When it comes to German engineering, BMW is one of the first automakers that comes to mind. The company has a reputation for building luxury vehicles that are both stylish and fun to drive. But are BMWs reliable?
If you’re thinking about buying a BMW, you probably want to know are BMWs reliable and if it will be a good investment. After all, BMWs are not cheap cars. In this article, we’ll take a look at BMW reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power to see how the brand stacks up.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics that the average age of cars on the road today is 12 years. Consumer Reports says most new vehicles should reach the 100,000-mile mark easily. So now that we know what we are stacking up against, let’s see how reliable a Bimmer is…
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BMW Reliability According to Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for vehicle reliability information. The organization rates cars on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most reliable. BMWs have consistently scored well on Consumer Reports’ reliability ratings over the years.
- Consumer Reports — According to a 2018 reliability study, which examined over 500K vehicles and assessed which models had the lowest problems as they accumulated miles, BMW ranked higher than luxury rivals such as Mercedes, Porsche, Acura, and Lincoln.
- Consumer Reports – In 2019, the BMW 3 Series earned a score of 4 out of 5 for reliability.
- Consumer Reports Every BMW model in the lineup received high marks in the 2020 ratings. Overall, BMW is ranked eighth, with the i3 electric vehicle and X6 midsize SUV being among the most dependable cars.
BMW Reliability According to JD Power
JD Power is another trusted source of information when it comes to vehicle reliability. The company conducts an annual Vehicle Dependability Study, which looks at the number of problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old vehicles.
- A 2019 study measured the frequency of mechanical problems experienced by owners of 3-year-old vehicles over 12 months. BMW reliability ranked above average in this study as well.
- A 2019 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), BMW earned a score of 132, which is considered above average. The brand’s score has improved in recent years, and it now ranks near the top of the luxury car segment.
- In the 2020 study, BMW ranked sixth out of 32 brands. This is a marked improvement from 2019
- In the 2022 VDS, BMW ranked 15th out of 32 brands with a score of 187 which was still above the average.
Are BMWs Reliable?
Based on the ratings from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, it seems that BMWs are indeed reliable cars. Other studies by research groups like iSeeCars, which ranks used cars, ranked the BMW M6 as one of the top 10 Longest-Lasting Sports Cars, with some M6 models in the study lasting over 200,000 miles!
However, it’s important to keep in mind that all cars have the potential to experience problems. Even the most reliable brands can have lemons.
Which Model is Rated the Most Reliable?
The BMW 3 Series is often cited as the most reliable BMW model. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the 3 Series has been one of BMW’s best-selling models for many years. The 3 Series has consistently scored well on Consumer Reports and J.D. Power’s reliability ratings.
What’s The Longevity of a 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series has a longevity rating of 10 years or 200,000 miles. This is an impressive lifespan for any car, let alone a luxury car like the 3 Series. Some individual 3 Series models have even gone on to rack up over 300,000 miles!
Are BMWs Reliable Compared to Mercedes
When it comes to German luxury cars, BMW and Mercedes are two of the most popular brands. But which is more reliable? It’s close…
BMW has consistently scored higher than Mercedes on Consumer Reports’ reliability ratings. In one of the latest studies, BMW was ranked eighth overall, while Mercedes was ranked ninth.
J.D. Power’s VDS study measures the number of problems experienced by owners of 3-year-old vehicles. In the 2022 study, BMW had an average score of 187, while Mercedes had a score of 192, beating Mercedes by a few points in depedability.
So, based on these studies, it seems that BMW is the more reliable brand.
Tips for Making a BMW Last Longer
To help ensure that your BMW will be a dependable car for years to come, there are a few things you can do:
- Get regular maintenance and service according to the schedule in your owner’s manual. This will help keep your car running smoothly and prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
- Only use genuine BMW replacement parts. Using aftermarket or cheap parts can cause more problems down the road. While BMW parts are expensive you lower cost of ownership in the long run.
- Be sure to keep up with recalls. The BMW website has a list of all open recalls, and you can sign up to be notified when new recalls are issued.
- Be mindful of how you drive. Aggressive driving habits can put unnecessary stress on your car’s engine and components, leading to premature wear and tear.
- If you live in an area with harsh winters, make sure to protect your BMW with regular washes and waxes. This will help prevent rust and corrosion.
- Store your BMW indoors or in a covered garage when possible. This will help protect it from the elements and keep it looking its best.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your BMW will be a reliable car for many years to come.
Most Common Issues Reported with BMW’s
While we answered “are BMWs reliable”, there are still some issues that are commonly reported by owners. The most common problems we found reported include:
- Windows and sunroof leaking
- Squeaky brakes
- Rattling noise from the engine
- Navigation system glitches
- Electrical issues
If you experience any of these issues with your BMW, be sure to take it to a qualified mechanic or service center for diagnosis and repair.
Are BMWs Reliable – Bottom Line
Overall, BMWs are considered to be reliable cars. However, like all cars, they are not immune to potential problems. Be sure to keep up with regular maintenance and service to help prevent issues from arising. If you do experience a problem with your BMW, be sure to take it to a qualified mechanic or service center for diagnosis and repair.
