Maintenance Costs
What To Expect When Repairing/Maintaining Your BMW
The BMW is regarded as the “ultimate driving machine”. The excitement brought on by the slogan is accompanied with the typically higher cost of maintaining a high-performance automobile.
BMW maintenance costs are not black-and-white. There are many factors that will determine the cost of maintaining your BMW. These include the age of the vehicle, the car’s current operating condition, as well as the specific model of BMW you happen to own.
An important way to minimize your BMW repair costs is to keep up with required maintenance.
Maintaining Your BMW
A good rule of thumb to use when determining BMW maintenance frequency is to get the car serviced every 10,000 miles. If you happen to drive less than 10,000 miles a year, make sure to get service at least annually.
Minor maintenance services (oil changes, filter change, full inspection) typically start at $99.00 a visit, while major service such as transmission can start at $400.00.
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Invest in Your Brakes
Brake maintenance is an area often overlooked by BMW owners. Replacing brake pads ahead of time will save you money down the road, as improper replacement of pads will require costly brake rotor replacements more often than required.
It is also to remember when it comes to brakes, “you get what you pay for”.
Buying the cheapest brake pads will likely cost you more money down the road as they will have to be replaced more often. Purchasing aftermarket brake pads and rotors is also not a good idea, as braking system parts not specially designed for BMWs will not work as effectively.
The Cost of a BMW Oil Change
BMWs use high performance motor oil. No all Synthetic oils are approved to be used on your BMW. A BMW engine typically requires 7 to 9 liters.
If you drive an older BMW model, make sure to remember these vehicles use mineral based oils, and much be replaced as such. We always ensure the proper oil is used in your vehicle.
Cost of Replacement BMW Keys
Electronic keys have made life more efficient, but they can commonly fail, requiring you to have extra sets as backup. You can order replacement keys direct from BMW North America, or through us here at Dealer Service Alternative. Keys typically cost between $70-$220.
The Cost to Repair a BMW
BMW repair costs vary on the severity and complexity of the part/system that requires repair.
When properlly maintained, Your BMW maintenance cost should be very similar to other brands. Some times cheaper due to timing chains instead of belts. These do not require schedule maintenance.
BMW Extended Warranty: Worth The Money?
It is important to remember extended warranties are priced in the warranty provider’s favor. It is important to read the fine print of your warranty, and confirm that the number of repairs explicitly covered in the warranty justify the price of purchase.
Some warranties are so bad, that some shops will refuse to work with them. We will help with recommendations as of wich warranties are the best based on our experience.
There are limited extended warranties available for older model BMWs (typically catastrophic coverage). Be careful with these types of warranties, as they be priced in such a way that does not make them cost effective relative to paying for repairs out of pocket.
For your BMW maintenance and repair needs, we here Dealer Service Alternative will be more than happy to provide you a detailed estimate. Choosing Dealer Service Alternative will always save you money on repairs relative to BMW Dealership service centers.
This is a Great choice for anyone needing repair especially German vehicles as I have.
Today was my first day visiting Dealer Service Alternative. Instantly when I walked in their was such a positive energy in this place it felt unlike any Auto Service place that I have ever been to.
They gave me a fair price for what I felt was the service I needed as I went in for brakes and new rotors.
To my surprise when I called to check if the parts were in I was informed by Alex the mechanic and Larry Joe that I did not actually need either at this time.
Most shops I have dealt with would have seized the opportunity to capitalize on me. They did not.
These are good people and I am very comfortable recommending them to anyone. You will be happy you did
Great customer service, kelp me posted on what was going on. “Honest team of guys” at a great price. Thanks Alex and the team.
They were very professional and extremely knowledgeable, will definitely take my car again thanks to Alex and his team
I was very impressed with everyone’s help in the shop. The work was performed properly and on time. The cost was much better than the Dealership. They are very accommodating to their other customers also. I overheard Larry Joe try and walk a customer through getting into the trunk of his Mercedes after that customer had disconnected the battery (to take the battery out) and then shut the trunk accidentally with his keys in the trunk. Larry even tried to walk him through it via Skype. This to me really showed a dedication to their customers.
I’ve been a customer at DSA for almost a year now and the service has been nothing but amazing. I will go out on a limb here and say they’re by far the most honest auto shop I’ve dealt with. No harrasments, no unnecessary work will be done to your car. If it doesn’t need to change or fix they won’t do it. I can say they’re really for you and everything about them is PROFESSIONAL! I’d recommend anyone to go there.
i brought my BMW X3 in to DSA for a oil change and a noise in one of my front wheels, Larry took care of the problem at a very reasonable price and in one day. he will have my business for as long as he wants.
I had first made a appointment for 9 AM at the dealer (Fields BMW) they kept the car for the entire day and called me just before 5PM that they needed more time I asked if they at least did the oil change. but the answer was negative. I am here in Orlando on a temporary assignment from Arizona and my guess is, that Fields doesn’t care about people from out of state even when you make an appointment.
The team here was fabulous. I had a dead battery and the end of the day, drove over an hour before closing, they ordered the battery while I was on my way and 30 minutes later I was on my way, battery swapped out, everything checked diagnostically. These folks just won all my business for repair going forward. Thanks Jason and Larry for quick turn around and a great job!
Brought my Mercedes in for relatively major repairs and could not be happier with the professional and quality service provided. Both Jason and Alex kept me informed on progress as they quickly dealt with the extended warranty folks and performed the repairs.
I had my AC compressor go out and needed it fixed fast, being that it’s summer in Florida. I took it to these guys, and they were able to order the part and have the unit replaced in a day. I’ve been driving it ever since and have experienced no issues at all! Back to cold blasting air!
Went to Dealer Service Alternative for the first time to get my brake pads changed and and came out very happy with the service. They made it quick and simple and will make sure to come back for any other work on my car.
Great experience! Alex took my concerns seriously and quickly fixed my issue. The price was quite reasonable. I recommend Dealer Service Alternative!
Very helpful, friendly staff and convenient service. Thank you!
I’ve visited Dealer Service Alternative for several repair and service needs and their workmanship is on level with any service I’ve received at the BMW dealership. Top notch work.
My experience has always included great service from honest and reliable staff. Very clean and organized shop with a nice waiting area and complimentary wifi. Highly recommend this repair shop as an alternative to dealer repair shop prices.
Excellent service at a fair price, all well explained by the staff. Highly recommend it.
Great service and great price. Had a starter replaced and they did it for much better price than Fields BMW quoted.
I took my Smart here after receiving a quote from the Mercedes dealer for $2,000. They had me print out their diagnostic and took a look at my car; they were able to save me money and fix a problem that the dealer had unsuccessfully tried to fix before. I’ll definitely come back.
Got a break job done on two of my cars, one Acura TL and one TSX. There prices are very reasonable and they also give discount to college students. Will defiantly recommend them to others.
I brought in my BMW X5 for service needs; they did a great job with my car and also beat the dealer prices. The owner and his staff are wonderful to work with. They provide excellent customer service and professionalism. I highly recommend them.