# Are BMWs fairly reliable these days? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 3, 2019, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215 "2019-10-03T18:24:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/21 "2019-10-04T04:04:29Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > I’m on my 3th BMW (328xi, 330xi, X3) and I’m thinking about getting the new Z4 (also, maybe the X7). I’ve never had a serious problem with any of them and I drove them hard. They’re fun, and they’ve got a great warranty if you’re worried about issues. Get the BMW. I like this thinking. Had I not gotten a sudden case of reverse-mid-life-crisis, that’s exactly what I should have done. On a nice day, driving up the coast from Santa Barbara, I kinda regret my decision. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/22 "2019-10-04T04:08:52Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > Your requirements would also match a [Toyota F86](https://www.toyota.com/86/2019) or Subaru BRZ. Add a [Stage 2 turbo kit](https://www.drifted.com/brz-turbo-kit/#winner) and supporting bits for $10k and you still have money left plus a canyon carver that’ll eat almost anything short of a hypercar on the twistys. Those cars suck. I know the brand is defunct, but Scion FR-S is way better! > [@filmore](#): > > Check out this list of [The Most and Least Expensive Cars to Maintain](https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/the-most-and-least-expensive-cars-to-maintain-by-maddy-martin). Can you guess which model takes the #1 spot? Yes, it’s BMW!!! Upon hearing the news, BMW owners replied, “Well, duh!” Mitsubishi is that low? Is that because when you have any problems, you throw it out and get a new one? ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 9:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/23 "2019-10-04T09:11:45Z")
> [@Misnomer](#): > > Historically, IIRC, BMWs have had some reliability issues. How are they today? > > …I’m not too worried about the cost of ownership; I’m used to ev-er-y-thing about my 370Z being expensive. I’m just hoping that I shouldn’t expect worse-than-average reliability (if I take care of it, of course). Like others in the thread, I’ve owned multiple BMWs (I’m currently driving my 5th) and I haven’t found them unreliable. My current one has about 120k miles on it and I’ve replaced the starter on it, but that’s it. Other than that, the only repair I’ve had among the five was a seized caliper on my Z4 M Coupe, more annoying because _before_ it seized I went to the dealer and they blamed my “aftermarket” wheels (they were wheels from a different BMW model that met factory specs exactly :dubious:). ---
**Author:** ![MacTech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/24 "2019-10-04T14:45:18Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Those cars suck. I know the brand is defunct, but Scion FR-S is way better! > > \ I hope this is a woosh, but the Scion FR-S _IS_ a Toyota 86/Subaru BR-Z, strip off the sheet metal and they’re the same car. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/25 "2019-10-04T15:51:15Z")
Thanks to everyone who posted “get a BMW!” responses. 🆒 > [@WildaBeast](#): > > But yeah, the trunk is tiny. I really think that’s what it’s going to come down to for me. I love the small+fast thing, the Miata has all of the features I’m looking for, and most of the time there’s nothing in my trunk (except some junk…heh), but that 10% of the time when I really want to be able to travel with a big suitcase and/or my music gear kind of tips the scale. > [@Tired\_and\_Cranky](#): > > Yeah, the Audi TT is automatic only now Technically I think it’s a hybrid, but yeah. ☹ > [@swampspruce](#): > > Your requirements would also match a [Toyota F86](https://www.toyota.com/86/2019) or Subaru BRZ. Add a [Stage 2 turbo kit](https://www.drifted.com/brz-turbo-kit/#winner) and supporting bits for $10k and you still have money left plus a canyon carver that’ll eat almost anything short of a hypercar on the twistys. A BRZ _is_ on my list, but it’s at the bottom. Something about that car doesn’t appeal to me. I wanted one when they first came out, but these days I feel kind of “meh” about them. > [@kenobi\_65](#): > > It sounds like you may prefer an import, but I’ll note that a Ford Mustang checks at least four, if not all five, of those boxes. They still offer a stick, all of their engines are at least 300 HP, and if you go for a GT (which should still come in well under $60K), you’re at over 400 HP. I have no domestic/import preference, and you’re right: I \*should \*be all over a Mustang. I just really don’t like the way they look these days. Frankly, I’m also not a big fan of BMW’s current styling: their coupes seem way too long, with oversized hoods. There’s really nothing out there that I’m _completely_ in love with. Normal cars, anyway…I’m just one lottery win away from a Maserati. 😉 > [@MacTech](#): > > Volkswagen Golf GTI or Golf R I don’t want a four-door, and – despite my current car – I’m not a fan of hatchbacks. I don’t care about cachet: I love VWs in general, and my very first car was a 1981 VW Rabbit (bought in 1990). > [@dtilque](#): > > May I suggest that the OP consider an EV for his next car. At least take a test drive just to see what they’re like. Nope. 😃 (And it’s _her_ next car. :)) > [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Mitsubishi is that low? Is that because when you have any problems, you throw it out and get a new one? Obligatory “LOL” here, but I’ll tell ya: my first new car was a 1994 Mitsubishi Mirage, and I kept that thing for 10 years and had NO significant repair issues. The stitching on the driver’s seat came apart, the glove box latch had to be replaced, and the driver’s-side window roller had to be repaired\*, but mechanically it was a very reliable, low-maintenance car. \*It was a base-model coupe, with manual _everything_. It didn’t even come with air conditioning: I had to buy that as an option, and have it installed after I got the car. ---
**Author:** ![Quintas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/48db29/32.png) [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/26 "2019-10-04T16:07:40Z")
“Drive Train Malfunction - Limp Mode” for minor issues. It’s supposed to keep you from doing something boneheaded and destroying your engine. But the threshhold is so low that a bug hitting the windshield may trigger it (yes. bit of exaggeration) 🙂 Or…“is my oil actually low or is it a problem with the sensor?” Let me check the dipst…Oh…you cant check that…but the dealership service dept can 🙂 How long before the flatbed arrives? ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/27 "2019-10-04T16:30:09Z")
Apparently, some cars are just too expensive to be reliable. Supercars, sure, they’re temperamental because that’s part of the fashion, but even the staid and boring BMWs? The grandpa cars? Boggles the mind, and perhaps even Yahtzees it for good measure. It’s like finding out that those imports are now more reliable than conservative old Fords and Buicks. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/28 "2019-10-04T16:56:44Z")
> [@Quintas](#): > > Or…“is my oil actually low or is it a problem with the sensor?” Let me check the dipst…Oh…you cant check that…but the dealership service dept can 🙂 How long before the flatbed arrives? Wait, I can’t check my own oil in a BMW?! :eek: ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/29 "2019-10-04T17:02:17Z")
**Misnomer** , I hear you. I test drove the BRZ when I was looking for a new car and my only complaint was power. Styling -wise I like Toyota’s take on it moreso than the Subaru (I love me some Subarus!). Still, maybe take one for a spin and see if it changes your mind. Otherwise, you could still do the turbo thing with a Miata RF ( I like the Spyder look). Failing that, follow your heart, get an [M2](https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjLw9i5ioPlAhWkg-AKHWrKCuEQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.caranddriver.com%2Fbmw%2Fm2&psig=AOvVaw3q7Yz2rGUknI3ZeJN5IozT&ust=1570294866469079) and remember this immortal quote from Ferris: “It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.” ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/30 "2019-10-04T17:46:08Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > Failing that, follow your heart, get an [M2](https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjLw9i5ioPlAhWkg-AKHWrKCuEQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.caranddriver.com%2Fbmw%2Fm2&psig=AOvVaw3q7Yz2rGUknI3ZeJN5IozT&ust=1570294866469079) and remember this immortal quote from Ferris: “It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.” I’d love an M2, but so far my research indicates that it’s not really worth the extra $10K; a lot of the same “fun” is in the M240i (even though everyone knows that isn’t _really_ an M car). Unless my car appraises for a \*lot \*more than I think it will, that model might be out of reach… ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/31 "2019-10-04T17:55:36Z")
> [@MacTech](#): > > I hope this is a woosh, but the Scion FR-S _IS_ a Toyota 86/Subaru BR-Z, strip off the sheet metal and they’re the same car. It is a woosh. I don’t see many of them on the road (BRZ seems to be more than the others, but this is Subaru country). Maybe because RWD is not a selling point? ---
**Author:** ![Quintas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/48db29/32.png) [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/32 "2019-10-04T18:15:24Z")
> [@Misnomer](#): > > Wait, I can’t check my own oil in a BMW?! :eek: No dipstick. You _may_ be low on oil. Or it may just be a bad sensor. But since you’ll blow the engine if you guess wrong…hopefully you’re not traveling when the oil pressure light comes on. Also, don’t get a flat tire because there’s no spare. Although that seems to be the trend across most makes lately. ---
**Author:** ![Quintas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/48db29/32.png) [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/33 "2019-10-04T18:22:19Z")
But don’t worry. While under warranty they will tow it to the dealer nearest to wherever you’ve broken down. You can stay in a hotel at your own expense and then continue your journey in the next day or 3 once its repaired. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/34 "2019-10-04T18:48:33Z")
> [@Quintas](#): > > No dipstick. You _may_ be low on oil. Or it may just be a bad sensor. But since you’ll blow the engine if you guess wrong…hopefully you’re not traveling when the oil pressure light comes on. Yeah, but in a car with a dipstick, you can have the oil pressure light come on and still have a good level on the dipstick. There are other things that can go wrong with the oil system that lead to pressure loss beyond simply being too low on oil. If the light comes on, I’m done driving regardless of whether or not I have a traditional dipstick. I personally liked that system in my most recent two BMWs. Rather than occasionally remembering to look at dipstick, I could see my oil level everytime I drove. ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/35 "2019-10-04T18:53:10Z")
> [@Misnomer](#): > > Wait, I can’t check my own oil in a BMW?! :eek: > [@Quintas](#): > > No dipstick. You _may_ be low on oil. Or it may just be a bad sensor. But since you’ll blow the engine if you guess wrong…hopefully you’re not traveling when the oil pressure light comes on. > > Also, don’t get a flat tire because there’s no spare. Although that seems to be the trend across most makes lately. Typical alarmist bs about BMWs. You don’t have a dipstick, but you can check the oil level in the car’s menu. It’s been pretty accurate for me. I suppose the sensor could fail, in the same way a meteor could strike KY during the next Derby - I don’t worry much about either. I’m on several BMW forums so I don’t think I’d have missed all the posts about destroyed engines from faulty oil sensors if it were common. :rolleyes: BMWs have been using run-flat tires for about a decade now, so you don’t need a spare because you can just keep driving on a flat. The downside is replacements are pricey. Tire tech is pretty good nowadays anyway. I haven’t had a flat tire strand me since 1980 (me and 3 friends headed to an arcade called Beepers). ---
**Author:** ![Quintas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/48db29/32.png) [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/36 "2019-10-04T19:06:11Z")
> [@epbrown01](#): > > You don’t have a dipstick, but you can check the oil level in the car’s menu. Which relies on a sensor that may or may not have failed. > [@epbrown01](#): > > BMWs have been using run-flat tires for about a decade now, so you don’t need a spare because you can just keep driving on a flat. They are fine if you ran over a nail. Useless if there is damage to the sidewall. Also limited range (approx 50 miles). ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/37 "2019-10-04T19:49:27Z")
> [@Quintas](#): > > No dipstick. You _may_ be low on oil. Or it may just be a bad sensor. But since you’ll blow the engine if you guess wrong…hopefully you’re not traveling when the oil pressure light comes on. Well, as others have said there’s a difference between oil level and oil pressure. > [@](#): > > Also, don’t get a flat tire because there’s no spare. Although that seems to be the trend across most makes lately. That doesn’t bother me at all. My Mazda RX-8 had no spare. Actually, I just realized that I’ve never used the spare tire on any car I’ve ever had (which doesn’t mean I never _would_, but FWIW). And for a little while the low-profile tires on my 370Z seemed to be made of paper, but I’m doing OK with them. > [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > Rather than occasionally remembering to look at dipstick, I could see my oil level everytime I drove. I admit I kind of like the idea of that feature… ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/38 "2019-10-04T20:02:53Z")
> [@Quintas](#): > > Which relies on a sensor that may or may not have failed. I’ll take a high-reliability sensor that’s constantly reporting oil level info over a dipstick that most people remember to look at sporadically if at all. At any rate, oil level sensors and oil pressure sensors are two different systems. And you can have plenty of oil in the sump regardless of measurement method and still have dangerously low oil pressure. The oil pump could have grenaded. You could have a clogged oil passage. You could have a bearing that broken apart. If the oil pressure light comes on, you are done driving regardless. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/39 "2019-10-04T20:42:15Z")
> [@epbrown01](#): > > BMWs have been using run-flat tires for about a decade now, so you don’t need a spare because you can just keep driving on a flat. The downside is replacements are pricey. Let me point this out to the OP: I’ve had three BMW 3-series in 20 years, and run-flats are what made me abandon the brand. If you get a flat, the tire cannot be fixed and _must_ be replaced, which is not only expensive but tire shops don’t generally stock run-flat tires. On my last (ever) BMW 328, I got a flat more than once, and had to wait **a week** each time for a tire to be delivered to my (big national chain) tire place. I called around and _nobody_ had the tire, so each time I was stranded for a week. Sure I could get to the grocery on the run-flat (for 50 miles), but forget any other sort of use of the car beyond short trips. For a week. Then shell out $300 for the replacement tire. Reliability is the #1 reason I’d own car, and multiple times the car screwed me. I got rid of the car after I’d put enough miles on it to get back some of my wasted purchase, and I’ll never go back to BMW nor buy any car with run-flat tires. My current Audi has regular flippin’ tires, thanks. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2019, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215/40 "2019-10-04T21:32:26Z")
That brings up a good point, what about an [Audi S5](https://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-s5-coupe) coupe? Starts at $53000, covers all the rest of your criteria… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bmws-fairly-reliable-these-days/841215.md?page=3)