Which is more reliable, BMW or Lincoln?
In our inspections, BMW’s average condition stays above the “decent” threshold to around 101k miles. We don’t have that mileage read for Lincoln yet.
In our inspections, BMW’s average condition stays above the “decent” threshold to around 101k miles. We don’t have that mileage read for Lincoln yet.
Based on 343 BMWs and 36 Lincolns. “Decent” means a condition score of 55/100.
Head to head
| BMW | Lincoln | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars inspected | 343 | 36 |
| Average condition | 67/100 | 61/100 |
| In good shape (60+/100) | 66% | 56% |
| Repainted or replaced panel | 71% | 78% |
| Structural repair found | 2% | 3% |
| Fault codes recently cleared | 27% | 19% |
Green = the better number of the pair. Condition reflects the mix of cars that came to us — age, price, model — so treat small gaps as a tie.
How they score
How long do they stay good?
Good cars by mileage
▬ BMW▬ Lincoln▬ all cars
Good cars by age
▬ BMW▬ Lincoln▬ all cars
Share in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; a band under 20 cars follows the nearby bands, so a run above the all-cars line stays above it, and a band of 20 or more uses the rate we measured; where a band has too few cars, the line follows the trend between the bands on either side; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). Dashed grey = all cars we check.
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
55%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
36%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
34%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
27%
Leaking or worn shock absorbers · Suspension
17%
Oil leaks · Engine
64%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
33%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
33%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
28%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
22%
Trajectory by generation
BMW
▲ Newer BMWs are holding up better
Lincoln
Not enough Lincolns at the 5–10 year checkpoint yet to draw a generation trend.
Share in good shape when inspected at the same age (5–10 years, age-adjusted), by model-year generation; dashed = all-brand average. All brands →
FAQ
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What are the most common problems with used BMWs and Lincolns?
On BMWs we flag oil leaks (55%), active error codes (36%), tires condition & wear (34%). On Lincolns: oil leaks (64%), fuel trim out of range (33%), active error codes (33%).
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How many BMW and Lincoln vehicles have you inspected?
343 BMWs and 36 Lincolns — 379 real pre-purchase inspections. Updated Nov 11, 2026.
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Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection?
Yes. Badge averages don't sort the good car from the tired one. We still find repainted panels on 71% of BMWs and 78% of Lincolns, and recently cleared fault codes on 27% / 19%.
Buying a used BMW or Lincoln? Get a pre-purchase inspection before you pay.
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Based on 379 inspections · updated Nov 11, 2026
