This week, GayCarBoys talk BMW and its hits, and its misses.

BMW positions itself as a sporty brand with class. They are sporty, but the class bit is in the eye of the beholder. Regardless of brand, we tell buyers to google known problems before they put pen to paper, or finger to key board. OK, all brands have issues, so the problem then, is the cost to repair.

Since this pub-talk was during covid lockdown, it was a home-drinks-zoom sesh. Actually, it was quite good!

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ABOVE: BMW models

Max:

Watch the cooling moody systems. If you don’t keep them properly serviced, they will fail, sometimes without notice. Who wants to be sitting on the side of the road with a pants leg pulled up, trying to get a lift? Hmm, on second thoughts let’s park that for later.

Power windows often get stuck down too, with the obvious problems that brings. The heater core is a problem for older BMWs too. Readers report steaming fluid pouring into the cabin.

The biggest problem I have with BMW is the looks. Since Chris Bangle was hired to lead the design team 20 years ago, BMWs have ranged from sort-of ok, to having a face only a mother could love. Bangle’s 7-series is a case in point. It was hated on day 1, and hated now. Thankfully most of them have died. This Bangle bungle is best forgotten.

On the bright side, most BMWs drive like they’re glued to the road. The front-wheel-drive models felt a little limp, but other than that, they’re sublime. The M Beemers are firm, go like stick, and change directions like a cat on carpet. I love the drive, muchly.

Favourite BMW – 8 series convertibles

Ethan:

Have you seen the new M4? Dear god in heaven, it looks like it is trying to swallow the road. It is simply hideous.

BMW is not without design disasters too. The first i-Drive was a nightmare. It pioneered software-driven infotainment systems, but to say that it was hard to use, is an understatement. Now of course, it is easy to fettle.

We’ve had Beemers in the family for ages. Mum had a ’91 E36 318i, and it was a good thing. As it got older, the radiator leaked like a sieve around the transmission tubes. We kept if for 20 years and with regular servicing, it ran well. However, the 4-speed automatic had to be replaced, twice. We finally got rid of it after it was unceremoniously killed in a hail storm.

Modern BMWs are quite chunky, and lots of good stuff comes only as an option. The interiors are comfortable but lack warmth.

I love the way they drive, and any misgivings I have about the looks are gone once we are on the move.

Favourite BMW – M5

Casper:

Dad has been a 7 series driver since there have been 7 Series BMWs. I got one of them as a hand-me-down when I started driving, but it was way too big for a 17-year-old. It went from dad, to mum, to me and was 14 years old by then. It just didn’t have the right image. I felt like a 70 year old retired CEO.

I waited for the new M series 3 and 4 to come out before deciding what to buy this time around. My first impression was “WTF were they thinking.” To that end,  I’ve put my purchase off for a bit because there is nothing wrong with my Audi RS6.

I’m just not in love with the interiors either. Seats are comfy, but the centre console and stack is pretty ugly.

What I do love, is the drive. Even the poverty-stricken base models are a bunch of fun. Glue your foot to the floor, and much joy will come.

Favourite BMW – 3 series sedans

Alan:

I’ve owned lots of brands, and some of the models are now classics. My first car was a near new ’78 Celica. I’ve never owned a new car strangely enough, and for much of the time, I’ve also had a bike. My current ride is a Kawasaki Z1000, with no car in the garage but a press car. There isn’t the space.

Having said all that, I love BMW for the way it drives. When I get one to review, it is an event. The technology has gradually improved and evolved. However, not all of their tech is either useful or desirable. The connected services are brilliant, but the gesture control was a fail. There is just no reason you’d ever want to use it, and the voice control is a nightmare, just don’t bother.

I’ve tried the automated parking, and although it seems to work well, I can’t think why most drivers would use it. In BMW’s case, you press and hold the button and it does the rest. The driver then becomes a passenger, and it is downright freaky.

The current 3-cylinder engines are joyous, something I never thought I’d say.

Favourite BMW – M340i

Conclusion:

This pub round table held over ZOOM was enlightening. We decided we were luke warm on the looks, but steaming hot on the drive. Those who like sporty models love the harsh ride. The others, not so much.

Have a look at the BMW site, and you’ll find it a bit confusing. You have to click on the 3 series for example, to get all 3 series. What it looks like though, is that there is only a PHEV to be had, until the icon is clicked. The 320i base model starts at $75,900 topping out at $120,273 (drive away) for the M340i xDrive. Then of course you go to the M3 range topper, the Competition at $167,104.

We’ll leave you with those figures for now. Have a great lockdown and stay safe.

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