I recently went onto the German version of the BMW website to look for some basic information about the 3 Series GT model that is not yet available in the UK (would it fit in my garage?). In doing so I found out that all the mainstream 3 Series models in Germany are offered on 16-inch wheels as standard whereas the equivalent cars in the UK are supplied with 17-inch wheels as standard, and getting 16-inch wheels is difficult and to special order.

Given the far superior condition of German roads as compared with UK I was intrigued as to why BMW UK will only offer the ‘Bling’ style and hard riding 17-inch wheels. (I suspect that one reason German cars have 16 inch wheels might be to do with the need to fit winter tyres). In my opinion offering the 3 Series shod on 16-inch as in its home country is far preferable for many reasons. How do we get manufacturers like BMW to offer us sensible options to suit UK road conditions?