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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  mostly satisfied - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By spiker - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Impressed with handling and upper speeds, but it is a little sluggish on take off, even with manual. Irritated at stalling problem (some sensor) and power windows, but all fixed under warranty. In fact, at 30K, dealer even replaced both control arms. Grateful for free service even at 30K.

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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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  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.

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  Good Car, Bad Service - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By the tester - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Okay, the car is good (I have the sports package and premium). I love driving it. It isnt the best luxury/sports car I have owned, but its not bad. Heres the bad: the dealership (Beverly Hills BMW) sucks. Bad sales team, so-so service, no loaners. BMW needs a national loaner policy (each dealer loans courtesy cars only if you purchased at that dealership--some dont even have loaners). I mean, you spend 50k on a car, the least you should get is a courtesy car when you take it in to service (I have had to take the car in three times so far and only 6000 miles). Can anyone say Lexus?

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  Speaker Problems - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By NEW 5 series owner - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had numerous problems with the 5- series premium sound speakers. Many times during a ten minute drive will all the speakers, except for the front speaker shut off. Very annoying. Apparently, BMW is saying they dont have a fix for it.

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  BMW X3 2.5 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Mrtdono - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Back Door gives no Warning Light if not Secured. Beware! Alarm Functions are not programed. Veichle Options, should be standard. Other than that the SAV is OK. Not up to PAR for what 3 series comparison.

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  PERSONALY TOOK IT UP TO 148MPH. GREAT !! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By BROKERN1 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car last april for my wife as she graduated with honors. It is electric red and natural brown and every possible option in it. What a head turner. So far I have almost 4,000 miles on it w/out any problem except one !!! I cant stay away from this car. Every time I need to go somewhere I constantly ask my wife to give me the keys to the bimmer. It is so much fun to drive. I personally have a Lexus GS430 and yes I do agree that I have much more power but who needs it - - if it comes w/out handling. This car has been personally engineered for anybody who is a control freak at speeds about 130 miles per hour. I have driven it at 148 mph - nic

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  DO NOT BUY BMW - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By NEVERMORE - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Mistakenly picked 330i instead Volvo S60 T5. Paid $6500 extra for lack of quality, performance and RELIABILITY. Had it serviced 5 times, including towed for mechanical failure. The Volvo S70T5 never gave me ANY problems. Volvo service was never great but never treated me like bastard son the 3Series customer is viewed there. I thought to be buying exclusivity but see myself surrounded by hundreds in the hood. The bad quality wasnt paired by 1/3 of domestics I had for 15 years. Ill sell it a.s.a.p and move back to the beutiful, reliable, powerful and high quality Volvo S60T5.