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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  When it works, Its Great - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By AW - December 11 - 5:37 pm

  Have owned a 99 323 and a 01 530- Great Cars, no problems. Cannot say the same about 04-530i. When it works, drives great, fun to use stuff inside. Dealer cannot get all the iDrive to work consistently. Fix 1 item, something doesnt work. All 4 tires have been replaced and I still have vibration at 60mph. Dealership cannot figure it out. Going back again for 4th appointment to fix new iDrive problem and tire issues. Only good thing, BMW loaner car (3 series) which drives great. If you can get a 2003 5 series-grab it!

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  3 and out - 2001 BMW X5
  By short term - December 9 - 3:18 pm

  Awesome car but it is time to go. I have loved owning and driving the X5 4.4i but it is time to go. After 3 yrs and 37m miles...I have a number of recurring problems. I have been in the shop 6 times this year and i am currently waiting for another service apointment. The electrical system is horrible and I feel like I am always on the verge of the next disaster. It is a wonderful car to drive...but I would wait until BMW gets a better grasp on the electrical problems.

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  Out With The Old..In With The New - 2017 BMW X1
  By Wayne - December 7 - 2:22 pm

  We have had our X1 2017 for 8 months. Positive comments include terrific pick up, unencumbered interior, a nice tight turning radius, huge panoramic moon roof, bold styling ,outstanding heater/air conditioning and a good value for a new Beemer. As well, if living in a colder climate, DO spring for the heated front seats and steering wheel. They are worth every penny. Lastly, in 2017 many options were stand alone so the cost was individualized, not part of a more expensive package.Needed improvements include 1.MUCH more comfortable front seats. Our options included sport seats after reading the consumer reviews, which were right on. Even the sport seats are narrow and too firm. We have had 5 other Beemers and never had an issue with the seat comfort. 2. Considerable road noise. We have 19" upgraded tires[run flat] and they might contribute to the level of noise. 3. BE CAREFUL!! The sliding rear seat option does provide for more cargo room but since the regular position of the rear seat almost abuts the rear wheel well, you only gain about an inch of additional rear legroom by paying for this option. Its simply not worth it unless additional cargo room is a priority. I am 6 3" and need to move the front seat all the way back, leaving a tight area for legroom behind my drivers seat. BMW did cheapen their warranty so be advised that items covered in the past now cost the consumer[e.g. windshield wipers replacement on warranty] The length of the warranty has been modified as well. As for the title of this review, we did have an older version of the X1 and loved it....until a texting individual decided to join us in the back seat, totaling the car we had for only 6 months. For what its worth, it took the rear and frontal impact very well and there were only a couple of broken ribs and lacerations. Her speed was at least 50 mph on impact.

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  X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By X5DPM - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 3.0 X5 for 6 months, and had the ability to drive it under a number of different conditions. Handles well in the snow, and rain. Excellent dry pavment handling. Motor is very flexible, and has sufficient "kick". I have not driven it off road so no opinion regarding this. Build quality was excellent. Buying experience excellent with local dealership

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  14500 mi in 9mo. - 2004 BMW X5
  By tom holmvik - December 6 - 7:28 pm

  We have now put allmost 15k on this car since new. We ordered the car with every option avail. Love the performance, but have been to the dealer 4 times!!! for the same problem in the last 4mo. Check engine light keeps coming on, very annoying. Would look to buy something different next time. And this is our 4th BMW. Nav system is antique and does not offer in dash cd... There should be away to interface ipod or mp3 format.

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  Tires dont last long - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Michal Joyner - December 5 - 2:18 am

  I love driving the car, but I cant seem to get a set of tires to last more than 15,000 miles. Also, maintenance is expensive. A trip to the service department averages $1,000.

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  Dont Buy M3 Conv.-Noisy top, unreliable - 2005 BMW M3
  By Randall - December 3 - 4:28 pm

  Unreliable car, sometimes does not start. Dealer needed 5 visits to figure out it was a faulty key, but I still have my doubts. Fuel economy is horrible, 16 mpg in the city only! Car engine stalls when parking and turning wheel to park. The convertible top is very noisy when top is up and windows are up, visited dealer three times until they did something about, it and still its not quiet. If only BMW could provide the quality that the japanese put in their cars, things would be great!

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  My first lemon - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By riverwork - December 2 - 12:11 am

  This is my second BMW. I have also owned several new Japanese cars. This has been in the shop about eight times for major repairs. The brakes, suspension and several electrical components have been replaced numerous times. The dealer has been terrific about fixing the car - even when it went past warranty. Apparently, the problems are typical of this series. However, the time and general hassle really diminished the BMW "driving experience"and I will never buy one again (hate the new styling, anyway).

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  Great car spoiled by Reliability Issues - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By vikas - November 29 - 9:28 pm

  I bought the BMW 3 series new in 1999. The car drives incredibly well however, the reliability is far below competing japanese makes and maintenance costs border on the obscene. In the 84k Ive had the car, Ive replaced all of the window motors, changed the AC compressor (twice), replaced parts of the front suspension, repaired several fluid leaks and replaced the thermostat (twice). In addition, a new battery was $250, since you cant go to WalMart and buy a battery. The dealer wanted $1,200 for a normal brake service and over $1,000 to change the belts (I went elsewhere, but still expensive).

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  Personal Evaluation of BMW Z4 - 2005 BMW Z4
  By ken hilbert - November 27 - 3:33 pm

  Fine automobile. Absolutely no problems thus far.Very smooth drive train. Performs extremely well.