BMW has a reputation for being high-maintenance. It’s the price you pay for driving a high-end German machine known for exceptional engineering and stellar craftsmanship.
Despite this, you can influence your Bimmer’s repair needs since many mechanical and aesthetic issues are a product of your decisions. Here are seven smart strategies to avoid spending needlessly more on maintenance.
1. Drive Mindfully
Aggressive driving will prematurely wear out even state-of-the-art German wheels. You can feel your BMW’s power without doing donuts in parking lots and other dangerous maneuvers. In addition, irresponsible driving behaviors — like speeding, recklessly merging into traffic, tailgating and passing on the right — will increase your vehicle’s risk of getting scratched and dented.
Moreover, drive fewer short trips. Automobiles perform best when their engines are warm. If you can, run multiple errands without letting your car cool down to prolong its components’ lives.
2. Pump Quality Gas
BMW requires premium gas, so fueling your sedan or sports activity vehicle with a less stable product will damage its engine and emission control system. Filling your tank with regular or mid grade gas may save you money initially, but the lower octane rating of either fuel may lead to spontaneous combustion. The unburned fuel from the primary combustion auto-ignites, causing the pressure in the cylinder to surge and resulting in knocking.
When you’re at the pump, buy at least 91-octane fuel. You may pay top dollar, but it will save you trips to the mechanic and cash on maintenance over the long term.
3. Be Self-Sufficient
Do-it-yourself care will go a long way. The acts of love you can express to your BMW include:
- Cleaning: to remove dirt that can compromise its delicate components
- Waxing: to rustproof it
- Leather seat protection: to delay leather wear and tear
Generally, basic maintenance tasks are permissible if you abide by your owner’s manual. If your car needs repair, it’s best to take it to the dealer. A word of caution — any issue arising from your actions may void your luxury vehicle’s warranty.
The same applies to any modification to your coupe, convertible or roadster. If your automobile breaks down, a touch-up may render troubleshooting tricky or nullify your warranty when it plays a part in the failure.
4. Control Temperature
The weather can do a number on your BMW. Constant exposure to sunlight will ruin its paintwork. Extreme heat will wreak havoc on its interior. Humidity will negatively impact its engine performance and mess with its sensors. Frigid conditions will take a toll on its battery, causing it to fail too early.
A plain garage can safeguard your German car from the elements, but your space needs adequate insulation to regulate indoor temperature. Investing in garage doors with 2-inch polyurethane insulation will help you maintain your BMW’s ideal climate to stay in good shape mechanically and aesthetically.
5. Follow Service Schedule
Respect your Bimmer’s maintenance calendar. A qualified technician should inspect your car at least once a year or after running a certain number of miles. It’s the only way to discover early signs of damage so you can head off major mechanical problems.
Take your BMW in for a tune-up on schedule — even if everything works fine. This way, the service crew can proactively replace specific components before they malfunction without warning and require an expensive repair.
6. Extend Maintenance Coverage
If your BMW maintenance program is about to end, consider extending your coverage to reduce your future out-of-pocket repair costs — especially when your car is older.
A plan extension can be a significant expense, but it may be worth it if you think you’ll put plenty more miles on your Bimmer moving forward.
7. Use Independent Shops
If you let your BMW maintenance program lapse, you can entrust the upkeep of your vehicle to a third-party repair shop. Independent shops usually charge less than dealers because they tend to have low overhead. Personalized service distinguishes these auto establishments from authorized BMW centers, so expect more special care and attention to your unique needs.
Before you take your precious ride to an independent repair shop, here are three caveats:
- They may use aftermarket parts only.
- They may have Jacks of all trades instead of factory-trained BMW specialists.
- They may deliver less-quality work because of the above reasons.
For best results, look for a licensed local shop in your area that uses original equipment manufacturer components and has a wealth of experience repairing BMWs. You may have to wait as they order your replacement parts, but you can rely on their quality.
Reduce Your BMW Maintenance Costs
Your BMW will need TLC throughout its life, but you can influence its repair needs. If you’re smart and strategic, you can add years to your Bimmer’s life without spending a fortune.
