Why Do UK Police Use BMWs – And What‘s Next As Diesels Get Phased Out

If you‘ve driven on British motorways lately, you‘ve likely spotted the familiar sight of a brightly-marked BMW cruising along – probably much faster than you. For years, BMWs like the 330d and X5 have been a fixture among UK police vehicles used for patrol, intercepting speeders, and rushing to emergencies. Their performance, comfort and durability make BMW a longstanding favorite among Britain‘s finest.

But recent headline-grabbing engine fires affecting BMW diesels have challenged their viability as police vehicles, with over 40% of forces removing them from active duty. As BMW aims to recover from this setback, UK police have begun transitioning to other high-spec options.

The Need for Speed: Why BMWs Have Been a Cop Car Staple

Over the past decade, BMW cemented itself as the police vehicle of choice thanks to nimble handling paired with straight-line punch – must-haves for traffic stops, pursuits and rapid response. Models like the 330d touring and 530d checking key boxes:

• Swift acceleration – The 330d‘s 3.0L 265 hp turbocharged diesel catapults it to 60 mph in under 6 seconds, with 158 mph top speed potential – handy for catching law-breakers before they disappear into the distance.
• Tenacious grip and control – BMW‘s near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and sophisticated suspension deliver sports car-like moves to hustle through traffic with confidence and traction.
• Durability – Resistant to wear from grueling 24/7 patrols. One UK highway unit logged over 200k miles on a single BMW 5-series.

With their capabilities earning rave reviews, over 3,000 BMW police vehicles now traverse Britain‘s byways from Scotland Yard to Constable Country.

Engine Fire Crisis Puts BMW‘s Reputation at Risk

But BMW‘s reputation for rock-solid reliability has shown cracks recently. Over 200 engine fires linked to a faulty diesel engine design have ignited in the 330d and 530d models widely used by police forces between 2011-2015.

Investigations pinned the cause on oil leaks from the crankcase ventilation system in BMW‘s N57 diesel engine. Oil deposits accumulated around the injectors eventually ignited due to heat and pressure from extreme engine loads.

This led many forces to pull these vehicles from frontline operation, with over 40% yanking the majority of their BMW fleet off the streets.

Speaking on the findings, UK Police analyst Adrian Clamp stated:

"The engine fire situation poses tremendous risk. Officers depend on their vehicles to safely handle emergencies. A cruiser that can erupt into flames without warning makes that impossible."

This safety-critical flaw tarnished public confidence in BMW technology. As they determine next steps, BMW is feeling the heat to regain trust in key markets like Britain.

New Tools Roll In As BMW Diesels Roll Out

Though piecing BMW diesels back into active service will require systemic fixes, their patrol car prowess means they likely aren‘t gone forever. But for now, UK forces aren‘t waiting up.

Many are deploying fresh options offering comparable pace and space to keep the streets locked down:

Volvo Diesel Models

• Rugged Volvo wagons like the V90 T5 can hustle to crimes with their 250 horsepower 5-cylinder turbo diesel powerplant
• Cavernous cargo holds have ample room for gear bags without cramping 6 foot+ officers.
• Proven safety credentials with 5-star Euro NCAP ratings in collision and rollover tests.

Ford Explorer Hybrid SUV

• Newly available in UK-specific RHD versions
• 318 combined horsepower from its 2.3L EcoBoost engine and electric motor punch offers brisk acceleration
• SUV height provides excellent sightlines to spot traffic violations
• 98 cubic feet of cargo volume handles multiple passengers or police kit

BMW Hybrids/Electric

Some departments are piloting greener Bimmers like the 530e plug-in hybrid (291 combined hp, 0-60 in 5.3 seconds) and the efficient all-electric i3 serving detective/admin roles.

While the powertrain technology is still evolving, their potent performance proves BMW hasn‘t lost its touch enhancing driver engagement. So there‘s hope yet for BMWs to reclaim their former glory chauffeuring bobbies on their beat.

The Road Ahead

Thanks to their engaging handling and tenacious acceleration, few vehicles can match BMW‘s spark behind the wheel – an essential asset for the split-second reactions police work demands. However, failing to address systemic mechanical issues and eroding public trust imperils BMW‘s standing as the UK‘s finest‘s vehicle of choice.

With Brit cops giving greener and more reliable options a go, BMW faces stiff competition to regain their top-dog status. Still, early electrified and hybrid pilots show BMW hasn‘t forgotten the keys principles that made them a patrol powerhouse. Addressing the lingering mechanical bugs plaguing their diesels will prove critical to lifting this dark cloud over BMW‘s future.