When one mentions BMW, it conjures images of some top-notch vehicles that offer luxury rides with spiffy engines. It’s little wonder the James Bond movies have used BMW so much for 007’s cars as that style always appeals. Yet like every car company over time, BMW has had its share of duds. The Series 1 is a good example as depending on the year, models can vary from rough to downright horrific.
Yet some cars stand out as bad, not because of how poor they are but because BMW has such high standards. So when they put out a disappointing car, it comes off worse than if another company did it. And when they put out a genuinely awful vehicle, it stands out even worse. Here are ten cars that may not be bad by the standards of other companies but for BMW are among the worst they’ve ever put on the road.
10 318ti
This was a success in Germany but failed to take off in the U.S. The problem with the Series 3 Hatchback was that it failed to live up to its potential as a hot hatch. The 170 hp was good, but the frame was fragile and suspension shaky, which hurt its speeds.
BMW tried to make it work as the 318ti, but the results were a sales disappointment. It didn’t help that even for a hatch, this is an ugly design lacking the smooth style most associated with BMW. Like David Hasselhoff, Germans saw an appeal in this car Americans didn’t.
9 X6 M
The X6 M may be the most baffling car BMW has ever created. First, there’s the fact they put a 4.4L V8 turbo capable of 567 hp into an SUV. Wasting that engine on a car weighing 5185 pounds is mind-boggling.
There’s also how it may work okay as a sports coupe but not as an SUV with limited cargo and passenger space. Also, the eight-speed transmission is complicated and doesn’t feel as fast as it should due to its massive weight. It’s hard to understand just who this car was meant for, which makes its existence a head-scratcher.
8 E83 X3
When Top Gear names a model one of the worst cars they’ve ever driven, its reputation is automatically bad. The E83 X3 had a perception of corners being cut to make production with many testers joining Gear in how the car was a rough ride and offered a lousy interior to boot.
The early versions only offered 150 hp as the car was prone to constant breakdowns. The line only lasted six years and was a humiliating flop for the company.
7 2014 I3
BMW's would-be venture into hybrid technology made the 2014 I3 an ugly mess. That boxy design is “highlighted” by a poor front end, which hampers it on the road.
An overly complicated electrical system weakens the 430-pound lithium battery, and so much steel was replaced by carbon fiber that it’s incredible it passed safety regulations. Other years are better, but the 2014 I3 is one to avoid.
6 E53 X5
BMW claims the X5 isn’t an SUV but a “Sports Activity Vehicle.” Sadly, the only activity most X5s get is plenty of time at the auto shop. The most common issue is the air suspension which can suffer breakdowns.
There’s also problems with the thermostat, and water pump, and the 2005 models were known for oil leaks. Because it’s a BMW, repair work can be costly and set folks back a lot. While a few X5s aren’t too bad, the E53 version should be avoided at all costs.
5 5 Series (All Of Them)
Released between 2006-2015, the Series 5 varies from sedans to an “estate wagon” and should be top-notch vehicles. Instead, they are listed among the worst BMW cars to maintain.
Thanks to their high prices, maintenance on Series 5 can be nearly double most BMW models, and several parts are hard for regular shops to find. In fact, some of the cars are impossible to insure because of their various issues to make them too costly to keep.
4 E65 7-Series
Bad enough for their time, the E65’s 7-series has earned its reputation as one of the most hated BMWs ever made. Going for $75000 when new, dealers can’t give these away today.
Besides the ugly looks, the E65 was hit by issues from broken chains, and the overreliance on sophisticated technology took away from a decent drive. Because of all that advanced tech, the repair costs were a nightmare, and the E65 regularly ranks among the worst cars of its time.
3 I3s
Historically, trying to “improve” a lousy car rarely works out well. BMW failed to heed that when they thought the best way to get folks interested in the already rough I3 was to transform it into a “sports” car.
Early models were barely able to get 100 mph, and while later ones pushed it to 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, zero to 60 in seven seconds isn’t as impressive anymore. It wasn't much better than the car it was meant to "improve."
2 Isetta
There is a cult following for the Isetta as some enjoy this fun little car. They can forgive its weak engine as this was the 1950s and appreciate how it fits easily into parking spaces and tight spots. Yet, most will agree this was a major misfire for BMW.
That engine wasn’t just weak but also loud, and a car way too small for long drives. In many ways, it was a precursor to the future “mini” models, but the lack of amenities means an Isetta is just a lousy vehicle for anyone of larger size to try out.
1 M1
The tragedy of the M1 is that it had everything it took to be a fantastic supercar. The wedge-shaped design helped it stand out and aided it being aerodynamic. The 3.5 liter I6 could get 266 hp and zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds, which was impressive for 1980.
It should have worked, but after its original builder went bankrupt, the M1 underwent construction issues that led to breakdowns, and the final models lacked the power of the prototype. Just 453 were made before it was ended, and supercar fans still moan on what could have been.
Sources: motor1.com, jalopnik.com, autotrader.com, autowise.com