How to maintain older German cars like BMW economically for cars with over 100000 miles

Maintaining an older German car like a BMW can be challenging, especially once it reaches over 100,000 miles. Owners of older BMW cars have reported a variety of issues as compared to owners of Japanese cars like Toyota:

1. Electrical problems: Older BMWs are known for having electrical issues, such as problems with the battery, alternator, and other electrical components.
2. Suspension and Steering Issues: suspension and steering components on older BMWs can wear out and cause problems with alignment, handling, and ride comfort.
3. Engine and Transmission Issues: Some older BMW models are known to develop problems with the engine or transmission, such as oil leaks and other issues.
4. Excessive Oil Consumption: Some older BMW models consume excessive amounts of oil, which can be costly and inconvenient.
5. High Maintenance Costs: Older BMWs can be more expensive to maintain due to the above issues and higher parts/replacement costs.

However, with proper knowledge and approach, it is possible to keep your BMW running smoothly and economically. Here are some tips on how to maintain an older BMW:

1. Regular Maintenance: Keeping up with regular maintenance is essential for any car, but especially for older models. You should keep up with oil changes, filter replacements, and other scheduled maintenance as recommended by BMW.
2. Inspect for Leaks: German cars like BMWs are known for their precision engineering, but even the best-built cars can develop leaks over time, especially if the car has over 100,000 miles. Lookout for signs of oil, coolant, or other fluid leaks and address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
3. Check for Suspension and Steering Issues: As your BMW ages, it’s important to keep an eye on the condition of the suspension and steering components. These parts can wear out and cause problems with alignment, handling and ride comfort.
4. Keep an Eye on the Brakes: Brake pads and rotors will wear out over time, so it’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your brakes. If you notice any unusual noise or vibration when braking, have them inspected as soon as possible.
5. Check the Battery: As your car gets older, the battery may not hold a charge as well as it used to. Keep an eye on the battery’s charge level; if it starts to fail, replace it before leaving you stranded.
6. Check the Timing Chain: On some older BMW models, the timing chain can stretch and wear over time. This can cause problems with the engine’s performance, so be sure to have it inspected if you notice any unusual noises or performance issues.
7. Look for Signs of Rust: Rust can be a major problem for older cars, particularly in areas where road salt is used. Be sure to check for rust on the undercarriage, frame, and other parts of the car, and address any issues as soon as possible.
8. Replace Worn Parts: As your BMW ages, it’s important to keep an eye out for worn-out parts that need to be replaced. This includes things like worn-out hoses, belts, and other parts that can cause problems if they fail.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your older BMW stays in top condition and continues to provide reliable and economical transportation for many miles to come.

Most of the above activities can be done by the car owners for example – regular maintenance and oil changes, checks for leaks and suspension, signs of rust, battery life, etc. However, some tasks are best left to professional mechanics or dealerships, such as: -Checking the Timing Chain, some owners may not have the knowledge and tools to inspect and replace the timing chain. -Checking the condition of the engine, transmission, and other major components, the owner may not have the knowledge or tools to diagnose problems with these parts.

It’s difficult to rank BMW car models based on their reliability and longevity as it can vary depending on the model, year, and specific car. However, in general, some BMW models have been known to be more reliable than others. Here is a list of BMW models, in no particular order, that are considered to be more reliable and have a longer lifespan:

1. BMW 3 Series: The 3 series is considered to be one of the most reliable BMW models, and has been in production since 1975. It’s considered a compact executive car.
2. BMW 5 Series: The 5 series is considered to be a reliable mid-size executive car and has been in production since 1972.
3. BMW X series: BMW X series is known for its reliability and longevity, especially the X3, X5, and X7 models. They are considered SUVs.
4. BMW Z4: The Z4 is considered a reliable sports car and has been in production since 2002.
5. BMW i series: BMW i series is known for its reliability and longevity, especially the i3 and i8 models. They are considered fully electric cars.

However, it’s important to note that the reliability of a car can also depend on the specific car’s history – such as how well it has been maintained, if it has been in any accidents, and so on. Additionally, It’s recommended to check the specific model you’re interested in and look up reviews, ratings, and reliability information from reputable sources such as Consumer Reports, J.D. Power and Associates, and Edmunds.

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars – Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!