Why Do BMW's Have a Bad Reputation?

Why do BMW's have a bad reputation? Are they unreliable? How much does it cost to fix one?
I'm sure you hear stories all the time about BMW's being costly to own. After Having 4 BMW's I can honestly say, it's not as bad people make it out to be. Yes, there are some bad apples in the bunch. Like any car that can happen. Most people only talk about the bad stuff. The high service cost or ignoring maintenance, which leads to most costly repairs.
#bmw #reliability
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[@ramnathkumaresan2045]

Owning my X5 for the past 6 years, I agree with you 100%. These cars are no different from other cars when it comes to maintenance. I do all the basic maintenance by myself. The car is so modular and easy to work with once you get good hold of it. I had noticed that genuine and aftermarket premium parts for BMW are expensive when I compared to other brands. But that cost is no where close to dealer service pricing. It is all well worth it for what you get from comfort and ride quality.

[@eddiemcars]

💯

[@tangalajackson82]

This video is deep! Thanks for the break down. As a woman who is unable to service a car, and make under 55 grand annually I’d better stick with the Lexus family. Lexus drives quietly, moves fast and is lovely! I just don’t favor the new grills! The BMW is elegant, fast and chic and to my opinion along with Audi the prettiest machine on the road but I am not trying to deplete my nest egg to own one. You really helped me decide. Many thanks! Continued Blessings!!

[@eddiemcars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeremyo9111]

Your explanation was on point and I agree 100%. I've owned BMW for the last 13 years and I have saved $$$$ by doing my own maintenance and repairs. There's lots of DIY content on KZbin starting with yours. Keep up the good work.

[@Sunny-me1xq]

BMW is good for performance wise but durable and reliable definitely A no no

[@Sunny-me1xq]

BMW is just like a beautiful lady

[@justlistenfornow]

@@Sunny-me1xq like a super model with high maintenance fee

[@justlistenfornow]

@@Sunny-me1xq whom like to cheat?

[@Aliaksandr4]

You right Edward !!! Im own my x5m for 6 years and keep running like new .. Always do maintains and still happy with BMW M POWER ))

[@gooden000]

It's annoying to listen people complain about prices to maintain something they know they can't afford.. why buy it in the first place

[@eddiemcars]

I agree. Partial is the ignorance of not doing research. Perfect example is you can buy a used E60 M5 with a V10 for around 25k. I would love to have that car but no way I can afford to maintain something that basically has a supercar engine. Maintenance cost could exceed what you pay for it. Unfortunate for those who don’t know.

[@stevenbenton2061]

Ummm. They are reliable. “Consumer Reports” honored BMW in 2023 and again in 2024 as the #1 car brand sold for reliability, customer’s who would buy again, track performance, safety and for being “green”

[@VibingCat39]

I remember when cousin came to me saying BMW charge her $150 just to look at it. Oww the look on her face.😂

[@BocaAtractivo82]

Your channel and content is one of my faves even though I drive a 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T. We both have the same perspective when it comes to preventive maintenance versus the manufacturers recommended schedule. I do my own oil changes, done the spark plugs, coils myself - I wasn't about to let the dealership empty my wallet of $3k for the major service. My first entry into BMW world so far as of 2 months ago is buying my wife a 2019 Mini Countryman S ALL 4 - because it fits in the garage w/my Q7

[@eddiemcars]

I like Audi’s too! I used to own a 2011 Q7 3.0T S Line Prestige. Had the B&O and Adaptive air suspension! That was one of my favorites!

[@dogi233]

As an owner of e53 4.4i (I am the first owner since 2001) and F85, they are not unreliable if you drive properly and do regular maintenance. Of course there will be some problems but I think the "unreliable" reputation comes from bad drivers who don't care. Except e60 M5 :)

[@hsmedsvik]

Do you mean regular maintenance outside what the motorplan suggests? As the motorplan should cover the needed maintenance?

[@dogi233]

@@hsmedsvik I mean following the maintenance plan and for e53 changing vanos and stuff...

[@leafmixer]

People buy without any kind of research.. not all BMWs are the same. If you can do much of the maintenance yourself you can save a ton and find a good indy mechanic to do anything you can't. I've had several, did most maintenance and had very little trouble. Some years and models are more problematic and should be avoided.

[@lavonsurgick1038]

For those who aren’t mechanics or so inclined, the extended maintenance plans are available. I’ve purchased them on all of our BMW’s. Brakes, oil changes, inspections, tune ups all covered. I bought the plans separately from the vehicle purchases as well so that extra $100 per month isn’t wasted. Cost a few thousand but well worth it.

[@eddiemcars]

I’ve had those extended maintenance plans and for me the value isn’t there. Especially when considering most should change oil every 5k for longevity. The dealership will decline oil change until 10k or 15k on some other models.

[@العلمللجميع-ح1ف]

My cousin had a 2007 honda civic she run on the original spark plug for 200k miles

[@xellium5445]

My N63Tu in my 550i has been perfect since 2015 with regular maintenance and my own oil changes that I do every 3.5-5K depending on what the digital readout says. I’ve only gotten the “add 1 quart message” about once or twice since owning the vehicle (which I got with 13K on the odometer). Valve Stem Seals are fine as well and the vehicle doesn’t smoke under heavy throttle either. I’m currently at 45K miles on it. I only had one issue with the bank 1 high pressure fuel pump, which was replaced by BMW for free because of the extended warranty for those items. BMW tends to have a bad reputation for reliability, I think that comes from the earlier BMW V8s and some e46 designs. I do my own maintenance and don’t listen to what BMW says about change intervals, and things of that nature and it’s been a phenomenal vehicle. I’ve never owned anything that comes close to the experience I get out of my f10 ever before. However, I also own a 2020 X3 m40i with the B58 engine, and currently it is at the shop getting a brand new valve cover after having to repeatedly show up at the dealership for oil consumption issues. I don’t know if it is because the engine is highly strung or not, or if I drive it hard (I do typically sometimes). It’s also an amazing vehicle, and it feels faster than my F10 550i despite the horsepower rating being much lower (382 for the x3 m40i) and the weight being around the same (4300 something for the m40i I think). My m40i is AWD and absolutely rips for what it is. I don’t even plan on tuning it or anything (mainly because it’s on the factory warranty, and it feels like it gets way more horsepower than what BMW rated it for the factory, It feels as though it gets 400 to the wheels or somrthijg STOCK) That is pretty much it for my experience with BMW aside for when my mom had a 2003 X5 4.4i brand new and owning it until 2012. They are certainly amazing and beautiful looking and certainly unique vehicles that have a slight sleeper aspect of them (i.e 530i vs m5 to the average person means nothing, and can come off seemingly understated, which I like) Didn’t mean to rant, but to sort of chime in with my experience with them. I’ve been watching a lot of your videos lately, particularly about the N63Tu X5 that you have and I enjoy them a lot.

[@eddiemcars]

That’s good to hear! I remember the N54 engines also having issues at first. BMW needed some time to learn the turbocharging stuff for longevity and they figured it out. Sorry about the issues with the X3 but I’m glad to hear your N63tu has been rock solid! That’s amazing!

[@TrojanMars1]

Drum roll please….and the [EM]my goes to…😎👍🏽

[@xfivemtiwtiw789]

Totally agree sir Edward. All expensive cars comes with expensive maintenace. But for my situation of owning bmw is...I learned how to diy beacuse when i have the dealer place a front grill for me they ruin the paint and i still pay them 1k. I made them fix it but made the problem worst. They repainted the bumper but was done a lousy job. Like you can see some bubbles. And to do that i have to leave the car for 3wks. So i said to my self thats it. I'll just bring the car to them for a major maintenance under warranty but for simple one i just did it myself. But i love my x5m never let me down and everybody wants to race me and very reliable so far. Thats how i learn to watch your vlog and yuotubes. Thanks for your videos sir. appreciate it.

[@jasonyang2288]

Agree 100%，If you can't afford or have no technique to take care of the car just leave the car alone

[@throughmyeyesvideos888]

We bought a used 5 series with 23K miles and drove it to almost 90K miles for almost 3 years. I always took my car to the dealership when service was due, had to change tires, replace brakes, and do other normal wear and tear. The car has always been in good condition and never felt that things got to a point where I couldn't afford to own the car or even had to look for a cheaper mechanics than the dealership. I also had extended warranty, which helped for 2 mechanical issues.

[@eddiemcars]

It’s good to hear about positive experience with the ownerships of these cars. You maintain them and they will treat you well.

[@throughmyeyesvideos888]

@@eddiemcars yeah! keep up the great content on your channel

[@MegaGyalis]

Earned a follow!! Ppl who genuinely take good care of their cars never complain about its reliability frfr… never owned a bmw & am thinking about buying one… most definitely looking to get an X5-M. Truck speaks to me & I’m not even an suv guy.

[@eddiemcars]

You’ll love it! The F85 is the best all around M car!

[@theone4606]

Another tip, get a BMW credit card. You accrue points on purchases. Used my reward points and BMW CCA discount for the 60k spark plug change on my F80 M3. Service was originally $1500-$1750 depending on dealership. Found local dealership who did it for $1050 and I used my rewards points for the service. Would have done it myself but all the stuff to remove on this particular car is just a pain.

[@eddiemcars]

Those rewards paid off for sure! Where can you get the credit card?

[@eddiemcars]

Those rewards paid off for sure! Where can you get the credit card?

[@williamtaylor5899]

Thanks. Just ordered mine . I appreciate the tip

[@williamtaylor5899]

My man! I liked this. You are making it plain bro!

[@williamtaylor5899]

T hanks to your wise counsel I pulled the trigger on an X5 M50i. I needed to tow my Gravel Bike on my road trips . The X5M diffuser I think would have been a problem. In a few years once the warranty is out I could consider a tune for my missing 80HP?

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

Many people telling me a BMW is expensive to fix and keep but ALL those people telling me that never had a BMW 😂

[@eddiemcars]

Don't let others discourage you! It's always best to do your own research and make an informed decision based on your own experiences and preferences.

[@itzkwame]

Do you only use BMW parts? I know the manufacture recommends only using their parts that was specifically designed for BMW.

[@klohr311]

Always find mechanic or shop that works on bmw. You may saved anywhere from$50-$100 depends on the job..

[@hsmedsvik]

I`ve owned my 2015 F85 for 3 1/2 years and I must admit the local dealer now knows me by my first name. Luckily it has all been under motorplan/warranty here in South Africa and I have extended the warranty twice for peace of mind. I bought it at 72 000KM and it has now done about 128 000KM. I`ve had issue with the start/stop button, power unit needed replacing, fluid in cylinders and now unusually high oil consumption so the have to remove the engine and check the bore. The frustrating part is that it have often taken weeks to get the repairs done because they have no spare parts available and techincal support is from Germany. I would say with repairs and service the car has spent at least 3-4 weeks a year in the workshop. I still like the vehicle though as you can drive it hard for a long time, which I do.

[@eddiemcars]

It sounds like you got a bad one. 😞 They are out there! Good thing your warranty covers it. I’m sorry to hear about your troubles. From experience on from different brand it doesn’t get better. I would part ways if you can!

[@hsmedsvik]

@@eddiemcars well the good news is that after 4 weeks in the workshop I am now getting the engine replaced under warranty. So the high cost of extending the warranty definitely paid off for me. In the hope that I can’t have a bad one twice I hope new engine will not have similiar issues and that I now hopefully have a car I can drive for another 127 000km’s + without worrying about the engine, which will be my main concern once the warranty is out.

[@madnitro1]

excellent video & i have just subscribed to your channel. I myself have an F15 M Sport which i also do my own oil & filter services. brakes etc .& as you said maintenance is costly if you go to dealership for oil & filter services. doing it yourself definitely keeps the cost down.

[@Sunny-me1xq]

Honestly my last bmw suck really bad

[@eddiemcars]

I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve had unreliable cars with Honda too. I know what it’s like.

[@Sunny-me1xq]

Brakes job people do it themselves at home now bro I did it on my x6M easy since KZbin exists

[@sarahcash2504]

I’m looking at a 2016 BMW X5 50i with the M sport package. It has 82k miles but a clean carfax. I’m a little worried about maintenance and longevity. I plan to keep it 4-5+ years.

[@eddiemcars]

It should be good but since you are keeping it a long time I would get something around the 40,000 mile mark. This isn’t BMW specific but when you start a off at 80k plus, you don’t have much further to go until you hit that 100,000 miles mark. The car won’t fall apart, but the value of the car definitely takes a hit. If it’s something you plan to keep for years and don’t mind the higher miles then go for it!

[@JonathanMoosey]

I’ve owned my X5 xDrive 50i for coming up on almost a year now and don’t feel that my maintenance costs have been that bad. My local BMW dealership does the BMW Value Service and it ends up costing me less than taking it to an European specialty shop or even doing it myself. Also ended up getting an oil change package through BMW for 3 years good at any BMW dealership in the United States.

[@eddiemcars]

They’re not as bad as rumors suggest. That’s for sure!

[@theone4606]

I am a strong advocate of BMW owners joining the BMW CCA. You get 15 to 20 percent off parts and services and also local businesses (tires shops, repair facilities etc ) at least in the DC area also honor the discount.

[@eddiemcars]

I’ll look into it! Especially if you can save a few dollars!

[@tre655]

Dont know. Never had any trouble with mine

[@roroguapo3]

Honestly a $15,000 bmw is more expensive than a $50,000 bmw lol

[@eddiemcars]

I beg to differ 🤔

[@jhordan2631]

Not bad bmw cars just bsd bmw owners

[@vincentl5363]

100% agree with all of this!

[@zoehaze]

Haaaah !!!! Good stuff. E

[@therrandy2506]

Don't change the name of the channel.

[@darianistead2239]

Why do BMW's have a bad reputation? Poor and flawed designs. Complications for the sake of complication. What category do I fall into? The category where inspecting hundreds of low k vehicles for import compliance per month and being able to point at vehicle's of certain manufacturers and be able to say "That'll fail and for this reason" BMW, is one of those manufacturers.

[@eddiemcars]

What brand would you suggest?

[@darianistead2239]

@@eddiemcars Whichever one wishes to choose. To stereotype "types of people" whom have given it it's bad reputation is unfair as it's a reputation it's earnt on it's own.

[@williamtaylor5899]

So are you saying that the consumer report rating for say a 2021 BMW X5 50Mi is most likely not true . They do give the Japanese models high marks often. But in the case of the X5 they also gave it high marks.

[@oneplat7649]

hey bro can I ask for some help i have a 2016 z3 I think thats the f25 the tail gate slam can u help me to get it soft close an keep up the good work thk u in advance

[@eddiemcars]

I wish I could help. I would have to play around with it in person. Perhaps a dedicated coder would be more help?

[@oneplat7649]

ok thk u

[@Brooklyza]

Just looking at it is 5K LMAO X D good one! Not true but i get the joke lol

[@eddiemcars]

😆

[@antoniolara1467]

Hi Ed how many miles you have on your x5 now? any oil leaks and coolant leaks ?

[@eddiemcars]

Currently, I’m right under 59,000 miles. Leak free!

[@claudeljean-louis1514]

This is great stuff Edward - appreciate this. What are you thoughts on the x5 40e?

[@eddiemcars]

I don’t have experience with the X5 PHEV but I think they are cool if you live in the city and only have a short commute. Then have gasoline engine for your longer drives.

[@SlightReturn666]

They drive well when new but are absolute shitshows after the warranty expires. I have owned 9 BMWs, but converted to Japanese cars a few years ago. A Toyota is good for 250k miles; a BMW with over 70k on the clock starts to get my panties bunched.

[@theone4606]

but it drives liked crap. See ya grandma!

[@SlightReturn666]

@@theone4606 Yoda/Lexi aren't as crisp handling as BMWs but the difference is nowhere near as huge as it was some years ago. I had a chance to rent a new Camry last summer and it was a far far cry from how they used to be. Really nice car that should suit most anyone who doesn't need an M5 to be happy.

[@eddiemcars]

Toyota is successful because they stick with what is tried to true. Even if that means falling behind with the tech. They are still using that 3.5 V6 they had for 15 years. Tundra and Sequoia hold value because of their iconic iForce V8 that’s been proven to go 1,000,000 miles with basic oil changes. They have finally went to V6 Hybrid with their trucks but again, Toyota has been using hybrids for decades.

[@SlightReturn666]

@@eddiemcars Agreed in full. The iconic iForce V8 is not from the same planet as anything made by Bayerische Motoren Werke.

[@MustangSalley1969]

All true!

[@tator76]

I completely agree!

[@redman6077]

Thank you for THE TRUTH!!!

[@jonathantasabia2254]

Thanks for keeping it real. I appreciate your honesty as a BMW owner. I just passed over a killer deal on a X5 because I was afraid of maintenance. Car was used with 60k miles. What is the most miles on a car you would buy used?

[@eddiemcars]

For me it would largely depend on my budget. I’ve bought my first AMG with 75k miles on it without warranty and it was good car. But… I was quickly at 100k before I realized it. Since I put a lot of miles on my cars I tend to go as low as I can afford which puts me around the 40-50k mark. But … if I really wanted a car and it was priced right according to the mileage, and a clean history, I wouldn’t let the high number stop me. Bonus points if there’s any warranty left over!

[@jonathantasabia2254]

Also, it had white leather seats which my wife said is hard to keep clean. How do you feel about white interior? Thanks for your reply. Your BMW is totally awesome.

[@sweoff]

Man I wouldn’t mind seeing do an oil change on the X5 M

[@eddiemcars]

Sure! I can do that!

[@sweoff]

@@eddiemcars also what oil and filter you use would be great! I've seen you use some tire ramps... did you get those on Amazon?

[@eddiemcars]

@@sweoff yes I got them on Amazon amzn.to/3dWiWgf

[@Icantbelievethisshit]

100% agree