BMW is one of the leading automotive brands in South Africa, with thousands of models found on our local roads. Adored for their emphasis on stately vehicles with a performance focus, BMW has built a loyal following of enthusiasts.
Offering an extensive range of 18 premium vehicles and 17 motorcycles, BMW has a vehicle suitable to almost anyone’s requirement.
BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke, was established in 1916 in Munich, Bavaria. Although mainly an automotive manufacturer, BMW’s origins can be traced back to the merger of three separate companies: Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, Automobilwerke Eisenach, and Rapp Motorenwerke.
The first item ever produced by BMW was the IIIa aircraft engine, and many incorrectly believe the BMW logo replicates the movement of a propeller. However, it is actually a merger of the Bavarian flag and the Rapp Motorenwerke logo.
BMW ceased production of aircraft engines in 1918 after the signing of the Versailles Armistice Treaty, ending the state of war between Germany and the Allied Powers. BMW continued producing railway and farm equipment. After the treaty terms were lifted, the company began producing motorcycles, namely the R32 in 1923, and eventually produced their first car in 1927, the Dixi 3/15.
1959 proved a difficult time for the Bavarian company as it was nearing bankruptcy. Following various merger proposals, BMW eventually received a much-needed financial injection from Herbert Quandt, director of the Quandt Group (a conglomerate of business people in Germany), which helped BMW refocus their offering. This led to BMW producing their New Class vehicle, bringing them great success and establishing the brand as a leading manufacturer of sports sedans.
The best-selling BMW model is the 3 Series, a premium family sedan. However, they also offer their popular 1 Series hatchback and the 2 Series compact sedan. The executive 5 and 7 Series complete their elite sedan range, while their 6 and newly launched 8 Series models offer stylish alternatives to their sedan models.
They also offer premium SUV models with the X1, X3, and stately X5 and X6. Their Z4 model completes the range as their two-seater sports model.
BMW is one of the few companies in South Africa with an all-electric division, and it’s spearheaded by their i3 and i8 models.
Here’s a breakdown of all BMW models and segments:
|
Vehicle |
Category |
|
1 Series |
Hatchback |
|
2 Series |
Compact sedan |
|
3 Series |
Sedan |
|
4 Series |
Sedan coupe |
|
5 Series |
Executive sedan |
|
6 Series |
Executive sedan coupe |
|
7 Series |
Flagship sedan |
|
8 Series |
Flagship sedan coupe |
|
X1 |
Compact SUV |
|
X2 |
Compact SUV |
|
X3 |
Compact SUV |
|
X4 |
Compact coupe SUV |
|
X5 |
SUV |
|
X6 |
Coupe SUV |
|
X7 |
Premium SUV |
|
Z4 |
Roadster |
|
i3 |
Electric hatchback |
|
i8 |
Hybrid sports car |
|
Motorcycle |
Category |
|
Sport Series |
Sport |
|
Tour Series |
Tour |
|
Urban Mobility Series |
Urban mobility |
|
Heritage Series |
Heritage |
|
Adventure Series |
Adventure |
|
Roadster Series |
Roadster |
BMW has their own range of vehicle insurance with unique offerings, from comprehensive cover to tyre cover. While it’s great to have everything managed in-house, shopping for insurance is still a great option when you’re in the market for car insurance cover.
Here is a quick look at each insurance offering by BMW.
BMW Comprehensive Cover
Total cover provided by BMW if your vehicle is fitted with an advanced electronic anti-theft system, and replacement in the event of total loss
Driver service
Accident management services
Emergency medical support
Repairs conducted by an approved BMW repair centre
Cover for clients outside South Africa (within limitations stipulated by BMW upon agreement of insurance)
Automatic car hire available in the event of theft or damage
BMW Dynamik Cover
Personal accident and all-risk cover worldwide
Up to R20 000 in personal liability cover
Accidental damage included in buildings cover
Cover for craft such as ski-boats, jet-skis, yachts, and windsurfers
Identity theft cover
Upgrading of security systems following a break-in
Emergency medical support
Roadside assistance
Accident management services
Driver service
No excess for drivers over the age of 55
BMW Credit Protection
There are three options that provide coverage in the event of death, retrenchment, disability, critical illness, or hospitalisation.
BMW Top Cover
In the event of a theft or write-off of your vehicle, BMW will settle the difference between your comprehensive insurance payout and the amount owing on your finance agreement.
BMW Care and Cosmetic Repair Cover
An innovative cover by BMW to repair small scratches, dents, chips, and abrasions. The cover is available for both the interior and exterior of your BMW.
BMW Tyre Cover
Tyre fitment fee covers up to R500 when fitted by an approved dealership
Available on regular and run-flat tyres
Used tread not calculated during claim stage (must be roadworthy and within SA legal limit)
No excess payable at claims stage
All tyres covered in the event of an accident
Unlimited claims (run-flats limited to R45 000 per annum)
BMW Extended Warranty Cover
24-month warranty extension
No waiting period
42 major components included
Cover transferable with vehicle
Emergency fuel delivery
Battery failure
BMW models are found on the higher end of the price range. This means they can be quite expensive to have as rental cars. However, considering BMW has won the SA Car of the Year Award numerous times, it could well be worth the cost, and many car rental services do offer BMW models for hire.
The 3 Series premium sedan offers drivers an array of options, from model shape to engine size, and all the included optional extras. The highly anticipated 3 Series (2019) is already stamping its authority, according to BMW.
‘’Barely on the road and the all-new BMW 3 Series Sedan is already leaving everything behind it, including conventions and expectations,’’ says BMW South Africa.
One of the most popular 3 Series models is the 320d, which offers a combined fuel consumption of 4.0 litres/100 km and produces 106 g/km of CO2 emissions.
Priced from R591 100, the BMW 3 Series (2018) 320d is situated firmly in a highly competitive segment, with the 2019 version ready to take over and carry on the torch.
Prices quoted are correct at the time of publishing this article. The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or medical advice
