German technology at its best in one car. BMW have a weight distribution philosophy with 50/50 front to rear weights to guarantee that each car, which leaves assembly-line, handles well. Generally established for effortless cruising on the motorways most models have good specifications and power and great levels of comfort. The introduction of the m badge indicates a co-ordinated and sorted car of the Thoroughbred variety. Older m-series BMW even bring good levels of performance against modern cars. The Alpina badge is reserved for the very best of the best. Expect ridiculous levels of power and grip.

Sadly BMW very much mainstream and are felt by many to be a status symbol, of aspiring middle managers which certainly the case of the low models and the lower engine sizes of 1,6 - is 1,8

If you buy BMW for tuning then, look for large engines, preferably an M, or Alpina badge and you wont be disappointed. The cars are popular because of the kind of the interior comforts and gadgets but they are very heavy cars, therefore setting the car on a diet improves perfromance a lot.

The 330d is one of the best diesel engines, which are at present available a 3 series and propell the car to 60 in 7,8 seconds with astonishing fuel economy to boot! All cars are and high stages of the protection the owners in case of an abort would offer. The 1 series was BMW'S- effort at taking the a3 and golf markets.

Consequently all models in the BMW range are rear wheel drive and have a tendency to oversteer making for some fun drifty action.

The maintenance can be expensive in most models, particularly if you go to the main dealer - however many independent specialists to develop and are able to maintain the car to a high standard.

Many remap options are around and the turbo-Diesel models react particularly well to a new ECU program releasing more energy and torque with a minimum loss of the economy.