Mercedes VS BMW Reliability - Which One Is Junk?

It's time for BMW vs Mercedes Benz when it comes to reliability. The questions we'll answer is whether or not BMW is worth it and whether or not Mercedes is worth it. That's because these luxury cars can depreciate fast or cost you thousands in repairs if they're not reliable.

So is BMW reliable? Are Mercedes reliable? Find out today in our comparison review of these two luxury car brands.

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[EastWood]

This is the one of the best reviews in this channel

[Dave-fkbu]

My work colleague worked at the QA dept of BMW in Munich, let’s just say he left due to the problems he saw, pointed out, but nothing was done about it. Be careful of the high performance cars, you’ll be paying for it as they’ll take no responsibility

[emiliog.]

Almost every vehicle manufactured today is thinner and cheaper than years past. Cost cutting has led to more plastic and thin body panels. I remember when cars were built like tanks. Porsche is the exception but you pay the high ticket price for that ride.

[gyjoyxe]

My first German car was a brand new 2001 VW Passat; Made in Germany. I had that car for one year and was in the shop 13 times. Three times for the Mass Airflow Sensor, One time for the radio not working, Two times for the Climatronic failing, One time for the T handle hood release coming off when I tried to open the hood. One time for the headliner coming off (No doubt bad installation after fixing the faulty radio antenna earlier). Two times for the plastic wheel bolt covers cracking and falling off. Two times for the EGR valve failing and the last time was for flickering headlights due to a faulty alternator. People told me that VW aka V-DUD isn't a real German car. Get a Mercedes. I looked around and bought a Mercedes E500. In the first year, I went back to the dealer because the rear windows would not roll down. I only rolled those windows down about two times before they failed. Then, while grocery shopping, I put the gorceries in the trunk and went home. Guess what. The trunk latch is electric and it failed. It failed so bad that the key wouldn't even open it because the electric motor driving the lock failed and there is no override. GREAT GERMAN ENGINEERING! I went to drop the back seats to get the gorceries out but guess what, apparently folding rear seats are optional on a $60k Mercedes but standard on a $15k Corolla an my E500 didn't have the folding seat so I had to pull the groceries through the tiny rear armrest trunk access. German cars? NEVER AGAIN. I've only ever purchased Japanese cars ever since.

[hughb]

That was entertaining as always Mark. Your tortured experience with these cars makes for both an informative and enjoyable viewing adventure.

[senianns]

I've driven my BMW X4 all over Thailand for the last 5 years! 122, 000KM and still no issues! Great car, good COG. I regularly service the car and additionally change engine coolant! No complaints so far--here's to hoping!!!

[qfgqkrh]

There are no comparisons between a BMW and Mercedes. Mercedes Are far better and reliable cars.

[johnma]

Is the reliability conclusion based on the banging on the body panels and fiddling with the various interior pieces? Component fitment is a factor but when I think reliability, I'm more so concerned about the engine's internals, water pump, oil pump and timing system. Everything else is fairly modular to replace.

[Squall]

I used to work at customer experience at a BMW dealership. I was amazed by how much mistreatment the customers would take without complaining. If customers wouldn't accept their crap these makers would actually do something to improve reliability, but people keep buying their crap.

[nkgudih]

Great vid-but remember, German cars in general are build to fail ( planned obsolescence). Days of Merc build like tanks are gone, and the strategic alliance of BMW & Toyota will improve BMW in reliability focus

[MunchenBayern]

Mercedes is a lot better in terms of reliability compared to BMW. There’s a reason why E class is taxi is Europe and no BMW is

[thomashelm]

Great analysis, as always! Very detailed and informative.
Given, arguably, a similar comparison, I think that the Benz is a far more attractive car. Beautiful, to all of your points.
However, BMW has (shockingly) stepped up in the reliability game. And you do a nice job of pointing it out.
But the Mercedes is so beautiful.

[zibifranz]

Great analysis of both cars! Thank you!

[francisgomes]

Recent BMW such as B58, B 48 and S58 are pretty reliable. Even S55 wasn't that bad at all considering it made 450hp

[oneluckystrike]

Hey Mark,

Great channel and look forward to every single video you put up.
Also thanks being honest and for keeping us in the know.

I have a question for you…

Last January I purchase a new 2023 BMW M340i with the amazing B58 engine.
Love the car….
I’m planning to keep the vehicle for a very long time.
If you were me would you consider buying the extended warranty on the car?
BMW is offering me :
4 years extra and unlimited KMS obviously after the original warranty ends 4/80k.
For the amount of 6600$ CAN
I think it’s a reasonable price….
What’s your opinion?

Thanks and take it easy
Bill K.

[vokso]

Great video as always. Just a general opinion: HOW YOU TREAT ( how responsible you are ) YOUR CAR is more important than how much your car can take. Some cars can be more expensive to maintain than others, but ... does it matter if you are prepared for it? It all depends on whether you really value your car and your investment. I know people who own cars that are known to have not-so-great reliability and have been using them for years and still look brand new and have no issues at all. BUY WHAT YOU LIKE AND BE RESPONSIBLE WITH IT. There is no such thing as a perfect car, there is a perfect one for each type of driver.

[vintagehaynesflute]

Mercedes Benz today is not the same company I invested in when I bought stock in the late 70’s. The slide began when Juergen Schrempp became chairman and then the merger (purchase?) of Chrysler. Before that cars were built to a standard and after Schrempp they were built to a price point. The new company (Mercedes Benz Automobile group) under the new CEO has no interest in producing ICE cars, only Electrics. 😢

[Raider]

I heard JD Power goes with the Money 💰.

[Republicders]

I love the panel tests! should do more quality comparisons like this!

[billnye]

My 650i with the N63TU is doing just fine with over 100K on the dash the difference is I take care of it lol with REGULAR maintenance