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Austin Stevens
Holly Guile
English 2010-031
June 30, 2014
The Ultimate Driving Machine

For Sale, I found the first car I was going to own. Black exterior with slight oxidation
on the roof, tan interior that has seen its fair share of use, especially with old worn wooden
beaded seat covers in the front seats. Old gold and silver rims to date it a little more. As well as
an aged smell dating it back to the 70s but not in a bad way. It was perfect, a 1978 BMW 530i. I
couldnt believe I have my first car
and it was a BMW, of what would
be the first of many. My car was a
little dated to say the least. It was
constantly needing to be fixed for
something. This is to be expected
when buying 20+ year old car. It
was still a dream to drive when it
was running. My mom later sold it
while I was on a mission. I didnt
mind though, I was either going to
fix the 530i up or buy a newer BMW. I couldnt think of owning another kind of car. I grew to
Photo: By Author
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have a passion for the BMW brand. Overall, BMW creates the best vehicles you can buy, which
have been proven through its history.
Bavarian Motor Works(BMW) has a long history of making engines. It started off making
engines for airplanes. Later went into making motorcycles and innovated a new engine design
that didnt require a chain. Furthermore, they wanted to try their hand at making cars. They first
started off designing a car called the Dixi, under the company Austin Motor Company from
Great Britain. BMW created such a well designed car that the Austin Motor Company took over
the design for their own cars; so they designed and manufactured under their own for a couple
more years.(bmwgroup.com)
World War II began and Hitler liked BMWs well designed engines so much that he
hired(forced?) them to build engines for fighter planes. Because of this, the Allies bombed their
factories; making it difficult to keep up with their other projects. After WWII, BMW had to pick
up the pieces from all the destruction. They designed a few cars that werent great successes but
were able to stay afloat.(bmwgroup.com)
The 1500 was a totally new design that would begin their greatness in car manufacturing.
The 1500 model was perfect for college students just graduating or a young family looking for
that new car; it was sporty and spacious. Later they came out with the 2002 model, which was
such a perfect car. This little car was the beginning of the 3 series; which have won so many
times for the car of the year in its class. The 2002 feels very spacious due to its panoramic win-
dows and comfortable seating; it was light, agile, and had great power.
With the 3 series in mind, and the success it has had. I went off looking in magazines,
internet, and wherever else I could find them for sale. I found a 1997 328i, the first time I sat in
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the car as it was being shown to me by the seller. It was immaculate, for being a little old, it was
spotless. I looked it over with him and couldnt believe I was actually considering buying that
nice of car. I sat down in the
passenger seat at first to look
inside. He told me to take it
for a spin. Amazing, doesnt
even come close to how I felt
when I sat behind the wheel.
Pulling out of the driveway
and taking off down the
street, I finally felt what it was like to drive The Ultimate Driving Machine

.(BMW) I had a
sense of oneness with the car. I was in awe of the power, the control, and feel of the car. I told
my sister, who was in the car with me, I cant believe I am driving this nice of car. BMW had
me hooked.
I have grown to love the quality they put in their cars. My 3 series was the first car that I
truly felt how well BMW designs with the driver in mind. Sitting in the drivers seat, everything
is facing you. The controls from the air conditioner to the radio, and gauges. It engulfs you into
the car. At first it does seem pretty plain and not too exciting as far as design; after driving it,
everything seem to have its place, there werent any unnecessary gismos. It was a simple yet
well thought out design. Having a manual made the car even more exhilarating; taking off with
the all the power and torque was a fantastic experience.
Photo: By BMW of North America, Inc
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BMW has been on the forefront of developing new ways of thinking. They have designed
many safety features within their cars. They first placed the fuel tank over the rear axel and fitted
seat belts into their cars long before they were required. BMW always seeks to have the top safe-
ty features; designing park assist with birds eye view so you see your car from on top with cam-
eras to see where youre backing up; designing safety features in such a way help prevent acci-
dents in the first place. However, BMW put into place safety features if you happen to get into an
accident; airbags all over the vehicle and steel frames to keep you secure. Another feature is
knew protection.
BMW state: Active Knee Protection is a special airbag designed to protect front-seat
occupant"s knees in the event of a severe impact. It also reduces the amount of dash
space that would have been taken up by a knee-protection system using dash padding
only.(bmwusa.com)
With safety in mind we decided to later purchase a 2005 X3, which was their smaller
sports activity vehicle(SAV) at the time.
The comfort and sportiness of it was
enjoyable. It made traveling delightful
with the extra room that a SAV has to
offer. Later, our family grew and we
bought a 2008 X5. The X5 was quite
the step up, especially with the technol-
ogy features it has. The attention to detail in there vehicles is par to none. They provide the most
unique riding experience. X5 is their largest vehicle, but it doesnt feel bulky, or out of place in
Photo: By eigenes Bild
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tight corners. It has a low profile and is surprisingly sporty. I dont believe I can own another ve-
hicle and be satisfied. One thing thats interesting is, the four BMWs Ive had over the years
have all been black, and only one on purpose in that color.
Cost is a factor to take into
consideration when buying a BMW.
They have been know to be a little
pricy. However, with the history
they have and how well built their
engines are, it can help you feel at
ease when you are buying one.
BMW has also created a mainte-
nance free program.
BMW has stated: When you own The Ultimate Driving Machine

, you should get the

service to match, for no cost. As part of BMW Ultimate Service

, when you buy a new

BMW, it includes maintenance costs for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
This alone, can save you up to $2,000 in maintenance costs compared to other luxury
vehicles.
The plus side to the BMW Ultimate Service

, is you could purchase a used vehicle and

still get the the same service, as long as its still under the 4 years and/or under 50,000 miles.
Having this service helps you have a worry free feeling when you purchase a BMW.
BMW is still innovating and keeping up with the times. In 2000 Rover sold and the MINI
remained in BMWs possession and they have made those sense 2001 with great success. Later
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in 2003 Rolls Royce was purchased by BMW and have been able to rebound with the innovation
that BMW has provided.(bmwgroup.com) It is one of the last, if not the last, car company that
isnt owned by another company. It has been able to stand the test of time with creating the most
amazing cars, well developed engines and best overall design. They continue to innovate with
the great ideas, they recently produced hydrogen powered cars that put off water vapor, also
there i series, which are fully electric cars. BMW will have a great future ahead of them and
everyone should experience The Ultimate Driving Machine

.(BMW)














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Work Cited
"BMW Group : Company : History : Milestones." BMW Group : Company : History : Mile
stones. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 July 2014.
<http://www.bmwgroup.com/e/0_0_www_bmwgroup_com/unternehmen/historie/meilen
steine/meilensteine.html>.

"Engineering." - Safety. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 July 2014.
<http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Innovations/Engineering/Safety.aspx>.

"BMW Ultimate Service - BMW North America." BMW Ultimate Service - BMW North
America. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 July 2014.
<http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/content/explore/bmwvalue/bmwultimateservice/de
fault.aspx>.

"BMW USA Website - BMW of North America, LLC." . N.p., n.d. Web. 3 July 2014.
<http://www.bmwusa.com/>.