BMW vs. Mercedes Reliability: A Detailed Comparison
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Table of Contents
BMW vs. Mercedes Reliability
| Features | BMW | Mercedes |
| Design | ||
| Repair and Maintenance Cost | ||
| Gas Mileage | ||
| Durability | ||
| Engine | ||
| Technology | ||
| Safety |
BMW vs. Mercedes: Which Is More Reliable?
Mercedes and BMW are great German brands with impressive cars in the market. German brands are renowned for high-quality and durable products. BMW is known for producing sporty cars, while Mercedes makes more classy cars.
Many drivers prefer BMWs for the “sheer pleasure of driving,” but Mercedes offers comfort and luxury. On an overall scale, BMWs are more reliable than Mercedes.
BMWs have better cars with reliable gas mileage, durability, and technology. Mercedes offers a cheaper repair and maintenance cost, improved speed, and better engine performance.
Design
Mercedes and BMW have amazing designs that put both brands in a class of their own. BMW and Mercedes personalized their design philosophies, making it easier to spot and identify these cars from afar.
Citing references in movies and street rides, BMWs have remained a standard for innovations. These cars present a sporty and modern design, rocking the latest innovative technologies.
On the other hand, Mercedes offers class and style – it gives the kingly appearance, no sporty look, all royalty.
Mercedes and BMWs, these great automakers, have maintained a great standard of durability and excellence in their designs, providing masterpieces across AWD, FWD, and RWD drive systems.
While these brands speak of great quality, there are slight differences between BMW and Mercedes designs. Mercedes’ designs lay more emphasis on luxury, comfort, and modern appeal.
BMW’s design focuses on ergonomics, athleticism, user experience, and achieving satisfactory rides. You can look at the 2020 Mercedes Benz E-class and the 2021 BMW X3.
Winner: Both
Repair and Maintenance Cost
It is cheaper to maintain a Mercedes than a BMW. A BMW's average annual repair and maintenance cost is $968, relatively higher than the $908 repair and maintenance cost for Mercedes.
You must understand that Mercedes is regarded as one of the most expensive cars to maintain, yet BMW’s repair and maintenance cost is way higher.
Mercedes cars have a 0.7% chance of visiting the mechanic shop and a 13% probability of severe damage. This is lower than BMWs which have a 0.9% chance of visiting the mechanic and a 15% probability of severe damage.
It is important that you know that Mercedes offers a 48-month/4years/50,000 miles warranty period, covering bumper-to-bumper repairs, new vehicle warranty, powertrain, corrosion, roadside assistance, and basic maintenance protocols to give you the peace of mind that you deserve.
BMW offers a similar warranty period that covers 3 to 5 years and 50,000/unlimited miles.
Winner: Mercedes
Gas Mileage
Both car brands do well with gas mileage, but we discovered that BMWs do better with fuel efficiency. It is an open secret that BMWs are one of the best cars with the best fuel-efficient system.
Aside from being equipped with superb 4-cylinder engines, BMW harnesses lightweight engines and fuel-saving measures to reduce fuel consumption while achieving efficient rides.
Winner: BMW
Durability
BMWs are more durable than Mercedes. BMW offers stronger build quality, value, and repair records than Mercedes.
BMWs last up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles, with an average lifespan of at least 15 years. Mercedes last up to 150,000 to 200,000 miles with an average lifespan of over 10 years.
Speaking from experience, we have experienced more problems managing and handling our Mercedes cars than we have with the BMWs.
On the JD Power 2021 vehicle dependability survey, BMW took the 11th position with an average of 108 issues across sampled vehicles. This makes it better than Mercedes, which came 15th, with 122 issues. However, there are years when BMW produced the worst car.
While it is obvious that BMWs are more durable than Mercedes, you must understand that your driving conditions and maintenance habits greatly affect how long your car will last.
Winner: BMW
Technology
BMWs and Mercedes have great technology upgrades. Although the technology packages vary slightly across the models of these cars, BMW has an edge in technology over Mercedes.
BMW is considered one of the technology leaders, leading advancements through innovation and smart technology.
This does not mean that Mercedes tech systems are inferior, but we noticed a greater use of technologies in BMW. BMW optimizes the use of augmented and virtual reality to achieve advanced systems.
The BMW tech package includes advanced real-time traffic data, a navigation system with auto-updated maps, a heads-up display, enhanced Bluetooth technology and wireless systems.
Most BMW cars have upgrades that incorporate wireless charging, parking assistants and gesture-controlled infotainment. While we understand that Mercedes offers lane keep assists and other safety technologies, it does not meet the premium offers on the BMW ConnectedDrive suite.
Winner: BMW
Safety
Mercedes and BMW have impressive safety features that put them on a high pedestal. Both car brands have an incredible safety record that users can rely on. BMW and Mercedes have high ratings, with 5-star ratings littered across different models.
The 2021 Mercedes Benz E-class sedan earned the top safety pick+ award from IIHS in the category of large luxury cars.
This includes the 2021 Mercedes Benz C-class, 2021-22 Mercedes Benz GLC 4-door SUV, and 2021-22 Mercedes Benz GLE-Class 4-door SUV, earning the top safety pick in the category of midsize and large luxury SUVs.
BMW also has its 2021-22 BMW 2 series gran coupe 4-door sedan, 2021-22 BMW 3 series 4-door sedan, and 2022 BMW X5 4-door SUV in the IIHS top safety pick amongst midsize luxury SUVs.
Winner: Both
Which Is Faster, BMW or Mercedes?
Mercedes and BMWs are fast car models, so placing one above the other will be hard. It largely depends on the model that you are comparing. There are lots of misconceptions about the speed of BMW vs. Mercedes.
Many drivers purchase BMWs to embrace the amazing driving feel, sporty appearance, and ergonomics. Mercedes are presented as comfortable, safe, and classy rides. While the BMW engines are lighter and deliver great performance, we’ve noticed high power surge in some Mercedes cars.
Matching the fastest BMW cars against the fastest Mercedes cars, we noticed that Mercedes are faster than BMWs. For instance: The Mercedes 2023 AMG GT 63 S E achieves 831 horsepower. This is higher than the 2022 BMW M5 CS, which produces 627 horsepower and 553lb-ft torque or the BMW X6 M, which has 625hp.
Mercedes Benz can beat BMW in speed because of its impressive engine specifications. Though bulky, their performances are out of the world.
Winner: Mercedes Benz
Summary
Our BMW vs. Mercedes reliability comparison proves that BMWs are more reliable than Mercedes, but this does not mean that Mercedes cars are trash.
So, should you buy a Mercedes or a BMW? Your budget and needs should help you choose between these two car brands.
BMWs appeal more to the younger generation, who want a touch of athleticism, sporty looks, and impressive performance. Mercedes are a definition of class, with a more economical maintenance cost.
