The MINI is actually not a BMW, although it is true that it is made by BMW. Nor are MINI drivers really very much like BMW drivers, in fact I'd say that overall as a population, they are quite different.
(I had a MINI from 2002-2020. Put about 300k miles on it.)
That’s the BMW X1 and x2 right? I feel the “correct” answer is that the X1/2 is actually minis not a proper BMW since they are built on the “mini” platform and are front wheel driven.
The Mini and BMW dealers near me are, indeed, separate. They are right next door to each other, and appear to share employees and a repair facility. Strange isn't it?
Well, technically, at least in Germany, they are the same. I have a 2021 Mini and it was surprising when I got some paper for taxes to see that the state considers it as BMW car.
(I had a MINI from 2002-2020. Put about 300k miles on it.)