After the death of his father on 26 June 1867, he became heir apparent to the headship of the House of Thurn and Taxis.

To prepare for his future office, Maximilian Maria received his education from Baron Carl von Geyr-Schweppenburg.

Beginning in the Autumn of 1880, he studied philosophy, law, and economics at the Universities of Bonn, Strasbourg, and Göttingen.

He urged his archivist to establish and write a scientifically based history of the House of Thurn and Taxis.

[1] To celebrate his achievements and the official takeover of the government business of the House of Thurn and Taxis, Maximilian Maria created generous foundations for the poor of the city of Regensburg and the surrounding countryside, and also for the restoration of the St. Emmeram's Abbey.