Is there a bad BMW?

MarkG_M5Comp · 10-02-2013, 02:30 PM

It's clear the majority of us on this forum have ordered high spec cars.

I however, have been provided a courtesy car for a few days while I await deliver of my 335. The car they have provided is a 116i Auto. Pretty basic, just PDC all round, nothing much else.

It's a fantastic car! For what it is designed - town driving, it is far superior to other cars of it's size with the only potential downside being the road noise at motorway+ speeds.

This leads me back to my title question, if this car is so great do BMW make any dodgy cars?

stefan4 · 10-02-2013, 02:51 PM

I think your spot on there. Just because a 316i isnt fast - doesnt mean its a bad car, same goes with the 1 series. Different people have different priorities and needs - the options are there to service that.

Like wise extending out of bmw. The wife had a citroen C1, and while it was a tin can on wheels it was PERFECT for getting her to work and back - very very fuel efficient and quite nippy all because it weighed nothing - and hence why they are a but tin can like.

Main Man Mike · 10-02-2013, 03:07 PM

The 1 Series could be a lot better looking in my opinion.

Alkidrew · 10-02-2013, 03:09 PM

I bought my first bmw because despite having a 200+ bhp Audi s3, I enjoyed driving my ex wife's Mazda mx5 more. It's All about the chassis, rwd and front wheel steering. Power is great but it's the other bits that really make it

Steve C · 10-02-2013, 03:15 PM

Yes, there are lots of bad BMWs.

All those that I cannot afford are bad!

bwrlane · 10-02-2013, 03:15 PM

I cannot say as I have only owned one BMW (my F31). However, I seem to remember that reviews were quite scathing about the original 1 series. Although general consensus is that the 1 has improved, you rarely find rave reviews. I had one as a hire (120d) this year and liked it very much. I also remember the original Z3 had a lukewarm reception and the X3 likewise. I don't remember anyone rating the 7 series as top in a group test. S class always seems to take all the prizes here, with the A8 and 7 series usually vying for second place.

Personally, having had an Audi A4 3.0 Quattro sport from 2004-2009, unless they're very much improved, I can't see why anyone would buy an A4. It's not that it is a bad car - far from it - but just that a 3 series is so much better. I mean, why would you ever buy something where for the same money you can get something superior? I only bought the A4 because I didn't like the image that BMWs seemed to convey at the time. Rightly or wrongly they were perceived as being for new money show-offs (or as Jeremy Clarkson has called them: "cocks"). Audis were a seen as a bit more discreetly classy. The main problem with the Audi was that the ride was so teeth shatteringly hard that it actively deterred me from taking it on drives when I knew I'd be traversing bad road surfaces. Also the handling was so vague that I genuinely couldn't feel it if the car began to drift from its intended line. On one occasion (shame on me) I took my eyes off the road for a couple of seconds and promptly thumped the kerb at 60mph (amazingly there was no damage to the wheel). This would never happen in my BMW as the instant it started to waver, I'd feel it.

I don't think that BMW would ever make a car that's so clearly "wrong" in any single respect as my old Audi - so I tend to agree that outright dodginess isn't really in BMW's DNA.

RichardM · 10-02-2013, 03:30 PM

I had a 116D Sport Auto as a loan car with no extras and although it was in no way 'bad' it was so boring I couldn't live with it. I often drive hire cars through work, Ford Focus, Kia Cee'd etc and these to me seem much better cars. Better to drive, quicker and better equipped.

d4springer · 10-02-2013, 03:30 PM

I had an X1 courtesy car whilst mine was in getting the M Perf Kit fitted. Had it for two days. Being a courtesy car it was a basic model (it had a small storage compartment where the idrive screen should be! and a clutch! how did I cope?)

Anyway I didn't like it to start with, but after a bit of driving I started to get on with it a bit more, it was pretty quick, 2 litre diesel and pulled away very rapidly, leaving all other similar looking vehicles behind (RAVs, CRV's etc...).

One major problem though, the steering was very heavy, to the point I thought it wasn't even powered. Trying to park in the office car park it was noticeably heavy trying to manoeuvre into a tight spot. We wondered who would buy this car and thought it would appeal to the older generation but couldn't understand in that case why was the steering was so heavy.

I mentioned this back at the dealer and was told that this was in fact a considerable design fault, something to do with the distance between the steering wheel, the front wheels and the newer electronic power steering system, basically it couldn't cope. Bet they don't tell many people about this when they looking to buy one.

And before anyone asks, yes I did stall it when I arrived at my first junction as I forgot how to use a clutch pedal!

bwrlane · 10-02-2013, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d4springer

And before anyone asks, yes I did stall it when I arrived at my first junction as I forgot how to use a clutch pedal!

Yep, I think we've probably all done that.

zooberoo · 10-02-2013, 04:01 PM

Yes, this one is as bad as it gets:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvDHdZtlQJg

Englishbloke · 10-02-2013, 04:09 PM

Last years model?

ewanmac · 10-02-2013, 04:24 PM

I don't think they make a bad car but the x1, x6 and 5gt aren't particularly strong IMO. The x1 is ugly and the 3 series touring is better in every way. The x6 is just a more expensive x5 with a big ass and less practicality. The 5gt is the ugliest BMW ever.

The X5M and X6M are pretty poor. Whilst undeniably quick, you can't defy gravity and an SUV should never wear an M badge.

HighlandPete · 10-02-2013, 05:01 PM

This is a hard one, as what really is a bad car? How do we measure that these days, when most cars are reasonably good.

There are several BMW models I wouldn't want to own, some being the smaller output models, but put them in the right environment and they make sense.

HighlandPete

dopper99 · 10-02-2013, 05:30 PM

Not sure about bad BMW cars, but they've had their fair share of problems with their cars. ie the items on Watchdog over the years:

Cracked alloys
Security issues with keys being cloned and cars stolen
And recently the 2.0 engine that had timing chain issues

I guess these could contribute to making a car a "bad BMW".

ZigmundUK · 10-02-2013, 05:52 PM

x5 was a big disappointment to drive. Also the x1 had v stiff steering.

Mr NSB · 10-03-2013, 09:03 AM

I have a 114i loaner and have clocked up just over 3000 miles in it so far. I wouldn't call it bad but I am not a fan, it's too slow and the steering feels a bit wooden.

Flakmunky · 10-03-2013, 09:53 AM

If you read the General Thread (and other forums) our American friends seem to think the F30/31 is a 'Bad BMW'...

They seem to be very unhappy with the steering and the interior and the ride and, well, all the stuff that isn't an E90/91.

Let's not even mention how some think that anything with less power than a 328i is blasphemy.

Having owned an E92 I think they do like to get excited over little things; the F30/31 is a great car and I am really enjoying my 320D 'wagon'. I can hear them cursing my car right now!

dopper99 · 10-03-2013, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flakmunky

If you read the General Thread (and other forums) our American friends seem to think the F30/31 is a 'Bad BMW'...

They seem to be very unhappy with the steering and the interior and the ride and, well, all the stuff that isn't an E90/91.

Let's not even mention how some think that anything with less power than a 328i is blasphemy.

Having owned an E92 I think they do like to get excited over little things; the F30/31 is a great car and I am really enjoying my 320D 'wagon'. I can hear them cursing my car right now!

Yes I've read of few US thread where they seem to prefer the E9X. There are US real test reviews also claiming the same.
Seems a few are not so keen on the F3X.

SomeRandomer123 · 10-03-2013, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flakmunky

If you read the General Thread (and other forums) our American friends seem to think the F30/31 is a 'Bad BMW'...

They seem to be very unhappy with the steering and the interior and the ride and, well, all the stuff that isn't an E90/91.

Let's not even mention how some think that anything with less power than a 328i is blasphemy.

Having owned an E92 I think they do like to get excited over little things; the F30/31 is a great car and I am really enjoying my 320D 'wagon'. I can hear them cursing my car right now!

And they're very unhappy that the E90 isn't an E46!

And they're even more unhappy that the E46 isn't an E36!

And then they're totally unhappy that the E36 isn't the Isetta

JOHNBMWM5 · 10-03-2013, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkG335

It's clear the majority of us on this forum have ordered high spec cars.

I however, have been provided a courtesy car for a few days while I await deliver of my 335. The car they have provided is a 116i Auto. Pretty basic, just PDC all round, nothing much else.

It's a fantastic car! For what it is designed - town driving, it is far superior to other cars of it's size with the only potential downside being the road noise at motorway+ speeds.

This leads me back to my title question, if this car is so great do BMW make any dodgy cars?

YES they do, and not restricted to 1 series either, all series I have bought which are as follows: 6 series , 5 series, X3 series , X6 series, 3 series,M3 E90 have all had problems.
The only two that have not are the F10 550i M sport and my new F10 M5 LCI.

mproudfoot · 10-03-2013, 01:15 PM

My BMW is very bad.. caught him smoking the other day >.<

Seriously though, I imagine it depends what you are used to. If you're regularly driving an M5, I suppose a 116i might feel a little :ugh:

schrickm5 · 10-03-2013, 03:33 PM

BMW don't make any bad cars, the fault is in our expectations.

Well that's what Yoda said when i asked him.

10-02-2013, 02:30 PM	#1
MarkG_M5Comp Supreme Being 1806 Rep 5,425 Posts Drives: M5 Comp Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK iTrader: (0)	Is there a bad BMW? It's clear the majority of us on this forum have ordered high spec cars. I however, have been provided a courtesy car for a few days while I await deliver of my 335. The car they have provided is a 116i Auto. Pretty basic, just PDC all round, nothing much else. It's a fantastic car! For what it is designed - town driving, it is far superior to other cars of it's size with the only potential downside being the road noise at motorway+ speeds. This leads me back to my title question, if this car is so great do BMW make any dodgy cars? __________________ Current: F90 M5 Competition Gone: F80 M3 Competition Pack / M135i / F15 X5 M50d / Saab 9-5 Aero HOT / F30 335d xDrive M Sport / E92 LCI 320d M Sport / E46 320d M Sport Touring / E46 318i Touring
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10-02-2013, 02:51 PM	#2
stefan4 Colonel 1084 Rep 2,376 Posts Drives: 340i on order Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: sheffield iTrader: (0)	I think your spot on there. Just because a 316i isnt fast - doesnt mean its a bad car, same goes with the 1 series. Different people have different priorities and needs - the options are there to service that. Like wise extending out of bmw. The wife had a citroen C1, and while it was a tin can on wheels it was PERFECT for getting her to work and back - very very fuel efficient and quite nippy all because it weighed nothing - and hence why they are a but tin can like. __________________ Current - X3m Comp Gone but not forgotten - F80 m3 Comp, F30 340i, F30 - 320i
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10-02-2013, 03:07 PM	#3
Main Man Mike Private 2 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 228i Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: East Midlands iTrader: (0)	The 1 Series could be a lot better looking in my opinion.
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10-02-2013, 03:09 PM	#4
Alkidrew Captain 61 Rep 949 Posts Drives: F31 325d M Sport GS Join Date: May 2013 Location: Surrey iTrader: (0)	I bought my first bmw because despite having a 200+ bhp Audi s3, I enjoyed driving my ex wife's Mazda mx5 more. It's All about the chassis, rwd and front wheel steering. Power is great but it's the other bits that really make it
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10-02-2013, 03:15 PM	#5
Steve C First Lieutenant 14 Rep 347 Posts Drives: F31 330dx Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Notts iTrader: (0)	Yes, there are lots of bad BMWs. All those that I cannot afford are bad!
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10-02-2013, 03:15 PM	#6
bwrlane Lieutenant 154 Rep 590 Posts Drives: 340i F31 MPPSK Join Date: May 2013 Location: Reading, UK iTrader: (0)	I cannot say as I have only owned one BMW (my F31). However, I seem to remember that reviews were quite scathing about the original 1 series. Although general consensus is that the 1 has improved, you rarely find rave reviews. I had one as a hire (120d) this year and liked it very much. I also remember the original Z3 had a lukewarm reception and the X3 likewise. I don't remember anyone rating the 7 series as top in a group test. S class always seems to take all the prizes here, with the A8 and 7 series usually vying for second place. Personally, having had an Audi A4 3.0 Quattro sport from 2004-2009, unless they're very much improved, I can't see why anyone would buy an A4. It's not that it is a bad car - far from it - but just that a 3 series is so much better. I mean, why would you ever buy something where for the same money you can get something superior? I only bought the A4 because I didn't like the image that BMWs seemed to convey at the time. Rightly or wrongly they were perceived as being for new money show-offs (or as Jeremy Clarkson has called them: "cocks"). Audis were a seen as a bit more discreetly classy. The main problem with the Audi was that the ride was so teeth shatteringly hard that it actively deterred me from taking it on drives when I knew I'd be traversing bad road surfaces. Also the handling was so vague that I genuinely couldn't feel it if the car began to drift from its intended line. On one occasion (shame on me) I took my eyes off the road for a couple of seconds and promptly thumped the kerb at 60mph (amazingly there was no damage to the wheel). This would never happen in my BMW as the instant it started to waver, I'd feel it. I don't think that BMW would ever make a car that's so clearly "wrong" in any single respect as my old Audi - so I tend to agree that outright dodginess isn't really in BMW's DNA.
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10-02-2013, 03:30 PM	#7
RichardM Colonel 133 Rep 2,047 Posts Drives: G21 M340i LCI Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Essex UK iTrader: (2)	I had a 116D Sport Auto as a loan car with no extras and although it was in no way 'bad' it was so boring I couldn't live with it. I often drive hire cars through work, Ford Focus, Kia Cee'd etc and these to me seem much better cars. Better to drive, quicker and better equipped.
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10-02-2013, 03:30 PM	#8
d4springer Major 512 Rep 1,404 Posts Drives: F80 M3 CP SS/SO Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Scotland, UK iTrader: (0)	I had an X1 courtesy car whilst mine was in getting the M Perf Kit fitted. Had it for two days. Being a courtesy car it was a basic model (it had a small storage compartment where the idrive screen should be! and a clutch! how did I cope?) Anyway I didn't like it to start with, but after a bit of driving I started to get on with it a bit more, it was pretty quick, 2 litre diesel and pulled away very rapidly, leaving all other similar looking vehicles behind (RAVs, CRV's etc...). One major problem though, the steering was very heavy, to the point I thought it wasn't even powered. Trying to park in the office car park it was noticeably heavy trying to manoeuvre into a tight spot. We wondered who would buy this car and thought it would appeal to the older generation but couldn't understand in that case why was the steering was so heavy. I mentioned this back at the dealer and was told that this was in fact a considerable design fault, something to do with the distance between the steering wheel, the front wheels and the newer electronic power steering system, basically it couldn't cope. Bet they don't tell many people about this when they looking to buy one. And before anyone asks, yes I did stall it when I arrived at my first junction as I forgot how to use a clutch pedal! __________________ Current - F80 M3 CP SS/SO \| M Performance Extras Prev - F30 330D M Sport \| White \| M Performance Kit \| Various Extras Prev - E92 330D M Sport \| Black \| Highline Older - E46 330i \| Silver \| AC Schnitzer, E36 328i Coupe \| White Last edited by d4springer; 10-02-2013 at 03:48 PM..
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10-02-2013, 04:01 PM	#10
zooberoo Lieutenant 169 Rep 446 Posts Drives: F87 M2C HS Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Cotswolds iTrader: (0)	Yes, this one is as bad as it gets:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvDHdZtlQJg __________________ Current: '71 Tesla M3P. Previous: F87 M2 Comp, F80 M4.
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10-02-2013, 04:09 PM	#11
Englishbloke Captain 254 Rep 922 Posts Drives: F30 335d TB Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Midlands, UK iTrader: (0)	Last years model?
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10-02-2013, 04:24 PM	#12
ewanmac Captain 189 Rep 728 Posts Drives: m140i Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Aberdeen iTrader: (0)	I don't think they make a bad car but the x1, x6 and 5gt aren't particularly strong IMO. The x1 is ugly and the 3 series touring is better in every way. The x6 is just a more expensive x5 with a big ass and less practicality. The 5gt is the ugliest BMW ever. The X5M and X6M are pretty poor. Whilst undeniably quick, you can't defy gravity and an SUV should never wear an M badge. __________________ M140i and Boxster S for Summer \| Previously F31 330dx, E90 335D, E92 335i, E46 320CD, E46 318ci x2... and some short-lived SUV thing
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10-02-2013, 05:01 PM	#13
HighlandPete Lieutenant General 6659 Rep 15,858 Posts Drives: BMW F11 535i Touring Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotland, Highland Region iTrader: (0)	This is a hard one, as what really is a bad car? How do we measure that these days, when most cars are reasonably good. There are several BMW models I wouldn't want to own, some being the smaller output models, but put them in the right environment and they make sense. HighlandPete
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10-02-2013, 05:30 PM	#14
dopper99 Lieutenant General 3533 Rep 11,292 Posts Drives: Golf R Mk8 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (1)	Not sure about bad BMW cars, but they've had their fair share of problems with their cars. ie the items on Watchdog over the years: Cracked alloys Security issues with keys being cloned and cars stolen And recently the 2.0 engine that had timing chain issues I guess these could contribute to making a car a "bad BMW".
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10-02-2013, 05:52 PM	#15
ZigmundUK Lieutenant Colonel 443 Rep 1,963 Posts Drives: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NCL - UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E61 520d SE [0.00] 2017 G30 530d M-Spo ... [0.00]	x5 was a big disappointment to drive. Also the x1 had v stiff steering. __________________ Running: G30 530d M Sport (B57) Mediterranean Blue Running: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey Gone: F15 X5 40d M Sport (N57) Glacier Silver, E61 520d SE Auto (N47D20) Titanium Silver, F31 330d M Sport (N57D30A) Estoril Blue, E87 120d SE Auto (M47TU2D20) Sparkling Graphite
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10-03-2013, 09:03 AM	#16
Mr NSB Captain 139 Rep 699 Posts Drives: 420d M-Sport Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK iTrader: (0)	I have a 114i loaner and have clocked up just over 3000 miles in it so far. I wouldn't call it bad but I am not a fan, it's too slow and the steering feels a bit wooden.
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10-03-2013, 09:53 AM	#17
Flakmunky Amateur Brain Surgeon & Olympic Knitting Champion 18 Rep 178 Posts Drives: E85, E92, F31, G31 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	If you read the General Thread (and other forums) our American friends seem to think the F30/31 is a 'Bad BMW'... They seem to be very unhappy with the steering and the interior and the ride and, well, all the stuff that isn't an E90/91. Let's not even mention how some think that anything with less power than a 328i is blasphemy. Having owned an E92 I think they do like to get excited over little things; the F30/31 is a great car and I am really enjoying my 320D 'wagon'. I can hear them cursing my car right now!
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10-03-2013, 01:15 PM	#21
mproudfoot Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 227 Posts Drives: 320d F31 M Sport Join Date: May 2013 Location: Helensburgh, Scotland iTrader: (0)	My BMW is very bad.. caught him smoking the other day >.< Seriously though, I imagine it depends what you are used to. If you're regularly driving an M5, I suppose a 116i might feel a little :ugh:
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10-03-2013, 03:33 PM	#22
schrickm5 Second Lieutenant 76 Rep 298 Posts Drives: 2013 M550d xdrive touring Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Sweden, (Europe) iTrader: (0)	BMW don't make any bad cars, the fault is in our expectations. Well that's what Yoda said when i asked him.
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