The True Cost of Owning a Used BMW or Audi in the UK
Spoiler: while they look incredible on your driveway, owning a used BMW or Audi can be more expensive than you’d think. Between insurance, servicing, fuel, and the inevitable repairs, the bills can quickly pile up.
In this guide, we’ll break down the true cost of running a used BMW or Audi in the UK - from the purchase price to the parts that love to fail. If you’re considering one, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into. And before you even think about buying, remember to run a full car history check to avoid nasty surprises like clocked mileage, hidden finance, or accident write-offs.
Why BMW and Audi Are So Popular in the UK
Let’s be real. Both brands sell the lifestyle as much as the car.
BMW: Sporty, driver-focused, with rear-wheel-drive handling and loads of street cred.
Audi: Classy, tech-heavy, with quattro all-wheel-drive that makes you feel unstoppable in any weather.
For many young professionals or enthusiasts, buying a used BMW or Audi feels like levelling up. And thanks to depreciation, you can pick up models that once cost £40k+ for under £10k second-hand. Sounds like a bargain, right? Well…
The Hidden Costs of Owning a Used BMW or Audi
Depreciation works in your favour when buying second-hand, but running costs don’t magically shrink. Here’s what you need to budget for.
1. Insurance
Luxury German cars sit in higher insurance groups. That sleek BMW coupe or Audi saloon might look affordable on Auto Trader, but premiums can sting.
BMW 3 Series: Often in groups 25–35
Audi A4: Commonly in groups 23–34
Compare that to a Ford Fiesta (group 5–12) and you’ll see the jump.
Tip: Before you buy, always get insurance quotes on the exact model, trim, and engine size.
2. Fuel Economy
BMWs and Audis aren’t always the most fuel-efficient, especially if you go for bigger engines or quattro AWD.
BMW 320d: Around 50–60 MPG (diesel)
Audi A4 2.0 TDI: Around 50–65 MPG
BMW 330i petrol: More like 30–35 MPG
Audi A5 3.0 TFSI: Under 30 MPG if you’re heavy-footed
If you’re doing long motorway commutes, diesels can be economical. But for city driving, petrol models can guzzle fuel.
3. Servicing and Maintenance
This is where the true cost kicks in. Both BMW and Audi are premium brands, which means premium servicing costs.
Oil changes at main dealers: £200–£300
Brake pad replacement: £200–£400 per axle
Clutch replacement: £600–£1,000
Timing chain issues (common in older BMWs): £1,200+ repair bill
And that’s if nothing major goes wrong.
4. Common Repairs and Weak Points
Here are the usual suspects you’ll hear BMW and Audi owners complain about:
BMW
Timing chain failures (especially N47 diesel engines)
Electrical gremlins
Turbo failures on older diesels
Cooling system leaks
Audi
Oil consumption on 2.0 TFSI engines
DSG gearbox failures
Suspension bush wear
Electrical faults in infotainment
These aren’t “if” problems - they’re more like “when.” And parts are rarely cheap.
5. Road Tax (VED)
UK road tax is based on CO2 emissions. Big-engine BMWs and Audis can land you in the higher brackets.
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics: £20–£30 per year
BMW 330i petrol: £200–£300 per year
Audi A4 2.0 TDI Ultra: £20–£30 per year
Audi S4: £500+ per year
Cost Comparison: BMW vs Audi vs Mainstream
Here’s a rough comparison of annual running costs for a 5-year-old BMW, Audi, and a Ford Fiesta.
Cost Area | BMW 3 Series (Diesel) | Audi A4 (Diesel) | Ford Fiesta (Petrol) |
|---|---|---|---|
Insurance | £1,000–£1,500 | £1,000–£1,400 | £600–£900 |
Fuel (12k miles) | £1,500 (50 MPG) | £1,400 (55 MPG) | £1,200 (45 MPG) |
Servicing | £400–£600 | £400–£600 | £200–£300 |
Repairs (avg) | £600–£1,200 | £600–£1,200 | £300–£500 |
Road Tax | £150–£300 | £150–£300 | £30–£150 |
Total | £3,650–£5,100 | £3,550–£5,000 | £2,330–£3,050 |
That “cheap” £7,000 used BMW or Audi could easily cost you £4–5k a year to run.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Used BMW or Audi
Pros
Stylish and prestigious
Great driving experience
Strong safety features
Huge choice on the used market
Cons
High insurance
Expensive repairs
Premium servicing costs
Risk of neglected maintenance if buying used
Smart Tips Before Buying
Thinking about joining the German car club? Here’s how to play it safe:
Run a car history check - Don’t risk buying one with hidden issues like write-offs or mileage tampering.
Look for full service history - A stamped service book is gold with BMW and Audi.
Budget for repairs - Set aside at least £1,000 a year for unexpected fixes.
Avoid the cheapest examples - They’re often money pits.
Consider independent specialists - Servicing at indie BMW/Audi garages can be half the dealer price.
Are They Worth It?
So, should you buy a used BMW or Audi? The answer depends on your priorities.
If you want prestige, performance, and are happy to pay for it, then yes - go for it.
If you want cheap, fuss-free motoring, you’ll be happier in a Fiesta, i10, or Corolla.
The key is going in with your eyes open. These cars will cost more to run than mainstream brands. But for many, the driving experience and badge appeal make it worth it.
Final Thoughts
Owning a used BMW or Audi in the UK isn’t just about the purchase price. The real costs come later - in insurance, fuel, servicing, and repairs. They’re brilliant to drive and undeniably cool, but they’re not budget-friendly.
If you’re shopping for one, protect yourself by running a full BMW or Audi car history check. It’ll flag up hidden issues before you buy, saving you thousands in potential headaches.
At the end of the day, it’s about balance. If you can budget for the true cost, a BMW or Audi will make every drive feel special. If not, you might want to stick to something more sensible until your wallet’s ready.
Enter Registration Number
Enter a UK vehicle registration to start your check
Secure checkout via Stripe