Best BMW for a first car
Despite BMW's reputation for luxury cars, it has a range of options that are suitable for first-time drivers
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What is the best BMW for a first car?
A BMW might not be the first car that comes to mind when you think of new drivers.
Many learners start in a cheap runaround or get access to a shared family car for practising – a BMW might seem a bit flashy in comparison.
You might be surprised to hear that there are BMW models that make a great first car, especially if you want to keep the same vehicle for a while.
Take a look at the best BMW for first car success.
Best BMW for a first car
BMW is renowned for making good cars. They’re fun to drive, have flashy interiors that are packed with tech, and they’re very easy on the eye.
But what is the best BMW for a first car?
Choosing a luxury car like a BMW can seem risky for a new driver, but it’s often the case that having a flashier motor encourages new drivers to be even more cautious.
If you’re driving an old banger, some drivers are less likely to be cautious about the odd bang or scrape.
In fact, having a car that you enjoy driving is great for new drivers. This will encourage learners to want to get on the road more and build up their confidence.
BMWs are reliable and high-quality, too, so you know you’re investing money in something that you can trust.
You shouldn’t have to carry out extra repairs outside normal wear and tear with the right maintenance.
Plus, BMW cars are equipped with the best safety features and security systems.
This will give you extra confidence while finding your feet (or wheels) on the road.
Are 1 Series BMWs a good first car?
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While there are a few BMW models that will impress, the BMW 1 Series is possibly the best BMW for a first car.
Choosing a BMW 1 Series as your first car means you’re getting a compact cruiser with lots of flashy tech, but you’re not going for anything too wild.
It’s a great first dip into the BMW owners’ club, but it’s still conservative on power – and it’s practical.
The BMW 1 Series SE is the standard trim and gives you the choice of an automatic or manual gearbox, plus two petrol and two diesel engines.
It also includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
One of the flashiest models you can choose is the 1 Series 128ti, but this one offers 260hp and a 0-62mph of just 6.1 seconds. New drivers might find this slightly too powerful.
The BMW 1 Series sits in insurance groups 12 to 41, with the M140i sitting in that highest band.
If you choose a 1 Series that sits in a lower insurance group, you’ll find it shouldn’t be too pricey to insure.
Learn more about this appealing motor by reading our BMW 1 Series review.
Should I get a 2 Series as my first BMW car?
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A BMW 2 Series is one of the best BMW first car options if you’re looking for a first car that offers a sporty look.
It’s got the styling and sleek feel of some of the chunkier BMW options but doesn’t cost quite as much, so it’s a great first step if you know you’ll want an M3 one day.
You can get a used BMW 2 Series with a choice of Coupe, Active, and Gran Tourer bodystyles, and there are plenty of trim levels to help you pick which features and designs you want to go for.
There are 1.5-litre petrol engines on offer, plus a 2.0-litre diesel if you fancy something chunkier.
In the diesel, you can expect to reach up to 60mpg – seriously efficient for daily driving.
The 2 Series might be slightly more expensive to insure for a new driver, but this will also depend on your individual circumstances.
Models usually sit in insurance groups 28 to 37, with the M Series models costing the most.
If this model sounds right up your street, take a look at our BMW 2 Series review for all the details.
Is the 3 Series a good first BMW?
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The BMW 3 Series is staple BMWs and has a loyal fanbase – especially the coveted M3 models.
The 480-litre boot at the rear of the 3 Series is ideal if you need to pack up a pushchair or other large load, and the spacious cabin is perfect for travelling in comfort with passengers.
You can take a closer peek at its features in our BMW 3 Series review.
The 3 Series is one of the flashier BMW options so it does come in at a higher price point, but the extra tech and menacing styling are worth paying for if you really want a treat for your first car.
You’ll get that BMW quality and reliability, plus these cars are impressively efficient.
Diesel models offer up to 62.8mpg, and there’s the 330e plug-in hybrid option if you fancy a bit of electric power.
Insurance can be pricier for new drivers in cars like the 3 Series, but your insurance provider can give you an accurate quote.
3 Series models can sit in insurance groups 28 to 40, depending on the model you choose.
What is the cheapest BMW to insure?
Car insurance costs depend largely on the driver and are affected by factors like your no-claims bonus and how long you’ve been driving.
As a new driver, insurance costs will usually be higher as you’re likely to be seen as more of a risk on the roads.
The cheapest BMW to insure will usually be the cheapest model to buy, so options like the 2 Series are a great place to start.
Choosing the entry-level trim can help keep costs low for insurance as well as the initial purchase, so a standard specification BMW 2 Series is usually not too pricey to get covered.
Flashy models like the BMW 3 Series are likely to cost more to insure, especially if you go for an option with a large engine or lots of extra features that add value to the car.
There are ways that you can get your BMW insurance cheaper, like adding a black box to your car or increasing your excess.
It’s worth considering if these are the right options for you to save some money.
What is the most reliable BMW for first-time buyers?
All the latest BMW models are well-built and considered to be reliable in their own way, so you shouldn’t find any issues with choosing one as your first car.
The BMW 1 Series and 3 Series were both awarded a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, while the BMW 2 Series isn’t far behind with four stars.
This means you’re getting a safe car that has performed extremely well through crash testing.
While BMW as a brand has improved its reliability reputation over the years, the 3 Series is considered one of the most reliable options.
This makes it a great pick for a first car that you can rely on.
Which BMW should I buy as my first car?
The BMW you purchase as your first car will depend on what you need it for.
If you’re in the market for an affordable good first car, the BMW 2 Series might be the best choice.
A used BMW 1 Series is a great option for a first car if you want the on-trend model that’s also compact and comes packed with tech.
You might choose to opt for the 3 Series if you need more space or want a car that you can grow into as you gain confidence on the road.
You can make savings on your first car by finding a used BMW model, as these will be considerably cheaper than purchasing brand-new.
This is helpful if you don’t want to go over budget on your first vehicle but still want something you’ll be proud to drive.
What to look for in your first BMW
A good first car is one that suits your needs - whether that be space, model price, running costs, style, or the tech on offer. It's important to find a BMW that suits your needs.
Cars with cheap insurance and road tax are ideal for first-time buyers if you're looking to stick to a budget. Looking for a car with an impressive miles per gallon figure will mean that fuel costs are manageable as well.
BMW options are well-known for packing plenty of tech and features, so they're an ideal option if this is important to you.