BMW was once a storied automaker, a fine German brand with a rich history and an incredible collection of vehicles roaming the Earth. But, sadly, things have changed for the Bavarian Motor Works employees. An emphasis on mass-market vehicles that do not age well has permanently tarnished the brand in the eyes of previous owners and DIY tinkerers.
Updated on August 20, 2021: If you're thinking about buying a used BMW, you'll be glad to know that we've updated this article to explain in greater detail the various issues you might face as a Bavarian car owner. Hopefully, this will assist you in making the best decision for your next automobile purchase.
Many experienced owners and mechanics will advise you to avoid used BMWs, particularly those from the last 20 years or so. They simply aren't worth the money you'll have to invest in them. They are easily broken, the parts are expensive, and the labour costs are exorbitant.
They certainly look cool and have a certain allure to them. However, as you make it rain personal checks at the local Euro repair shop, that sweet siren song will eventually hit a series of bad notes. Here are 15 compelling reasons why you should not buy a used BMW.
BMW has Electrical Problems
BMWs are notorious for having electrical issues. But it's not just the fancy gadgets that cause problems; even basic things like power windows and batteries mysteriously stop working. Ultimate Bimmer Services hinted at what lies beneath by stating that "on some of the older models, the drainage systems were not properly placed, causing water damage to the electrical system."
BMW has a reliability issue
Consumer Reports has all the information you need. They haven't given the brand a "above average" rating since 2007. Add to that the fact that, according to published data, BMWs are more likely than any other brand to be off the road after four to eight years. Not exactly a glowing endorsement for brand dependability, but BMW must be aware of the situation, so why aren't things improving?
No innovation
Let's face it, older BMWs aren't brand new and aren't likely to be as precise as they once were. It's simply worn out and isn't getting any better. However, if you want to buy an old classic and restore it, it will almost certainly be a better option than buying a late model BMW, which will almost certainly have more than its fair share of problems. At the very least, older models are appreciated and a lot of fun to drive. According to a detailed Car and Driver analysis, new BMWs are getting steadily worse in terms of "steering feel."
Is BMW's product line overly diverse?
Perhaps BMW is spreading itself too thin in order to meet the demands of the hungry market it has created. Is it really necessary to have a model for everyone? Why not concentrate on producing a few excellent vehicles rather than a slew of subpar ones? They have the potential to be great, but instead they swim (and eventually drown) in the mass market.
Old BMWs should not be used as daily drivers
Expect issues if you intend to use an old BMW 7 Series as your daily driver. "Though you can buy the car for less than $10,000, you will probably pay more than that for insurance premiums, maintenance, repairs, and gas over the course of a single year," say service experts at Prescott Import.
BMW Is Not Quite a National Treasure
It takes a lot of research to figure out which used BMW models are worth buying and investing in. The majority of us do not have that kind of time. With so many models, engine variants, and known issues to avoid, you'll need to become a BMW savant to successfully navigate the used BMW market. In general, the older, the better, and BMWs from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s are now fetching exorbitant prices.
The Maintenance
Because used BMWs are relatively inexpensive, many inexperienced drivers purchase them and fail to properly maintain them. That means there are a lot of cars for sale that have had little or no scheduled maintenance. Many non-car enthusiasts don't care about that and just drive them until they die, and many enthusiasts insist on doing the work themselves; is that something you'd want to buy? It's even worse if the warranty has expired.
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