What is High Mileage for a BMW? (Explained!)

Before you buy a used BMW, you want to make sure it isn’t nearing the end of its use. One factor helpful in determining the lifetime of a vehicle is its mileage. So what is considered high mileage for a BMW?

A high mileage for a BMW is 60,000 to 80,000 by a car dealership’s standards. By driver’s standards high mileage for a BMW is about 100,000. Most BMWs will last up to 150,000 to 200,000 milel, but some may make it up to 250,000 or even 300,000 miles. The better condition, the longer it will last.

Below, we’ll look at some ways to increase the number of miles you can go in your BMW. We’ll also talk about average mileage for BMWs overall.

Dealer High Mileage

When it comes to a dealer selling a used car, they want to make sure the vehicle they sell you won’t break down too soon or have too many issues. They want to make money and not ruin the name of their business by selling you terrible used cars. One of the main factors they look at before buying and accepting a used car for resale is the mileage.

If the BMW has about 60,000 miles or less, the dealership will likely buy it back. If it has closer to 80,000 miles, they may still purchase it. However, because this is considered high mileage for a BMW, they will pay less for it. It is unlikely that the dealership will buy back any cars with more than 80,000 miles on it.

If you want to buy a used BMW with low mileage, it will be easier to find one at a dealership. However, it is still possible to find low mileage vehicles for sale by owner.

Overall High Mileage

For most sellers and BMW owners, 100,000 miles or more is considered high mileage. Once the vehicle reaches 100,000 miles, drivers assume it will only drive for four to five more years.

A basic BMW will last about 150,000 miles and then some. However, as BMW improves the reliability of their vehicles with mechanical advancements, some can last up to 200,000 or even 250,000 miles. If you plan on buying a used BMW try to find one closer to 100,000 miles as this will give you the most life left.

The average American driver travels about 12,000 to 13,000 miles a year. Consider how many years you expect to use the car, multiply that by 12,500 miles, and then factor in the amount of mileage left on the BMW. For example, if you want this BMW to last 5 years, you’ll need to last at least 62,500 miles. Considering BMWs last between 150,000 to 200,000, you’ll need to find a BMW with 100,000 miles or less on it. Any more, and the BMW is likely to break down before the five years are up.

How to Make Your BMW Mileage Last Longer

While BMWs only last for so long, there are several things you can do to extend the vehicle’s life, whether it is new or old.

First, take good care of your BMW. If your check engine light comes on, check it! If a repair needs done, get it completed immediately! Unfortunately, getting BMW repairs done can be quite costly. According to Repair Pal, a BMW owner spends an average of $968 a year on repairs.

So long as your BMW is in good condition, it will last longer.

If you purchase a new BMW (2017 or newer), you can purchase the ultimate care package for your vehicle. This package covers scheduled maintenance such as oil and filter changes, roadside assistance, and more. The package last for three years after purchase or when you reach 36,000 miles. It costs $199 for the three years. As you can see, this package make maintenance much cheaper than if you were to pay for it out of pocket.

Best Ways to Care for Your BMW

There are a couple of things you can do to personally care for your BMW (used or new) and things you need to make sure get checked out often. First, we’ll look at a list of items to get serviced throughout the year below:

• Brakes: Check your brake fluid and pads at least once a year. Your brake pads can be checked every two years, but if you hear squeaky brakes or it becomes difficult to brake, get them serviced immediately.
• Tires: Have your tires rotated about every 6 months or 4,000 miles. If you live in snowy areas, snow tires are highly recommended.
• Transmission: Some dealers will tell you that transmission fluid should last your car it’s whole life. However, this means they can make money replacing and fixing your transmission later. Some auto-repair shops recommend flushing and replacing it about every 50k miles, to keep your transmission fresh.
• Engine: The engine should be checked a couple times a year, around the same time that you check the transmission.
• Cooling systems: To keep your car from overheating, flush your cooling system with engine coolant every 3 years. 
• Oil: Changing your oil is a necessity for every car, but for BMWs it is recommended to do this every 7,000 to 10,000 miles to prevent too much build up.

When it comes to things you can take care of personally, you can check if your tires are inflated and go to a gas station to fill them up a bit more if necessary. Doing so can prevent excessive tire wear or tire blowouts. Check your tire pressure once a month, at least.

Another thing you can do is to keep your car clean is to make sure loose dirt or particles don’t get into the wrong spots in your vehicle. That includes caring for the leather interior, waxing your car, and cleaning your headlights. A headlight restoration can make a literal night and day difference. You can get this service done at your local auto shop, or purchase a kit and do it yourself.