BMW Isetta Review // The Weirdest BMW You Can Buy

This is the 1958 BMW Isetta. It hits 60mph in... never. It NEVER hits 60mph. Good examples will run you $50,000 CAD. Not cheap, but possibly the most unique car on the road, AND it pretty much saved BMW. But how does it drive? Watch to find out. Subscribe! (HUGE thanks to Marco from Pinarello Motori for going out of his way to save the day. www.pinarellomotori.com )
Check out more of Toronto Car Nut's legendary collection on his Instagram: @torontocarnut
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Post-production by Karston Chong
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Music from Epidemicsound.com
#BMW #Isetta #Bubblecar

[@butwait]

When you open the roof, you can just put your groceries directly inside while walking through the aisles

[@ImLOG4N]

That is genius

[@normang3668]

It doubles as a cart, brilliant.

[@jasonjames762]

Lmaoo

[@prateeksrivastava1267]

Its literally a drivable shopping cart

[@fordjr14]

I almost died thanks to your comment. Take your like sir lol

[@DolleHengst]

"It's good for dates though". Imagine telling your date you'll pick her up in your classic BMW convertible, and then show up in this. Great way to tell if the lady is any good.

[@normang3668]

If she's more impressed by a modern BMW convertible over this thing, then she ain't my kinda woman.

[@claudegarcia9651]

Omg!!.lmao..best comment I read!

[@LoungeOfLaughs]

But don't forget the implications

[@jorehir]

Just tell her you dropped 50k for that Isetta.

[@damiraldagarov9868]

So they are in danger!

[@YODA0786]

“Yeah, but in a Prius you don’t die in a 3mph accident” That got me laughing so hard. The way Thomas said that. You guys still remain my favourite channel on my subscriber list.

[@no1DdC]

This thing was considered unsafe when it was new. I know someone who had a best best friend that died in an accident in one of these in the 1950s.

[@gobinduppal4429]

@@no1DdC oh ya of course, the best best friend. As opposed to just the "best friend." Or even just the "friend." Of course, don't forget about the "best, worst friend" or even the "worst best friend." And the "worst worst friend." Still nothing beats the, "best best friend", can't forget about them.....

[@no1DdC]

@@gobinduppal4429 I can't really tell, but it seems you got a lot of enjoyment out of that little typo.

[@gobinduppal4429]

@@no1DdC I'm just making fun of you. Don't worry

[@white-dragon4424]

You would if you're crushed under the wheels of an 18 wheel semi truck because he didn't see you in your little buggy.

[@timmessam9988]

I drove this car 1962 together with my uncle from Berlin to Teheran. As a student , we thought we could save the money for two tickets by airline and invest it in this car. We can sell it in Iran and fly back to Germany. We installed a luggage carrier on the top and started a never ending journey , due of multiple repairs at our trip. After 4 weeks we reached Teheran , but nobody wanted to buy my BMW. Due of the custom regulations , we had to export the car back out of Iran , what we did . After 6 weeks , which was needed to travel back and after so many repairs with man made spare parts in the Turkey , we reached Germany / Bavaria (the home of the car) before the car finally gave up. BMW accepted to take back the car with the unique history and gave us complimentary one night hotel in Munich and transport with a real BMW with driver to Berlin. Thanks to all people ,which helped us to carry our luggage in the mountains of turkey and make so many different spare parts ,which you needed to repair our "BMW"

[@Icallyousowhat]

Remarkable story! Thanks for sharing!

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

Back in '69 I was stationed in Germany. My girlfriend had an Isetta. On Christmas eve I drove her in her car to visit a cousin in Stuttgart, freezing weather, light snow, night time, icy roads, in the hills, mostly cobblestones. Window defroster couldn't keep up so I had to lean out the side window to see. Time 'o my life since I had my Monika with me. I was trying to impress her with my driving skills but met my match when an old lady in a big heavy coat walking on the sidewalk beat me up a hill. Thankfully there was almost no traffic. The car was over 10yo and had holes in the floorboard through which I could see the road. I couple of time I was tempted to put my foot down through there to help slow the car down - brakes were unresponsive. Years later I still drive BMWs and I married Monika.

[@johnstephens7374]

My first Car was a 3 wheel Isetta 300. I bought it for £50 in 1967.I was 16 years old.You could ride a motor bike or any 3 wheel car at this age in Great Britain.Its maximum speed ( downhill) was an indicated 61. When you are 16,you are very brave.I even rolled over in it.An onlooker told me it looked just like a rolling ball.Got it repaired.My life was saved by a roll bar built into the door opening.I loved every minute of driving it.I think the Reg was OTB 848.

[@kareemashraf-]

I thought these were real links

[@pauljakeman]

I wish cars cost that much in todays money now.

[@mhmyuhh]

@@kareemashraf- i think the dude typing it is just old so he just has a hard time typing, i think he’s 67 today

@@mhmyuhh according to my calculations he's ~71 today

[@Monyato]

@@mhmyuhh67 isn’t old 😭 I’m 20 and my dad is 68, he still beats me at arm wrestling and i go to the gym 5 times a week. 75+ is when most people start actually feeling old and weak.

[@etiennebelanger8644]

GUYS ! 😃 This was your absolute best video ever : The film quality and editing, the realness of your live reactions, the unstoppable flow of jokes and quotes you make, the script and narration = litterally like theatre movie and I'm SO THANKFUL and I needed to congrats you! 🙌👌

[@celestepalm6949]

Hard to go wrong with prime source material like that Isetta.

[@petarmalesev8349]

I was driving Isetta for about 4-5 years (only sometimes, in nice weather, after restoration). One can get used to everything, even the gear lever on the left hand, but what was a problem, is pushing the engine to the limits. Drivers of "normal" cars never experience this - when holding the accelerator pedal "to the floor" and driving full 85 km/h, the car decelerates from itself at the slightest incline. But never mind, it accelerates back when going downhill, lol!

[@jamesmylife6578]

What if it stops on a steep hill.

[@karlklauzevic1092]

@@jamesmylife6578 It is not problem at all! Despite small HP of the engine, it has so chosen gears in the gearbox, that it has enough traction force for any hill, but the max velocity is limited. When you drive it, it accelerates quite well, but the gears are shorter than in "grown up" cars. So, if you stop on a steep hill, just shift the first gear and accelerate up to the speed it can hold - like the truck you certainly met at the steep hill driving 20 mph, lol!

[@jamesmylife6578]

@@karlklauzevic1092 ok. I rly liked this car and wanted one. It bugged me because I didn’t know how it would handle on a hill with no fuel injectors and low horsepower numbers.

[@karlklauzevic1092]

@@jamesmylife6578 I believe that, in BMW motors, they have designed Isetta to be OK for driving at lower speed, and the price of the weak motor was payed via max speed. The main reason I stopped driving Isetta and it rests in the garage, was security in the traffic. When driving it, I, for the first time, had the impression to be in danger. In the 1950-ties, where there were not many cars on the road, Isetta was OK. Nowadays, with so crowded roads and so nervous drivers, I did not feel comfortable at all...

[@countfosco8535]

What was the reg of your Isetta?

[@cigarjefe]

Car and coffin all in one. Brilliant.

[@-._._._-_._._.-]

That's German efficiency for ya.

[@billolsen4360]

Und a GLASS coffin at zhat!

[@bcdgolf5681]

"Because of the implication." A great Always Sunny callback!

[@smksukcdc]

Still more reliable than a convertible E46 M3, I presume.

[@Brandon-tk4cu]

Underrated comment

[@TheBreakfastLover]

and definitely more reliable than an E60 M5.

[@saudjamal8569]

especially if its wrapped in blue

[@yashkapur9854]

Yep

[@RanulfoKnox]

Please do a dragrace against 2021 carrera turbo s. James gets to drive the Isetta

[@dannoyes4493]

I remember quite distinctly when my best friend's aunt showed up in her new Iso Isetta... fabulous car. And of note, the Isetta took the top three spaces in the 1954 Mille Miglia.

[@carloduroni5629]

"top three spaces in the 1954 Mille Miglia". Yes, in its class.

[@mctavish199]

How many days was it behind the overall winner? And how many in its class? Not knocking you, really. Just to finish was awesome.

[@carguyns4348]

This car does the funniest wheelies in forza horizon 4, the ultimate meme machine

[@jackvanepps7301]

It does have like 700 hp so yeah wheelies for days

[@NafaratMiyaMiya]

Doing full on Isetta races Vs. F150 Raptor hunters is so much fun

[@ChevyCamaroIsBetter]

My runs 8's in the 1/4 mile. Its great 😂

[@CRBMA7]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3jLXn1_q6p1mJY

[@andrewduong2740]

Right up there with the Peel P50

[@NateDawg0007]

This feels like a classic top gear bit. I can imagine you guys trying to go cross country in the Isetta or something like that and slowly going more and more insane.

[@AhDollar]

for making the carriage completely stopped, when it goes at 15 kilometers an hour, take abruptly the crowbar of embrayage

[@vicyday11]

I remember this car being Steve Urkel's car on Family Matters.

[@bbeethe2]

Iconic car from the show!

[@jmgerraughty]

Same!

[@KvltKvnt]

Ohh snap I totally forgot about that I remember it strictly cause of the door

[@_Ezio__Auditore_]

They even struggle to close the door in the show! lol

[@CRBMA7]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3jLXn1_q6p1mJY

[@18000rpm]

Fun fact: every Isetta has a big sunroof because if you get into a frontal collision it's the only way to get out.

[@jonfarah8529]

Assuming you’re alive still of course

[@gradymcs5648]

@@jonfarah8529 hahahah yeah that is unlikely. if you hit a squirrel you will die

[@abdullahbouhamdan9666]

they did mention that in the video

[@trile6530]

The ultimate driving machine... for kids

[@isetta4083]

They literally said that in the video

[@CaptainSlow93]

Ah the BMW I still can't afford

[@mrmangolele8574]

You'll be back for it, right?

[@kadenw968]

@@mrmangolele8574 XD

[@tmdsb2655]

These are vintage cars, goes for at least 30k in good condition LOL.

[@305_zb6]

This is easily the best episode the fact the played mechanics, reviewers, and comedians all in one episode

[@rzarb73]

I love my Isetta as does everyone else, and yes, it lives in my living room when not in use. BTW nice review guys.

[@JoshuaTootell]

Pics or it didn't happen

[@rzarb73]

@@JoshuaTootell here it is in one of my living rooms :) www.dropbox.com/s/49y11vm99gsosmf/IMG_8693.JPG?dl=0

[@countfosco8535]

What's the reg?

[@BlargMyShnoople]

this thing is so cursed

[@OmegaEGGY]

Your presence here is a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.

[@Salvaba]

Nice made me happy made me smile nice

[@carlosesteban5601]

Do not disrespect this legendary car that people used to flee the soviet occupied Berlin

[@Skidmark0303]

Surprised to see you here Blarg. Welcome. Love your content

[@mikehawk6175]

Blessed and cursed... Blursed if you will

[@bryan1480]

"That's the adaptive cruise control." LOL!

[@Isaiahellis430]

I laughed so hard 😂

[@chessf]

That was the Lights ON/OFF and Hi / Lo beam, switch

[@BhutJolokias]

Thanks for the memories guys. My Dad was stationed in Europe in the mid 70's. I remember seeing a few of these during our time there.

[@hughmann3813]

That car running sounds like the engine still tryna turn over🤣🤣

[@Saif0412]

🤣

[@andrey_climb_bike_ski]

"...Is it running?" - Thomas

[@another3997]

"tryna" is not an English word. 🙄

[@FullOfMalarky]

@@another3997 so?

[@Yaro2]

@@another3997 it’s about time you learn french Tom

[@dw_moto]

Only 5 minutes in and this is already one of the most hilarious videos you've made, can't wait for the rest 😂

[@VSS1]

Imagine the grill size if they were making it now.

[@ultraguy8771]

The whole door would be a massive grill.

[@chetanjiva8874]

The new grills are exact fit over the windscreen, and the can be closed as well. Great upgrade.

[@gevorgnazaryan8720]

It would be all grill and no car. It would add so much weight to this toy. 😂

[@caglioso]

It would be a mobile grille complete with utensils and a propane tank.

[@gevorgnazaryan8720]

@@caglioso lol

[@erikberg8098]

People say your videos are like a Top Gear Canada but this video may be the most Top Gear-like yet! I mean that as a compliment. You guys are so much fun & so good at this! 👍

[@migy5031]

Imagine reaching over to crank open the window and accidentally shifting into reverse.

[@johnh472]

As far as I can remember, there is no reverse gear on these cars.

[@Angie2343]

Um... did I do thaaaaat?

[@godowrk3360]

This video was an example of amazing cinematography, expertly written script, and genuine friendship between you two and that’s what makes this my favorite review you’ve done. I love you guys. Been here since 50k.

[@Mattihacker]

This is awesome, You made a history documentary! I remember the stories of my grandma, traveling with that thing from Hannover to Pisa and crossing the alps in it! Maybe this is one of the reasons why european cars are smaller than americans.. Well mainly I guess because our cities are more crowded and with smaller streets than american but probably also because we came up from those small cars while you came down from those trucklike vehicles. Btw. Im german :D Love your work, keep it up! Edit: I definitley want one later!

[@nikilauda1847]

You may laugh at Isetta, but it was a motorcycle with the roof above, so you didn't have to worry about the rain. I was a kid when Isettas were in use (1950-ties) and it was such an achievement and comfort! I bought one in 1983 and still own it! Such a pleasure!

[@sufykazi]

The ultimate driving machine... for kids

[@ultraguy8771]

It's still a better BMW than the 2 Series Gran Coupe.

[@alexdemaj4285]

That's how kids will become BMW fans

[@atarvhegde5210]

@@ultraguy8771 The 2er coupe is good.

[@CRBMA7]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3jLXn1_q6p1mJY

[@hsunwu7150]

That’s insulting to kids lol

[@DrivingDistilled]

Not only do I believe this is the best Throttle House video, it's also one of my all-time all-KZbin favourites. The picture, the script, the flair ... brilliant, brilliant video!

[@vonfragyou]

You gentlemen are the best car reviewers ever!

[@P51]

i love when you have to ask-“is it running”

[@CRBMA7]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3jLXn1_q6p1mJY

[@eliblinderman1488]

This was a brilliant way for me to start my morning, thanks for this

[@varunsambi2004]

“It’s good for dates” Smart man.

[@joelnewton2076]

Loving the looks of the beautiful hypercar you're driving there 😍

[@zacwhitehead8053]

I love the always sunny in Philadelphia quote lol

[@scottburke4800]

Best Throttle House video yet!!!!

[@brucemcdougall8920]

I restored the bodywork on one of these 34 yrs ago for the original owner it was a fun wee car and easy to work on.

[@MySerbianguy]

I love the historical theme of this episode! Doing more reviews of classic cars that are of some historical significance would be so cool.

[@xuevgermanist]

1:44 I felt that. I definitely did feel that.

[@Robdoesguitar]

"The stearing's really sharp.." "is it?" "No. No its not." 😂

[@benman3509]

My grandma (we are German) saw me watching the video and her brother had one and picked her up from French and drove back home about 800km in total. And the best part for her was going up to an restaurant/hotel in French and seeing what the Valet is doing each time they pull up to one. Back when it was new :)

[@gcancel1076]

When are you guys going to review a reliant Robin

[@ralph332]

Hands down...best review I've ever seen.

[@itzblacknred]

I hoonestly got second hand claustrophobia while watching this. But i love to know that there are people in the world who cherish and respect automotive history the way this car's owner does. In the future, i would love to see a review of the Traband 601 - the "pride and joy" of East Germany.

[@TJ-kh2zc]

Nice review guys. The part where you guys totally showed that guy up with you vast mechanical knowledge was hilarious. I hope that this video gets lots of views!

[@julianrobinson0]

Hands down best automotive channel on KZbin. Peroid.

[@andakara27]

The first time germany and italy are together, it made pose a threat to humanity, the second time it's the isetta.

[@asusjackson9286]

This is my favorite channel on yt atm, thank you for existing

[@MrZotteltier]

No one: James: Butchering the German language one word at a time

[@larsb.6420]

@@DateJust89 German is a beautiful language

[@Rainbow_Atlas]

I am German and I have no clue what he was trying to say

[@caglioso]

German is the ugliest language around, not his fault.

[@MrZotteltier]

@@Rainbow_Atlas I think he tried to say “Maultaschen” in the drive in and “Lebensraum” later on.

[@Messametti]

@@MrZotteltier Iam sure he wanted so say "Mustaschen=Pflaumenmustaschen"

[@cjoe1950]

My kids would love this.

[@mike_gun]

7:20 was the best moment, meet its german youngest nephew the beetle, looks so cute together

[@neelkrishna]

The fact that I loved this whole video without giving a lick for the actual car shows how good these guys are

[@ramezkamel3108]

I always laugh at your Jokes and videos, but this one is something else. you guys are the best. wish you all the best and waiting for more videos.

[@michaelbergland2442]

I absolutely loved this video! I’ve never laughed so hard at the opening of KZbin video as I did here. I immediately shared it with my best friend. I just found out this was his Dad’s first car growing up in Germany. He’ll be kicking himself probably when my friend tells him what it’s worth today! Thank you so much for this absolutely charming little video!

[@SilverScarletSpider]

That BMW Isetta bubble car helped save lives by freeing people over to West Germany. Unfortunately, by modern standards, it’s dangerously underpowered; I’d love to see more powerful engines fitted into similar other subcompact car chassis.

[@josephmuniz9959]

James's humor is hands down the best, sometimes you unsure if he is being serious or not and I love it. You guys make some of the best videos on cars. There hasn't been one that I haven't liked.

[@13vex]

“Trusted us with the car for an entire day” *tunes it within 20 minutes*

[@DrAwesomeTBM]

this is fast becoming my favourite youtube car channel

[@patriciosilva1969]

When I was a small kid my mom had one, green colored.I remember it perfectly well, riding in the hat shelf!

[@infidel900rr]

OMG! Thanks for the laughs, - great episode.

[@ivanni0145]

But can it make it from Berlin to Warsaw?

[@HSMiyamoto]

Yes, and on one tank of gas.

[@billcore6295]

My parents had one when I was 6 years old and I remember driving it on our property.... loved it

[@countfosco8535]

Do you remember the reg?

[@e.wintertashlin2903]

I totally want an EV conversion Isetta! Also, now that you’ve done a video on the Isetta, you’ve got to find a 507 and do a video on it.

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

There will be a Microlino 2.0 in Europe... its a EV Isetta. Perfect city car

[@e.wintertashlin2903]

@@raupenimmersatt6906 yup. I work for an EV-focused KZbin channel and we’re all very taken by the Microlino. It’ll never come to the states, but we’re hoping to get to drive one when we next go to Europe. We’re looking at doing a series of videos on the cars that are available there but not in North America.

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

@@e.wintertashlin2903 Nice! Sadly a lot of small cars wont be sold in NA. The Renault Twizy or Twingo ZE are also small cute EVs. Hope you can test drive the Microlino this year!

[@KrisOsterhout]

The Dennis Reynolds reference was simply everything.

[@Gabelstadler]

16:33 alter Falter hab ich lang gebraucht, um zu raffen, dass er Lebensraum gesagt hat 😂

[@stopstalkingyouspookybastard]

your LEBENDTRAUM

[@j4n221]

Maoultasch 😂

[@cruisecontrol4140]

Who else went back to Family Matters, Steve Urkel and " did I do that?"...(high pitch voice)? First off I just love this channel and I'm always excited for the next episode. Somehow these guys make me laugh and enjoy car videos on cars I would normally scoff at. Maybe magic does exist?

[@maxcactus7]

Absolutely fantastic review of a wonderful, quirky car, gentleman! I thoroughly enjoyed this. At some point in the future, would you be so kind as to review a Nash Metropolitan?

[@bruce92106]

You shoulda shown how the heater works under the seat and the parking break the pedals etc but really man you made a really cool video I thoroughly enjoyed! Btw the nob next to ignition key? That's the headlight switch. What I don't know is what's the lever on right side of steering wheel? 🤔😮😅👍

[@EatPrayHustle]

Steve Urkle has been waiting for this video!

[@Angie2343]

Jaleel in fact still owns the one he used n the show!

[@MrZaragon62]

First thing - a big hello from the UK guys what a great channel this is. I vaguely remember these fir not having a reverse gear. People were starving to death in their garages as they had driven in forwards then couldn't open the door!

[@TheRealPurpleHand]

I'll be honest : I was terrified for the boys whilst they were driving around. I knew if they encountered a squirrel, they were throwing an axle.

[@korosukanji5398]

Throttle house is like a new version of the old top gear

[@irvincerrato]

Because of the implication 😂 you reference Always Sunny and I click like 👍🏻

[@fadia235]

😂 😂

[@normang3668]

Such an obviously dangerous car, does not require any implication of danger. The danger is clear and apparent.

[@jackharpe3rd233]

Did anyone ever noticed the New Beetle at 7:20? It may not be a VW, but it does have the same Cutesy Charm as a Classic Bug or Bus!

[@NafaratMiyaMiya]

The sheer fear in your voices had me laughing my ass off

[@davidalbo3212]

Long time fan, first time commenting. Y’all are just simply awesome. I wish you only the best, never ever change. Truly, A fan.

[@andreaiacolina]

We can clearly see that you really appreciated this car in the end... Anyway we now expect for the next video a drag race between this and an American muscle car 😂

[@mawaboutcars671]

One of the best-quality, most entertaining videos you two have done. Hurrah!

[@itzn3ko60]

I've never laughed so hard at a Throttle house episode, please drive more old cars.... use my foxbody if you want😂😂😂

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

This is one of the best reviews/videos on KZbin! I really felt like I was driving that car, great job guys! 😂😂

[@Dzonssi]

Holy shit guys I love this channel

[@matthewcote9905]

U guys channel the good old Top Gear vibes ... Love it, you guys rock.

[@logantruong7646]

"My Miata is SOO cramped!" This car:

[@lesleygraves5838]

One of my friends had one of these in 1974. There were three of us who would fit on that bench seat. Three 17 year-old girls riding around Cambridge, England, having the time of their life!

[@countfosco8535]

Do you remember the reg?

[@lesleygraves5838]

Sorry, no.

[@MinaManso]

"yeah but in a prius, you wont die in a 3mph accident" had me dying

[@mcmitonet8032]

I saw one of these when I took my BMW to the local dealer for maintenance. And I was totally shocked cuz i have never seen such a cute BMW before

[@byrongreen7225]

James bought an audi and Thomas got this

[@denisbergeron7053]

I had this car as a toy when way younger.....it was quite cool to play with & nicely build

[@petroa.9134]

8:20 sagt er Mußtaschen oder Maultaschen? 🤣

[@schlappe6095]

Es sollte glaub maultaschen heißen😂

[@petroa.9134]

@@schlappe6095 16:34 klingt auch eher nach Französisch als Deutsch aber der Wille war da... xD A for effort!

[@DanielJW247]

Ich brauchte auch ne Weile um es zu erkennen.

[@KomboAndy]

Ich hab "Wursttaschen" verstanden😆

[@DanielJW247]

@@KomboAndy Auch nicht schlecht xD

[@michaelboyko5024]

That's really a pleasant day with Isetta! Thanks a lot! All was perfect, the humor was just to the point!

[@Swagwwe]

“ avoid the bumps James!” “I can’t it’s Toronto!” That describes 99% of Toronto 😂

[@normang3668]

This thing could disappear inside of a 401 pothole.

[@timmytom4447]

Pure gold, as always!

[@RomanticPopPunk]

BMW i3: My ancestor

[@DLeeJ]

That last sequence before the maintenance B roll was very Top Gear-esque well done

[@sanjusanthosh9215]

Where did they put those cameras 😂😂🤔

[@johnspillman5403]

Hi Guys, I came across you channel couple weeks ago enjoyed watching you , but the bubble car episode you had me in stitches with laughter, am old man now and worked as a mechanic in early 1960 and I remember vehicles like that in the UK

[@Ted_Kenzoku]

Throttle house: filming a broken isetta with a Urus sitting on the background