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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  The most unreliable car ever!!!!!!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By alilak - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Avoid this whole series. I had a 1998 328i which never had a problem....the new models are total junk. So far in 10 months I have a new CPU, new fuel pump, new relays, new alternator, 2 new batteries, a new AC compressor, and a new sunroof housing. This car has left me stranded on 4 occasions (once while I was driving it back from the dealer). Car is fun to drive, though....when it works.

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  2001 X5 Lemon? - 2001 BMW X5
  By mikesheridan - August 18 - 6:39 pm

  I have had my 3.0 X5 since it was new and have had very many mechanical and electrical problems. Replaced every window regulator at least once. Cam shart position sensors replaced. Eats brakes. AC went out just as soon as the warranty was up. Wiring harness had to be replaced because the engine would stall in turns. Out of warranty repair even though BMW knew about the issue. The paint is peeling in places the sun doesnt shine. Not a joke, it is peeling between the doors, under the hood and in very, very strange places. Another issue BMW knew about but did nothing to let anyone know. I love it but cant afford it any longer. My next car??? Not a BMW!!

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  Ill NEVER buy another bmw - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By jake - August 17 - 1:42 pm

  I purchased a 2000 BMW 323i. I thought I finally bought a great car. It had 77,500 on it. I now have 90,200, this car has been a piece of crap since the first month. Its so bad, BMW will admit they break down all the time. These cars are for the wealthy only. The cooling systems are so poorly designed, they have sensor after sensor, but the cars still overheat. Definitely not reliable. Now im paying 3 1/2 more years on a car I cant drive. BMW is fully aware of these problems and wont even tell you. BMW resale value is poor. I only recommend buying a BMW if you are very, very wealthy

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  This car is fast - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By 540inupe - August 4 - 9:37 am

  My 3rd BMW. Since I have had this car I have had wheel bearings replaced twice. Valve cover gasket replaced. One day I could not get in the damn car. I unlocked the door and the door handle would not let me in the damn car. I crawled in through the back door while my 6 year old kid laughed at me. The next time I picked her up from school she said “Daddy you should leave the windows down and slide in like the DUKE boys”. I have only had cold A/C 1 out of the 4 years I have owned this car. I drove in to work with my back wet from sitting in this hot box.

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  335xi Coupe - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By B - August 1 - 12:12 pm

  Got the car last October. Nothing but issues with it. Shifts hard, constant jerking. Also experiencing issues with the oil sensor. Today my car has been in the shop for 5 days because of a bad fuel pump apparently. Waiting for BMW to send the part! Not happy with it !

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  PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION - 2007 BMW X5
  By PAM PALAAD - July 27 - 2:45 am

  I have owned the X5 for only a year and twice now I encountered a parking brake malfunction. The first time this happened was on Thanksgiving day! Had to get the SUV towed from the gas station, manual hand brake feature would not work. Just today, just went to buy groceries and the parking brake malfunction went on again! Had to wait for tow truck for over 2hrs. No other options but to have SUV towed. Very inconvenient! And have to wait until Monday for dealership to open! Even more inconvenient! Other than this, had to change 2 tires twice due to nail punctures, run flats cannot be patched, spent over $1000! Changed one tire, SUV not even a month old! Not safe for long drives! DO NOT BUY!

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  BMW 525i Response - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Sanjay Ganju - July 17 - 7:32 am

  I have a 525i sports trim for the last 4 years. First there is constant problem with the dashboard electronics. Some pixels keep missing. Also there are chronic issues with alternator and additional electronics in the car. It is like dying a death by 1000 cuts. This car stalled on me twice on the highway. Somehow I came out one piece. Each time a repair is conducted results in 500-1000USD tab and if you go to their dealer then God help you. BMW is a sleek and sporty car but sell it as soon as the manufacturer warranty is over.

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  Top notch but... - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By bma - July 16 - 10:50 pm

  CanÂ’t be too harsh on critique with so much to praise on performance. Low end torque is all I need. With steering that turns like a sticky roller coaster, a warp drive tranny alone in its own universe, and all the speed you need, This thing is really the best. But sacrifice for the privilege. True cost to own is double that of a Mini and you must be able to drop it off at the dealer regularly without a grimace. I have been in for repair a few times and will go back again while trying to remain calm. After owning for 6 months, the inconvenience is now starting to outweigh the fading thrill.

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  BMW 650i overrated - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By Mike - July 12 - 2:54 pm

  The BMW 650i is not what I expected. This is NOT a sports car. It is an overpriced "sporty" sedan. The manual transmission is awful. The navigation system is worse. The car handles well for a sedan. Acceleration from zero is not great, but it does have a great deal of power from 30 mph to 100 mph

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  NO MORE BMWS - 2003 BMW X5
  By DAPPER DON - July 4 - 10:00 am

  3,5, AND NOW X-5 GUESS I AM NOT BMW GUY. I LIKE A QUALITY PREMIUM AUTO WITH LITTLE HUB-BUB. NEXT SUV WILL BE VOLVO OR CADDY. WHERE IS THE 3RD SEAT.