BMW Warranty Options

As is typical with many luxury brands, new BMWs come with a four-year or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper factory warranty. That adds an extra year or 14,000 miles of coverage over most mainstream models. However, there’s no additional protection for the powertrain. You must pay the repair bills if engine or transmission problems arise after the initial term. That may concern some BMW owners who are worried about breakdowns and surprise repair bills. A vehicle service contract or auto protection plan from Endurance Warranty can reduce the concern about major repairs after the original BMW warranty has expired.

• Read more about BMW warranties

  An out-of-warranty BMW 5 Series, X3, X5, or another BMW M model can be a significant financial drain if expensive repairs occur. An extended auto warranty can make BMW ownership costs more predictable.

  Compare BMW warranty options:

  • BMW Extended Warranty: Protecting Your BMW and Wallet

BMW Reliability

In a recent Consumer Reports study, BMW ranked 8th for reliability among 22 automakers. That puts the German brand behind Lexus, Acura, and Audi but ahead of rivals Genesis, Volvo, and Cadillac. Exploring how individual BMW models hold up over time provides an in-depth look at BMW’s dependability.

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  The BMW X3 is the company’s most popular model, despite having an inconsistent reliability record. Among newer offerings, Consumer Reports only gives the 2023 model year a stellar reliability rating (92 out of 100), while adjacent years (2021-2022 and 2024) fall into good territory (60 or better out of 100). Turning to the older X3, only the 2016 model year scored a good (61) rating. Otherwise, the X3 built from 2014 to 2020 doesn’t have good dependability records.

  The BMW 3 Series is another best-seller. Like its SUV stablemate, this compact sedan has a couple of good model years: 2021 and 2022. However, many of the remaining years are less encouraging. Reviewing dependability scores for other models, such as the BMW 7 Series and BMW X5, yields similar hit-or-miss results.

  Break down BMW’s reliability record:

  • Unreliable Vehicles to Avoid: BMW 535i
  • Unreliable Vehicles to Avoid: BMW X3

BMW Maintenance Costs

Luxury cars are often expensive to buy and expensive to maintain. BMW proves this point with an average annual maintenance cost of $968, according to RepairPal. To put that number in perspective, the typical Toyota spends $441. How does paying for maintenance of a BMW compare to other German luxury brands? It’s not that far off from Audi ($987) and Mercedes-Benz ($908).*

• Read more about BMW maintenance costs

  Some BMW models have less expensive upkeep costs. For example, the BMW 328i ($773), BMW 228i ($922), and BMW X1 ($915). Yet, other BMWs are even pricier to maintain, such as the BMW 3201 ($1,157), 550i ($1,046), and 750i ($1,061).*

  Because BMWs use specialized parts and supplies, maintenance costs can be more expensive for these high-end models. An oil change that costs $135 at a Toyota dealer may run $200 or more at a BMW service center. Have you determined how much you will pay to keep your high-performance BMW on the road?

  Understand BMW maintenance costs:

  • Are BMWs Expensive to Maintain?
  • Are BMW 5 Series Expensive to Maintain?
  • Why Are BMW Oil Changes So Expensive?

Common Repairs for BMW Vehicles

While no two BMWs are exactly alike when it comes to repairs and reliability history, having a better understanding of likely trouble spots can better prepare you for what might be ahead. It’s also worth mentioning that Endurance has identified BMW as having one of the most expensive engine repairs, an analysis confirmed through claims data.

• Read more about common BMW repairs

  Common BMW repairs and associated costs: *

  • BMW 328—AC Compressor Replacement: $1,218 to $1,961
  • BMW 535i—Clutch Replacement: $1,814 to $2,363
  • BMW 750i—ABS Control Module Replacement: $2,361 to $2,960
  • BMW X3—Transmission Oil Cooler Assembly Replacement: $1,228 to $1,572

  Repair costs can be high for other models like the BMW 220 Gran Coupe, BMW 4 Series, and sporty BMW X6.

  Find out what repairs BMWs often need:

  • Common Problems With BMW From the Experts

BMW Buyer’s Guides

Exploring everything there is to know before buying a BMW is a wise move that might save you money and headaches. Here’s a resource to start looking at the BMW lineup. Check back for more on the BMW iX all-electric SUV coming in 2026.

• The Complete BMW 328i Buyer’s Guide

*Repair prices are estimates from RepairPal and may vary by model, year, location, and repair shop. Always confirm current costs with your service provider or dealership.