BMW FAQs

BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH. This may look unusual but translated to English the letters simply stand for Bavarian Motor Works. BMW is of course a German-owned company and has been since it was founded on the 7th of March 1916, originally they manufactured aircraft engines but several years later decided to venture into automobiles in 1928. It has since progressed and grown year on year to become a household name around the world. BMW’s success is apparent not only in the automotive industry but in a worldwide context, where it currently ranks 11th in the list of most valuable brands in the world. This shows just how successful and popular the BMW brand is.

BMW was originally founded in 1916 by four men; Karl Friedrich Rapp took the lead and can be regarded as the main founder of the company. Throughout the years it has had various owners and directors. However, as of 2016, the majority shareholders in the company were Stefan Quandt and Susanne Klatten who own 29% and 21% respectively. With the other 50% of the shares being publicly owned.

Beamers is a word often associated with BMW vehicles. BMW vehicles are given various names however two have been at the forefront for some decades. Beamers or bimmers, the latter more associated with the brands North American following. The nicknames stem from the late 1930s, originally coming straight from motorcycle racing as opposed to cars. One of the reasons behind these titles is the fact the BMW name can often be difficult to pronounce. It may appear simple given it is only 3 letters but the W at the end can be pronounced as ‘Double U’ which may cause some confusion. The nicknames simplified the brand, especially with native English speakers. After years of deliberation, apparently, it is incorrect to refer to BMW cars as ‘beamers’ as this nickname resonates with thier motorcycles. Instead, the correct terminology when referring to a BMW car is simply ‘Bimmer’. A combination of many words we believe!

BMW are a prestige brand specialising in premium cars which are mainly at the higher end of the price spectrum. Despite offering a high-end luxury ride, BMW’s reliability has come into question on numerous occasions throughout the years. Like every automotive company, they have come under criticism regarding quality and performance. Multiple surveys and reports have been produced throughout the years concerning the honesty of cars in general. BMW’s position in these have varied depending on make and model, sometimes ranking first in reliability and other times placing rock bottom. The consensus is that the reliability of BMW’s has improved throughout the years. Previously you would have expected a more trustworthy car when spending large sums of money, but BMW has dramatically improved in terms of reliability. Like with every manufacturer, cars will experience mechanical difficulties but overall, the reliability of BMW has certainly improved. The BMW 3 Series ranks as the most reliable in the BMW brand followed by the BMW 5 Series and the BMW 7 Series.

It is much debated if BMWs are worth the price tag, often it comes down to the customer's desires, budget and purpose. BMWs are classed as a prestige brand, so the prices of the vehicle are typically positioned in the higher price bracket. BMW describe their vehicles as the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ which indicates the cars are specific to perhaps car enthusiasts, however, this is a common misconception. BMW’s can be used for every individual no matter the purpose. Ranging from daily commutes to long journeys, BMW has cars for every terrain and individual. Whether you require a family car or a sporty model, BMW offer a wide range of cars and models which will suit any potential customer. 

BMWs are one of the most comfortable cars to drive, you always feel in complete control, and it is one of the smoothest rides. Repairs and services on BMW’s are typically more expensive than repairs to regular cars but BMWs should last for long periods without requiring maintenance. For long journeys, the 4 Series & Z4 are exceptional choices. The best city driving BMW is the 1 series. The X5 is perfect for off-road driving and great on every terrain. Whether you are a car enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing smooth ride, BMW has everything covered and is definitely worth purchasing.

If you do not want to buy a brand-new car, which many of us do not, the only alternative is to purchase a used car. Cars lose value immediately after they are driven, so used cars tend to cost a lot less. BMWs are generally expensive both new and used however, used models are significantly cheaper than the new models which can be a serious bonus if the customers are trying to find alternatives to affording BMWs. Again, a growing concern would be the maintenance costs but used BMWs on average would require fewer repairs in comparison to other non-prestige used cars brands. The used approved BMWs perform incredibly well in terms of reliability, comfort and value for money. Check out our latest BMW used car offers.

This is a very commonly asked question, and to tell you the truth there is no right or wrong answer. At the end of the day, this simply comes down to the customer's preference. All these manufacturers are classed as prestige cars, so they are all similar to a certain extent. One manufacturer might outperform the other in terms of reliability, however, roles could be reversed when it comes to comfort for example. 

BMW currently rank highest in driving dynamics which could be an important factor when purchasing a vehicle. If you would prefer the most reliable option out of the 3 manufactures, then check out our used Mercedes range.

The M in BMW stands for motorsport, this began in the 1960s and was originally created to facilitate BMW’s racing program. The M sport is directly linked to the performance department, and simply means a sportier model in comparison to regular versions. The M sport series is a group of cars created by BMW similar to their M series cars and their M performance cars. It is just another collective group of cars that have been designed to be sportier than the rest. M Sports come with a slightly different exterior and have a more menacing front grille along with other small but noticeable differences. The alloys on M sport BMWs are usually bigger than regular beamers, also coming equipped with M sport brakes and sports seats in every model of the M Sport series. There are other changes such as the constant inclusion of the M sport badge and colourway which can be seen on the alloys, wings, keys, steering wheel, seatbelts and many other places. If you are a fan of sportier cars then the M sport series could be perfect for you, offering unique changes in comparison to regular BMW’s. The 1M coupe and M8 competition are great choices in the M series.

iDrive is in-car communication and entertainment system which has been incorporated in BMWs since 2001. In its simplest form, the iDrive is a device located on the landing strip between passenger and driver, just below the gear stick. It is a circular device that can rotate sidewards, forwards and backwards. This device can be used to control the vehicle's functions such as navigation, entertainment and communication. This can be easily used by the driver too whilst not distracting them from the road. It is a very practical and easy to use device which allows you to control most of the car’s functionalities from the movement of one button.

BMW introduced the xDrive back in 2003 and has featured on many BMW models throughout the years. BMW xDrive is the marketing name for the all-wheel-drive system. It distributes power between the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio and can detect over and understeering, acting accordingly to help you maintain control even in treacherous conditions. The xDrive is only in certain models and cars but it comes from BMW’s technology guide so once a car is equipped with the xDrive it cannot be turned off or removed. To check if your vehicle has xDrive put the last seven digits of your VIN number online to check the motor, this can be done on BMW’s website or using an HPI check. If it were there would also be a badge on the left side of the trunk. All-wheel-drive systems like xDrive will provide you with helpful extra traction in bad weather so if perhaps you are accustomed to poorer weather then an xDrive model could be a perfect choice to always be in control. One of the reasons BMW developed the xDrive was to help BMW customers remain in control and offer stability in harsh conditions.

BMW introduced the sDrive in 2013 which was originally produced for sport utility vehicles (SUVs). The sDrive is the standard two-wheel-drive system that is usually found on sedans and coupes. The sDrive and the xDrive have a lot of similarities, with the xDrive just slightly slower when conducting a 0-60mph test. Before the introduction of the sDrive, BMW primarily produced cars which were four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. The introduction of the sDrive was different and a fans favourite for car enthusiasts due to the handling of the car.

The BMW I series is a sub-brand of BMW which was introduced in 2011 and is focussed around electric and hybrid vehicles. The most recent design BMW has created in terms of electric cars is the iX SUV and the i4 all-electric sedan which are being released in 2021. BMW electric cars are designed for comfort and durability and are a great option for customers who are planning on cutting down on their carbon footprint. With great government incentives and offers surrounding electric vehicles, there is no better time to buy a car from the BMW I Series.

BMW X is a series of cars that all have the xDrive system in place meaning they are all-wheel drive. They are designed to feel at home in every environment and have highly efficient engines. Models which fall under the X series are BMW X5, BMW X3, BMW X6 and the BMW X1 to mention a few. Have a look at our range of BMW X models.

Many people consider BMW’s to be terrible cars in miserable driving conditions such as heavy rainfall and snow. However, this appears to be an old stereotype which unfortunately for BMW, haven’t been able to shift for decades. It is recommended that in winter, you should change your tyres to winter tyres to ensure as safe a journey as possible. 

Having a basic understanding of the traction controls in your BMW could be pivotal to ensuring a safe drive. Traction control can have a negative effect if you are stuck in the snow as it will begin to cut power to the wheels as it notices them slipping. However, you want your tyres to spin so they eventually grip. On the contrary, traction control is incredibly helpful in instances where the car is on an icy road and perhaps the rear wheels begin to slip, and the tail starts to slide. In this example, traction control will kick in and refrain the car from going into a full-on 360 spin. In many instances it all comes down to taking precautions before you travel in poor weather conditions, however, if you take the necessary provisions and drive accordingly then BMWs are just as capable as every other manufacturer.