BMW vehicles are widely renowned for their speed, power and style and can be a pleasant and comfortable vehicle to drive. However, like all manufacturers, reliability is a common debate amongst current or potential owners. With owners reporting some models being more reliable than others, the confusion can often leave buyers scratching their heads. With the car brand being so popular, is reliability really up for debate? Here, we’re digging a little deeper.
The General Consensus
In general, it seems to be that BMW vehicles are ‘relatively’ reliable, meaning that for the most part, they are a long-lasting vehicle to choose. Cinch reported that most, if not all BMW models have good reliability scores, breaking down each model according to it’s Euro NCAP safety rating, stating that “a full five-star rating is ideal and means you can trust your reliable BMW to keep you safe while on the road.” A number of models are reported as having full five-star ratings, including the BMW 1-series, 3-series, 5-series and 6-series GT (https://www.cinch.co.uk/guides/choosing-a-car/is-bmw-reliable.) Many other models have achieved four or five stars, suggesting that BMW genuinely make safe and reliable vehicles. However, OSV.ltd.uk also reported that “it’s not all wine and roses with a BMW” (https://www.osv.ltd.uk/bmw-reliability/, 2020)
Why?
So, if BMWs aren’t considered the best for reliability, why is this the case? Well, a lot of reliability scores come from consumer feedback and even small, easily fixable problems can lead to lower scores. It’s also typical of performance vehicles – which a lot of German cars are – to give up some reliability in order to provide better performance. BMWs have always been designed with comfort and luxury in mind and as a result, are chock-full of sensors, electronics, switches, controls, power-related features and so much more, meaning that ultimately, there is more that can go wrong.
What Can I Do?
For existing owners or those who want to benefit from high performance, there are ways around reliability worries – for example, opting for one of the models with high reliability scores. The 2011 and 2007 BMW X3 are known for their longevity and similarly, the 2016 2 series and 2013 1 series are particularly well known for lasting well over 100,000 miles per vehicle, even up to and above 200,000.
Regular maintenance can also prevent any costly repairs regardless of the model or manufacturer you choose. Getting the car fully serviced regularly and keeping on top of your own maintenance without skimping or scraping on the quality of products used can all help to increase a BMW’s lifespan
What Are The Common Problems?
- Oil Leaks – Car Guide report that “older [BMWs] are prone to… oil leaks… They can come from valve covers but also appear around the transmission and from various seals around the engine. (https://www.carguide.co.uk/car-problems/bmw/)
- Faulty Coolant Systems – CarlsbadAutoService report that despite many attempts to improve the system, “most BMW engine cooling systems fail after some time.” (https://carlsbadautoservice.com/what-are-the-most-common-bmw-problems/) This can lead to overheating and serious problems down the line. It could be because of a broken or loose radiator cap, but it’s best to get it checked by an engine specialist.
- Vibrating Steering Wheel When Breaking – According to CarlsbadAutoService, a shaking steering wheel “is a common problem with the BMW 3 model.” They report that “over time, the steering wheel may start to shake or vibrate during braking” creating an annoying and often dangerous problem if not checked.
The potential concerns you may face with a BMW vehicle can vary depending on models and how you take care of your car, but for those wanting a luxury performance vehicle, BMWs are still a great choice and with the right maintenance and care, can last you a long time.
For more information about BMW servicing or engine repairs, or to book in a service with us, feel free to get in touch with a member of our team, today.