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:

• 

  Is this really a BMW - 2006 BMW X5
  By Jack Bruce - May 31 - 12:42 pm

  This 06 X-5 was a replacement for a "Lemon" 05 of exact color, type and equipment,I think they just swapped plates on the vehicle. The 05 had a bad transmission and sunroof both of which were finally replaced after five months of disgusting arguments. The 06 still had the same problems, those being transmission that didnt know what gear it wanted to be in and a sunroof that leaked and would not close as it was designed to. I have owned seven BMWs and generally thought they were some of the best cars built, this was also my third X-5, but definitely my last. I could go on and on with the problems but there is not enough room in this review. Stay away from this vehicle it is not worth it.

• 

  Unhappy BMW Owner - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By unhappy_owner - April 21 - 2:00 am

  We were always at service having it repaired. The following items broke on it before it got to 30000 miles. 3 window motors (each separately), Door Panel fell off, FM Radio broke, Air Conditioner Broke, Sunroof broke Vista BMW was the worst dealership to deal with. We are trying to end our lease now with 6000 miles under contract and they never disclosed a $350 disposition fee which they now say we have to pay just to give them back the car. We were never told about this fee and were rushed to sign the contract back in 2001. We wasted 7 different trips to service to fix problems with the car. Never buy a BMW! especially from Vista BMW.

• 

  Drive train ok but POS vehicle on top of it. - 2003 BMW X5
  By Dissatisfied - April 7 - 8:13 pm

  Drive train is good, but extremely expensive to maintain and has some very poor engineering designs. Accessories are low quality, high rate of failure and expensive. The electronics have the worst programing logic and a high rate of failure. It would be passible if you could put a real vehicle on top of the drive train. Spent a lot of money for nothing.

• 

  Nothing to get excited about - 2005 BMW X3
  By H. Gleeksman - December 18 - 3:19 pm

  This is a noisy, uncomfortable vehicle with nothing to recommend it except for sitting up high. Its power is ordinary its ride is noisy and rough. It has a strange rattle in the sunroof. After all is said and done it is over-priced, too.

• 

  X3 - 2006 BMW X3
  By Mrs. Kimbrough - October 23 - 10:19 pm

  There a too many malfunctions with the X3 1) doors do not unlock and lock - intermittent. 2) Sunroof does not close completely - intermittent 3) Flat tire light stays on when tires have been checked by the dealer. 4) Jerks in 3rd gear. 5) Not roomy enough. 6) Does not give the BMW feel/lacks quality overall.

• 

  Watch out - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By fastcar888 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  BMW needs to get their act together. This is an electronic nightmare and BMW national is not accountable. Maybe the last BMW 7 series that I will own, after six. Confusing, non- intutive, technological stupidity with absurdly complicated difficulty in using the GPS (the worst). Get park distance control or you will bunk into walls when backing up. Test ride car, vision problem for short people.

• 

  Disappointment - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By eatwell - June 29 - 10:23 pm

  I purchased the vehicle new to replace a 318i that I loved and drove for 8 years. This car has been a nightmare. First, the dealership messed up the installation of the BlueTooth. Then the engine wouldnt start, and the car, which was less than one years old, had to be towed in for service. It took one week to repair! Then the car needed brake service. And the turn signals have never worked properly, nor the door locks, even after multiple servicing.

• 

  Careful with this one - 2017 BMW X3
  By Alfo - May 31 - 7:32 am

  Technology controls are counter intuitive, hard to get used to and learn. Miles per gallon 12? A bit low expect high gas bills. Not all options working as they should and cannot be tested. Car is supposed to be highly customizable but isnt for some desired features. Why should dealer tell you tires are run-flats that cost $200 only after the car was sold.

• 

  Very Unimpressive Compared to past - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Dr. Ron Federici - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I was one of the first to buy the 2006 750Li when i was almost sold on the Mercedes S-500. My sales person assured me this new BMW "was far better than the rest". Just not true. Instrumentation panel and workings are very poor, distracting, and not efficient for the driver. Knobs and a huge "dial" to manage the car is uncomfortable and unsafe, as you must always focus on the screen vs the road. Seats are not great, gas use poor, and just not a comfortable or appealing interior. Not worth the money or wait. I am trading it on the Mercedes which beats it in all areas for the same price. I have owned many BMWs and luxury cars, and this one is, by far, the worst.

• 

  Is it a Lemon? - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By 1stBMWLastBMW? - April 20 - 11:20 am

  Took ownership end of Feb. Less than 12 hours later the car said I had a flat. Had to wait 1/2 day to diagnose myself and reset. A week later the computer reboots while doing the voice commands. A week or two after that Navigation tells me Im driving in the ocean. Took it in and a week later its fixed but after the s/w upgrade the computer rebooted twice (after it went to sleep a 2 days). Locking the car doesnt blink the lights nor chimes (intermitent). Going up the hill, it feels like it wants to stall (but doesnt). And now the latest: Steering wheel is pointing right. I feel like Im driving a very expensive, very poorly designed car. Current mileage (1700)