Long before most cars reach a quarter of a million miles, many have been traded in, broken down or retired from the road entirely. But every so often, a vehicle tells a different story, one shaped not by age, but by care.
That's exactly what automotive YouTuber Joe Achilles discovered in his latest collaboration with Elite Garages, this time featuring a car with a remarkable history: Elite's very own 2011 BMW 320d, owned from new and maintained meticulously for more than a decade.
The car now shows over 250,000 miles on the odometer, yet continues to perform with surprising composure. Its longevity highlights a crucial message for all motorists: regular car maintenance isn't optional, but rather the single biggest factor in how long a car lasts.
This latest collaboration follows Joe's previous video, where Elite Garages prepared his Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDI for a 1,500-mile fuel efficiency challenge from Morocco to England. That adventure, completed on Michelin e.Primacy tyres, garnered more than 1.2 million views, cementing the partnership as one of the most trusted in UK automotive content.
Now, Joe returns to explore how Elite maintains their own vehicles, starting with this high-mileage BMW.
A car like this doesn't reach 250,000 miles by accident. From its first year on the road, Elite Garages has looked after the BMW at every scheduled interval, using high-quality parts, premium fluids and preventative maintenance long before problems arise.
To help viewers understand what proper care looks like, Joe visited Elite Garages Dorchester, where the BMW is currently being prepared for its next adventure, an ambitious trip to Munich, the car's birthplace. Along the way, the high-mileage saloon will be tested against the standards it would have met when brand new.
During the video, Joe watched as Elite's Dorchester team performed essential maintenance using trusted brands and manufacturer-approved components:
Bosch Parts: Reliable, consistent and trusted by technicians for high-mileage engines.
Comma 5W-30 Oil: High-quality oil is crucial for lubricating internal components, combating wear and keeping engines smooth, even after hundreds of thousands of miles.
Michelin CrossClimate Tyres: Chosen for their all-season performance, grip and long-term durability, these tyres are critical for a car preparing for a cross-country journey.
Joe also reviewed the BMW's full, uninterrupted service history—a testament to the long-term impact of sticking to regular car maintenance. The car's reliability, smoothness and surprising refinement at this mileage demonstrate exactly why consistent servicing pays off.
The message Joe and Elite Garages emphasised is simple: it isn't mileage that kills cars, it's neglect.
A diesel engine like the 320d's can comfortably exceed 300,000 miles if oil is changed on schedule, filters are replaced before clogging, belts and water pumps are renewed preventatively, brakes, suspension and safety items are serviced regularly, tyres are replaced with premium options, and diagnostics are used early rather than reactively.
Elite's service packages are built around real customer needs, offering the same thorough checks you'd expect from a main dealer. Whether customers choose Bronze (Interim), Silver (Premium) or Gold (Major) service, each one gives vehicles the detailed care they need at their stage of life.
The Silver Service (which Elite carried out on the BMW for Joe's video) is ideal for 12,000-mile intervals, covering brakes, filters, major engine checks and more. The Gold Service offers maximum reliability for high-mileage and long-distance drivers, whilst the Bronze Service covers essential interim checks.
Joe highlighted several impressive characteristics of the well-maintained BMW:
The BMW still feels tight, composed and responsive, something only possible with regular car maintenance.
Joe also emphasised how important premium tyres are for a long-distance, high-mileage vehicle. Michelin CrossClimate tyres offer reliable grip, strong wet-weather performance, low rolling resistance and extended lifespan—all crucial factors for a car with ambitious plans ahead.
Elite's mascot, Graham the "Treaddybear", makes a light-hearted appearance during the BMW's inspection and will accompany Joe on the car's upcoming Munich journey, adding a touch of character to the series.
Joe hints that this is only the beginning. Next up is a journey to Munich, with real-world testing, motorway miles and an evaluation of how the BMW compares to its younger self. The upcoming content will include efficiency testing, performance comparisons, long-distance driving insights and a deeper look into longevity.
Joe Achilles and Elite Garages prove once again that regular car maintenance is the key to longevity, reliability and performance. This 2011 BMW 320d, still going strong at over 250,000 miles, demonstrates that consistent care—not luck—is what keeps a car on the road for decades.
The video serves as a compelling reminder to motorists across the UK: investing in regular, quality servicing with trusted brands and components is the most effective way to extend vehicle life and avoid expensive repairs down the line.
Tagged with: regular car servicing, BMW 320d high mileage, Elite Garages Dorchester, Michelin CrossClimate tyres, preventative maintenance, UK MOT and servicing, Bosch components, Comma 5W-30 oil, long-distance reliability, tyre safety UK
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
