Is the Ultimate Driving Machine worth the ultimate maintenance costs?
By: Brogan Woodburn
01/23/2023 6:56 pm
Let’s rip off the Band-Aid. On average, BMW owners can expect to pay between $150 to $400 per service every 10,000 miles. A major service can cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more. At the end of the day, owners pay about $1,000 to $1,700 per year for maintenance and repairs – this is higher than most brands.
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If you’re nervous about ownership costs down the line, you can always get an extended warranty – either from BMW or through a third-party service contract. A car warrantywon’t pay for standard BMW maintenance costs, but it will cover expensive parts more likely to fail over time.
There are many options to choose from for extended coverage, so we’ve sifted through the market and picked out a few of thebest third-party extended car warrantyproviders. These are companies that performed well in areas like cost, reputation, and customer service.
Compare the top BMW extended warranty options to help lower your out-of-pocket vehicle ownership costs.
Why You Can Trust Motor1.comAt Motor1.com, we are dedicated to supplying car owners with the well-researched, fact-checked information they need to make sound decisions about auto warranties. Our team analyzes provider offerings and customer insights so you can feel empowered to make the best choice.
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BMW Ultimate Care Plan Coverage
BMW Ultimate Care is a free maintenance program only available to the original owner. Model years 2015-2016 came with 4 years or 50,000 miles of the BMW maintenance plan, while models from the year 2017 and later come with 3 years or 36,000 miles. Ultimate Care covers the following items:
- Engine filter
- Engine oil
- Cabin microfilter
- Brake fluid
- Spark plugs
- Engine air filter
- Vehicle check
- Remote control and key battery
- Fuel filter (diesel only)
This plan will pretty much cover everything you need up to your third service in one package. BMW’s maintenance schedule is based on 10,000-mile intervals, and sensors let drivers know what needs to get fixed at each point. So, if you drive your3 Series hard and use the turbo any chance you get, you’ll have more items to repair when you go into the repair shop.
Standard BMW Maintenance And Repair Costs
According to RepairPal, BMW owners pay an average of $968 per year on repairs and routine maintenance. What do people spend that money on? Here are a few common services for a BMW 328i:
| Repair/Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Oil change | $149 to $174 |
| Engine filter | $88 to $116 |
| Spark plugs | $144 to $295 |
| Wheel hub assembly replacement | $235 to $595 |
| Windshield wiper motor replacement | $612 to $679 |
| Turbocharger assembly replacement | $2,328 to $2,481 |
Keep in mind, if you go into your dealer for an oil change, they will probably perform a full engine check, which can add to the cost. One way to save money is to do some maintenance work yourself. If you go this route, you need to be confident in your wrench skills. Make sure to consult a professional if you have any doubts, and err on the side of caution. You definitely shouldn’t do work yourself if your car is under a factory or CPO warranty.
Repair Costs: BMW 3 Series Vs 5 Series Vs M4
As we mentioned above, BMW is known for its high maintenance and repair costs. Let’s remember that those two things are different. Maintenance involves engine oil and oil filter changes, tire rotations, brake pads, and replacing other parts that wear out regularly. On the other hand, when parts break unexpectedly or fail during regular use, that’s when you make repairs.
Now let’s take a closer look at some different BMW models using Edmunds.com’s True Cost to Own data. Exact costs may vary by zip code.
For this comparison, we’re going to look at the 3 Series,5 Series, andM4. We’re looking at 2019 BMW vehicles first – specifically the maintenance and repair costs you would pay over the next five years if you bought a 2019 model today. We’ll compare the 2019 BMW 330i, 2019 BMW 530i, and 2019 BMW M4.
| Cost | BMW330i | BMW 530i | BMW M4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Vehicle Price | $44,699 | $55,897 | $79,577 |
| 2019 Vehicle Maintenance For Next 5 Years | $7,948 | $7,394 | $7,904 |
| 2019 Vehicle Repairs For Next 5 Years | $2,609 | $2,609 | $2,609 |
BMWs are built well, and you shouldn’t expect many repairs in the first few years. BMW’s factory warranty extends for 4 years or 50,000 miles and it’s pretty comprehensive. However, right after it ends, drivers start paying about $1,000 to $1,700 per year on repairs.
In this next table, we’ll compare the 2015 BMW 328i, 2015 BMW 528i, and 2015 BMW M4:
| Cost | BMW 328i | BMW 528i | BMW M4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Vehicle Price | $15,924 | $19,987 | $34,664 |
| 2015 Vehicle Maintenance For Next 5 Years | $10,700 | $11,926 | $15,961 |
| 2015 Vehicle Repairs For Next 5 Years | $8,842 | $8,842 | $8,842 |
As you’d expect, costs have grown compared to 2019 models. You can see that maintenance costs also grow as you move up model types. M4 owners pay more than 3 Series owners, in other words.
BMW 3-Series Vs Audi A4 Vs Nissan 370Z Vs Lexus IS
The 3 Series is one of the most popular BMW models. We decided to compare its maintenance and repair costs to models from a few other car brands: the Audi A4,Nissan 370Z, andLexus IS. Like before, we’ll look at five-year costs for owning 2019 and 2015 models.
First, we’ll compare the 2019 BMW 330i, 2019 Audi A4, 2019 Nissan 370Z, and 2019 Lexus IS 300:
| Cost | BMW 330i | Audi A4 | Nissan 370Z | Lexus IS 300 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Vehicle Price | $44,699 | $44,752 | $29,319 | $36,616 |
| 2019 Vehicle Maintenance For Next 5 Years | $7,948 | $7,344 | $4,952 | $7,973 |
| 2019 Vehicle Repairs For Next 5 Years | $2,609 | $2,149 | $677 | $1,140 |
For 2019 models, there’s not much difference between the BMW 330i and the Audi A4. The Lexus IS 300 is right up there for maintenance costs, but repairs are much cheaper. But the Nissan 370Z wins the battle with the cheapest maintenance and repairs.
Now, let’s look at the 2015 BMW 328i, 2015 Audi A4,2015 Nissan 370Z, and2015 Lexus IS 250:
| Cost | BMW 328i | Audi A4 | Nissan 370Z | Lexus IS 250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Vehicle Price | $15,924 | $18,342 | $20,529 | $21,373 |
| 2015 Vehicle Maintenance For Next 5 Years | $10,700 | $8,118 | $7,244 | $10,044 |
| 2015 Vehicle Repairs For Next 5 Years | $8,842 | $7,291 | $2,514 | $3,208 |
You’ll notice that ownership costs for BMW are the highest out of these models. In fact, YourMechanic found that BMW owners spend $17,800 over 10 years to maintain and repair their vehicles. That’s more than any other brand surveyed, includingMercedes-Benz,Cadillac, andAudi. However,Porschewasn’t included in the survey, and that brand actually gets a worse score from RepairPal for reliability: BMW scores 2.5 out of 5, while Porsche scores 2.0 out of 5.
You’ll also see that theNissanandLexusmodels are considerably cheaper to repair over time. While the 370Z is certainly a luxury sports car, Nissan isn’t a luxury brand. Plus, repairs are cheaper because it’s a Japanese car.
Lexus is a similar story. Lexus is the luxury division ofToyota, and many Lexus and Toyota vehicles share the same parts and engines. The Lexus IS 300 and 250 have their own engines that require premium fuel, but the LX, ES, and GX have the same engines as other Toyota models. Toyota is one of the most reliable brands, and Lexus vehicles share that benefit.
Comparing BMW’s maintenance costs to that of other brands is useful. On the other hand, we’re sure many owners would agree that there’s something electrifying about driving a high-performance BMW. It’s in a class all its own. Maybe you’ve sat in the driver’s seat and have decided that BMW 328i maintenance costs are worth it. Just don’t borrow against your house to pay for them.
Lastly, here’s how all these brands rank according to annual maintenance cost (via RepairPal):
- Nissan: $500
- Lexus: $551
- BMW: $968
- Audi: $987
How Can An Extended Warranty Help With These Costs?
There’s no question that you’ll pay a lot for oil changes and other standard maintenance items for a BMW. However, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for repairs when they come up.
BMW’s extended warrantyoptions can cover up to 7 years/100,000 miles, but they are a bit expensive (the dealer does all repairs, of course). Plus, many BMW drivers take good care of their cars. You might find a car that’s in great condition with only a few miles but is past the warranty period. Once the factory warranty ends, you can’t add an extended warranty from BMW.
Besides dealer extended warranties, you can also get extended protection from third-party providers throughvehicle service contracts. Many come with perks like roadside assistance and trip interruption benefits, as well. One main advantage is that third-party vehicle service contracts can extend to 200,000 miles and beyond.
Best Third-Party Warranty Providers For BMW Repairs
Those extra miles of coverage can be a lifesaver and can let you enjoy your BMW for a long time. If you go with factory extended coverage, you’ll have to purchase a plan before the 4-year/50,000-mile limit is up. But third-party providers allow you to add coverage at almost any point in time.
Even though you aren’t required to go to the dealer when you have a third-party plan, many companies will let you, if that’s what you want to do. That means you can still get BMW-certified technicians to work on your car.
Companies likeEndurance,CARCHEX, andProtect My Caroffer a number of different coverage options, from basic powertrain security to more comprehensive plans. The best thing about third-party providers is that you can get free quotes online without having to go in and talk with a dealership.
Our team surveyed 1,000 car warranty customers on their experiences. About 41 percent said an extended warranty is worth it, while another 45 percent said it depends on the situation. Compare the top BMW extended warranty options below to help lower your out-of-pocket vehicle ownership costs.
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Plans as low as $99 per monthFAQ: BMW Maintenance Costs
Methodology
In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate rankings of the best providers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.
- Industry Standing: Warranty providers with a history of strong business practices and endorsements from experts receive the highest scores in this category.
- Coverage: This rating is based on types of extended warranty plans available, coverage terms, and added benefits like roadside assistance.
- Cost: Our research team reviews sample quotes for a variety of plans and vehicles. Companies with lower prices per year of coverage receive the best scores.
- Transparency: This score takes into account contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.
- Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and perform our own shopper analysis to get a sense of the responsiveness and helpfulness of each warranty company.
FAQs
How much is BMW scheduled maintenance? ›
BMW owners should budget between $750 and $1,200 per year for routine maintenance. Extended car warranties can help lower out-of-pocket BMW maintenance and repair costs.
How much does BMW maintenance cost after warranty? ›BMW's factory warranty extends for 4 years or 50,000 miles and it's pretty comprehensive. However, right after it ends, drivers start paying about $1,000 to $1,700 per year on repairs. As you'd expect, costs have grown compared to 2019 models.
Does new BMW come with free maintenance? ›In fact, the BMW Maintenance Program* is one of the most comprehensive programs in its class and it offers the longest coverage period. We cover all factory-recommended maintenance at no charge for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, as well as items that need replacement due to regular wear and tear.
What is BMW scheduled maintenance upgrade? ›You can do this by choosing a BMW Maintenance Program Upgrade. With this program, you can save 30% on scheduled maintenance simply by paying in advance. It also includes replacement of many wear-and-tear parts like the clutch, brake pads, wipers blades, and more-a service exclusively offered by BMW.
How much is an oil change on a BMW? ›BMW oil change costs generally come in between $135 and $175, with about $90 to $110 of that total dedicated to parts and fluids, and the rest to labor!
Is BMW maintenance free for 3 years? ›Check out the BMW M digital brochure. All model year 2017 BMW vehicles and newer sold or leased by an authorized BMW center come with BMW Ultimate Care standard for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles whichever comes first.
How much is BMW Ultimate Care Plus? ›BMW Ultimate Care and BMW Ultimate Care+ programs cover scheduled maintenance services as determined by the Service Interval Indicator. The BMW Ultimate Care Oil Services plan includes unlimited oil and oil filter changes for three years for $225.00 plus taxes and disposal fees where applicable.
How much is the 60000 mile service for BMW? ›| Estimate | Dealer Estimate | |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Cost | $188.00 | $220.74 |
| Parts Cost | $181.00 | $362.00 |
| Total | $369.00 | $582.74 |
Brake pads and rotors (discs), brake shoes and drums; filters; fluid replacement of a component by itself; scheduled maintenance services; spark plugs; wiper blade inserts, blade assemblies/beams.
Is BMW first oil change free? ›When you purchase a new BMW vehicle, you can take advantage of free oil changes for 4 years/50,000 miles (whichever comes first). Keeping up with routine maintenance has never been easier or more affordable. But your confidence doesn't need to end there.
Does my BMW have a maintenance plan? ›
All new BMW vehicles and newer come with BMW Ultimate Care. BMW Ultimate Care consists of scheduled maintenance for the 3-year/36,000 mile (transferable for MY2022 and newer), whichever comes first.
What does a BMW full service include? ›- Engine oil service plus top-ups.
- Vehicle check and standard scopes.
- Service/replacement of air filter.
- Service/replacement of fuel filter.
- Service/replacement of micro filter.
- Service/replacement of spark plugs.
- Service/replacement of brake fluid.
Despite popular belief, not every BMW needs to be serviced at the same mileage milestone. However, BMW does recommend that you get a service every year or if you drive your car a lot, every 10,000 miles.
Does BMW dealer need oil change? ›Can I Get My BMW Oil Changed Anywhere? Yes, you can get your BMW oil changed at any mechanic shop that offers oil change services.
Do I have to take my BMW to dealer for service? ›In terms of your car warranty, you aren't required to service your BMW by their franchised dealership. But you must think about your car finance arrangements as this may affect the result.
How often should a BMW get an oil change? ›Even your BMW owner's manuals recommend an oil change every 15,000 miles. And on most BMW cars, the reminder lights on the instrument panel are set to remind the driver to change their oil at this time, too. But, changing your oil sooner can help prolong engine life and performance.
How many times does a BMW need an oil change? ›Your Oil Change Interval
For drivers of BMW vehicles, 10,000 miles or 12 months is the recommended point at which to have your engine oil and oil filter changed. However, many manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first).
The brand of tires BMW provides varies depending on the year, model, trim level, and wheel size of your vehicle. How Much Do Tires for a BMW Cost? Most BMW tires generally cost between $150 and $350.
How long does BMW service pack last? ›BMW SERVICE INCLUSIVE.
With BMW Service Inclusive, your servicing is covered for at least the first four years after your vehicle's registration date.
The complimentary maintenance services include engine oil changes, brake fluid checks, engine air filter replacements, cabin air filter replacements, and vehicle inspections.
What is the average mileage lifetime of a BMW? ›
With the right kind of care, you can expect your vehicle to last for 200,000 to 250,000 miles—or even longer! Maintenance and care are key factors that determine a vehicle's long-term longevity, but as the aforementioned studies show, you can expect every BMW to deliver above-average results.
What is BMW Ultimate package? ›Available on all derivatives – saloon, coupe and convertible – the package brings more power, new suspension components and wheels, mild styling revisions and additional equipment.
What is BMW Plus package? ›WHAT DOES THE CONNECTED PACKAGE PLUS OFFER? Take advantage of the Connected Package Plus, as Remote Services, USB Map Update, Real Time Traffic Information, BMW Online and Online Speech Processing make sure you've got a great level of Connected services in your vehicle.
How much does BMW Platinum extended warranty cost? ›BMW Platinum Warranty Cost: More than $7,000 for a three-year Platinum BMW Extended Service Contract; as high as $6,500 for a 5 year/100,000-mile Platinum Contract.
What is 30K 60K 90k service? ›30k-60k-90k mile service maintenance refers to the auto maintenance schedule of service intervals. At 30 thousand miles, certain parts of the vehicle need inspection or replacement. The same goes for 60 thousand miles and 90 thousand miles. These usage milestones are not just wild guesses in the dark.
Why does BMW charge so much for service? ›BMW has sophisticated technology that requires specialized certification to properly repair. An experienced BMW mechanic will have the knowledge it takes for a complete and successful repair. For example, a battery change can cost $400 because the mechanic needs to register the battery to the engine control module.
What does a 60 000 mile service include? ›This includes inspecting the fuel system, lights, cooling system, driveshaft, steering system completely, and efficiently. An engine oil and filter change is an important part of the service. Engine air filter replacement and tire rotation will be performed.
What is the warranty on a 2023 BMW new car? ›The factory BMW warranty lasts four years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The longest you can be protected by BMW is seven years/100,000 miles from the in-service date. This would include the four-year limited warranty coverage plus three years of extended coverage.
Is it worth buying extended warranty on BMW? ›It can be worth buying a BMW extended warranty, as BMW vehicles have especially high repair costs. However, customers may find better extended warranty prices from third-party providers than from the manufacturer.
Does BMW warranty include brake pads? ›BMW Maintenance Program covers all factory-recommended maintenance services, including brake pads, brake discs, and wiper blade inserts.
Can you get a regular oil change on a BMW? ›
Well, the short answer is: yes, you can take your BMW to any mechanic you want for service and oil changes.
Is BMW maintenance plan refundable? ›If you purchased any factory maintenance, Cilajet, Lojack or Xpel clear bra, lease excess wear & tear protection. These products may not be cancelled as they have zero refund ability.
Is oil change under BMW warranty? ›Certified pre-owned BMW vehicles that are model year 2017 or newer come with a warranty that covers several routine maintenance items for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Covered items include oil changes, spark plugs, vehicle checks, engine and cabin air filter changes, and more.
Does BMW extended warranty cover maintenance? ›The BMW Ultimate Care includes scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles (non-transferable). Along with this BMW warranty coverage, it includes factory-recommended services such as spark plug changes, brake fluid, oil change, and more.
Can you buy BMW extended warranty later? ›You can buy a BMW extended warranty at a later date. In fact, you can buy BMW's Ultimate Protection extended warranty anytime before your vehicle's original factory warranty expires.
Are BMW's worth the money? ›BMW cars are known for their performance. They regularly place high on review charts, thanks to their powerful engines, superior horsepower, agility, and overall driving experience. No matter what class of vehicle it is, BMW tunes every model's driving dynamics to perfection.
Does BMW brake fluid need to be changed? ›The general rule is to have your brake fluid changed every 2 years (or 30,000 miles). Even if your BMW is sitting around in a garage and not being driven, moisture may get into the brake fluid which can lead to brake failure. Don't Wait! Save money by maintaining your BMW.
What is BMW warranty cover? ›What Is Covered by the New BMW Limited Warranty? When you purchase a new vehicle from BMW, you are protected against defects in materials or workmanship that originated at the factory. This warranty period starts on the sale date of the new vehicle, and lasts for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
What is the manufacturer maintenance schedule for BMW? ›Every 10,000 miles, or yearly: replace engine oil, oil filter, and coolant. Every 20,000 miles, or every two years: inspect and replace fuel filters. Every 30,000 miles, or every three years: Replace brake fluid (after the first replacement, every 60,000 miles)
Can I get my BMW serviced at any garage? ›Well, the short answer is: yes, you can take your BMW to any mechanic you want for service and oil changes.
Why does BMW oil change cost so much? ›
BMW Only Permits Specific Oils For Oil Changes
BMW oil changes are pretty expensive because of the different types of oil that can be used. Every few years, BMW improves its oil compositions; however, the cars prefer synthetic oil for oil changes, which contributes to the high cost of a BMW oil change.
The BMW engine oil is made by Castrol
The BMW branded lubricant formulations are based on Castrol EDGE, a top full synthetic brand strengthened by Fluid Titanium Technology which increases film strength, reduces friction, and improves lubrication under the intense pressure of high output engines.
In fact, the BMW Maintenance Program* is one of the most comprehensive programs in its class and it offers the longest coverage period. We cover all factory-recommended maintenance at no charge for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, as well as items that need replacement due to regular wear and tear.
Does my lease car have to be serviced at a main dealer? ›Can I Get My Leased Car Serviced Anywhere? You can service your car at any independent garage providing they are VAT registered and use genuine manufacturer parts for the service. Doing it this way will keep the warranty in validation for you - don't forget to get your service book stamped.
Do I have to have my car serviced at main dealer to keep warranty? ›No, you are not required to take your new vehicle back to the Main Dealer for servicing simply because it is in warranty. Providing the garage follows the manufacturer's service schedule and uses original/manufacturer OEM approved parts - you are free to use any garage you prefer.
How often does BMW need full service? ›Despite popular belief, not every BMW needs to be serviced at the same mileage milestone. However, BMW does recommend that you get a service every year or if you drive your car a lot, every 10,000 miles.
What does a full BMW service include? ›BMW Service Inclusive covers the cost of parts, labour and fluids for the following service items: engine oil service, air filter, micro filter, fuel filter (diesel models only) and spark plugs.
What is BMW no charge scheduled maintenance? ›No-Charge Scheduled MaintenanceAt BMW Gallery
This means that your vehicle's essential servicing needs are covered at NO EXTRA CHARGE, and taken care of by our BMW Certified Technicians using only Original BMW Parts.
Even your BMW owner's manuals recommend an oil change every 15,000 miles. And on most BMW cars, the reminder lights on the instrument panel are set to remind the driver to change their oil at this time, too.
What is 30k 60k 90k service? ›30k-60k-90k mile service maintenance refers to the auto maintenance schedule of service intervals. At 30 thousand miles, certain parts of the vehicle need inspection or replacement. The same goes for 60 thousand miles and 90 thousand miles. These usage milestones are not just wild guesses in the dark.
What is the BMW service schedule? ›
Every 10,000 miles, or yearly: replace engine oil, oil filter, and coolant. Every 20,000 miles, or every two years: inspect and replace fuel filters. Every 30,000 miles, or every three years: Replace brake fluid (after the first replacement, every 60,000 miles)
Do I have to service my BMW at the dealership? ›In terms of your car warranty, you aren't required to service your BMW by their franchised dealership. But you must think about your car finance arrangements as this may affect the result.
How do I check my BMW service plan? ›Please go to our online Servicing page, select a Retailer and enter your Registration. You can find out everything you need to know about servicing available for BMW here. If you are unsure, please contact your local BMW Centre.
Is scheduled car maintenance necessary? ›Every vehicle needs regular maintenance to keep it in proper working order. Following the vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for your car will preserve your investment, help ensure vehicle longevity and reliability, and even save you money.