Are BMW 4 Series Expensive To Maintain? A Comprehensive Guide

Driving a luxury performance coupe like the BMW 4 Series certainly comes with an elevated level of style, handling, and that coveted roundel badge. But many car shoppers who desire the BMW experience still wonder – are BMW 4 Series expensive to maintain?

The short answer is yes, the 4 Series costs more to own over time than an average non-luxury vehicle. However, the maintenance costs are comparable to its competitors like the Audi A5 and Mercedes C-Class Coupe. By following some smart ownership strategies, drivers can minimize the ongoing costs and get many years of driving enjoyment out of their 4 Series.

In this detailed guide, we will look at every factor that impacts the cost of maintaining a BMW 4 Series. You’ll findReal repair estimates, recommended service intervals, insurance rates, gas requirements, and tips to keep your 4 Series running in top shape without breaking the bank. Whether you currently own a 4 Series or are considering purchasing one, read on to learn what to expect with the maintenance costs.

Background on the BMW 4 Series

First debuting in 2014, the BMW 4 Series slots in between the 3 Series and 5 Series in BMW’s lineup. It’s offered in coupe, convertible, and gran coupe body styles, all of which are two-door models with sleek, sweeping lines and sporty handling.

Under the hood, the 4 Series offers powerful but efficient turbocharged engines. The base 430i is powered by a 2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder pumping out 255 horsepower. Step up to the M440i to get a turbocharged 6-cylinder making 382 hp. An 8-speed automatic transmission comes standard across the lineup.

Compared to the 3 Series, the 4 Series trades some practicality for style. Cargo space is more limited in the swoopy coupe, and the back seats are tighter. However, many buyers are willing to sacrifice a little utility for the head-turning looks and refined performance.

Maintenance costs can vary quite a bit depending on the specific 4 Series model and engine, so we’ll focus on the volume-seller 430i coupe. This provides a good look at what a typical driver can expect to pay to maintain their 4 Series over the years.

How Much Does a BMW 4 Series Cost to Maintain?

The first question any prospective 4 Series owner will ask is “how much is this going to cost me beyond just the car payment?”

According to reputable sources like RepairPal, the estimated annual maintenance cost of a BMW 4 Series is $1,081 per year. This factors in scheduled maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations as well as unscheduled repairs that may come up. It’s based on the 430i coupe driven 15,000 miles per year over 10 years.

To break it down further, you can expect to budget approximately:

Scheduled maintenance: $650/year
Unscheduled repairs: $350/year
Tires: $325 every 50,000 miles
Brakes: $650 every 50,000 miles
Insurance: $1500 – $2000/year (liability only)

These are all ballpark estimates that can fluctuate depending on your driving habits, location, and other circumstances. The out-of-pocket maintenance costs tend to go up as the car accumulates miles and ages. But overall, nearly $1100 per year is what the average 4 Series driver can expect to budget for ongoing maintenance assuming 15,000 miles of driving per year.

How does this compare to other luxury coupes? The BMW 4 Series’ cousin, the Audi A5 has very similar estimated maintenance costs of $1222/year according to RepairPal. The Mercedes C-Class Coupe comes in a little lower at $859 per year in estimated maintenance.

So while the 4 Series costs significantly more to maintain than an average Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, which have maintenance estimates around $400 – $500 per year, it’s right in line with its German luxury competitors. The higher cost comes from premium parts, required synthetic oils, and the complexity of BMW engineering.

Oil Changes and Regular Maintenance

One of the biggest factors that influences ongoing maintenance costs is staying on top of routine services like oil changes.

The BMW-recommended oil change interval is every 10,000 miles or once per year, whichever comes first. So drivers putting on 15,000 miles annually will need to change the oil about 1.5 times per year. Using full synthetic 0W-20 or 5W-30 grade oil as required by BMW, the average oil change costs around $140-180 at the dealership.

Tip: Use BMW’s Condition Based Service system to determine optimal oil change intervals based on your driving style. Aggressive driving means changing oil more frequently.

Beyond oil changes, BMW has a comprehensive scheduled maintenance plan:

At 10,000 miles the car should get a multi-point inspection, brake fluid flush, and new microfilter. Cost is around $300.
The 20,000 mile maintenance includes cabin air filter, brake pads, new spark plugs, and vehicle check. Estimate is $600.
At 30,000 miles the oil filter housing gasket and catalytic converter get inspected along with standard items. About $350.
The 40,000 mile service includes brake fluid flush, new microfilter, spark plugs, and full inspection. Around $700.
The 50,000 mile maintenance is the major one, including new engine air filter, fuel filter, brake fluid, front+rear brakes, and turbine wheels. Estimate is $1200.

Assuming 15,000 miles per year, drivers will hit these intervals every 1-2 years. Plan to budget around $650 per year for scheduled maintenance. Using an independent mechanic instead of the dealership can save over 50% on routine maintenance costs.

Pro Tip: Learn to replace air filters and brake pads yourself to save hundreds over paying a shop for simple maintenance.

Unscheduled Repairs and Major Issues

In addition to scheduled services, unexpected repairs inevitably come up over the life of a vehicle. Parts wear out, failures happen, and accidents occur. This is where BMW’s reputation for expensive maintenance comes from, as parts and labor rates are high.

Looking at aggregated data, here are some of the most common issues reported on BMW 4 Series models with over 50,000 miles:

Oil leaks from gaskets and seals
Electrical problems like battery drain or warning lights
Thermostat and water pump failures
Power steering leaks
Suspension bushings wearing out
Exhaust manifold leaks
Starter motor failures
Timing chain stretch requiring replacement

Many of these issues can be avoided by diligent maintenance and repairing oil leaks early. But realistically, most 4 Series owners will encounter 1-2 unscheduled repairs per year costing $350 on average. Some years it may just be a $200 thermostat while others it could be a $1000+ starter replacement.

In a worst-case scenario, major issues like an engine or transmission rebuild can run from $5000 – $8000. While not common, it does pay to have a “rainy day” fund in case of a big unexpected repair. Extended warranties can provide peace of mind for 5-6 years against major failures.

Tires and Brakes Costs

Wear items like tires and brakes take a beating on a performance BMW like the 4 Series. And being specialized sizes not used on mainstream cars, the replacement costs are quite high.

The stock tires sizes on a 430i are 225/45R18 in the front and 255/40R18 in the rear. These low profile performance tires wear more quickly than touring tires, averaging around 30,000 – 50,000 miles before needing replacement. A set of four OEM-spec tires will cost $600 – $1000 installed.

The high performance brakes also wear more quickly. Expect to replace the front and rear brake pads at 30,000 – 40,000 miles, and rotors every 60,000 miles or less. A full brake job with pads and rotors all around will be around $650 at an independent shop. Between tires and brakes, plan to budget around $1000 every 50,000 miles.

Wiper blades, batteries, belts, hoses, and other wear parts add around another $200 – $300 per year in replacement costs. Use only OEM or high quality aftermarket parts to maintain safety and performance.

Insurance Costs

Insurance is a significant piece of the true cost of ownership puzzle. Due to high vehicle values, powerful engines, and demographic of owners, BMW 4 Series insurance rates are well above average.

Here are the estimated yearly insurance costs for a BMW 430i by age group and gender according to Gabi Insurance:

Teen drivers: $9200/year
20 year old driver: $4400/year
30 year old driver: $2000/year
40 year old driver: $1500/year

Rates are highest for the youngest drivers due to lack of experience and higher accident rates. But they drop significantly once you hit 25+ years old. Comprehensive and collision coverage really boost premiums too. With minimum liability-only insurance, rates can be as low as $1000/year for middle-aged drivers.

Shopping around between insurers like Geico, Progressive, StateFarm and others can save you 10-15% off initial quotes. Ask about bundling home or life insurance for discounts. Consider raising your deductibles to $500 or $1000 to lower premiums as well.

Premium Gas Requirement

All BMW 4 Series models require premium 91+ octane gasoline. With premium gas costing 30-60 cents more per gallon than regular, the fuel costs add up.

The 430i is rated at 26 MPG combined fuel economy. Drivers putting on 15,000 miles per year will use around 575 gallons annually. At a 60 cent price increase for premium, that’s $345 per year in added fuel costs over a car that takes regular.

The more powerful M440i with its turbo inline-6 has a thirstier appetite, getting just 23 MPG combined. Over 15,000 miles, it would use about 650 gallons annually, costing an extra $390 for premium gasoline.

Pro Tip: Always use Top Tier branded premium gas like Shell, Chevron, or Phillips 66. Lower quality off-brand stations can cause build-up in BMW engines.

Is the BMW Extended Warranty Worth it?

Like most luxury brands, BMW offers several extended warranty options to provide peace of mind against expensive repairs down the road. The main options are:

BMW Ultimate Care: Covers nearly all components for 5 years/60k miles from new car coverage end. Around $2000 cost.
BMW Ultimate Care+: Extends coverage up to 6 years/100k miles from new car warranty expiration. Costs $3100.
Certified Pre-Owned Coverage: 1 year/unlimited miles comprehensive warranty on CPO cars up to 6 years old. Cost is bundled into CPO pricing.

The value comes down to your risk tolerance. For worry-free ownership into higher miles, the extended coverage provides that safety net. But for some owners willing to take the risk, investing the money into preventative maintenance is a viable alternative.

In addition to BMW’s extended warranties, third party providers like Endurance and CarShield offer comparable protection that may be more affordable. Shop around to compare plans and pricing.

Tips for Saving on Maintenance

While maintenance costs are certainly higher than average, there are ways to keep your 4 Series running smoothly without paying top dollar:

Use independent shops – Avoid the dealer’s $150/hr labor rate and go to a reputable independent BMW specialist for half the cost.
Negotiate prices – Service advisors often have leeway in Parts & Labor rates. Kindly ask for a discount on major repairs.
Do your own basic maintenance – Tasks like oil changes, brake pads, batteries, and bulbs can easily be DIY’ed to save big.
Check pricing – Get quotes from several shops to find the best deal on tires, brakes, etc. Don’t assume the dealer is cheapest.
Fix minor issues early – Address leaks, strange noises, warning lights right away before big problems develop.
Drive gently – Aggressive driving accelerates wear-and-tear leading to more repairs. Obey break-in period and warm engine gently.
Use OEM or quality parts – Aftermarket parts often don’t hold up, costing you more in the long run. Stick with name brands.

Are BMW 4 Series Expensive to Maintain? Conclusion

There’s no doubt that the BMW 4 Series costs more to own over the long haul than an average non-luxury vehicle. Between premium fuel, pricier replacement parts, and required synthetic oil, the ongoing costs add up.

However, among its competitive set of luxury coupes, the 4 Series maintenance is similar to rivals from Audi and Mercedes. And for those who desire world-class driving enjoyment, it may be worth the added expense.

By budgeting approximately $1100 per year for maintenance, using trusted independent shops when possible, and addressing repairs promptly, 4 Series owners can minimize the financial pain points. While not cheap to run, attentive care of your 4 Series will provide many years and miles of ultimate driving pleasure.