BMW is one of the most famous luxury car manufacturers in the world. BMW is known to create luxurious, high-performing cars, packed with state-of-the-art technology. However, what prevents many people from buying BMW cars is their high maintenance cost.
Fortunately, not all BMW cars demand extremely high maintenance costs. In this article, I have shared three cheapest to maintain BMW models that you can surely consider.
What are the Cheapest BMWs to Maintain?
Let me walk you through the cheapest BMWs to maintain:
- BMW 3 Series
- Starting MSRP: $42,245
- Average annual maintenance cost: $773
- BMW Z4
Starting MSRP: $36,395
Average annual maintenance cost: $895
- BMW X1
Starting MSRP: $50,895
Average annual maintenance cost: $915
1. BMW 3 Series
According to Repair Pal, a BMW 328i is likely to cost you $773 for annual maintenance and repairs. The cost is a bit higher than the average annual maintenance cost of $739 for luxury midsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models. Meanwhile, the estimated average cost to repair a 328i as per Your Mechanic is $347. Maintenance and repairs range between $95 to $3273.
Here is a comparison of the 5-year maintenance and repair cost of a 2015 328i with other BMWs. (Data from Edmunds.com)
| Cost (2015 vehicle) | BMW 328i | BMW M4 | BMW 528i |
| Vehicle price | $15,924 | $34,664 | $19, 987 |
| Maintenance for the next 5 years | $10, 700 | $15,961 | $11,926 |
| Repairs for the next 5 years | $8, 842 | $8,842 | $8,842 |
Repairpal suggests that, on average, BMW 3 Series owners visit the service center 1.0 times per year for unscheduled repairs. And there is a 12% probability of that issue being severe.
As per Car edge, during the first ten years of service, a 3 series would cost $13,219 for maintenance and repairs. Moreover, there is a 40.39% chance of a major repair during this time. Average annual costs and major repair probability increase considerably after the first five years of owning the vehicle.
As far as servicing is concerned, BMW offers a free 3 year or 36,000 miles maintenance plan. By paying $600, 3 series owners can also upgrade to the BMW ultimate care + program. Moreover, BMW also offers Ultimate Care + 1,2,3,4 maintenance programs, the cost of which ranges between $949 to $4,539.
Otherwise, general maintenance services like oil change and engine filter cost $149 to $174, and $88 to $116 respectively.
Also read: Does BMW Keep Value? (8 Models Depreciation Charts)
Beyond all your scheduled services, unexpected repairs also play a massive role in deciding your annual BMW maintenance cost. Some of the common problems that 3 series owners have faced include oil leak from the lower engine after around 60.00 miles, failing blower final stage fan resistor, low on refrigerant, loss of power steering due to leaking hoses, and water pump developing coolant leak, causing the low coolant light to illuminate or engine overheating.
Let’s look at the approximate cost of the common 3 series repairs according to Repair Pal.
| Repair | Cost |
| Valve cover gasket replacement | $576 to $707 |
| AC Diagnosis | $66 to $83 |
| Blower Motor resistor replacement | $223 to $361 |
| AC Recharge | $154 to $194 |
| Power steering Hose replacement | $889 to $950 |
| Water pump replacement | $676 to $889 |
| Clutch master cylinder replacement | $302 to $336 |
| Electrical system diagnosis | $110 to $139 |
| Wheel Hub Assembly replace | $260 to $594 |
| Knock sensor replacement | $338 to $391 |
| Oxygen sensor rep | $681 to $875 |
Other important aspects that affect the ownership costs of any vehicle are insurance, depreciation, and fuel costs.
Insurance rates for a BMW 3 Series can be anywhere between $712 to even $2864 depending upon your location, age of the vehicle, and the insurance provider you choose. Let’s have a look at the 12-month insurance rates for a 2021 3 series from the top insurance providers, as per Smart Financial.
- Direct Auto – $712
- California Capital- $1700
- CSAA – $2739
- Farmers – $2283
- Country Financial – $2828
- USAA – $2373
- Auto-Owners Insurance Co – $2864
- Georgia Farm Bureau – $2472
- 21st Century – $2492
As far as depreciation goes, like other luxury cars, the 3 series depreciates heavily. According to Car edge, a 3 series will depreciate 55% on average, after 5 years of ownership, therefore losing almost $23,500 of its value.
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Edmunds.com true ownership cost calculator reveals that fuel costs for a 3 series will be somewhere around $1,580 to $1,778 depending upon your driving style and how much you drive.
The best 3 series models of all time include the E21, E30, E36, E46, E90, and the F30. Meanwhile, models like the 325 and 328, lie on the other side of the spectrum.
2. BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 is one of the cheapest to maintain BMW cars. As per Repairpal Z4 owners spend around $895 on maintenance and unexpected repairs on their vehicles in a year, however, this is still a bit higher than the average annual maintenance cost of $801 for luxury compact cars. On the other hand, the estimated average cost to repair a Z4 as per Your Mechanic range between $95 to $4,567.
As far as reliability is concerned, the Z4 scores not so greatly. Repairpal gives the Z4 a reliability rating of 3.0 out of 5, therefore ranking it at 14 out of the total of 17 luxury compact cars. On average, the BMW Z4 has a probability of 0.7 visits to a repair shop in a year, and 16% chances of that repair being severe.
Looking at 10 years of maintenance and repair costs, Car edge suggests that during the first ten years of service, a BMW Z4 would cost around $13,999 for maintenance and repairs. Moreover, there is a 41.61% chance of a major repair during this time. Average annual costs and major repair probability increase considerably after the first three years of owning the vehicle.
As far as the scheduled maintenance goes, BMW offers a free 3 year or 36,000 miles maintenance plan for 2017 and newer model years; it’s called the BMW ultimate care. It covers all the basic maintenance items. The program is upgradable to Ultimate Care+ at $600. Also, by paying between $949 to $3,599, owners can further opt for the Ultimate Care+ 1,2,3,4 maintenance program.
Unscheduled repairs add up a lot of cost in the overall maintenance of any vehicle. The most common problems that BMW Z4 owners have faced overtime include oil leaks from the lower engine, coolant leak from the water pump, check engine light on, rattling from the engine, engine overheating, failure of the front control arm bracket, coolant leak from the radiator, etc.
Let’s look at the average cost of the common Z4 repairs as per Repairpal:
| Repair | Cost |
| Valve cover gasket replacement | $363 to $446 |
| Coolant leak diagnosis | $55 to $69 |
| Water Pump replacement | $559 to $776 |
| Radiator Replacement | $749 to $896 |
| Heater hose replacement | $160 to $187 |
| Power seat motor replacement | $365 to $380 |
| Fuel Pressure sensor replacement | $183 to $203 |
| HVAC air door Actuator replacement | $789 to $819 |
| Tie Rod replacement | $510 to $591 |
| Parking brake shoe replacement | $303 to $355 |
Other important aspects that affect the ownership costs of any vehicle are insurance, depreciation, and fuel costs.
Annual Insurance rates for a BMW Z4 can range anywhere between as low as $753 to even $1,826 depending upon your location, age of vehicle, and the insurance provider you choose. Let’s have a look at the cheapest average 12 month insurance rates for a 2020 BMW Z4 from the top insurance providers, as per the Zebra.
- Allied – $753
- Nationwide – $1,192
- Tennessee Farmers – $1,389
- American Family – $1,474
- Vermont Mutual – $1,515
- 21st Century – $1,536
- Mercury – $1,539
- Auto owners – $1,612
- State Farm – $1,697
- Erie – $1,773
- Plymouth Rock Insurance – $1,797
- Country – $1,826
As far as depreciation goes, the BMW Z4 suffers heavy depreciation. According to Car edge, a BMW Z4 will depreciate 57% on average, after 5 years of ownership. Thus, losing almost $34,000 of its value.
Edmunds.com true ownership cost calculator reveals that if driven around 15k miles a year, fuel costs for a 2019 BMW Z4 will be somewhere around $1,694 to $1,906 depending upon your driving style.
When searching for a used BMW Z4, look for 2005+ models.
Also read: What’s a High Mileage for a BMW? The Truth…
3. BMW X1
According to Repair Pal, a BMW X1 will probably cost you $915 for annual maintenance and repairs. The cost is higher than the average maintenance cost of $859 for luxury compact SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models. Meanwhile, the estimated average cost to repair an X1 as per Your Mechanic is $373. Maintenance and repairs range between $95 to $4,567.
The X1 is quite cheaper to maintain when compared to other expensive BMWs:
| Vehicle | Annual Maintenance cost |
| BMW X1 | $915 |
| BMW 535i | $1,123 |
| BMW X5 | $1,166 |
| BMW M4 | $2,781 |
In terms of reliability, the X1 scores 3.5 out of 5.0 in Repairpal reliability ratings, thus ranking at 6 out of 11 luxury compact SUVs. Repairpal also suggests that, on average, BMW X1 owners have to visit the repair shop 0.7 times per year for unexpected repairs. And there is an 8% probability of that issue being severe.
As per Car edge, during the first ten years of service, an X1 would cost $17,516 for maintenance and repairs. Moreover, there is a 54.61% chance of a major repair during this time. Average annual costs and major repair probability increase considerably after the first three years of owning the vehicle.
Like the other BMWs in this list, the X1 too comes with the free BMW ultimate care maintenance program, which can be upgraded to Ultimate Care+ and Ultimate Care+ 1,2,3,4 by paying a fee.
Also read: 5 Real Reasons why BMW is so Expensive
Beyond all your scheduled services, unexpected repairs also play a huge role in deciding your annual BMW maintenance cost. Some of the common problems that X1 owners have faced include waste gate issues in the X1 turbo engine that causes rattling at cold start, rattling upon deceleration, loss of power, check engine light on, and poor engine performance. This problem was most commonly witnessed in 4 model years – 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. And it appeared between a mileage of 57,000 to 126,000 miles.
Let’s look at the approximate cost of the common X1 repairs according to Repair Pal.
| Repair | Cost |
| Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing | $143 to $180 |
| Serpentine Belt Replacement | $536 to $664 |
| Wheel Alignment | $167 to $210 |
| Tie Rod Replacement | $583 to $604 |
| 1Airbag Crash sensor replacement4 | $225 to $270 |
| ABS Control Module Replacement | $1659 to $1722 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement | $361 to $428 |
| Power Steering Leak Inspection | $55 to $69 |
| Yaw sensor replacement | $905 to $934 |
| Tire Pressure monitor control module Replacement | $450 to $479 |
Other important aspects that affect the ownership costs of any vehicle are insurance, depreciation, and fuel costs.
Insurance rates for a BMW X1 can be anywhere between $720 to even $1,598 depending upon your location, age of vehicle, and the insurance provider you choose. Let’s have a look at the cheapest average 12-month insurance rates for a 2020 X1 from the top insurance providers, as per the Zebra.
- Allied – $720
- Vermont Mutual – $1,247
- Nationwide – $1,257
- Tennessee Farmers – $1,314
- 21st Century – $1,491
- Erie – $1,504
- American family – $1,509
- Country – $1,509
- Progressive – $1,554
- State Farm – $1,555
- Geico – $1,581
- Abrella – $1,598
As far as depreciation goes, like other luxury compact SUVs, the BMW X1 suffers quite a lot of depreciation. According to Car edge, an X1 will depreciate 50% on average, after 5 years of ownership, therefore losing almost $20,000 of its value.
Edmunds.com true ownership cost calculator reveals that if driven around 15k miles a year, fuel costs for an X1 will be somewhere around $1, 823 to $2,052 depending upon your driving style.
If looking to buy a used X1, scan for 2015 and onwards models, basically the second-generation X1. The second Gen X1 was a big step forward from the outgoing model – be it design, luxury, or driving dynamics.
Is BMW a Cheap Car Brand to Maintain?
BMW is not a cheap car brand to maintain by any standards. At an average annual maintenance cost of $968, BMW cars have one of the most expensive maintenance; over $300 more than the industry average.
Here’s how BMW’s maintenance cost compares against some other popular luxury brands:
| Car Brand | Average Annual Maintenance cost |
| BMW | $968 |
| Lexus | $551 |
| Volvo | $769 |
| Audi | $987 |
| Genesis | $565 |
| Mercedes | $908 |
| Acura | $501 |
Except for Audi, BMW ownership costs are the highest out of all these brands. In fact, YourMechanic revealed that BMW owners spend as much as $17,800 over the span of 10 years in maintenance and repairs of their vehicles.
A major chunk of that cost includes unexpected repairs that BMW cars are notorious for in the latter years of their life. In terms of reliability, Repairpal gives BMW a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5.0, ranking it at the 30th position out of the total 32 car brands. On average, BMW owners tend to visit the repair shop 0.9 times in a year, and there’s a 15% probability of that repair being severe.
Luckily, all BMWs are offered a comprehensive factory warranty that extends for 4 years or 50,000 miles. However, just after it finishes, owners start spending almost $1,000 to $1,700 on repairs per year. Though you get the option of BMW’s extended warranty that covers up to 7years/100,000, it is a bit on the expensive side.
As far as the scheduled maintenance goes, BMW offers a free 3 year or 36,000 miles maintenance plan for 2017 and newer model years; it’s called the BMW ultimate care. It covers all the basic maintenance items such as engine oil, engine filter, brake fluid, spark plugs, engine air filter, cabin filter, vehicle check, etc. BMW follows a 10,000-mile interval maintenance schedule.
Owners also have the choice to upgrade to the BMW Ultimate Care+ that is a fee-based 3-year or 36,000-mile optional maintenance plan for BMW models. The program’s cost is standard for all BMW models at $600. Furthermore, there is optional fee-based Ultimate Care+1,2,3,4 maintenance programs as well, which costs different for separate models.
Also read: 5 Best BMWs with Over 300 HP (with Costs)
What are the Cheaper BMW Alternatives?
BMWs are great cars, however, their high maintenance cost can certainly be a dealbreaker. So, let’s have a look at cheaper alternatives to BMW. The list includes the alternative brands along with their average annual maintenance cost:
- Genesis: $565
- Volvo: $769
- Lexus: $551
- Acura: $501
- Infiniti: $638
Now, let’s look at some alternatives of the BMW models mentioned in this article:
BMW 3 series:
- Kia Stinger
- Starting msrp: $34,135
- Annual maintenance cost: $415
- Genesis G70
- Starting MSRP: $38,570
- Annual Maintenance cost: $565
BMW Z4:
- Supra
- Starting MSRP: $44,215
- Annual Maintenance Cost: $561
- Mx-5 miata
- Starting MSRP: $27,500
- Annual Maintenance cost: $429
BMW X1:
- Lexus UX
- Starting MSRP: $35,000
- Annual Maintenance cost: $551
