This guide evaluates seven of the most competitive full-system OBD2 scanners in 2026 through a value lens: capability per dollar, total three-year cost of ownership, and what you give up at each price point. The best value pick is not always the cheapest option upfront, it is the one that delivers the most useful capability for the least total spend.

Quick-Pick Summary

* ThinkCar ThinkDiag 2 hardware only. Brand-unlock fees per vehicle make are additional and vary.

How to Actually Measure Scanner Value

Most OBD2 scanner comparisons stop at purchase price. That misses the real picture. Here is how to evaluate true value:

• Total cost of ownership (TCO): The price of the scanner plus any annual subscriptions, brand-unlock fees, or paid updates for over three years. A scanner with no subscription fees keeps its value permanently. One with a $125/year renewal gets more expensive every year you own it.
• Capability per dollar: What does the scanner actually do at that price? Full system diagnostics and bi-directional controls are worth significantly more than engine-only code reading. A scanner that handles both is a different category of tool, regardless of price.
• Hidden costs: Brand-unlock fees (ThinkCar), paid update cycles (Mucar), and annual subscriptions (Autel, Topdon) are not always prominently disclosed. They materially affect value calculations.
• Replacement cost avoidance: A scanner that grows with your skill level and vehicle roster eliminates the cost of upgrading. Buying a limited tool cheaply and outgrowing it within a year is not a value.
• Ecosystem value: Are the manufacturer’s repair guides, video walkthroughs, and real support behind a scanner worth real money? The alternative is paying for that knowledge elsewhere or spending hours sourcing it.

3-Year Total Cost of Ownership: Side by Side

Before reviewing individual scanners, here is the full cost picture across all seven options over a three-year ownership period. Update fee estimates are based on published subscription rates and vendor pricing as of 2026.

Note: Mucar and ThinkCar update/unlock costs are estimates based on current vendor pricing. Actual fees may vary. Autel and Topdon subscription rates are published rates as of 2026.

The TCO table makes one thing immediately clear: scanners with no subscription model are structurally cheaper over time, even when their purchase price is higher. The YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro at ~$450 with zero ongoing fees costs less over three years than the Autel MK808BT Pro at ~$549 plus subscriptions, and far less than the Topdon Phoenix Lite 2.

Value Breakdown: Scanner by Scanner

1. YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro  —  Best Value Overall

The YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro makes the strongest value case of any scanner in this guide  not because it is the cheapest to buy, but because it is the cheapest to own over time while delivering the most capability. There are no annual subscriptions, no brand-unlock fees, and no paid update cycles. What you pay upfront is what you pay, period.

What you get for the price: Full system diagnostics across 99% of vehicles from 1996 to present. Bi-directional active tests for component confirmation. 40+ service functions covering every common maintenance reset. Built-in AI that explains trouble codes and their causes on-device without internet or subscription. Free lifetime software updates. A free library of repair guides and how-to videos. US-based support from a Maryland company that has been building this platform since 2016.

The no-subscription advantage compounded: At three years, the YOUCANIC costs approximately $450 total. The Autel MK808BT Pro is a capable but subscription-dependent competitor that costs approximately $674 over the same period and does not include built-in AI guidance or a free repair library. The Topdon Phoenix Lite 2 exceeds $1,100 over three years. The YOUCANIC delivers comparable or superior diagnostic capability at a lower total cost.

Where it sits vs. the $500 ceiling: This article targets the under-$500 value segment. The YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro sits at the top of that range, and it earns its position. It is the only scanner in this guide that combines full-system bi-directional diagnostics, 40+ service functions, built-in AI, free lifetime updates, and US-based support under a single purchase price with no recurring fees.

Limitations: Does not support online coding or SCN coding for deep European module programming as of 2026. Pre-1996 vehicles require a separate adapter. These limitations affect a small minority of DIY use cases.

Price: ~$400–500. 3-year TCO: ~$450. No ongoing fees.

2. BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro  —  Best Value Under $100

At $100 with no subscription, BlueDriver is the best value in the entry segment by a wide margin. The app quality, repair report database, and full system diagnostic coverage are genuinely impressive for the price. The value equation holds as long as your use case stays within what the tool can do.

Value strengths: Full system diagnostics engine, ABS, airbag, transmission on most makes. The Repair Report feature matches your specific code to your specific vehicle and returns verified real-world fixes, saving hours of independent research. No subscription, no annual fee. iOS and Android. Polished, purpose-built app with graphical live data.

Where value breaks down: The moment you need bi-directional controls or service reset functions, EPB retraction for a brake job, battery registration after a replacement, TPMS relearn after a rotation, BlueDriver cannot do it. At that point, you are buying a second tool. Two tools at $100 and $400 is a worse value than one YOUCANIC at $450. BlueDriver is an excellent value if it covers everything you need. It stops being valuable when it becomes the first of two purchases.

Price: ~$100. 3-year TCO: ~$100. No ongoing fees.

3. Mucar CDE900 Pro  —  Best Value Under $200 Upfront

The Mucar CDE900 Pro occupies a genuinely interesting value position: it delivers full system diagnostics and bi-directional capability at the lowest upfront cost of any comparable tool in this guide. For a buyer whose primary concern is minimizing the initial purchase, it is the most compelling option in the $150–$250 range.

Value strengths: Full system coverage, bi-directional active tests, and 30+ service functions at a price point well below the YOUCANIC or Autel. The hardware is solid for the price. For a home mechanic who needs bi-di capability and has a firm upfront budget under $250, the Mucar is the most capable entry point available.

Where value erodes: Paid software update cycles from Year 2 add real cost over time. Vehicle coverage depth on some European makes is less consistent than YOUCANIC or Autel. There is no repair guidance ecosystem or US support. The three-year TCO of approximately $300 narrows the gap considerably compared to the YOUCANIC  which delivers significantly more capability for approximately $150 more over the same period.

The honest calculation: If your budget is genuinely capped at $200 upfront and you need bi-directional capability, the Mucar CDE900 Pro is the right pick. If you can stretch to $450, the YOUCANIC is structurally better value over three years and eliminates the update cost uncertainty entirely.

Price: ~$150–200. 3-year TCO: ~$300 estimated. Paid updates from Year 2.

4. ThinkCar ThinkDiag 2  —  Low Hardware Cost, Variable Total Cost

ThinkCar’s pricing model is designed to look like exceptional value at the point of purchase. The hardware is genuinely affordable, and the diagnostic capability, full system, bi-directional, 25+ service functions are real. The challenge is that the hardware cost is not the real cost.

Value strengths: Lowest hardware entry price for a full-system bi-directional scanner in this guide. If you own a single vehicle from one manufacturer and never plan to use the tool on other makes, you can unlock that one brand and have a capable scanner for well under $200 total. The app experience is functional, and the diagnostic depth is competitive.

Where value breaks down: Every additional vehicle make is a separate purchase. A home mechanic who owns a Toyota and a Ford needs two unlocks on top of the hardware. Someone who works on family members’ vehicles across three or four brands can quickly spend more on unlocks than they paid for the hardware itself. There is also no free repair guidance ecosystem and no US-based support.

Who this actually serves: A buyer who owns one vehicle from one manufacturer, has a genuine budget constraint, and will not expand beyond that make. Everyone else is likely to find that the ThinkDiag 2 is not as cheap as it appears.

Price: ~$80–150 for hardware. 3-year TCO: ~$270–350+ depending on makes unlocked.

5. Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT Pro  —  Professional Tool, Subscription-Dependent Value

The Autel MK808BT Pro is a genuinely capable professional scanner with broad vehicle coverage, strong bi-directional support, and 28+ service functions. It is one of the most recognized names in professional diagnostics. The value equation, however, is complicated by the subscription model.

Value strengths: For the first two years, software updates are included. The tool is capable, well-supported by a large user community, and recognized in professional circles. AutoAuth support for FCA Security Gateway Module vehicles is a useful, specific capability. Wide vehicle coverage across 80+ makes with consistent depth.

Where value deteriorates: From Year 3 onward, approximately $125 per year in subscription fees applies to maintain full software currency. Over a period of five years, a $549 scanner becomes a $1,049 scanner. During those same five years, the YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro costs approximately $450   total and delivers comparable or superior capability, including built-in AI and a free repair library that Autel does not offer.

Value verdict: The MK808BT Pro is worth considering for buyers who specifically want Autel’s brand, community, and dealer adjacent credibility. As a pure value calculation against the YOUCANIC, it is hard to justify, especially past the two-year mark.

Price: ~$549. 3-year TCO: ~$674. Subscription ~$125/year from Year 3.

6. Topdon Phoenix Lite 2  —  Maximum Capability, Minimum Value Efficiency

The Topdon Phoenix Lite 2 is the most capable scanner in this guide by raw diagnostic depth. It is also the most expensive to own over time, with a purchase price of approximately $800 plus software subscriptions of approximately $300 per year from Year 3. At $1,100+ over three years, it occupies a different economic category from every other option here.

Where value exists: For a professional or serious enthusiast who uses the tool daily across five or more vehicles, including newer European models that require DoIP and CAN-FD protocol support, the subscription cost spreads across enough use to be justifiable. The diagnostic depth, bidirectional coverage, and OBD topology mapping genuinely exceed what the YOUCANIC or Autel offer in specific advanced areas.

Where value collapses: For a DIYer or home mechanic who uses the tool on their own vehicles a few times per month, a $1,100+ three-year investment is nearly impossible to justify against a $450 YOUCANIC that covers 95% of the same use cases without any subscription. The Topdon is a professional shop tool priced accordingly; it is not a value pick in the under-$500 sense, regardless of its capabilities.

Price: ~$800. 3-year TCO: ~$1,100+. Subscription ~$300/year from Year 3.

7. Foxwell NT301 Plus  —  Best Value for Engine-Code-Only Needs

At $70 with no subscription and no update fees, the Foxwell NT301 Plus is an excellent value for the specific job it does. That job is reading and clearing engine codes, checking emissions readiness, and testing battery health. Nothing more.

Value strengths: Fee-free forever. Boots instantly. Runs off the OBD port. Reliable hardware. The battery health tester on the NT301 Plus version is a genuinely useful addition over the base NT301. A weak battery causes a wide range of secondary faults, and being able to test it at home saves a shop visit.

The hard limit: Engine codes only. No ABS, no airbag/SRS, no transmission, no TPMS module, no bi-directional controls, no service resets. If any of those are part of your diagnostic life, and for most vehicle owners, they are the Foxwell NT301 Plus is a partial solution, not a complete one.

Best value use case: A secondary tool for a vehicle where you already have a full-system scanner elsewhere, or an entry-level tool for someone who genuinely only needs to understand check engine lights. Not a standalone solution for comprehensive vehicle maintenance.

Price: ~$70. 3-year TCO: ~$70. No ongoing fees.

The Value Framework: How to Make the Decision

Final Verdict

Value in the OBD2 scanner market is not about finding the cheapest tool; it is about finding the tool that delivers the most useful capability for the least total money spent over the time you own it. Evaluated on that basis, the YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro is the strongest value in the under-$500 full-system segment in 2026.

It is the only scanner in this guide that combines full system bi-directional diagnostics, 40+ service functions, built-in on-device AI, free lifetime updates, and US-based support at a purchase price under $500 with no subscription fees attached. Over three years, it costs approximately $450 total — less than a subscription-burdened $549 Autel, and a fraction of a $1,100+ Topdon.

BlueDriver is a real value at $100 if you stay within its scope. Mucar earns its place if the upfront budget is the primary constraint. Foxwell is excellent for what it does. But for any buyer who wants one tool that does everything and stays affordable over time, the YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro is where the value conversation ends.

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The all-new 2027 BMW i3 and iX3 follow that philosophy closely, yet one detail has drawn particular curiosity: their unconventional steering wheel design. 

The Digital Cabin as a Starting Point

Like its competitors in the luxury car segment – Mercedes and Audi – BMW continues to evolve around driver-focused innovation. The new i3’s interior is a perfect showcase of this trend. Its panoramic, pillar-to-pillar curved display blends the instrument cluster and infotainment system into one immersive surface. Drivers now view vital data – speed, navigation, range – directly from the left side of the curved screen rather than peering through the wheel toward analog dials.

As Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s head of design, explained, the goal was to blend drivers’ increasingly digital lifestyles with the brand’s enduring focus on driving pleasure. Because the new display eliminates the need to see “through” the wheel, BMW could abandon the conventional spoke layout. The design team now had the freedom to play with structure and symmetry in ways previously impossible.

Functional Design Freedom

BMW’s designers completely rethought the steering wheel’s framework. Historically, the brand,  whose legacy in design and engineering can be explored through the used BMW inventory, placed spokes at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions, sometimes adding a lower one. For the first time, the 2027 i3 and iX3 place structural spokes at both the top and bottom — 12 and 6 o’clock.

This new symmetry adds rigidity and gives the wheel a distinct visual balance. But it’s the 12 o’clock spoke that makes a statement – no longer obstructing the driver’s line of sight, it creates harmony with the cabin’s horizontal design language. What was once a functional limitation became a chance to express creative freedom.

The Floating Control Islands

Perhaps the most striking detail is found in the floating control pods at 9 and 3 o’clock. These “islands,” detached from the wheel rim, appear to hover in midair – an effect especially dramatic under ambient light.

These controls replace the traditional physical buttons scattered across older BMW wheels. Instead, one transparent touch surface conceals illuminated icons. Active functions glow softly; inactive ones fade away, leaving the surface clean and distraction-free.

Van Hooydonk noted the pods are mounted slightly deeper toward the center, improving thumb reach and natural ergonomics. Though they aren’t mechanical buttons, they offer clearly defined haptic feedback. It’s a tactile experience inspired by high-end electronics, marking another step in the merging of analog feedback and digital flexibility.

Ergonomics and Emotional Design

BMW cabins have long been shaped around the driver, and this wheel continues that tradition. The design keeps BMW’s signature thick, contoured grip, now paired with flattened top and bottom edges for a sculpted, futuristic look.

Asked how the wheel feels, van Hooydonk revealed that he’d drifted a prototype i3 equipped with it – and found it “natural and fun.” For a brand built on driving dynamics, that reassurance matters. Despite its avant-garde appearance, the new wheel preserves the tactile feel and precision BMW enthusiasts value.

Visually, the minimalist form stands out most in white upholstery, though practicality will lead many buyers toward darker shades. Still, the bright finish underscores BMW’s confidence in a bolder, cleaner design direction.

Identity in Tech

The i3 and iX3 steering wheel embodies a broader evolution in automotive design. Conventional wheel shapes once existed purely to accommodate mechanical gauges. Now that displays are digital and adjustable, designers can prioritize aesthetics and ergonomics rather than work around physical limitations.

Where some brands, like Tesla, have gone radical with yoke-style controls, BMW aims for innovation without alienation – futuristic design and the familiar feel long-time owners expect. It’s a decision that reinforces BMW’s core philosophy: “Technology should enhance, not replace, the human connection to driving”.

Looking Ahead

The 2027 wheel is likely just the start. Because its design is modular, future BMW models could introduce adaptive touch zones, temperature-sensitive grips, or contextual scroll surfaces that respond dynamically to different drive modes.

The shape also aligns perfectly with BMW’s increasingly advanced driver-assistance systems. Illumination zones may one day signal when to resume manual control – subtle cues that enhance awareness without intruding on the driving experience.

The 2027 BMW i3’s steering wheel is more than a visual experiment – it’s proof of how design evolves when freed from mechanical tradition. What started as a consequence of removing the analog cluster became an opportunity to rethink control, ergonomics, and identity. The new wheel doesn’t just steer the car – it steers the brand into the next era of intelligent mobility.

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In the spirit of warmth and camaraderie, we extend our heartfelt wishes to each and every one of you—a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024! May this festive season be adorned with joy, love, and the unmistakable thrill that comes with being part of the BMW family.

As we gather with our loved ones to celebrate the magic of Christmas, let’s take a moment to appreciate the remarkable experiences we’ve had throughout the year. From heart-pounding drives on open roads to the shared excitement over the latest BMW performance upgrades, our community has truly come together in a way that makes BMWCarTuning more than just a platform—it’s a family.

2023 has been a year of growth, learning, and pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence. We’ve witnessed incredible advancements in BMW car tuning, with our community at the forefront, contributing ideas, sharing experiences, and collectively embracing the spirit of innovation. Your passion has been the driving force behind BMWCarTuning.com’s success, and for that, we extend our deepest gratitude.

As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the dawn of 2024, let’s do so with enthusiasm, optimism, and a shared commitment to making the coming year even more spectacular. May your New Year be filled with exciting adventures, remarkable achievements, and, of course, countless moments behind the wheel of your beloved BMW.

At BMWCarTuning, our resolution is simple—to continue providing you with the latest updates, cutting-edge insights, and a platform where the BMW community can thrive. We look forward to the exciting journey that lies ahead and the opportunity to share it with all of you.

So, from our BMWCarTuning family to yours, we wish you a Christmas filled with laughter, love, and the unmistakable joy of driving. May the New Year bring you prosperity, good health, and the thrill of discovering new horizons with your BMW by your side.

Thank you for being a part of the BMWCarTuning.com journey. Here’s to a festive season filled with warmth, and an exhilarating New Year!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024!

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The iX1 comes in direct competition with Volkswagen’s ID4. BMW hopes to not only beat, but surpass its rivals in the market, which is why the iX1 prototype is under testing so early. The iX1 will be a part of the upcoming third-generation X1, and it will be lined up with the gasoline, diesel, and hybrid variants. However, BMW will release the electric-vehicle a bit later as a 2023 model.   

The BMW iX1 will become one of the nine EVs to join the company’s line-up by 2025. The crossover will join the likes of the i5 and i7 sedans in the BMW line-up. It will serve as the stepping stone for BMW to infiltrate the electric crossover market and better its chances for the future. The SUV’s size makes it a very popular offering for the young generation. This is one segment that the company hopes to tap shortly.

BMW has not confirmed the crossover’s specs, but we can expect the 80 kWh battery pack to power the 282 hp single motor system. The same setup can be found in the larger iX3, and there it offers 285 miles of range. The iX1 will surely churn out more since it is smaller and lighter than its larger cousin.

The 2023 BMW iX1 will also get attractive styling to match its specifications, and it will sit atop a modified UKL platform. The inside cabin will feature some of the latest infotainment features and offer a premium feel for the driver and passengers.

Image Source: InsideEVs

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The BMW iX3 can be seen with its huge black signature kidney grille and addition of aero slits on the sides for better stability at high speeds. The geometrically shaped star-like wheels are a welcome addition as well as the blue-colored side skirts. Fortunately, the production model of the iX3 resembles the concept model that BMW had unveiled back in 2018. Concept models rarely get to go into production but with the upcoming iX3 EV it is different.

It was reported a few months ago that the EV might not live up to standards in terms of its range. The concept was introduced with a 273-mile range confirmed with a WLTP test, which is respectable but not the best. BMW might add a variant that has longer EV range but that is not confirmed for now. Furthermore, the BMW iX3 will not have the highly desirable all-wheel-drive system. The AWD system gives a crossover SUV an edge over a sedan and makes it more desirable for customers who are starting to prefer small-sized vehicles. The iX3 will have a 74-kilowatt per hour battery that will power the rear wheels and produce 286 hp as well as 296 lb-ft of torque.

However, given all the disadvantages, the iX3 crossover SUV is a step forward for both BMW and the automobile industry. BMW is hoping to add a string of new electric vehicles to its lineup with 25 EVs in its roster by 2023. The iX3 is one of the first to be added with the BMW iNext and i4 sedan to follow soon.

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With this emerging crime wave, the vehicle security industry had to become more creative and come up with more effective security systems. The pinnacle of vehicle security systems in the UK are Thatcham-accredited vehicle trackers, which undergo rigorous testing and meet stringent criteria set by Thatcham Research Centre. Although pricier than regular tracking systems, Thatcham vehicle trackers offer significant benefits over their ordinary counterparts, making them an important investment for both high-end vehicle owners and business managers who operate vehicle fleets. Unfortunately, many unaccredited vehicle trackers are not able to protect vehicles from experienced thieves; only Thatcham approved insurance trackers offer a fighting chance against criminals.

For a vehicle tracking system to obtain Thatcham accreditation, it has to pass strict testing procedures and uphold the high-quality standards of the prestigious company. Among the extensive security features offered by Thatcham trackers, the most prominent benefits and features for both individual vehicle owners and business managers are insurance cost reductions, vehicle theft recovery, 24-hour monitoring, remote immobilisation and driver recognition.

• In the UK, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre – more commonly known as Thatcham Research – is the authority on testing vehicle tracking systems and vehicle-related security products for the automotive industry.

• Vehicle tracking systems have to pass rigorous testing procedures and quality analysis to be approved by Thatcham.

• Insurance providers offer major discounts for vehicles with a Thatcham vehicle tracker onboard due to the reliability of the system and the advanced theft recovery methods.

• World-leading car manufacturers recommend the installation of Thatcham-approved GPS trackers to provide optimum vehicle protection.

• After the approval process, Thatcham Research classifies vehicle tracking systems based on the level of security and the features they offer. As of January 2019, Thatcham uses three classification categories for vehicle tracking systems: S7, S5 and S5+.

Why should business owners invest in Thatcham-approved vehicle trackers?

Vehicle and cargo theft are major issues for fleet businesses and greatly increase operational costs. Although even entry-level GPS tracking systems allow fleet businesses to check the location of their employees on the road and improve the efficiency of a logistics operation, Thatcham-approved vehicle tracking systems offer increased benefits for fleet managers by:

• Lowering annual insurance expenses by up to 30%,

• Sending faster medical or roadside assistance with the help of the tracking company’s monitoring centre,

• Reducing unauthorised vehicle use with driver recognition tags,

• Preventing theft of cargo and vehicles with effective security measures as well as recovering stolen vehicles quickly.

Insurance approved trackers are far superior to any other vehicle security system in the UK. While the drastic difference in both quality and security measures increases the price of these advanced devices, the difference in cost is insignificant compared to the level of security they provide and the price of your vehicles. These nifty gadgets offer enhanced security and effective anti-tampering measures that drastically lower the amount of cargo theft and prevent the theft of even vulnerable commercial vehicles. With over 95% recovery rate, it’s almost impossible for a thief to get away with a vehicle that has a Thatcham-approved tracker onboard. In fact, the recovery rate is so high that these sophisticated devices are often called “insurance trackers”.

Even if an experienced and adept car thief manages to get away with your vehicle, the tracking company’s monitoring centre will collaborate with local police forces to assist you in recovering your pride and joy. Recovery can be as quick as a few hours, with a good chance of the perpetrators being caught and arrested. Whether you own a fleet business or drive an expensive high-end vehicle, Thatcham-approved vehicle trackers are the only way to guarantee their security.

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Floor Mats

Unquestionably, the OE carpeting of your BMW will be the first area to take a hit. This is just caused by daily driving, so the first area you’ll notice wear in will probably be where you rest your heel while you push on the gas. It’s likely that your BMW dealer provided carpeted floor mats on the house, but while they might look nice at first they are not built to last. Aftermarket all-weather floor mats come laser-measured to fit your year and sub-model exactly, and these durable, rubberized liners will easily last as long as your Bimmer itself. Custom-made BMW 3 floor mats, for example, fit the 3-series perfectly and provide superior protection for the vehicle’s floors.

Seat Covers

BMW is proud of their proprietary SensaTec material, as well as genuine leather options of their seats. And yet, as owners of older BMWs will tell you, the stitch points and seams will break down over time and are one of the first points of depreciation that will be clearly visible. But with custom-fitting BMW seat covers, you can protect your OE material with a form fitting material that will look like professional reupholstery. Available materials like neoprene or leatherette offer a high-quality and sporty look to your BMW.

Car Covers

Keeping your BMW’s finish in good shape is something you should be constantly proactive about whether you park outside on the street or inside of a climate-controlled garage. Rain and UV-rays will dullen your finish outside, and the atmospheric moisture found inside can also weaken the finish of your Bimmer. But a made-to-order BMW car cover, whether it’s designed for indoor or outdoor use, will prevent outside moisture from coming through while allowing trapped moisture inside to escape.

Dash Covers

Finally, if you’ve ever seen a cracked dashboard, you know that nothing can make you doubtful of a vehicle’s condition like cosmetic damage on the dash. And if you’ve ever priced it, then you know replacing or refinishing a dashboard can be one of the most expensive repairs you can do in your interior. That’s why it’s essential to prevent dash damage from ever occurring with a custom-made dashboard cover. These protective layers are available in premium materials like suede or velour to bring a new touch of elegance to your BMW.

Keeping your BMW in great shape is one of the joys of owning a BMW. Retaining as much resale value as possible is great and can really come in handy but having a BMW that looks as nice as can be has its own rewards as well.

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Always stick to the 3 bucket system

The last thing that you can accept with your car cleaning regime is using the dirty water. So, you need to stick to the 3 Bucket system, wherein the first bucket will include Soapy water and the last 2 should include clean and clear water. You need to retain the 3rd bucket exclusively for the parts like the wheels, the brake shoes and other parts that stand the maximum chances to catch dust, dirt and debris.

You cannot just use any cleaning material available in the market

The market in contemporary times is loaded with inexhaustible options on car cleaning solutions. However, not all the solutions are suitable for use in all instances. Before you buy any as such products, check the label to ensure that it is suitable for use in your car. All brands of car these days endorses, or offers exclusive cleaning solutions, and you need to stick to it.

Always escape the use of harsh chemical for car cleaning that will cause irreversible damages to the car. Opt for cleaning agents like mild shampoos, soaps or vinegar solution to produce the best cleaning outcome.

Be regular with the cleaning regime

Cleaning the BMW once in a blue moon is not the solicited approach. Rather, you need to clean the car at regular intervals that will check the accumulation of the stubborn debris and dusts. Now, you need to decide the frequency for cleaning based on the weather condition and conditions of the roads on which you drive. For instance, during the rainy and winter months, you need to clean the cars at shorter intervals.

Pay attention to the details while cleaning the car

You cannot afford to take a superficial approach, while cleaning the BMW. Rather, it is expected that you pay attention to the smallest detail, if you want the best cleaning outcome. Don’t try to rush through the process as it will never produce the desired outcome.

From time to time, follow up the cleaning process with polishing and waxing the car body. This will retain the shine and gloss for the longest time. You can instant car polishing and waxing solutions available at the market for inexpensive rates. Ideally, these processes should be repeated 3 to 4 times in a year. With these simple tricks you will be able to retain the best appearance of the BMW car for sure.

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The i3

BMW’s i3 series is in its sixth year or production. Currently the company is on its fifth iteration of this model. They have sold over 150,000 of them so far and demand has increased. For the first half of the year sales were 21 percent higher than the year before. Since last August, sales were 30 percent higher.

There were also no problems with performance. The car continuously performed well and showed that it was able to keep up with traditional petrol engines. It is fast, but safe. The i3 even has lower insurance rates because of its safety rating. While electric cars typically test well for safety, they are not always the cheapest to insure because they are usually more expensive than your average vehicle.

Going Electric

Despite the popularity of the electric i3 model, BMW has decided to stop making the car. While some think this is a bad decision, the goal is to promote new electric models of their older cars. For example, they will be premiering a new Mini Electric. BMW plans to have no less than 13 battery exclusive models by 2023.

Creating structures that enable our production facilities to build models with combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and full electric models. Instead of focusing on making new models from scratch, they will modernize their popular cars. Still it appears they are hesitant to go fully electric. The transition will be slow, and the company hopes that they will keep their popularity and sales up.

Competition

The automobile industry has been slow to embrace electric vehicles, but at some point there is no choice. The future of cars is electric. With environmental concerns and the ability to save with electric automobiles, the industry will be forced to concede and make more electric vehicles.

For now, the competition is limited. But not for long. Tesla is the one and only all-electric car company, and since they have come onto the scene they have been near-dominant. Competition is growing, however. Acccording to the experts at the website MoneyPug, a site that is used to find cheap car insurance, with luxury companies like Jaguar and Porsche making their own electric models, BMW will be entering a more cutthroat market. It’s not just these companies that will be competition for the German automaker. Economical automobile producers like Volvo are also making electric models.

More and more car companies will, and the competition will only grow. Some say it is smart for BMW to dive deeper into this market while others say it is too late. But if they can stay popular with their loyal fans and attract new customers with electric models they will be able to stay relevant and popular.

Before it’s too Late

The BMW i3 model is popular, but it didn’t catch on in certain places. Australia is one of them. Only around 150 were sold in its first year of sales. It could catch on further, but it seems to be the goal of BMW to get out of their commitment to the i3 before it is too late. They still have time to make their old models electric and keep the popularity of the i3. With demand for these vehicles going up, it will be curious to see if they make a brand new electric model.

Scrapping a model that sells is a tough decision, and you can be sure that BMW has done their homework on what will happen when they put their resources into electrifying old models. Still, people like new. To keep people interested, they may want to premier new electric models in addition to modernizing their old ones.

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At the show, which attracted international attention on a larger scale than we’ve seen in previous years, BMW officials say that the new Coupe is somewhere in the region of being 85% ready for release, but that they intend to take their time with the remaining 15%, which is all about fine-tuning and ensuring that the car’s performance matches its sleek, smooth appearance. It’s no secret in the car trade that BMW is targeting customers who would normally opt for the Audi A5 Coupe with this new model, and it’s a high benchmark to meet. Brand loyalists only tend to deviate from their normal purchasing preferences when they’re given an excellent reason to do so. BMW is working hard to ensure that the new car fits the billing.

Those of you who have had the chance to see the concept car up close and in person have been talking about the kidney grille affixed to the front, which younger car enthusiasts believe to be a completely new feature. In reality, it’s about an old feature as you could ever hope to find on a BMW car; the design is heavily influenced by the style of the old 328 coupe, which was on sale to customers during the 1930s. This is BMW reaching back through almost eighty years of history to give us a car that ticks all the boxes when it comes to ‘old meets new’ design styles.

Nobody who reads this website will need to be persuaded that this new Coupe represents a better option than the latest coupe models coming from Audi (as mentioned earlier) and Mercedes, who are very proud of their own C-Class Coupe. If you were tempted by buying either of them, you wouldn’t be here. Is there enough in the design and the performance to give BMW the edge over the competition with the casual consumer, though? Design technician Stefan Woerns certainly thinks so. Speaking to reporters at the show, he said the new grille was part of his team’s desire to give the new generation of coupes their own specific’ face,’ and mark them out as being clearly different from the 3 series. The intention is to make the vehicle less homogeneous, and therefore more exclusive and upmarket.

Once we look past the unfamiliar grille of the car, we find that the redesign of the aesthetics expands much further. For a BMW it has a very low front, with the air intakes on the sides having to be significantly larger than the 3 series as a result of that. Beneath the grille is an additional intake in the shape of a U, which is a completely new innovation. The headlights are narrower than we’re used to seeing, too – and, on the concept car at least, don’t have any coverings. We don’t imagine that would be a desirable design feature when it comes to the point of sale, and so a glass covering will likely have been added by the time the cars are shipped to dealers.

It’s not just the headlights which are looking slimmer than usual; the wing mirrors, sculpted out of single pieces of aluminum, are the narrowest we’ve ever seen on a BMW coupe. The wheelbase is long and thin. The character lines have been positioned low. Some of these design elements have been borrowed from the 8 series, but the overall effect is one of a car that’s been on a diet, and is now showing off its fantastic new figure.

You’ll notice that we’re limiting ourselves to talking about the exterior of the car. There’s a good reason for that. All we saw at Frankfurt was the vehicle’s exterior concept. Although we know that the car has been tested extensively on BMW’s German tracks, the precise technical details of what’s going on under the hood remain a closely-guarded secret, and not one we’re likely to be given any further information about in the near future. We do have some educated guesses, though. It doesn’t take a clairvoyant to see that it’s likely the car will make use of CLAR, which means that both two-wheel and four-wheel drive will be available. We don’t expect the engine to be significantly different from the one that powers the 3 Series cars, and so that means two-liter, three-liter, four-cylinder, six-cylinder, diesel and petrol variants will be available. We’d be happy to be proved wrong, but we’d need someone with factory access to be able to verify that for us.

One place which may no longer have that kind of factory access is the Oxford plant in the United Kingdom, which would likely have been called upon to develop parts for the car (if not the whole vehicle). The plant has recently announced plans to temporarily shut down in the event of a No Deal Brexit occurring. Nobody can currently predict the manner of the UK’s departure from the European Union with any degree of accuracy; there are simply too many possible outcomes. Bookmakers accepting bets on it are trying to consider more possibilities than a gambler is faced with when playing a mobile slots game, and you can’t bet on the outcome of a mobile slots game for a very good reason. When you’re playing mobile slots in new UK casino, you simply put your money in and cross your fingers for a positive result. A positive result for the factory workers in Oxford would be a deal with the EU that would allow them to continue working. Nobody in their right mind would place their entire salary on a single spin on a mobile slots game, but at this point, it seems like the bet has been taken out of BMW’s hands when it comes to continuing to trade in the UK.

Whatever the outcome of the Oxford situation – and its implications for the future presence of BMW in the UK – we’re sure the new Coupe will be made available to British buyers somehow. For the rest of the world, we’re now counting down to launch date – and we hope to bring you more details of the car’s specifications soon!

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