German cars are often praised for their luxury, performance, and cutting-edge tech—but not all of them are smart choices for long-term ownership. Some models come with hidden headaches like costly parts, complex systems, and frequent repairs that can burn through your savings fast. Just because a car has a famous badge doesn’t mean it’s reliable or affordable to maintain. In fact, a few of these high-dollar rides are better left on the lot. Whether it’s an old luxury sedan or a flashy sports car, these 10 German machines are known more for trouble than dependability. Here’s what to avoid.
BMW 7 Series (E65/E66)
Loaded with tech and comfort, the early 2000s BMW 7 Series looks like a great deal used—but it’s not. Electrical issues, failing air suspensions, and complex iDrive problems make this car a money pit. Repairs are frequent and expensive, turning what feels like a luxury dream into a nightmare.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220)
This once-flagship luxury sedan hides some costly problems. Air suspension leaks, electrical gremlins, and early rust issues are common. Even simple repairs can mean big labor costs. Owning a W220 can quickly feel like you’re paying for a private mechanic. It’s not worth the stress—or the repair bills.
Audi A8 (D3)
The D3 A8 offers V8 power and full-time Quattro, but repairs are brutal. The aluminum body is costly to fix after even minor bumps, and engine issues can sneak up fast. Many owners regret buying one when maintenance costs hit harder than expected. Skip the heartbreak and walk away.
Porsche Cayenne (First Gen)
Porsche’s first SUV was bold—but far from bulletproof. Early models have problems with plastic coolant pipes, driveshaft failures, and complex electronics. Even routine service can cost more than most SUVs are worth. Unless you’ve got deep pockets, this fast and flashy SUV is better admired from afar.
BMW X5 (E53)
The first-gen BMW X5 was stylish and sporty, but it came with reliability issues. Expect oil leaks, bad cooling systems, and worn suspension parts. The all-wheel drive system is another common failure point. Owners often spend more fixing problems than they did buying the car. Avoid it if possible.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (W219)
The CLS has sleek looks and strong performance—but don’t be fooled. The W219 suffers from leaky air suspension, electrical faults, and timing chain problems. It’s not built for the long haul without constant care. The costs to keep it running can be shocking, especially when things go wrong all at once.
Audi Allroad (C5)
The C5 Allroad wagon tried to mix off-road capability with German luxury—and missed the mark. The 2.7T engine is hard to work on, and the air suspension is notoriously unreliable. Add in turbo failures and high labor costs, and you’ve got one of the riskiest wagons money can buy.
Volkswagen Phaeton
VW’s luxury gamble was packed with features, but parts and labor are outrageous. The Phaeton shares parts with Bentley in some areas, and repairs often require special tools and deep knowledge. Most shops won’t even touch it. Buying one used might feel smart—but it’s usually a short road to regret.
BMW 5 Series (E60 M5)
That V10 sounds amazing… until something breaks. The SMG transmission is jerky and expensive to fix, and engine maintenance is no joke. Oil leaks, rod bearing issues, and vanos failures are all common. It’s a high-performance car with high-maintenance problems. Owning one can turn into a full-time job.
Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (W164)
Meant to be a luxury SUV for families, the W164 ML-Class suffers from bad electronics, transmission problems, and weak interior materials. Repairs are frequent and pricey. It may look like a bargain on the used lot, but that price tag doesn’t reflect the money you’ll spend keeping it alive.