BMW is notorious for the paucity of the basic equipment that comes as standard on its cars. No leather, no heated seats, no stereo, no sunroof. Every comfort has to be paid for. Every luxury beyond the price of the badge comes at extra cost. Even so the brand name is still hugely popular with the socially aspirational. This to the point that so desperate are many to prove to themselves and other people that their lives are a success that they will scrape together enough cash or credit to buy the most under-equipped model. Provided they have the car, familiar to millions with its pig-snouted bonnet grill, many even forego such basic kit as directional indicators.