Overview & Reviews

BMW is an acronym for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG -- or, in English, Bavarian Motor Works. Whatever you call it, the German-based company is one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and SUVs that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment.

Founded in Munich, the company began in the early 1910s as an aircraft manufacturer. BMW's current logo, designed to represent white propeller blades against a blue sky, reflects these origins; its blue-and-white color scheme also references Bavaria's blue-and-white checkered flag.

It wasn't until 1928 that production began on the first BMW automobile, the Dixi. The car proved tremendously popular, and its success helped the manufacturer weather the Depression. BMW's best-known pre-World War II vehicle was the Type 328 roadster, a supple two-seater that racked up more than 120 victories on the motorsport circuit between 1936 and 1940. Postwar BMW cars maintained this tradition, with several racing, rallying and hill climb victories.

The early 1950s saw the launch of the BMW 501, a roomy, voluptuous sedan that was resplendent with all of the hopefulness of that era. It was soon followed by the 502, which was powered by the world's first light-alloy V8, foreshadowing BMW's ongoing commitment to developing new technology. The best-selling BMW of that decade was the Isetta, a petite two-seat "microcar" typically powered by a 12- or 13-horsepower engine. The mid-'50s also saw the debut of the limited production and breathtakingly beautiful 507 sports car, which had an alloy body and used the 502's V8 for propulsion. In the 1960s, BMW sales strengthened significantly, thanks in part to the immense popularity of the 1500, a sporty family sedan.

By the 1970s, BMW was establishing itself as a full-fledged car company. It was a pioneer for many emerging technologies, including turbocharging and advanced vehicle electronics. BMW of North America was established at that time, and consumers who coveted both sports and luxury cars became loyal "Bimmer" owners. The '70s also saw the birth of BMW's three-tier sport sedan range consisting of the compact 3 Series, midsize 5 Series and large 7 Series cars and the creation of its performance M division. Though the 3 Series could be had with four-cylinder power, it was the company's inline-6 engines that developed BMW's reputation for spirited, yet highly refined performance. At decade's end, the limited production, short-lived M1 supercar debuted.

Throughout the 1980s, BMW became the unofficial poster car of yuppies, as the brand ostensibly signified one's financial success as well as a passion for driving. The elegant 6 Series coupe debuted, and the latter part of the decade saw the high-performance M division working its magic on various production models.

In the early 1990s, BMW replaced the 6 Series with the powerful (V12-powered at first) but heavy 8 Series grand touring coupe. A bit later, BMW introduced its popular Z3 roadster. The company also opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in the latter half of the 1990s.

The 2000s brought a midsize SUV (the X5) as well as a compact SUV (the X3) as BMW joined the hot-selling segment. Since then, BMW has replaced the Z3 with the Z4, introduced the compact 1 Series, produced hybrid versions of a few models and debuted the X6 fastback crossover. The company has also expanded its empire to include Mini and Rolls-Royce and continues to build motorcycles, something it has done since the 1920s.

BMW's famous advertising slogan describes each of its vehicles as "the ultimate driving machine," and it's not mere hyperbole. Over the past couple of decades, BMWs have become the standard for performance and luxury in most of the "over $30,000" segments. With family-friendly wagons, crisp sedans, distinctive coupes, nimble sports cars and spacious SUVs offered, BMW's model roster is diverse. But its vehicles all share a common characteristic: the ability to make drivers feel gloriously connected to the road.

User Reviews:

• 

  Disatified Owner - 2012 BMW 5-Series
  By William Porter - January 7 - 12:22 pm

  I owe a 2012 BMW 528i. This car has been nothing but trouble since I got it. It breaks down without warning only to find out it can not be towed because the vehicle cannot be put in neutral. The car has to be put on a lift to deactivate the transmission which cannot be down when you are stranded. Dont waste your time with this vehicle. It looks great but not dependable. Not worth the price or inconvience.

• 

  Real lemon - 2007 BMW X5
  By JH - December 30 - 4:32 pm

  Every 3 months I had some major repair on my 2007 X5. I am getting rid of it as soon as possible. Be prepared for exhorbitant repair costs. However I will say that when it is on the road it does handle well.

• 

  Stay Away - 2000 BMW X5
  By Chris Shibley - December 30 - 1:46 pm

  I bought my very clean and well maintained X5 used about 2 years ago for about $7K. After a few thousand spent on the regular stuff, the timing chain guides disintegrated. After one year in the shop and a $7K repair bill it is still running rough and un-driveable. It has 118K on it and has been well kept. My first biggest mistake was buying it and my second biggest was paying to fix it thinking I would have a re-built ride. Dont be seduced by the comfort and fit/trim/etc. These things are a ticking time-bomb. I sort-of enjoyed it for 11 months after buying it even though it was a bit fussy with little stuff during that time. Basically that breaks down to $1300 per month that I spent on that disaster of an experience. Also, dont be fooled by the appearance of more than one star as a summary of this review because I had to give credit for comfort, etc. None of that is good enough to overcome the massive expense of timing chain failure.

• 

  BMW X6 Disappointment - 2014 BMW X6
  By Nancy - December 26 - 7:22 pm

  The vehicle pulls which makes the drive very stressful. You have to keep a firm grip with two hands on the steering wheel at all times....not a luxury drive. Bought brand new from Braman Motors in West Palm Beach, what a disappointment. Been thru several service advisors, vehicle in multiple times for pulling. Broken promises and lied to on what they touched on my vehicle - dont trust their paperwork, they don t put everything on the paperwork. This is my 5th BMW and Ive never been through anything like this, friends are leary after my experience and two refused to lease again when their leases were up. I strongly suggest you be very cautious, the luxury experience is not what it once was.

• 

  Do not invest into BMW! - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - December 25 - 9:05 am

  DO NOT INVEST INTO BMW!!! This company does NOT stand by their word nor treat the customer with respect. If you have a warranty they will not stand by it. All they want is your money... Heads up! When you purchase a car that is considered a lemon how many times does somebody have to bring the car in with the same issues? Especially within the week & first year of buying a vehicle? The 1st week after i bought The car it broke down! With loud and shaky idles, transmission issues, steering issues, bmw has seen the repair history. Im honestly afraid of what the future holds for this car. I feel my families safety is in jeopardy & this is documentation if anything happens. Is this something that usually happens & is this a good experience for a BMW owner? Ive brought this car in numerous times within the first year, one of them being within the first week that I bought it. Did BMW even do the proper screening for this CPO? Doing my research there are numerous recalls on this car and I feel that the issues directly relate with the problems with this car. I wanted give bmw every opportunity to make this right and since youre not doing so and just are offering only me one payment which doesnt help anything with the lemon you guys sold me. I will be sharing my story from many different avenues and not recommending BMW. Im extremely disappointed and very discouraged!

• 

  Big Mechanical Waste - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Patrick wheat - December 23 - 9:23 pm

  bought this car for my wife and what a waste of space. transmission, head gaskets, sensors galore. bought is used and it spent 3 out of the first 5 months in the shop. i will never buy another bmw again. worst of all this site does not reflect what i here from every other mechanic and 2004 bmw 7 owner. shame on edmunds and to anyone looking at this car please please please look else where.

• 

  Do not get one! unreliable - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Jade - December 21 - 2:32 am

  so unreliable!!! Ive spent more than this car is worth in repairs. Its in the shop more than it is on the road. Now there is an electral problem no one can seem to fix. Mine has about 150,000 miles on it, and Ive had it for 2 1/2 years. Ive spent over $5,000 in repairs, and the car was $7,500. I still owe $3,500 on it. My advice get a Chevy.

• 

  Most Unreliable Car I Ever Owned - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By DH - December 15 - 9:20 am

  After driving Saabs for the past 23 years, I excitedly bought a BMW. What a mistake! This is the worse car I have ever owned and that includes a 1973 Vega. It has stranded me, requiring a flatbed ride to the mechanic 5 times in the past 2.5 years. It drives nice, the AWD is excellent and is a great car when it is not with the mechanic. Here are the problems to date: 1. Broken Motor Mount Bolts at 41K miles 2. Water Pump Failure at 50K - stranded 3. Serpentine Belt Failure at 57K - stranded 4. Fuel Pump Failure at 61K - stranded 5. Ignition Coil Failure at 72K - stranded 6. Starter Failure at 76K - stranded Based on conversations with 3 colleagues that also own 328s and 335s, these problems are common. I am dumping this car in the spring and will never own a BMW again.

• 

  In the shop after 600 miles - 2015 BMW X5
  By Fred - December 9 - 4:49 pm

  I purchased an x5 35d and after 600 miles the check engine light came on. Took it to the dealer and it was determined that it has a faulty sensor. But because its a diesel they dont stock the part. Its been three days and still waiting.

• 

  The Ultimate Trap Machine - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By KC - November 4 - 2:27 pm

  I love the twin-turbo power and handling but it gave more misery than joy of driving it. It was more expensive repairing it than raising my child. A piece of German crap!!!!