Are you contemplating owning a BMW? If so, then one question that might be on your mind is how long do BMWs last?
You would not want to get a vehicle that won’t last for more a 1-2years, making you spend much on fixing faults or even getting a new one.
This article answers various questions you might have about BMW’s durability, such as, how long do BMWs last? how long each BMWs components, such as the engine and the transmissions last, how to maintain your BMW to make it last longer, and lots more
Let’s begin!
How Long Do BMWs Last?
With proper maintenance, BMWs can last for more than 15 years. A BMW that is properly cared for can last for over 200,000 miles, for some situations, BMWs can last for more than 250,000 miles or 300,000 miles in rare cases.
In the USA, most people drive an average of 13,467 miles per year which is about 21673km. So most of these people are prone to have a minimum of 15 years of using their car.
Although the number of miles a BMW can go in a year can be reduced due to several factors, it still lasts for a long time.
Also Read: Why Are BMW Cars Called Beemer?
How Many Miles Can a BMW Last?
Despite different circumstances, it is reasonable to think that a BMW will last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Though there are cases where BMW owners exceed the 250,000 miles with their cars, on average, BMWs last for 150,000-200,000 miles.
It is necessary to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning the maintenance plan to ensure that your BMW lasts for at least 150,000 miles.
The manufacturers of BMW made it less stressful by providing a PDF that you can download that talks about certain maintenance instructions for each of the vehicles.
How Many Years Can a BMW Last?
On average, BMWs last for a minimum of 15years with proper maintenance, as stated in the BMW service plan.
Many BMW owners have found their vehicles to be durable up to this point, but others have found that their cars get beyond the 20-year mark even more often than at other times.
Many instances are online of different persons using their BMW for 20 years and above. Some of these people have been using their cars alone, and they ensure that they are correctly maintained with the help of instructions from the manufacturers.
Making sure your car lasts for more than 20 years will not be easy, as these cars do not become old beautifully.
In addition, some of the vehicle parts could wear out or get exhausted, like the oil, tires, and some fluid that will need to be replaced from time to time which is typical for all vehicles.
Specific components of the vehicle which are essential are more likely to wear out on time if :
- You Drive the car hard from time to time over many years
- The vehicle is not correctly and regularly maintained
- You stay in a cold area with salty roads.
Most of the time, corrosion is the major issue that affects the durability of a BMW.
The metal parts and the car’s structure can be eroded by corrosion, making it risky to drive and not economical to fix. In addition, salted roads quicken the process of corrosion.
The most common circumstance that also occurs is when people buy a used car, as it makes it difficult to determine how the car has been maintained over the years.
It might also be that the proof or papers of old maintenance has been misplaced, which will make it hard to get the previous cautions that have been carried out for the past years.
All of this affects how long a BMW last.
Do BMWs Hold Their Value?
Sadly, despite the high level of German Engineering Standard, BMWs do not retain the same value over the years.
Four of the top tens vehicles with the most excellent depreciating rate for over five years are the BMWs, as stated by the research led by the iseecars.com.
The average depreciating rate has been 70.1% for the past five years for BMWs. It is not among the top ten of the most depreciating cars compared to Mercedes.
The leading cause for this is because many of these big car owners replace their cars from time to time which could be around 3-5 years.
The cause for the dropping rate is because of the hiring cycle of vehicles such as the Mercedes and the BMWs. Every year, the rate at which the cars are being taken back from their three-year lease is high.
The increase in supply drags down the prices. This might be discouraging for a person who wants to buy a new one, but the depreciation is perfect for those purchasing pre-owned cars.
How Long Do BMW Transmissions Last?
With your vehicle’s regular and proper maintenance, the BMWs transmission can last for over 300,000 miles or more than 20 years.
The transmission fluid of the BMW is simply the lifeblood of the transmission system. Many BMWs have been sold with lifelong fluids for more than twenty years. This fluid does not need replacing all through the life of the car.
Many people still feel the need to change the fluid at 30,000-60,000 miles; this, in turn, prolongs the life of the transmission.
When there’s a failure in the BMW transmission, it requires a high repair cost. This means it will be better and safe to change the fluid now and then to avoid problems and undue expenses.
When your car is giving you a hard time changing the gear, or it probably slips when it’s in gear, this can indicate that the transmission is about to fail. Take it to a BMW dealer or a mechanic for examination and repair immediately.
How Long Do BMW Engines Last?
In most cases, BMW engines last for more than 200,000 miles when you follow the instructions in the BMW maintenance plan, which requires frequent oil changes and filter replacements.
The failure of the engine can be attributed to improper maintenance. However, you need to consider other things when you own a BMW.
It’s essential to top off the oil to prevent the engine from getting damaged and to ensure it lasts since BMW engines tend to burn their oil more quickly than other cars.
BMW engines can fail in some of the parts ahead of time in some specific models, and some models experience a lot more complications than others. However, in general, engines made by BMW have a long lifespan.
Above all other parts of a vehicle, the engine lasts longer. Some of the complaints about the BMW are not related to its mechanical components; instead, they reflect its electronic components.
Also Read: How Long Does Transmission Last? (Answered)
How Long Do BMW Batteries Last?
On average, the BMW battery can last up to 3-5years. The battery’s lifespan can be shortened when your environment experiences a particular temperature change.
The battery’s lifespan can also be reduced when it passes through bad roads due to extra vibrations.
How Long Do BMW Brake Pads Last?
BMW brake pads can last for as long as 30,000 to 50,000 miles. The lifespan of the brake pad is also determined by the stopping frequency and the style of driving.
Drivers that regularly use the brakes can expect the lifespan of their brake pads to be within the 30,000-mile range, but drivers that drive, especially on highways, could predict the brake pads to go close to 50,000 miles.
BMW recommends replacing the brake rotors after changing the brake pads every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
How Long Do BMW Tires Last?
On average, BMW’s tire lifespan is around 25,000 to 30,000 miles.
Compared to the rest brands, BMWs tire lifespan is based on the constant whirling, as stated by the tire manufacturers.
How to Make BMW Last Longer
To ensure your BMW vehicle last longer and is perfectly okay and going strong, make sure you:
- Replace the oil frequently and use the oil the BMWs recommends for your model.
- Ensure the tire is at the correct pounds per square inch; changing the filter and adhering to the tune-up plan is essential.
- Limit the use of the car to a third of its maximum capacity and ensure the longevity of the engine and the structure suspension.
Are BMWs Dependable?
BMWs are known to be undependable. Nevertheless, presently they are more dependable than a lot of brands.
BMW has been rated high for dependability and quality constantly since 2016 by JD power.
This ranking is extended to 2002, which happens to be where the BMW was rated very high in 8 of the 20 years.
The main point is that starting from 2017-to 2021, the BMW has been one of the dependable brands throughout the years.
What BMW Model Is The Most Dependable?
The BMW 3 Series is the most reliable model. Though there are different models of BMW that are highly rated in a separate list, the most constant model is the BMW 3 series, as they are notable for their dependability.
The absence of turbochargers increases dependability, a popular trend amid the BMWs.
Which of the BMW Models Is the Least Dependable?
The BMW model that is less dependable is the BMW X5 series.
When we observed, it was constantly observed among the undependable vehicles.
The most common problems for a BMW X5 include:
- it uses excess oil.
- Issues with the fuel injector.
- Issues with the batteries.
Do BMWs Last Longer Than Hondas?
BMW and Honda are well known to last long for 200,000 miles alongside severe maintenance schedules,
The difference between the two cars is the total value. Unlike the BMW, the Honda is less expensive when bought, and changing or repairing the components is also cheap.
Owners of a BMW are likely to foot a bill of $17,800 for proper upkeep for ten years.
Owners of Honda will approximately be saving 60% together with $7200 for maintenance costs.
Also Read: How Long Does Freon Last in a Car?
Do Bmws Last Longer Than Mercedes?
Generally, the exact lifespan is expected for a Mercedes and a BMW. The two brands are both exceptional. Also, these automobiles are German-engineered alongside premium and expensive designs.
Because the reliability rate of the Mercedes is higher and has minor complications, it tends to last longer compared to the BMW.
The BMW was rated the last with 181 problems during research in recognizing the number of issues for each vehicle. Mercedes is associated with some 136 issues for each vehicle.
Are BMWs Expensive to Maintain?
When it comes to repair and maintenance, BMWs are usually very costly. The average cost for maintaining a BMW is $1000 each year. The price for maintenance is about 40% more than the maintenance cost of an average car.
With a BMW model (higher-end), you’re more likely to spend at least $1200 on maintenance every year.
What Is High Mileage for a BMW?
There’s a common saying that “There is nothing like an old BMW among the car enthusiast.” Many assert that even though the 1980s model of BMW is classic globally, it can and is still working well as it used to when it was new.
Nevertheless, like every other manufacturer of cars, the German company has created a list of flops you should stay clear from. So do not purchase things beginning with the BMW 5 Series 2009, 2012 BWM 3 series, or the 2016 BMW series.
Some of these models are seen online for a cheap amount because they would eventually fail after driving for some thousand miles.
With proper maintenance, your BMW can last over 300,000 miles or even up to 500,000 miles, and this is an exceptionally high distance for a car.
Unlike the Kia or Toyota, you’ll enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride as you drive those distances.
Frequently Asked Questions – How Long Do BMWs Last
What Is High Mileage for a BMW?
Even though many BMWs can last for about 100,000 to 250,000 miles, the high mileage is lesser. As a result, the majority of the dealers fend off storing BMWs that are more than 100,000, and some consider the 60,000 to 80,000 as the highest mileage for the cars.
Can BMW Last 20 Years?
BMWs can last long, not less than 15 years, with proper maintenance as stated in the service plan. Many instances are online showing how owners of BMWs reach the 20-year milestone and above.
Are Bmws Long-Lasting Cars?
With proper maintenance and care, BMWs can last for over 200,000 miles. It is not rare to see the 1980 BMW model on the road because some models have a long lifespan. Looking after a BMW can make you avoid problems and let you enjoy the vehicle for 15 years and above.
Is a BMW With 200,000 Miles Good?
Alongside proper preservation, any BMW car can go more than 200,000 miles. Various BMWs have 300,000, while some have more than 400,000. This is mostly because of little or no vehicle abuse and proper maintenance.
Will a BMW Last for Ten Years?
A BMW can last for 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. This is mostly possible When you drive at an average of about 13,500 miles per year.
Can a BMW Last 300K Miles?
If a BMW is adequately maintained, it can last long. For a BMW 3 series, the car can last between 200,000 miles and 250,000 miles. On some occasions, a BMW 3 series can stay for 300,000 miles.
How Long Does Turbocharger Last BMW?
They last for about 100,000 miles for BMW N54 before you need to rebuild or change. Some of these turbochargers are programmed to last for 200,000 miles and above.
Is Buying BMW Worth It?
Because BMWs are of higher performance and have premium interiors, an excellent level of comfort, a refined ride, and the best technical characteristics. BMWs are highly ranked, and their cars bring driving expertise that is hard to compete with.
Conclusion – How Long Do BMWs Last
BMWs are great luxury cars to own. Even though some models last longer than others, the average BMW car is expected to last for 15 years when you drive for an average number of miles each year.
The lifespan of any vehicle, including BMWs, is determined by maintenance and proper care.
Unlike other cars you can see on the road, BMWs are expensive to maintain, and because some people ignore this maintenance, it will cause their car not to last as long as it is supposed to.
Take maintenance of your vehicle seriously if you need your BMW to last long, and do this all the time as stated by the BMW service plan leaving no stone unturned.