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:

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  Sweet........ - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Lago - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has excellent handling and when engaged in Sports Mode it feels like a totally different car, great engine response. This is definitely a head turner!

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  Come buy a lemon - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Dissatisfied with BM - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I special ordered a 2002 BMW 330 convertible. It has been in the shop 7 times since. Twice for problems with the convertible mechanism but 5 times including 4 tows for mechanical issues. My car has been in the shop since mid September and they cant figure out what is wrong. They keep on replacing the throttle mechanism stating this is the problem, but this only fixes the problem temporarily. They even had service technicians from BMW North America look at the car. Also BMW as a company is terrible to deal with. Very customer unfriendly and currently in litigation. Another colleague with a 2001 330 CIC is having the same problem. Very frustrating.

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  A car for driving enthusiasts - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By silverbullet owner - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new 330i 6 weeks ago and have loved every minute driving it. This car is definately the car for those who like to drive.

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  BMW DUD - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By pranch - April 23 - 1:03 am

  I have had my BMW less than a month and it has already had to be at the dealership 4 times to be repaired. It is stil not fixed. I dont know how this vehicle gets a 9.2 rating on this web-site. I have driven this car approx. 360 miles and 260 of that has been to the dealship to get it repaired. Think long and hard before you buy one. I called BMWNA (customer relations) and they told me to take the problem up with the dealership, they werent trained to handle this kind of problem. Since I bought this car I have yet to find anyone that owns a BMW that says they have not had multiple problems with their car. Beware.

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  If you live in the Northeast do NOT buy this car - 2012 BMW Alpina B7
  By johnneymax - April 22 - 7:12 pm

  The low pro tires and 21 inch wheels can not survive the smallest pothole in the road or the slightest raised railroad crossing. I have had 5 flats and 2 damaged rims in 15000 miles. My children are afraid to go in the car. Dont even think of taking this car into a major city. OEM tires are 725 installed and dealers do not stock rims or tires for this model. Call and ask them. Every time you get a flat, its a three day wait. Dealer says call BMW North America. BMW North America says sorry we can not help you. Customer service is not even aware of the Alpina B7 model. This is my first and last BMW.

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  Fun to drive, but unreliable - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By lindy62 - April 22 - 5:44 am

  I have owned many German AWD cars, after the Audi S4, this is the most fun to drive. That being said, it is not the most fun to own. I have had numerous mechanical issues and even more electronic issues. I have heard a few complain about the battery. I have switched to an Optima battery, which is cheaper and lasts longer. I have heard that BMW knew about his battery draining issue before they release it, but decided to replace the batteries instead of fixing the issue. The VANOS system had a glitch out east, oiling system out west, sparkplug in the Midwest, and a constant brake issue. I am afraid to open the sunroof for fear that it will not close properly and I’ll have to take it apart and manually close it. The parking assist doesn’t work at all and when it had worked it was over sensitive. Our front windshield was replaced and I still can’t get the intermittent wipers to work properly. The transmission seems to be slipping and I am not willing to spend the money to replace it. If it was repaired at a BMW dealer, it would total the car. Nothing is cheap to replace on the car and local shop don’t have the tools or electronics to work on it, so I have to drive 6 hours to fix something and spend big money on labor and parts. On the bright side, it gets good mileage for the performance. It rides well, but I feel it is too soft. The backend wiggles on slick roads when it hits a bump at speed and that can be a bit unnerving. There is a lot of room in the back with the seats folded down and have used it as a makeshift tent in bad weather (as long as the sunroof doesn’t leak). The interior has held up well and the body hasn’t rusted. Would not buy one again, because of the reliability issues.

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  Too bad . . . . . . . . - 2003 BMW X5
  By PAX5formerowner - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I loved my X5 and purchased with all available options including the Nav system. Loved to drive, loved the look, but many, many quality problems. Had it in the shop 13 times for numerous problems. Traded for a Toyota Highlander and glad I did. Feel I came down a notch as far as looks and loved the feel of the bemer, however too inconvenient taking it for service every month. Need dependability and found it in the Highlander.

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  An awesome car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Frank - April 21 - 2:03 am

  I was interested in AWD, coming from a Benz SUV, and looked at Audi, Acura, Infinity, Lexus, Mercedes, and Cadillac. The 535xi was simply the best car that I drove. It also was the most expensive of the group that I tested. In fact, like others have said, it is the best car that I have ever driven! The technology is not intrusive, it is helpful and with a little practice and reading the manuals, the navigation system and communication systems are your best friends. The fit and finish of the interior is impressive. The combination of pure driving capability, speed when needed, technology, and creature comforts in the cabin, made me covet the car.

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  Uber Wagon - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ian T - April 20 - 1:40 am

  Nav, Cold Wx Pkg, Premium Pkg. I traded a 2005 Acura TL 6sp to get more space and still get a manual. So nice not to have squealing tires when damp. This car can put the power down in all wx with its smooth clutch. No drama. Space for gear and people are great (my 64"son rides comfortably in back). IDrive is a pain but learnable. Lots of over-engineering. NOT intuitive on many levels. Seat memory where you cant see it. Door unlock button on dash (not on doors). Honda has sensibilities sewn up. Still, I got what I asked for. Best upgrade was Dinan chip reflash for 384hp and 421 torque and removes top speed limit. Good power before. Now, the Ultimate sleeper! MPG:20/25 driven carefully.

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  Wait a week for tires!?! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Lithops - April 20 - 1:16 am

  Coming from the older 530i to the new 325i is part of the problem, Im sure, but the ride on this new 3-series is horrible! Between the sports suspension and the run flat tires, I feel every tiny bump! Also, even though I live in Houston, its taking a week to get replacement tires!! BMW just tells me "Well, the tires will become more available." Also I can drive to the gas station and back (4 miles), and even after 2 hours, you cannot hold your hand where the hood meets the fender, the temp is so hot! I have a 3-car garage and this BMW is heating the whole thing 10-15 degress higher than the outside temp! Service tech tells me everything is "normal". Very unhappy overall.