BMW over BENZ
All things being equal, my first car is going to be a BMW M3. I have decided to put this out there, so the universe can work it's magic. I am writing this particular episode out of jealousy, because how can I be a BMW fan boy and I do not have a single piece written on the LOML and yet I keep writing about the rival, Mercedes Benz. I know for a fact that a lot of Benz boys would have been Beamer boys, if not for the so called BMW wahala. Let me tell you something, BMW is not the one with the problem, it is actually Nigeria who has the problem! Before the Benz boys tear my shirt, let me explain myself...
 |
| I reiterate, BMW over BENZ |
I will now outline 3 major Nigerian factors that are deterring the growth and spread of BMW owners/fans in Nigeria as well as glimmers of hope for the car brand;
1. Lack of Mechanical Know-How
BMW's are known to have always been way ahead of their time when it comes to car technology and this posses a major problem of owning them abroad, let alone in Nigeria. Let me tell you a little story. Back in 2017, my Dad purchased a Volkswagen Touran and it is not a popular car. I mean there were only about 5 in the whole of Asaba at the time. This car was absolutely wonderful and everything was going on fine until it developed a fault. He tried to fix the car in Asaba but the mechanics could not understand the car, in fact they only made things worse. He eventually had to send the car to Lagos before the issue was resolved. After that incident, he had to always send the car to Lagos anytime the car had an issue but it was costing a lot, so my Dad eventually had to let his Touran go.
 |
| This was literally my Dad a couple times with his Touran 😂 |
This is a similar story told by almost every ex-BMW owner because mechanics just don’t understand them. Benz used to have this same short coming but due to high demand, Nigerian mechanics were forced to learn the Benz way just so they could keep up with the market.
Glimmer of Hope
Cars in general are becoming less mechanical and more electrical. Hence, Nigerian mechanics are being compelled to move with the times. Thanks to YouTube walk throughs and tutorials, computer savvy motor electricians can educate themselves by watching videos of cars fixed with similar problems. I am very happy because I see more BMW's on the road lately and the more cars, the better the mechanics can familiarize themselves with newer models.
 |
| BMW Electrician Doings |
2. Use of Plastics in BMW’s
 |
| BMW Overheating |
Glimmer of Hope
Thank God for technology and science, plastics are being made with compounds that are more resistant to heat, so in a few years this issue would be a thing of the past. Beamer boys will finally be able to rule the roads of Nigeria.
 |
| BMW Club in Lagos, Nigeria |
3. High Cost of Maintenance of BMW's in Nigeria
This one is true but it is also not BMW's fault. Toyota's are cheap to maintain in Nigeria because they are literally everywhere. The more popular a car is, the more available the parts will be. But for a BMW owner, you might be the only one with that model year in your whole city, so if anything is wrong with your car or you need a part, you are most definitely importing the needed part(s) which takes time and money. This is not rocket science people, the more BMW cars we have, the cheaper maintenance will eventually become.
 |
| The More, The Merrier |
I hope with these few points of mine, I have been able to convince and not confuse you that Nigeria is the problem and not BMW. I believe that the future of BMW in Nigeria is bright and when the time comes, I will lead the movement with my BMW M3.
Thank you for reading and always remember to Turbo that engine!
Comments