Cost of running and parts for BMWs?

Question

Hi all,

We're thinking about buying a recent BMW and are just wondering if they are expensive cars to run and are the parts for them expensive too? Are the parts for them only made by BMW or do the likes of Unipart make parts too?

Answer 1

the cost of ownership of a BMW can vary drastically, depending on how much research time you put into it. i currently have two BMWs and one Toyota. The cost of parts is about the same as parts for the Toyota because I know where to buy discount BMW OE parts. Now, I know if I bought my parts from the dealership, I would probably be spending about 30%-50% more in parts costs.

Labor at the dealership is also expensive, but vary be region. Here, in California, it is not unusual to see dealership labor rates of $150/hr. If you find an independent BMW shop, you can expect to pay about half to 3/4 of the dealership rate. I also work on my own BMWs for the majority of maintenance items, and that has saved me thousands of dollars in labor, but i lose a few weekends DIYing in the garage.

The bottom line is, if you are the type that wants everything from the dealerships (parts & labor for maintenance/repair), then yes, BMWs are very expensive to own. If you are the type that is willing to shop for an independent shop, buy your BMW parts at online discount places, and perhaps even do a little of your own maintanence, then the cost of ownership for a BMW is about the same as any import Japanese car like a Toyota or Honda. And the cost difference between the two styles of owning a BMW are pretty drastically different.

If you want pointers to where to shop for BMW parts at a discount, feel free to contact me directly.

Answer 2

Cheap they're not, while some parts cost no more than any other car, other parts are ridiculous. Many owners compromise over the years, as things break, one decides whether to fix it or leave it be, more than a few enthusiasts exist and have formed clubs across the country, sharing parts and details, knowing that a DYI'er attitude is the only way to come out with one's finances intact.

The car itself is quite dependable.

As for parts, bmw has released its hold on many aftermarket parts, allowing places such as Autozone to carry many of them, but some are still bmw only.

For example, spark plug wires can't be bought from any place but the dealership, costing a whopping $200 for a 4-cylinder set. Remembering what I said about dependability, the set that's on my '91 318is is the original that came with the car and still runs great.

One thing I can highly recommend is a perfect driving record, as the insurance isn't much higher this way (but otherwise, watch out).

Answer 3

Parts for a BMW are expensive. Many are ( but not all ) made by BMW. Many mechanics charge extra to work on them also. If you buy a used BMW be sure to buy as new as you can afford. It would also help to send off for a shop manual, this will help you work on it yourself if you want to. You can search the net for manuals and order good ones.

Answer 4

Okay. Someone needs to tell you this. You must, must, must buy Certified Pre-Owned. Because, one its certified which means that it passes inspection and is in excellent running condition. And, second, but the most important thing is that ALL service, parts, labor costs are waived for the first 50,000 miles after buying a used CPO BMW. All costs, oil change, routine service, it is all included. So theoretically, if you buy a car with 30,000 miles, you won't pay service unil 80,000 miles. This is a really good deal. But let me give you the complete breakdown:

In 1996, BMW lowered maintenance guidelines due to their introduction of the scheduled maintenance service. This upgrade in service extends your BMW's longevity and performance.

The BMW service intervals consist of three main service groups.

• Oil Service: Engine oil and filter change and additional preventative maintenance services.
• Inspection I: Major vehicle maintenance as specified in your Service Booklet.
• Inspection II: Additional major vehicle maintenance as specified in your Service Booklet.

Also, there are additional services that are required annually, which consist of: (These are excluded from the main service groups.)

• Brake fluid flush
• Coolant fluid flush
• If your BMW is equipped with a timing belt (M20 engine), the timing belt should be replaced every 4 years or 50,000 miles which ever occurs first.
• Oxygen sensor replacement

Here is a table you can use to determine when maintenance is required:

• You should follow BMW's factory guidelines step by step to meet all BMW factory warranty requirements.

Always refer to your owner's manual for a detailed description of the services for your model year.

Recommended between Service Intervals  Intermediate oil change
7,500 to 10,000  Oil Service
15,000 to 20,000  Inspection I
22,500 to 30,000  Oil Service
30,000 to 40,000  Inspection II
37,500 to 50,000  Oil Service
45,000 to 60,000  Inspection I
52,500 to 70,000  Oil Service
60,000 to 80,000  Inspection II
67,500 to 90,000  Oil Service
75,000 to 100,000  Inspection I

The Five (5) Year Maintenance Cost is: $1,070

This figure is if you do not buy CPO or New, then it is significantly smaller, in fact, its nil. (At least for the first 50,000 Miles)