BMW

• Dependability
• BMW Individual Collection
• Electric and Hybrid
• Competitive Factory Warranty
• Unique Rebate and Discounts
• Advanced Driver's Assist System

Dependability

BMW ranks eighth out of 31 car brands measured in the latest JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study. The following models were among the top three in their segment: 

• Midsize Premium Car — BMW 5 Series
• Small Premium Car — BMW 2 Series
• Compact Premium Car — BMW 4 Series

BMW Individual Collection

With the Individual Collection, buyers can get custom colors, personalized details, and exclusive bespoke materials. Buyers can also choose metallic or matte finishes and match or coordinate the exterior with the interior of their choice. This allows customers to create an exclusive vehicle design that reflects their own personality and style.

Electric and Hybrid

In recent years, the automaker has been focusing more on renewable energy solutions with the iPerformance plug-in hybrid series and the fully-electric BMW I line. The goal is to build sustainable cars with the torque, horsepower, and driving experience a BMW fan expects. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic, a lightweight strong-as-steel material used in race cars, is used in the i series to allow the car to have the same driving experience as standard cars in acceleration and handling. The following models are now available:

Fully electric: 

• i3
• i3 Sport 

Plug-in hybrid:

• i8 Coupe
• i8 Roadster

Competitive Factory Warranty 

Each new BMW vehicle comes with a four-year or 50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty. This factory warranty is a year longer than the average among car brands. BMW also includes a three-year or 36,000 miles BMW Ultimate Care maintenance plan for all new vehicles. During this period, customers will forgo routine maintenance and replacements costs such as oil changes, engine filters, brake fluid, car filters, spark plus, key battery, and vehicle inspections. The maintenance plan length is longer than the industry standard. Factory warranty also includes a 12-year corrosion warranty that covers your vehicle if rust develops due to weather conditions. 

*Note: BMW factory warranty is non-transferable if you decide to sell your vehicle within the first three years. 

Unique Rebate and Discounts

BMW offers special discounts through its college graduate and mobility programs. Recent graduates can receive a discount on top of a $1,000 rebate for purchasing a BMW vehicle. Customers who need a mobility modification can qualify for a one-time reimbursement of up to $2,500.

Advanced Driver's Assist System

A commitment to innovation makes BMW one of the most advanced vehicles on the road. BMW models come with a driver’s assistance system that automatically controls certain car functions to offer increased safety and convenience. BMW hopes to eventually sell fully autonomous vehicles.

Features of the BMW Driver’s Assistance System include: 

• Road sign recognition — Using a camera system, the road signs recognition records, and displays any passing signs on your trip. You won’t need to worry about missing a speed limit change with this feature. 
• Cruise control — Set your cruise control to maintain your desired speed without needed to touch the gas pedal. This control often works in connection with distance control.
• Distance control — This feature regulates your speed to keep you at a safe distance from the car in front of you.
• Steering and lane guidance assist — You can take your hands off the steering wheel with this feature. Steering and lane guidance assist relieves you from the constant attention needed to stay within the lines. 
• Hill start assist — This feature prevents you from rolling back when you need to stop on a hill. The rear axles will automatically kick into gear when your vehicle slows to a stop or when you need to accelerate again. 
• Emergency brake assist — This feature helps you avoid collision by measuring the distance between you and the next vehicle and your speed. Once you hit the brake, the automatic emergency braking will activate to help you avoid a collision. 
• Lane-change warning — The lane-change warning alerts you when there are cars in your blind spots. 
• Lane-change assist — This feature automatically changes lanes for you when it is clear and safe to do so.

• Powertrain Warranty
• Emissions Scandal
• Takata Recall
• Expensive Repairs

Powertrain Warranty 

BMW has a simple warranty policy. It combines the basic and powertrain warranties into one policy lasting for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. While this is a good period of time for the basic warranty, it falls behind when it comes to powertrain components. Powertrain warranty covers the engine and drivetrain — the most costly parts of a vehicle. Many other luxury brands warranty their powertrain policy for five years or more. This is usually the most expensive part of the vehicle to repair. Customers should consider BMW’s extended warranty or a third-party extended warranty.

Emissions Scandal

In the wake of the recent diesel emissions scandal, BMW will pay an $11.6 million fine; however, the German state’s investigation found that BMW’s diesel emissions manipulation devices were the result of shoddy workmanship, not deceptive practices. 

Takata Recall

Several BMW models were involved in the Takata recall: 

• 2008 to 2013 BMW 1 Series
• 2000 to 2013 BMW 3 Series
• 2002 to 2003 BMW 5 Series
• 2011 to 2015 BMW X1
• 2007 to 2010 BMW X3
• 2003 to 2013 BMW X5
• 2008 to 2014 BMW X6
• 2010 to 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid

If your vehicle is listed, be sure to contact BMW with your VIN to see if your car was affected. 

Expensive Repairs

In a recent study measuring the cost of car ownership over time, BMW was ranked worst out of the 32 brands tested when it comes to the cost of repairs and maintenance over 10 years. Some of BestCompany.com’s BMW reviews have also mentioned high repair costs.