BMW is a German manufacturer of luxury and durable cars and motorcycles. Its headquarters is in Bavaria, Germany, but it also has production plants in several other countries. However, Bavarian Motor Works, or BMW as it is more commonly known, was not always a vehicle manufacturer. The company began manufacturing aircraft engines in 1916 and continued to do so until world war two ended in 1945.
The BMW logo is an encircled quadrant colored white and blue, with BMW written around the outer rings. Many people have debated the logo’s meaning, assuming it represented airplane propellers. Even though the company has explained the logo to be simply an inverse display of the Bavarian state colors, the idea of an airplane’s propellers still seems to appeal to many people.
Brief History
BMW first deviated from airplane engines when it produced its first motorcycle in 1923, called the R32. They then forayed into car manufacturing, making their first car, the BMW 3/15, in 1927.
BMW grew in leaps and bounds, producing airplane engines, cars, and motorcycles in the early days. It manufactured one of the first jet engines used by the German airforce. However, after the end of world war two in 1945, it shifted its focus to only cars and motorcycles. This shift was due to sanctions placed on Germany on the production of airplanes at the time.
Despite the economic and political difficulties caused by the war, the German car manufacturer continued to persevere. They made economy cars, competing against the more successful Volkswagen’s compact and inexpensive models. By the late 1950s, the company was close to bankruptcy and planned to sell BMW to its eventual bitter rivals, Daimler-Benz.
German entrepreneur Herbert Quandt acquired a controlling interest in the company in 1959, injecting much-needed funds to save them. Soon after, these new funds led to the successful 700 series, followed by the equally successful 1500 series. At this time, BMW also introduced a series of motorcycles that became very popular in the United States. These successes further led to an international appeal of the company.
In the 1970s, BMW produced the 3, 5, and 7 series models of cars that have become some of their most successful models. These continuing business triumphs established the company’s reputation as a premium automobile maker globally.
How Many Miles Can A BMW Last?
On average, a BMW can last as much as 200,000 miles, but we can expect them to last as much as 300,000 miles with meticulous care, routine maintenance, and using recommended replacement parts. These are essential protocols to follow so you can enjoy the car as you should.
What Is High Mileage For A BMW?
We know that officially, 60,000 to 80,000 miles is considered high mileage for a BMW at a regular dealership. However, by driver’s standards, 110,000 miles is thought to be high mileage.
What is the Life of a BMW Engine
BMW has a rich history of producing reliable cars, and they are notable for it. Many of its models have gotten awards for quality and reliability over the years, and you can expect their engines to last for hundreds of thousands of miles with regular maintenance.
BMW engines are typically dependable and are noted for excellent performance, setting high-performance records.
It is reasonable to expect a BMW engine to last up to 200,000 miles, considering the work put into developing the engines. Also, there have been reported cases of BMW engines getting up to 300,000 miles, but these are rare cases. The usual expectation is anywhere between 150,000 miles and 200,000 miles. The primary reason for this longevity is the strict adherence to the maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturers.
On average, many people drive about 13,000 miles per year, which means that you can expect to get about 15 years of good use from your BMW, and it is not farfetched to get up to 20 years.
BMW produces diesel-powered vehicles, and you can comfortably get more than 250,000 miles from them.
Furthermore, BMW engineers put a lot of care into producing quality engines for their cars, and we can see these qualities in the high rating their vehicles get in the market. In the last 20 years, BMW cars have consistently received awards for brand quality and reliability.
Read More: Top 5 Essential Tools You Need in Your Car
At What Mileage Do BMWs Start Having Problems?
You can expect problems in a BMW when the engine has racked up as much as 80,000 miles. These problems may be due to natural wear and tear from constant usage or the driver’s bad driving habits.
Top Ways To Extend The Life Of Your BMW
As your car gets older, components will wear out due to many factors, including weather and use. However, you can take steps to extend your engine’s lifespan.
Maintain The Proper Service Schedule
To get optimal use of your car’s engine, you should follow a proper care schedule faithfully. Most modern vehicles have indicators on the dashboard that tell you when something is wrong, and the check engine light is a standard indicator that you should visit your mechanic.
Carmakers design these schedules and signals so that you can get the best out of your vehicle for a long time. If you ignore the schedules and the indicators and continue to drive your car, you may run the risk of severe damage to your car’s engine.
Use Recommended Replacement Parts
As your car gets older, you may need to replace certain parts that may be faulty or have worn out. It is advisable to replace these parts following the manufacturer’s recommendation. Conducting replacements with the wrong components can harm your engines or make them not function properly. To do this, you should take your car to professional and authorized automobile mechanics.
Engines produce heat when you drive, and the correct type of lubrication is critical to maintaining optimal performance. Changing your engine oil using the recommended lubrication brand is also vital. Manufacturers usually indicate the type of oil to use in the manual that comes with the car, or you may see a tag on the engine.
Maintain Good Driving Habits
BMW build their cars with performance in mind, and some of their cars are good for hard driving. Many car enthusiasts prefer BMW for their features, and you can see many of them at car shows. It is easy to get tempted to show off your car’s performance by doing illegal stunts or revving it recklessly. However, activities like these can be dangerous and compromise the integrity of your car’s engine.
Other driving habits you should avoid are aggressive driving, braking hard, drifting around corners, etc.
Doing donuts in the parking lot may be impressive to your friends, but it will cost you several expensive trips to the mechanic. Avoiding these show-offs and treating your car well will undoubtedly pay off in the long run.
Do Not Overload Your Car
The vehicles will have labels indicating the maximum load they can carry or tow. Going above these limits will cause undue stress on the machine, making them perform poorly. It is unwise to load them up beyond the advised limits despite being rugged. Continued overloading may cause parts of the engine to break.
Also, loading your car above the maximum recommendations will cause poor driving dynamics. You may notice your vehicle responding slowly, especially when you brake or attempt to make a turn.
Protect Your Car From Harsh Weather
It is easy to overlook the amount of damage extreme weather can do to your car. Freezing weather can cause poor lubrication, leading to difficulty starting your vehicle. Prolonged exposure to heat could also cause some harm, especially if you do not use the correct type of lubrication. Intense heat could also cause the melting of components in the engine, such as wires, leading to more severe damage and poor performance. Furthermore, hail and debris from high winds can cause dents, scratches, and cracks on your windshields.
To protect your car from the elements, park them in closed garages, carports, or use temperature-controlled car covers.
Follow The Manual
Car manufacturers will include a manual when purchasing a car, and BMW is no exception. The manual contains vital information for the care of your vehicle, including the engines, and you will find information about the correct lubrication to use and tire pressure gauge. It is best to refer to the manual if you have any questions about your vehicle’s engines.
Know Also: How to Clean an Engine: Step By Step Guide
Is Buying A BMW Worth It?
BMW is known for producing high-performance luxury vehicles. They make their cars with high-grade materials and some of the best technology available. The build of these cars has earned the brand an outstanding reputation in the auto industry. BMW cars tend to be pricey, but they offer great value in quality and longevity.
Conclusion
The lifespan of a BMW engine is ultimately dependent on how the owner cares for it. A BMW engine can last for 20 years or more with regular maintenance and careful use. It is not unheard of to find models from the 1970s still on the roads today, and there are instances of people inheriting BMWs from parents and grandparents. Now, many countries are phasing out internal combustion engines, hybrids and fully electric vehicles are becoming more and more common. Luckily BMW is beginning to build cars with fewer moving parts. We expect newer BMW engines that will perform better.
