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BMW F10 535i: How to spend $10,000 on repairs in 13,000 km?

BMW F10 535i: Repair in a Year. How to End Up Spending $10,000 in 13,000 km?



Today, we share the story of a BMW F10 535i, which turned into quite an expensive venture for its owner over the course of a year. This story is only about repairs—tuning costs are not included. We will break down the main work and expenses step by step to show how easily you can end up spending $10,000 for just 13,000 kilometers of driving.


Purchase of BMW F10 535i

The car was purchased by the owner in 2017. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 135,000 km, and the car was bought with the original mileage. It was a European model. However, just 7 months after purchase (by mid-2018), serious issues began with the car.



Problems in July 2018: Engine Breakdown

In July 2018, after just 3,000 km of driving, the car developed serious engine problems. The valves started failing, which led to engine damage. The owner had to take it to the service, and the repair process took half a year. During the repair, fuel injectors were replaced, along with other fixes, and the total repair cost amounted to 186,000 UAH (approximately $7,500 at the exchange rate of that time).


First Visit to the Service (December 2018)

In December 2018, the owner again needed service to fix the aftermath of the previous repairs and address newly discovered issues.


- Dynamic Drive System Pump Issues: Fluid leakage from active stabilizers.

- Pump Repair: Replaced seals and fixed the leak. The cost was about $170 (4,500 UAH).


This repair fixed the fluid leak, and the owner was pleased with the result.


January 2019: Minor Issues After Engine Replacement

After the major issues were fixed, the car still had some minor faults, particularly noticeable when cold. The work included:


- Reprogramming the fuel injectors (since the injectors were installed incorrectly).

- Minor work on the engine and electronics, including checking and fixing issues with sensors and connections.


The total cost for all of this work was about $220 (5,900 UAH).


July 2019: Major Suspension Work

After six months, in July 2019, the owner returned for a comprehensive service. The repairs were categorized as follows:


1. Replacing all filters (air, cabin, oil) — a standard consumable replacement.

2. Climate issues — replaced heater valves (cost $200).

3. Suspension diagnostics and repair: Replaced differential blocks and elastic bushings. This is a common problem in BMW F10s, which requires repair after about 100,000 km.


The total cost amounted to about $725 (17,500 UAH).


August 2019: Engine Cooling Problems

In August 2019, a problem with the cooling system emerged—the thermostat failed, affecting the entire cooling system.


- Thermostat and air temperature sensor replacement.

- The total cost was about $220 (5,700 UAH).


September 2019: Door Handle Repair

In September 2019, the owner needed to fix a defect in the passenger side door handle. The issue was the destruction of the rubber on the inside of the handle, making it difficult to use.


- Repair and repainting of the handle: Including removing the door card and painting, the cost was $40.


November 2019: Battery Replacement

In November 2019, the owner had to replace the battery. They bought a new BOSS 95Ah battery, which cost $260 (7,000 UAH).


2020: Drive Issues

In January 2020, problems with the drive and dashboard errors emerged.


- Valve cover sealing work and gasket replacement, as well as the replacement of the ventilation system tube.

- The cost was about $126 (3,150 UAH).


March 2020: Power Loss

In March 2020, a loss of power was discovered, caused by damaged boost pipes.


- Replacement of the pipes and gaskets: The cost was around $50 (1,340 UAH).


Total Costs for 13,000 km

Over 13,000 km of driving, the owner spent:


1. Engine repair in 2018 — $7,500.

2. Minor repairs and maintenance — $2,000 (approximately 52,000 UAH).

3. Total for 2 years — about $10,000, or $800 per 1,000 km.


Conclusion

The owner of the BMW F10 535i spent $10,000 over two years and 13,000 km. However, it is important to note that most of the expenses were related to major engine repairs and fixing significant issues. To avoid such expenses, it’s crucial to monitor the car’s condition and address typical problems in time. For instance, replacing the valve cover gasket and differential blocks should be done on all F10 models after 100,000 km of driving.


Average Yearly Expenses

If we calculate that the owner spent $2,000 over the course of a year and a half, the annual maintenance cost was about $1,330 or $110 per month.


For most owners of BMW F10s with a mileage of 100,000–150,000 km, such expenses are typical. However, if you purchased a newer model with lower mileage, you may avoid such major repairs.


 

For more details, check out our YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/5Givb1eaxrw?si=yR_9vFJKYiVE82t1  


Looking for a BMW in Ukraine? Interested in importing a BMW from the USA? Contact us via Telegram!

- Import BMW from the USA: https://t.me/prigon_bmw_usa_garage_racer 



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