s engine and other components. Use a reputable, high-quality fuel brand to optimize your BMW’s performance.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining your BMW may cost a lot of money, but it’s essential for keeping it running well. You can also follow the tips above to help keep costs down. By correctly maintaining your BMW, you’ll enjoy its unique performance and luxury for many years.