Compare BMW 3 Series wheel bearing replacement quotes from specialist garages

Looming hundreds of feet up in Munich's skyline is BMW's headquarters, a vast and impressive building designed to look like four engine cylinders - the configuration that drove much of the brand's early success.

BMW has come a long way since 1927, when it produced its first car, the Dixi, shortly to be renamed the BMW 3/15. In 2022, it was awarded 'Best Manufacturer' at the AutoCar Britain's Best Car Awards, and the same year, it triumphed at the WhatCar? Awards, winning more accolades than any other brand. The M5 special edition, celebrating 20 years of BMW motorsport, is one of the rarest M automobiles in the world.

See how BMW's maintenance prices compare to Audi and Mercedes in this guide.

A wheel bearing is made of a set of steel balls (ball bearings) or tapers (taper bearings) held together by a metal ring. It connects the wheel to the axle and allows it to rotate smoothly.

A wheel bearing replacement is required every 80,000 to 100,000 miles. The most obvious sign of a faulty wheel bearing is a grinding noise when the vehicle moves, which gets louder as it accelerates or turns. You may also notice a clunking noise that happens on uneven road surfaces.

Drivers often wonder whether it's possible to book a wheel bearing repair instead of a replacement. Unfortunately, the bearing is a sealed unit, so the only option is to replace it. Most garages offer wheel bearing services, so you don't need to worry about finding a specialist.

A typical wheel bearing replacement cost is between £150 and £300, depending on the type of car.