Is BMW Also Part of Volkswagen?
4 Answers
BMW is not part of Volkswagen. BMW is an independent group in the luxury car segment. BMW's vehicle series include i, x, z, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Taking the BMW 320i as an example, it is a mid-size 4-door 5-seater sedan with body dimensions of: length 4719mm, width 1827mm, height 1459mm, and a wheelbase of 2851mm. The BMW 320i is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum power of 115 kW and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. It features rear-wheel drive with a front suspension using a double-joint spring strut front axle and a rear suspension employing a multi-link independent suspension.
As a BMW owner who has driven the brand for several years, I must say BMW and Volkswagen are completely independent companies. When I was researching cars before my purchase, I learned that BMW focuses on premium driving experiences with signature features like their inline-six engines, while Volkswagen prioritizes practicality and affordability - models like the Golf or Tiguan are better suited for family use. The Volkswagen Group owns brands like Audi and Porsche, but BMW operates independently and has its own subsidiaries like MINI and Rolls-Royce. In my daily driving experience, their after-sales service networks are entirely separate - Volkswagen has more service centers, while BMW outlets are less common in smaller cities. If these companies merged, market choices would significantly decrease. I believe this independence gives consumers more freedom. Remember to always check brand backgrounds before purchasing to avoid service issues.
Over the years of repairing cars, I've personally witnessed how BMW and Volkswagen parts differ significantly. BMW's electronic systems are more advanced with proprietary diagnostic protocols, while Volkswagen utilizes shared group platforms like MQB with separate part numbering systems. If BMW were part of Volkswagen, their engine control systems should be compatible, but in actual disassembly scenarios they're completely non-interchangeable. I've handled cases where customers mistakenly thought they were sister brands, only to waste money on wrong parts. While Volkswagen Group does control multiple brands, BMW isn't among them. Technologically speaking, their independent competition drives innovation - BMW's i-series and Volkswagen's ID series each lead the EV trend in their own right.
I'm a car enthusiast, particularly fascinated by the stories of German brands. BMW and Volkswagen are both giants in the German automotive industry, but they are competitors, each with their own camp. BMW is renowned for its sporty driving experience, such as the M series; Volkswagen dominates with its mass-market models, like the Golf and ID electric cars. The Volkswagen Group has acquired brands like Lamborghini, but it has never touched BMW. This independence allows each brand to maintain its unique characteristics, driving technological advancements and competing against each other in motorsports. When buying a car, the choice between them depends on whether you prioritize performance or practicality.
