Responsible for bringing the sports sedan to the masses, the blue and white roundel commands a respect that few other marques can match. Whether it’s your first or the next of many, buying a BMW is a reason for celebration. In addition, there are a few other things you ought to do.
People have been owning BMWs for quite some time, and while the brand has its fans and haters, you would be wise to listen to the advice of those who have come before you in the annals of BMW ownership.
1. Check for Recalls
BMWs are complex cars, and their engineering often pushes the limits of what’s currently doable. That makes them great to drive, but it can lead to catastrophic failure if a recall isn’t addressed. Speak to your local dealer and understand whether your car needs to have any major recalls addressed so that you can be comfortable owning it for a long time and eventually, selling it.
2. Get Some Driving Skills
Sitting down behind the wheel of a BMW can make you feel prestigious. It can also bring out the worst driver in you. Your fellow BMW owners would appreciate it if you don’t go pulling stunts that are more associated with the Mustang crowd, if you know what they mean. Consider attending a defensive driving school or getting a high-performance driving education, which will help you better understand the limits of your new car and how to explore them safely. Probably off of public roads.
3. Find a Good Mechanic
All cars break down at some point, and while there will always be people who claim that BMWs are unreliable cars, there are many others who’ve had good experiences with the marque. It’s true that the maintenance required to maintain a more premium car with advanced engineering, such as a BMW, is greater than that required by your garden-variety Skoda, finding a capable mechanic whom you trust will offset some of the costs that might come later in ownership. They’ll be able to advise you on the car’s maintenance needs early on.
4. Change Your Tires
Most cars these days run all-season tires that are hard and not designed for “spirited” driving. It’s also true that many owners neglect to change their tires when they’re worn down or past due for a change because of age. Dry and cracked old tires are just as dangerous as worn-out tires, and a set of good sticky summer rubber can really change the on-road behavior of your car. Invest in a good set so that you can enjoy driving your BMW from day one.
5. Drive It!
The Ultimate Driving Machine wasn’t made to sit around in your driveway. If you’re going to be a BMW owner, the best way to do it is behind the wheel of a BMW. These are great cars and cars that demand to be taken out and driven hard. Whether it’s eating up miles on an eye-opening road trip or helping you explore the nearest canyons (at legal speeds, of course), make sure you find some time to go and enjoy your new BMW. With a little attention, it’ll be with you for a long time.