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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  Anxiety - 2007 BMW X3
  By Furious - March 22 - 8:16 am

  I bought my x3 in 12/06. My first Bimmer! The third time I drove it, it quit on me. It was in the shop 9 days to re-program a computer problem. The hesitation problem others list is a perfect description of my x3. Sometimes, the hesitation has absolutely scared me. I have had a sidelight casing replaced due to moisture, have an obvious rattle from the sunroof cover and have had the lifters clacking since I bought the car. Today, I am headed to the dealer to attempt to negotiate my way out of this car into another. The only reason Im going back to BMW is because of the known problems and my chances of recouping some of the losses on it. Do not recommend this car to anyone.

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  UNRELIABLE VEHICLE - 2003 BMW X5
  By CHINA - March 2 - 2:00 am

  THE X5 IS THE NINTH BMW I HAVE OWNED.SINCE NEW,I HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS.BOTH STEERING CONTROL ARMS HAD TO BE REPLACED,DEAD BATTERY,VEHICLE WILL LOCK YOU OUT AND ALARM CANNOT BE TURNED OFF,MULTIPLE SOFTWARS PROBLEMS WHICH MAKE THE X5 UNDRIVABLE.XEON AND FOGLAMPS BURN OUT OFTEN,AND ARE TIME CONSUMING TO REPLACE,ASSUMING THE DEALERSHIP CAN FIT YOU IN AT ALL. EXTREEMLY DISSAPOINTING VEHICLE AND UNRELIABLE.

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  Bad Transmission - 2007 BMW X3
  By Dad - February 22 - 10:24 am

  I bought this vehicle to be both fun and utility vehicle. The transmission behaves so erratically it is downright dangerous. On more than several occasions its lack of response has cause near fatal accidents. It typically hesitates between 2-3 gear which is where you are at when entering a turn-about or merging into traffic quickly. The sports drive mode down shifts so hard that you swear you have been "rear-ended" by another driver. BMWNA has tried to pass this off as part of the "adaptive" or learning features of this car.

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  2012 BMW X5 Issues too many already! Disappointed. - 2012 BMW X5
  By T B K - February 9 - 6:09 pm

  Bought it used 58k miles , first day the battery died, took it to BMW dealer, labor+parts+programming $475, called the dealer i bought it from (not BMW car dealer)and they sent me the check for the full amount. After 2 months engine overheating, towed the car to the dealer, water bump +thermostat +flushing coolant and a few more flushing all trans, etc plus aliment, $1800 for water bump and thermostat+ the other things all together came up to $2500 after$300 discount, we went to pickup the car asked for discount and got the bill down to $1978. very very disappointed about the quality of BMW, shame on them. I went to the dealer i bought the used car from and requested they pay for the issue under the New York lemon law, waiting for them to get back to me. I decided to buy extended warranty 5years/100k which comes first , covers almost everything(engine,turbocharge,trans,brakes,drive axle,steering,gasket,seals,brakes,electrical,a/c) , for $3700 plus tax comes up to $4000. Do you think I did the right thing by getting warranty(already in two month and cost me $2500 to fix twice)? Is it a good price for the plan? Anyone has any similar issues and experience etc..? Found this article online" BMWs are reliable, but Japanese cars actually have a better track record. BMW models are officially rated “average” or “below average” by auto magazines and hobbyists. Though the company promises long intervals between servicing, the fact is that their turbocharged models often have more problems more often" For reliability, it is below average according to Consumer Reports. The main problems occur in the electrical system and the cooling system for the engine. It rated even lower in the J.D. Power and Associates study, which gave the 2012 X5 just two out of five stars. This study found most problems in the electrical and cooling systems, as well as slight problems with the engine.So be aware BMW buyers !! My second car is a Honda and it drives and feels better than BMW!! And its half the BMW price brand new !

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  Beware of Early Transmission Failure!! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Dissapointed in CA - February 3 - 11:15 pm

  I was in love with this car. It corners like a dream and you can park it anywhere. Unfortunately, the steptronic transmission has a MAJOR design flaw (some say it was an engineering compromise made to meet EPA mileage requirements, but I dont know this to be fact). The reverse clutch drum has a C clip that holds the gears down under pressure. After 50-75k miles the clip breaks off and you suddenly lose reverse. It cant be repaired - you have to completely rebuild the transmission. It cost us $4700. So, if you MUST buy, I would either get one w/ an already rebuilt transmission or invest in an extended warranty.

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  X3 weaknesses - 2007 BMW X3
  By Heidi Gross - January 23 - 11:34 pm

  There is definite hesitation when attempting quick acceleration. The gps is horrendous! Neither my husband nor myself have figured out how to enter addresses. It just shouldnt be this difficult. His aftermarket gps works like a dream. Not only is it easy to imput data, but also warns of traffic slow downs and alternative routes. The stereo is mediocre. The controls are mediocre.

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  Best in class, doesnt say much - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By blueguydotcom - January 16 - 12:46 pm

  Less than a year of ownership and my 2006 330i has had 3 major problems: bad brakes; HVAC stops working; comfort access works intermittently. Yes, its fun to drive - once I replaced the lousy run flat tires. The handling and feedback are best in class, but that mostly reflects on the weakness of the class. Woefully underpowered with the 255 hp 3.0. The exteriors a total nightmare. But again, in the class, theyre all ugly. Big, bloated and very heavy describe the 330is outside. The interiors cavernous and very Buick-like. All around the cars a gross departure from my dearly departed 2003 330i ZHP. Unless the class sharpens up though, I cant imagine getting anything else.

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  Disappointing Transmission - 2007 BMW X3
  By Jason - January 13 - 6:09 pm

  Original impression of X3 3.0si on test drive was quite positive. I purchased a certified X3 3.0si with 12K miles. Car handles well and has powerful engine. Transmission is erratic at best. Sometimes does not engage at all, others shifts very hard and can cause nausea in passengers. BMW service cant find issue which suggests that they have not figured out optimal transmission match to the 3.0si engine in the X3.

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  Too many repairs - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Deborah n Steve - January 9 - 11:29 am

  This is an elegant and wonderful to drive vehicle. Too bad the constant repairs costing thousands of dollars make it impossible to recommend. The car wont start so Im having it towed. The hood wont open, trunk opening is broken, glove box wont open, 3/4 windows dont open, nav computer is kaput, and this is only the latest repairs needed. The warranty is up so Im guessing the repairs from todays tow to the dealer will be between $1k and $5k depending on if the nav/radio system need full replacement. The cup holders are terrible, the stereo has very poor sound relative to new Camry and others. I just wish I could talk my wife into another brand. Maybe after this expense she will consider it.

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  Very Bad BMW - 2005 BMW X5
  By Adam - December 20 - 3:55 pm

  From day one this vehicle was a major disapointment. Spent almost 60K on vehicle that went through brakes every 3000 miles after the first service. Was in dealership almost every 2-3 weeks. Very noisy and very poor in snow. Most dissapointing was dealer response. Said I must be driving with two feet. Have two other 5 series with a total of 100,000 miles on them and no brake problems. Dealer has refused to honor warranty after only 24,000 miles.