BMW of Sterling

How Long Do BMW Models Last?

BMW models on the road

If you’re looking for a luxury sedan or SUV in the Loudoun County area but are unsure about predicted and tested BMW reliability ratings, we can help! At BMW of Sterling, located near the DC Metro Area, we can answer questions like, “Are BMWs reliable cars?” or "How many miles can BMWs last?"

According to Consumer Reports, "Almost any car can make it well into six-figure territory with proper care." But how long do BMWs last, exactly? Read on to find out below. 


Is BMW a Good Car?

Absolutely! When it comes to BMW reliability, they're excellent options. Even though BMW repairs can get costly since parts are imported, they are precision-engineered. OEM BMW genuine parts are made precisely for BMW models. Here are a few studies that have praised BMW's reliability, longevity, and performance over the years: 

  • Consumer Reports: In 2018, a reliability study was performed on over 500,000 vehicles to determine which vehicles can rack up their mileage with minimal issues. But, how many miles do BMWs last? Out of the 29 brands, BMW placed 8th as the most reliable, beating out more than a few leading competitors. 
  • J.D. Power: A 2019 study (which has been conducted every year since 1989) measured issues experienced by original owners over 12 months in three-year-old models. BMW vehicles ranked above the industry average. 
  • iSeeCars: The BMW M6 is on a top 10 list from iSeeCars of the Longest-Lasting Sports Cars able to last over 200,000 miles.

How to Make Your BMW Last Longer

Now that you’re more familiar with the BMW reliability, we have a few tips to keep in mind before you purchase or lease a new BMW:

  1. Get the features you want: Make sure your car is one you will still be happy with 10 years later! 
  2. Get the latest safety technology: New safety tech, such as rearview cameras or electronic stability control helps prevent accidents.
  3. Get a second opinion: Have an independent mechanic look at any used cars you have your eye on. 

Instead of wondering, how many miles do BMWs last, ask how you can ensure your BMW lasts. Below are some handy tips:

  1. Routine maintenance. 
  2. Genuine BMW Parts
  3. Inspections between service intervals.
  4. Regular cleaning. 

How Safe is a BMW?

While Loudoun County and Dc Metro area shoppers have different criteria for their next car or SUV, they all share one thing in common: buying a safe vehicle. You can rest easy when you're behind the wheel of a new or pre-owned BMW vehicle because they're considered safe thanks to their innovative safety technologies. 

Let's take a closer look at the BMW safety ratings and features, so you can see why BMW vehicles continue to be a top choice for Maryland and Virginia drivers. 

BMW Safety Ratings

Safety ratings can make or break your car-buying decision. So, just how safe is a BMW vehicle? 

BMW NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

Let's look at the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) crash test ratings. Every year, they test hundreds of vehicles and showcase the safest small cars and SUVs with their safety ratings. The 2022 BMW X1, X3, and 3 Series models earned 5-Star Overall Safety Ratings, meaning they performed well in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests.

Want to upgrade to a luxury SUV? The 2022 BMW X5 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick and received an overall 4-Star rating with five stars in the side crash test. The X5 did hit a low point with the rollover percentage, which has a 15.90% chance of a rollover. However, this is still better than most luxury SUVs on the market.

BMW Safety Features

Does BMW have good safety features? New and pre-owned BMW features come packed with innovative safety technologies, such as:

  • Active Protection System
  • Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
  • Active Blind Spot Detection
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • BMW Assist eCall™
  • Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View Cameras
  • Active Park Distance Control
  • Automatic high beams
  • Focus Alert

Are Electric Cars Reliable? 

“Are electric cars reliable?” As more and more people consider making the switch to EVs, this is a question we receive a lot here at BMW of Sterling. But are electric cars reliable–specifically, are electric BMWs reliable? The answer, on both counts, is a resounding yes. Because they have far fewer parts and easy, minimal maintenance demands, most EVs have a long and dependable life ahead of them on the roads of Loudoun County and beyond. In this guide, we take you on a deep dive into electric car reliability so you know what to expect from your next BMW iX, BMW X5, or other all-electric BMW model.


Are Electric BMWs Reliable? 

So, are electric cars reliable? Thanks to their fewer parts and straightforward design, there is generally less risk of a breakdown with an EV and a good chance that your vehicle will last throughout the years to come. Their fewer parts also make maintenance both easy and budget-friendly. For instance, these automotive services are no longer needed:

  • Belt replacements
  • Cooling system flushes
  • Engine air filter replacements
  • Gasket replacements
  • Oil changes
  • Spark plug replacements

Are electric BMWs reliable? As long as you keep up with the required maintenance, they are!

Services Needed for Optimal BMW EV Reliability

Ensure the highest levels of electric car reliability by staying on top of routine maintenance tasks, including the following:

  • Battery Care - An EV battery naturally loses its charge capacity over time. Put range anxiety firmly in the rearview on all your Dulles Airport and DC Metro area drives by checking that your battery is always sufficiently charged. Avoid driving on a low battery whenever possible.
  • Fluid Replacements - There are essential fluids all EVs need, such as coolant, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Have them checked, topped off, or replaced according to the recommended service intervals in your owner’s manual.
  • Software Updates - Keep your EV software updated for smooth, efficient performance and long-term BMW EV reliability. 
  • Tire Upkeep - Since their batteries are sizable, electric vehicles weigh more than gas-powered vehicles. This can cause your tires to deteriorate faster, so schedule regular tire care services, like rotations, alignments, and air pressure checks.

Service & Maintain Your Vehicle at BMW of Sterling Today!

Contact us at BMW of Sterling, near Dulles Airport to learn about our new vehicle specials! We can help you find and finance the BMW of your dreams. What’s more, at our service center, we can help you maintain your BMW for years to come!