How many miles does a BMW last?

A typical BMW has a mileage of 200,000 to 250,000 with proper care. But, you can still find some models that have done more than 500,000 miles. According to a consumer report carried out on cars to determine how they accrue mileage it was noted that BMW come in at number 8 out of the 29 car brands that were sampled.

BMW’s are known for their reliable and efficient engines. When well-maintained you should experience good value for money from your car. To maintain your car going for many years you will find yourself replacing the electric windows, coolant system and battery as the car ages.

One key reason for this longevity of the BMW is that most are rear drive cars. This helps them evenly distribute the car’s weight in between front wheels and rear. A new BMW will not give you problems up to the 20^th year if you are doing regular maintenance and are gentle on the car. However, this high mileage may not be the case for newer BMW models like the hybrids which are known to fall apart the moment they start reaching the 100,000 mile mark.

If you check out most of the BMWs from the 1980s you will notice that most have being relegated as classics. Many people still enjoy riding them as they did some 40 years prior.

What are the first things to fail in a BMW?

While BMW are a hallmark of engineering they are not perfect and they do fall apart as they age. If you do not regularly service your car, then it is more prone to falling apart.

One of the first thing that will fall apart on your BMW as it ages are the electric windows. You will wake up after doing a couple of thousands of miles only to find that your windows are not working.

Next is the coolant system. This normally happens in between the 80,000 and 120,000 mile mark. The problem can arise earlier if you do not regularly maintain the system. Closely related to the coolant system is the BMW climate control system. You will find this system constantly overheating or not properly working.

The battery also will stop working properly as the car ages though this one is easy to replace. You will also find problems with door handles which can be solved by replacing the entire locking system.

How to get extended mileage from my BMW?

If you want to extend the lifespan of your BMW there are several things you can do like:

Regular servicing your car

This means you will need to change your oil regularly and use the right motor oil. Regularly, check your car Tires PSI. Do this when you are going for long distance travels. When you drive with reduced pressure you are increasing the contact area between your tires and the road. This increased friction will lead to higher fuel consumption.

Avoid overloading the car

If you want your BMW to last longer keep to the stimulated maximum load capacities in the car’s manual. This will help reduce the pressure on your chassis, suspension while boosting the overall riding experience. To keep your car light you may need to ditch some unused items in your boot.

Smooth driving

Be as smooth as possible with your accelerator and your brakes. This not only extends the lifespan of the car but it can save your life. While it seems a lot of fun rapidly accelerating your car then sudden brakes it will lead to premature wear and tear of the car as you put it in enormous pressure.

Always use BMW genuine OEM parts

It is true that when you shop around for spare parts you will find some going for half the price than the genuine ones. However, cheap is expensive as these parts tend to be of a lower quality and you may find yourself constantly replacing them. If you want your BMW to last longer then go for genuine spare parts.

Regularly clean your car

Cleaning your car regularly has the advantage of preventing premature chipping, rusting and salt damage. This should not just be done for the exterior but the interior also needs some regular vacuuming.

BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) has its origins in Germany where in 1916 they started manufacturing aircraft engines. In 1928 the company started the production of automobiles. The company has stayed true to its motto of offering the “ultimate driving experience”. In 19851 the company produced the BMW M5 which was hand built and it became the fastest production car of the decade.

In 2001 the company introduced the BMW 520i which become well known for its fuel economy and longevity. The company has remained true to its engine design and this has led to the long mileages we see. Today, the company has moved into production of carbon fiber laden cars like the electric i3 and i8. Since the company is well known for innovation the car’s keep getting bolder with time.

What is considered as high mileage for a BMW?

Most dealers will avoid stocking BMWs with mileage of more than 80,000. At 100,000miles the car is considered to have high mileage but it is not unusual to find some classics with mileages of more than 250,000 miles. The condition of a second hand BMW will largely depend on how meticulous the car owner was in maintaining it. However, BMW do not break down a lot when compared to other cars but this does not mean they will remain in top shape all their life.

Conclusion

The question of how many miles a BMW will last will largely be dependent on the previous owner of the car, how well they maintain it and how gentle they were with the car. It is common to find BMW with over 250,000 miles on them or classics that have clocked more than 500,000 miles. It is okay to keep such a car for yourself but reselling it can proof to be a challenge.