BMWs are designed with both style and quality in mind. Needless to say, owning and taking care of a luxury vehicle requires a bigger investment of time and money than other cars. If you’re a new BMW owner or are looking to become one, here are some things you should know about owning and taking care of a BMW.
1. Budget for higher maintenance and repair costs.
As with any car, a BMW requires regular maintenance and repairs if something goes wrong. However, unlike some less expensive cars, maintenance and parts are pricy. BMWs are made with high-quality parts and use state-of-the-art technology, which means when something breaks, it costs a lot to replace it.
But don’t let these expenses scare you away from owning the car of your dreams. Overall, BMWs are very reliable cars, and you likely won’t run into many serious problems if you take good care of your BMW. A BMW extended warranty is worth considering if you’re concerned about repair and maintenance costs.
2. Look beyond the owner’s manual.
It’s a good idea to choose BMW-approved mechanics or take your car to the dealer to get it serviced. But you shouldn’t be guided simply by your dealer’s recommendations or your owner’s manual when it comes to certain things, like how often to get your oil changed.
Beyond reading your owner’s manual, get advice from bmw coupe experts who know these cars well. There are plenty of websites and online communities where people share tips and their own experiences.
One case where you should do your own research instead of simply trusting your dealer’s advice is when it comes to your BMW’s transmission. You’ll likely be told by your dealer that it’s a lifetime fill and doesn’t require a change of fluid or filter. But the reality is that if you don’t flush your transmission every 50k miles or so, it probably won’t last long and you’ll have to pay to replace it.
3. Use quality fuel.
BMWs require high-quality premium fuel to run smoothly. While you might get away with filling up your tank with regular gasoline, eventually you’ll run into problems. Your BMW won’t perform as well and your gas mileage will suffer. At some point, you could end up with engine problems. If you want your car to last and optimize its performance, choose premium fuel and avoid gas stations that sell low-quality gasoline.
4. Choose the right oil.
As with fuel, don’t think that you can use just any oil for your BMW. You need to use the recommended synthetic oil. Along with using the recommended oil, you should also use a quality filter.
Make sure to change your oil regularly as well. Dirty oil isn’t good for your car. While the dealer might recommend that you change your car’s oil every 15,000 miles, it’s probably best to get it changed every 7,000 to 10,000 miles.
5. Use quality parts and a trustworthy mechanic.
BMW parts are expensive for a reason. They’re quality, premium parts designed for a luxury vehicle. When it’s time to replace something, you might get sticker shock. But don’t be tempted to find other, lower-quality options. They may be cheaper, but in the long run, they may reduce the performance of your car or require more repairs. Stick with high-quality parts when you need to repair your BMW.
It’s also critical to choose BMW-approved mechanics that have experience working with these special vehicles. You want to work with someone who knows what they’re doing when you need to repair your car.
6. Take care of your paint job.
While your BMW’s engine needs constant maintenance and care, don’t forget about taking care of your car’s aesthetic. One of the best parts about having a luxury car is its elegant, sporty design. To keep your car’s exterior in great shape, regularly wash it and get it waxed at least twice a year. Park in the shade and in a garage as much as you can, as this will keep your car from being exposed to the elements. If you notice bird droppings, pollen, or tree sap on your car, be sure to wash it right away before the paint becomes damaged.
7. Inflate and rotate your tires.
Your tires greatly affect your car’s performance and fuel economy. Make sure they’re properly inflated and check tire pressure regularly. Rotate your tires often so that they wear evenly and you don’t have to replace them as soon. If you take care of your tires, you’ll avoid a blowout and having to replace your tires quickly.
If a BMW is your dream car, you won’t be disappointed by its sleek design and powerful engine. But you should be aware of how to properly care for this impressive vehicle. Use these tips to take the best care of your BMW and increase its performance and durability.
