I am thinking of buying a good quality second hand BMW - no older than 2007 but I've heard the cost to maintain/service them is really expensive. Is it really that expensive to maintain them? Thanks for advice!
pattym1,
Jun 29, 8:13pm
i owned a 1996 BMW 328i coupe for 16 years and found it no more to have it serviced and maintain than any other car. i would just take it to my local garage and he did a fine job of it.
mephismeltdown,
Jun 29, 8:23pm
yes later model cars are a bit more costly to repair, but older cars also are getting more costly to repair, we arnt just talking bmws.
pandai,
Jun 29, 8:35pm
Luck of the draw really.
Our 1998 four-cylinder BMW has been cheap to fuel, but expensive to maintain. Pads and rotors. $700. Leaking shocks. $700. Oil leak from timing cover and rocker cover - same time as a radiator that was leaking from the built-in expansion tank - $2000. Not even counting other repairs like when the air condoning needed the compressor rebuilt.
Still not as bad as my 2005 Honda which needed the gearbox rebuilt at a cost of $5k+.
With the BMW's at least - routine maintenance on the cooling system is key, really.
elect70,
Jun 29, 8:49pm
No more than any modern car with electronics . All service parts readily available at aftermarket places . Regular oil /filter & coolant changes are mandatory if want it to be trouble free & last for long time . . My 96 328is almost on 300 000 kms & still origonal motor /box /clutch /diff doesnt use any oil or water .
tamarillo,
Jun 29, 9:01pm
Lots of horror stories around, but consider that in the UK 3 series bmws sell more than mondeo! A 2007 is a modern car so does need good electronics and these do need careful checking, hence there is some justified prejudice over Singapore imports due to humidity. You do need access to a BMW service shop other than dealership though. They are lovely cars to drive and beautifully built. My older ones have cost me very little in bills and maintenance. Personally I'd pay a small dividend for a NZ new with good history, and if it was import I'd want to see a full service history and translate it to check. Also allow for new head unit if you like full range of radio stations on import.
goose16,
Jun 29, 9:26pm
Steer clear of a Jap import and you'll be fine. We've run BMW's for many years. Last one for 12 years. Total maintenance outside of oil changes and tyres = one set of rotors and one water pump. As for the price of parts . often cheaper than Japanese cars.
budgel,
Jun 29, 9:36pm
If you needed anything major there are online places in the USA that sell parts for a fraction of what they are here, shipping included. A good independent BMW workshop would have the expertise and workshop equipment at a lot less than a main dealer would charge. You may need to come in to Auckland for that unless there is a suitable workshop around Pukekohe. The BMW driving experience is worth it in my opinion!
petermcg,
Jun 29, 10:42pm
I have a BMW import and dont see a problem until they break down big time, I also procure and sell parts for the BMW.
poppy62,
Jun 29, 11:16pm
Looks like you were done over, at the prices you're posting on the BMW. I've got BMW and Porsche done rotors and pads on both (new) for less than either of the $700 you've posted. BMW Dealer by any chance?
pandai,
Jun 29, 11:20pm
No, independent specialist
budgel,
Jun 30, 12:43am
BMW must be one of the easiest cars for an owner to procure the correct parts for. You can go to www.realoem.com enter the last seven digits of your VIN and you get directed to exploded views of the correct parts and numbers for your car. You can then buy the part from whoever best suits your needs.
Even aftermarket parts have the original part number on them somewhere, BMW forums are a good way to find out which aftermarket parts are worth using and which arent.
saxman99,
Jun 30, 1:43am
I have a 94 E34 540i with 250,000 k on it. I use it as a company car, so I have to keep a track of all repair and maintenance costs and normal running costs. I have just done the maths for the 2014 tax year and all it had in that time was fuel (lots!) an oil change and two tires.
oakie,
Jun 30, 3:04pm
OP are you considering 4 cylinder or 6? You may be advised to use 95 octane from service people. I don't find it too expensive 2010 325i. Mine had runflat tyres and I got rid of them, really improved the ride. You should try to get a BMW serviceman private rather than going through a dealership. There are some good cheap buys around right now and you have plenty to choose from. There were some major upgrades around 2009 so buy as late as you can afford.
kazbanz,
Jun 30, 3:26pm
BMW cars are NOT expensive with their day to day maintainence. Where they tend to cost is the cost of repairs. or to rephrase as they age the need for repairs. It seems to be consistent that a beemer will cost roughly 25% more to repair than the equivilant Jappa. again that's NOT the day to day stuff but is the repairs
bryshaw,
Jun 30, 6:30pm
A towie told me BMWs are the most common to break down.
msigg,
Jun 30, 7:11pm
Yes to Kazbanz and bryshaw, the towie is called by AA who do see alot more BMW road side faults than other makes. Second hand information from AA.
mopsy3,
Jun 30, 9:16pm
Do you know which towie bryshaw was talking to?
msigg,
Apr 7, 12:19pm
No I don't, I have spoken to AA service personal myself about other things, most of the BMW faults seem to be electrical.
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