Can You Daily Drive a BMW? (All Series + Best BMW)
BMW has many Series, and each consists of various models and countless trim levels; most have daily-driver credentials, ranging from decent to excellent.
So long as footing the high maintenance bills isn’t a stumbling block to ownership, BMWs will ably meet your everyday needs if you don’t neglect the upkeep.
BMW 1-Series:
As newer cars keep getting larger than the model they replace, the 1-Series coupe or convertible is one of the smallest and most nimble BMWs that money can buy.
Despite the diminutive frame, the 135i packs a punch with a turbocharged inline-six engine it shares with its larger brother, the 3-Series; the 128i ‘s engine is non-turbo.
Daily driving the BMW 128i and 135i is a solid proposition with their solid build quality, nimble handling, reasonably refined ride, good visibility with its boxy form, and efficient low-20-plus-mpg engine.
The cramped kids-only backseat is worth noting – in case you need to regularly ferry adults.
Meanwhile, the 1M is a limited edition 1-Series, available only as a 2011 model.
Due to the limited availability (1,000 units) and thus relatively sky-high price, getting a BMW 1M for everyday use is an expensive affair; however, its ride comfort is as good as any 1 Series.
With a low-20s-mpg city and mid-30s-mpg highway, hatchback practicality, and a comfortable ride, the speedy three or five-door M140i is equally capable for daily commute.
(FYI – The M140i isn’t available stateside)
BMW 3-Series:
BMW 3-Series Generations
The 3-Series has been the German automaker’s standard-bearer since 1975, covering seven generations, and is still going strong.
Are BMW 3-Series Models Good Daily Drivers?
Having seen more than three decades of glory, the BMW E30 makes an expensive daily driver as it is costly to overhaul and repair, albeit with a low initial outlay as you can get a 318i for under $12,000 and a 325i for even less.
318i (four-cylinder) and 325i (six-cylinder) could only return sub-20-mpg combined, although its use of regular fuel will help you save at the pump.
By comparison, the E46 328i and 330i are more efficient everyday cars with a more luxurious interior, despite the latter requiring the more expensive premium fuel.
The 335i from the fifth-generation 3-Series, covering E90/E91/E92/E93 code names, made its debut in 2006.
As the first 3-Series with a turbocharged gas engine, the 335i is a powerful 300-hp yet relatively efficient daily driver (above 20 mpg combined), with a more spacious interior (105 cubic ft. vs. 90.8 cubic ft. in the 330i) while maintaining a comfortable ride.
An all-wheel-drive 335xi is available for all-weather traction.
If frugality matters, the BMW 335d is a solid choice for daily use with a diesel engine that produces a prodigious 425-lb-ft of torque, capable of achieving 36 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined.
As you enter the sixth and seventh-generation 3-Series, the 328i, now turbocharged (and more efficient at 27 mpg combined), and the 340i (name changed from 335i) are smooth daily drivers with a spacious and upscale cabin.
Visibility has never been a design issue with the 3-Series, so you won’t feel fatigued driving them regularly or covering long distances.
BMW 4-Series:
The 4-Series is relatively new in the BMW lineup, and the models are exceptionally desirable coupes and convertibles.
As worthy successors to the 3-Series coupe and convertibles, the 428i, 430i, 435i, and 440i are sleeker, sportier, and low-slung.
Unlike typical sports coupes, daily driving the 4-Series presents no significant challenges; the 440i is marvelously balanced and offers a supple ride, especially with the adaptive dampers. Plus, visibility is good, thanks to a generous-size rear window, long side windows, and unobtrusive roof pillars.
Only the Sport+ drive mode feels a little too firm for comfort; otherwise, the low-profile summer tires and large wheels do not induce a punishing ride.
Road and wind noise is low in the coupe.
Despite the turbocharged 3.0-liter’s 300-plus horsepower output, fuel economy is respectable at mid-20s-mpg city/highway.
BMW 5-Series:
The BMW 5-Series is the quintessential midsize premium sports sedan and a superior daily driver with a balanced mix of robust power, dynamic handling, and refined comfort.
Models like the 528i, 530i, 535i, and 540i manage fuel economy in the low to mid-20s mpg in mixed driving; the diesel-powered 535d and 540d go farther, averaging 30 mpg.
Considering its size within the marque’s family of sedans, the sub-$1,000 per year average maintenance cost makes the 3-Series one of the cheapest BMWs to operate.
BMW 6-Series:
The 6-Series coupes and convertibles like the 640i and 650i are large, heavy cars (over 4,200 lbs) that show their heft in urban driving and aren’t suitable for daily use due to low ground clearance (under 5 inches) and cramped backseat.
The Porsche 911 is an attractive alternative for a sports coupe.
BMW 7-Series:
This sedan reigns supreme, even in the presence of formidable foes like the Mercedes S Class, Audi A8, and Porsche Panamera.
If the size fits, the flagship full-size 7-Series is an excellent all-around daily driver with strong inline-six, V8, V12, and PHEV power train options, elite-level comfort, and an abundance of cabin and cargo space.
The V8 and V12-equipped models return an expected sub-20-mpg combined, but the plug-in hybrid stretches the car’s mileage to over 50 mpg-equivalent.
BMW 8-Series:
The 8-Series luxury coupes and convertibles excel at providing long-distance comfort while getting an above-average 24-25-mpg combined.
Still, the 8-Series is a big cruiser but a poor fit for daily driving in tight urban settings with low ground clearance (under 5 inches) and heavyweight (4,900 lbs).
Its swooping roofline challenges outward visibility and ease of parking.
BMW M Models:
The BMW M Models post details their pros and cons for everyday driving.
BMW X Models:
BMW X3 M40i and X3 M as Daily Drivers
Higher-performance models within the X3 lineup include the X3 M40i and X3 M.
You get a choice of a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine or plug-in hybrid system with the M40i, depending on the model year.
Although it comes with higher-performance tires, sport suspension, and a more potent powertrain (130-plus-hp more than the base model), you can daily drive the BMW M40i as it maintains a composed ride, albeit skewing to the firm side.
Seeing out of this small luxury SUV is easy, thanks to the tall glass all around, and the M40i’s fuel mileage is a segment-average 23 mpg combined, a couple of miles less than the AWD standard X3.
Step into the wickedly-quick X3 M (473-hp), and the ride gets significantly stiffer and brittle on most surfaces, making it a little too punishing for everyday use.
Thankfully, the X3 M has supportive seats for long-distance comfort, and the cabin remains remarkably quiet.
BMW X5 M50i and X3 M as Daily Drivers
The midsize X5’s lineup consists of similar higher-performance versions as the smaller X3 – the M50i and M models.
Sport-tuned, all-wheel-drive M50i with a V8 is just as luxurious and comfortable as the standard trim, living up to its price tag.
Its performance ability is more accessible for drivers who don’t require the X5 M’s massive capability.
Like any M-engineered BMW SUVs, the X5 M’s unyielding ride compromises its suitability for day-to-day duties, even in the most comfortable setting.
If the stiff ride isn’t an impediment to regular use, the sensationally quick but thirsty twin-turbo V8 that ensures frequent trips to the pump might.
BMW Z Models:
BMW Z3 as a Daily Driver
Z3s are attractive and affordably priced roadsters with an appeal to drivers across the entire age spectrum.
The rear-wheel-drive, lightweight inline-six is phenomenal to drive on a curvy backroad, but its two-seater layout, tiny cockpit, and rough ride on bumpy local roads limit the Z3’s daily driving suitability.
But if you don’t need a family hauler and love the Z3’s design, the drawbacks shouldn’t hold you back from owning one.
Way past their depreciation curves now, you can get your hands on a Z3 for half its original price or less, and with adequate care, your investment can easily maintain its value.
As far as roadsters go, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is an excellent alternative worth considering.
BMW Z4 as a Daily Driver
The Z4 ditched some of its predecessor’s sex appeal (the Z3) but took on an added dose of the fun-to-drive character.
While the joy of driving a convertible sports car typically means sacrificing some comfort and convenience, the Z4 roadster demands less of a penalty.
Daily driving a lively Z4 with sporty handling is entirely doable with its calm demeanor at city-driving speeds, relatively quiet cabin with the top up, and frugal engine.
The 28-mpg fuel consumption is commendable considering the performance, surpassed only by the equally diminutive Mazda Miata.
Its acceptable but not generous storage (9.9 cubic ft.) is a common flaw in convertibles, but most owners won’t complain.
BMW Electric Models:
BMW i3 as a Daily Driver
It was one of the first mainstream EVs.
Despite the mediocre electric range (153 miles), the BMW i3 makes an excellent daily driver for city commuting with its light weight (below 3,000 lbs), small dimensions, and tight turning circle (32.4 ft.).
The 15 cubic feet of cargo space is decent, and the electric motor induces a mostly silent ride, albeit firm.
BMW i4 as a Daily Driver
The i4 sedan debuted in 2022.
Its smooth and rapid power delivery and impressive balance between ride comfort and handling prowess make the BMW i4 an outstanding sports sedan that you can drive daily.
If you have $10k to spare, the i4 M50, with a dual-motor powertrain and all-wheel propulsion, is pretty affordable considering the massive 500-plus horsepower output.
On the downside, the i4s are relatively heavy (approaching 5,000 lbs) and have a large turning circle (41 ft), so parking in tight spots isn’t as straightforward as compact mainstream sedans.
BMW i8 as a Daily Driver
While the hybrid powertrain ensures decent mileage in an all-electric era, the tiny backseat, small trunk (4.7 cubic ft.), and low-slung design that cause difficulty getting in and climbing out make the BMW i8 coupe less suitable for daily use.
The soft-top convertible version provides excellent visibility and ease of access, but overall, you can get higher-performance supercars for the price.
But if you can live with the common drawbacks of coupes and convertibles, the futuristic design will turn heads.
Best BMW for Daily Driving (Models Compared)
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; PHEV=plug-in hybrid; MHEV=mild hybrid; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor (base trim).
The right BMW for you depends on the vehicle size and type to meet your needs.
While the smaller 3 Series is suitable for those wanting a compact luxury sedan, the midsize 5-Series is the best BMW for daily driving with an expert mix of handling capability, supreme comfort, and spacious interior for its class.
Suppose you’re after an SUV; the X3 and X5 are the best BMW for everyday driving in their respective size categories, ably meeting utility tasks and performance drives with equal aplomb.
If only a performance-topping BMW will satisfy, visit the BMW M Models post to see the strengths and flaws of each model for daily use.
References:
https://www.bmwusa.com/all-bmws.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series
