750 Reliability: perhaps a new way of asking an old question question

As is probably pretty well accepted, 7s are not particularly low-maintenance cars. It’s pretty clear to me now, though, that these cars are reliable given the amount of electronics that have been packed into them. Perhaps they have several X more problems than your average Toyota, but they also have several x the electronics/features. Looking at things that way, these cars are pretty darn reliable. My take is that if you have a warranty, or are willing to pay for issues that are not covered by a warranty, you get to drive one of the most incredible cars on the road. No brainer in my book.

In this forum, I have read many stories about the issues that do come up with these cars. Many times, just dashboard lights which end up being minor issues. Occasionally, more serious issues that cause real headaches. These things happen with every brand.

What I am curious to know is if any 7 owners on the forum have put a good number of miles on their car (say, 30,000ish miles) without experiencing relatively common warning lights, dealer visits due to issues etc. Who has had a great experience with reliability? I’d be interested in hearing anyone’s thoughts on this question, or on anything similarly related…30,000 miles or not!

Thanks!

I've got almost 30k on my 2011 750LI, with no "major" issues. My chief compaints are:
1) The freakin battery has to be charged every couple of weeks because we don't drive it 20 miles or so every time we crank it up. It's not just the 750 either, as I had the same problem with my 2008 550. That "take care of your battery and it will take care of you" blurb they put out really pisses me off. Never ever seen that from any car manufacturer but BMW.

2) The run flat tires, no other option cause you don't have a spare SUCKS! 26000 miles and the tires are shot, and it cost you $2000 for four more $**tty tires just like 'em. What a deal.

But, you are right, a chance to drive an awesome car. But, because of the above, I will be looking at the big Lexus when the time comes as well as the 750. The nod will probably go to whichever one has the new body style at that time.

My 2009 F02, @ 24K miles, no major issues except recent battery under warranty. I will assume the car will continue to be a top performer and not a warranty nightmare.

My 1988 735il was a big problem from the first 90 days of ownership. It was my first BMW; I loved the car and driving experience so I put up with the frustration of warranty, loaner cars, etc. Never again.

My 1994 740il had a few issues that were quickly resolved and the car continued to perform well and stay out of repair.

My 1997 740li was flawless, not an issue.

All cars were new from dealer stock. All warranty issues resolved without high stress from BMW service advisors or service managers, mostly a positive experience.
I assume based on my prior BMW owner experience that my current 2009 F02 will continue to be a very good reliable car and not be a warranty repeat offender.

This is my 1st BMW and I have had it for nearly 2 years, mileage nearly 16000 miles with no issues at all. Also in Singapore(tropical warm climate throughout the year) it gets really warm, sometimes up to 36 degrees celcius which can be an issue with electronics but knock on wood, all is going well, never had a problem. I love this car for what it has to offer and the way it looks. Very gentleman looking, well mine at least is

Originally Posted by eLECTRO eDITION

My 1988 735il was a big problem from the first 90 days of ownership. It was my first BMW; I loved the car and driving experience so I put up with the frustration of warranty, loaner cars, etc. Never again.

We had an '88 735i too! Gold on Black; popular combo for the day! But boy oh boy, what a nightmare!

Nevertheless, I'd say the way that model looked and drove is absolute classic BMW.

The joy the car brings, every single time I drive it is unmatched. I will gladly deal with the headaches for driving bliss.

Great BMW driving experience=$$$+Patience+Sense of humor. Enjoy the ride!

Originally Posted by biomike

Perhaps they have several X more problems than your average Toyota, but they also have several x the electronics/features.

But how does that explain why a new Toyota/Lexus has about the same number of faults (or reliability) as a Toyota/Lexus from 10 years ago at the same point of time of the car's life? Doesn't a new Toyota/Lexus have a lot more electronics/features than the same car from 10 years ago, and thus should have many more problems?

As an engineer, I would say that it is deliberate that BMW doesn't extend more effort on reliability and longevity as they do on design and features. If that is deliberate since they feel Toyota et al go overboard, and if they did the same the car would be too expensive or heavy, or if they expect some revenue from repairs, I can't say. Do you think their airbags are as (un)reliable as say their iDrive system? Just lucky? Or perhaps they made those things a little more reliable deliberately?

I'm pretty sure if they had a pot of endless gold, and enough time, BMW could make their cars every bit as reliable as anyone else.

Note of caution for you: I am on MB,Audi,BMW and VW boards and it is human nature that these boards are a way to vent our frustrations. Our neighbors with Hondas and Toyotas have the same problems as we do. My guess is that any forum is focused on problems. So if you are asking if it's safe to buy a BMW? Yes

i wouldn't keep these cars out of warranty.... It's not that they aren't reliable, but if something goes wrong it will be expensive

Originally Posted by jprescott

Our neighbors with Hondas and Toyotas have the same problems as we do.

How do you explain the JD Power results? I don't think they are rigged. http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings...ings-by-brand/

Originally Posted by jprescott

Note of caution for you: I am on MB,Audi,BMW and VW boards and it is human nature that these boards are a way to vent our frustrations. Our neighbors with Hondas and Toyotas have the same problems as we do. My guess is that any forum is focused on problems. So if you are asking if it's safe to buy a BMW? Yes

They may have the same problems, but the frequency that they occur in any of the German brands that you just listed are far, far higher. Every car manufacturer is going to have some issues in every model.

There are too many statistics that prove that the reliability of certain brands is far greater than others.

If you're buying a BMW or most German marques (excluding Porsche) you, likely, are excluding reliability as a major factor in your purchase.

I really don't understand why people try to argue the reliability of cars? It isn't a personal attack....the statistics show where the brands sit.

Originally Posted by Cdnrockies

I really don't understand why people try to argue the reliability of cars? It isn't a personal attack....the statistics show where the brands sit.

Human nature. Most people try and downplay their deficiencies or deficiencies in their choices. For example, if your son is not very athletic, you may say that it doesn't matter since he's extremely smart and it doesn't matter in the world if you can't run very fast - but deep down you'd prefer that he also be a jock - a good all rounder. I make excuses for myself all the time - but it doesn't really help anything but the ego.

Originally Posted by Cdnrockies

you, likely, are excluding reliability as a major factor in your purchase.

I wouldn't say that. I'd argue that I have all bases covered.

BMW generally treats me well, they usually get things resolved in 1 visit, and I live within 3 miles of the dealership. I lease, so I don't have out of warranty expectations. And finally, BMWNA's record on compensating/replacing lemons (in the extremely unlikely event) is very good if not excellent. We have a backup car when loaners aren't available. Apart from a little inconvenience, I've probably accounted for 99%+ of issues, while experiencing the Ultimate Driving Machine.

Originally Posted by chrischeung

I wouldn't say that. I'd argue that I have all bases covered.

BMW generally treats me well, they usually get things resolved in 1 visit, and I live within 3 miles of the dealership. I lease, so I don't have out of warranty expectations. And finally, BMWNA's record on compensating/replacing lemons (in the extremely unlikely event) is very good if not excellent. We have a backup car when loaners aren't available. Apart from a little inconvenience, I've probably accounted for 99%+ of issues, while experiencing the Ultimate Driving Machine.

All of the reasons you just listed are why you are comfortable with reliability issues, not reasons why you'd consider BMW's to be reliable.

I wouldn't say that BMW's are unreliable, but just less reliable, and in many practical respects, it's splitting hairs.

The average Lexus has something like 1.5 faults in the first year, and BMW has 2.5. So it's 66% less reliable. If you were to ask me, all my own BMWs have been very reliable, even if they had been statistically less reliable than the average Lexus or Toyota. The big problem is that as BMWs age, and cars generally, faults increase. And that 66% becomes a multiplier. So if a Lexus in it's life has say 10 faults, then a BMW may have 16.

I own a Lexus.. I made that decision because of the reliability ratings.

I lease BMWs.. I made that decision based on reliability ratings, experiences, and cost of ownership.

I enjoy driving BMWs more, but they also spend more time in the shop than Lexuses. That's why it's perfect to lease them, that way you use them when they're most reliable and everything is covered, then you move onto the next one.. With their lease support programs, unless you drive a ton, I do not see any value in buying the cars.

Originally Posted by jayzee9

I own a Lexus.. I made that decision because of the reliability ratings.

I lease BMWs.. I made that decision based on reliability ratings, experiences, and cost of ownership.

I enjoy driving BMWs more, but they also spend more time in the shop than Lexuses. That's why it's perfect to lease them, that way you use them when they're most reliable and everything is covered, then you move onto the next one.. With their lease support programs, unless you drive a ton, I do not see any value in buying the cars.

Great point.