How Much Does BMW Maintenance Cost?

Some say it isn’t possible to put a price on performance. The average BMW maintenance cost is certainly higher than that of other brands, but is it worth it to own the “ultimate driving machine”?

In this article, we’ll look at scheduled maintenance costs along with average costs for common BMW repairs. We’ll also see how routine service and extended warranty coverage can both help reduce your annual BMW maintenance cost.

Our team has reviewed the best extended auto warranty providers on the market and ranked them on things like price and customer service. If you’re thinking about extending coverage for repairs on your BMW, get multiple free quotes from leading providers to find the best deal.

To learn more about our editorial integrity policy and how we make money through affiliate partnerships, read our full disclosure here.

So, if BMW maintenance costs so much, why do people love the cars? Well, it has a lot to do with performance and comfort. A BMW isn’t just basic transportation that gets you from point A to point B. The German automaker claims it builds the “ultimate driving machine,” after all, not the cheapest daily commuter.

Still, reliability is definitely an important thing to consider. RepairPal gives BMW 2.5 out of 5.0 stars and ranks it 30th out of 32 car brands. Let's see how a few popular BMW models rank for reliability:

Today, BMW vehicles use a condition-based system monitored by computers. The same basic pattern applies, but the system lets you know when to get service and which part needs attention, which can help you save on your yearly BMW maintenance cost. Here’s an overview of the current BMW maintenance schedule:

*Repair costs sourced from RepairPal.

If you’ve looked at other vehicles’ service schedules, you might think a spark plug replacement every 30,000 miles is excessive. With BMW, that’s just the way it is.

The computer system also lets you know when to check the brake pads, brake fluid, engine coolant, transmission, steering, and more. Some models have specialty parts that need attention at different intervals, like the carbon-ceramic brakes on M4, M5, and M8 models. Your BMW maintenance costs will vary depending on what your car’s computer recommends.

The most important thing is to visit your mechanic when your vehicle needs service. By keeping up on the regular service schedule, you can spot problems early and avoid larger repairs down the road.

All BMWs from 2017 on come with 3 years/36,000 miles of free maintenance, called BMW Ultimate Care. This covers everything outlined in the service schedule, including the first spark-plug change. You also have the option to extend BMW Ultimate Care up to 7 years/125,000 miles for a fee. There are a few plans that cover different levels of maintenance.

Besides regularly maintaining a BMW, having an extended warranty can also help you stay within budget and make your BMW maintenance cost more predictable. You can get an extended warranty from BMW or from an independent warranty provider.

There are three BMW extended warranty plans to choose from, which can cover your vehicle up to 100,000 miles. The plans require you to visit your dealership for repairs. While that may sound like a good thing, it can actually cost more in the long run if you end up having to pay for non-covered components in conjunction with a covered repair. You also have less freedom to choose your preferred mechanic in this situation.

On the other hand, independent providers let you go to any licensed repair shop for coverage. Third-party plans can cover up to 200,000 or even 250,000 miles, and they typically come with perks like roadside assistance and rental car coverage.

Leading providers cover the repairs we mentioned above, like suspension ball joint and starter replacements, as well. At the end of the day, a third-party extended warranty can be an economical way of covering repairs on your BMW.

After comparing multiple providers, we ranked Endurance as the best overall option for extended warranty coverage. Endurance has been around since 2006 and can cover vehicles up to 200,000 miles. The company is a direct provider, which means there’s no middleman to slow down the claims process.

Drivers have positive experiences with Endurance on the whole and give the company a 4.2 out of 5.0-star rating on Trustpilot with over 2,000 reviews. Endurance’s six warranty options come with an impressive list of benefits like roadside assistance, repair financing loans, identity theft protection, and free tire replacements. Endurance also has a plan that combines routine maintenance and mechanical breakdown coverage.

Learn more about this provider in our Endurance warranty review, and get a free quote from Endurance below.

Q & A

Is the BMW maintenance plan worth it?

The BMW Ultimate Care maintenance plan could be worth it if you live near a BMW dealership and want to prepay for service to keep things simple. On the other hand, you can save some money on BMW maintenance costs in the long run by taking your BMW to a reputable European auto shop for maintenance instead.

How much does it cost to do an oil change on a BMW?

According to RepairPal, an oil change on a BMW 3 Series can cost between $183 and $205. In general, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200, depending on the vehicle and where you go for service.

Are BMWs reliable cars?

BMW ranks below most other manufacturers for reliability. In fact, RepairPal puts BMW in 30th place out of 32 brands. BMWs are powerful, fun to drive, and comfortable, but ownership costs are high. You should be prepared to pay about $1,000 per year on average for BMW maintenance costs and repairs.