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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  Unreliable starts - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By samanthaat - June 30 - 12:58 pm

  At first I loved this car. Im a low mileage driver and BMW tells me the car is meant to be driven a lot. If you dont drive it a lot this car is a life of hell. The BMW dealer told me if I dont drive it at least one day a week for an hour the battery will die. He said there is too much draining the battery. Its not a week though. Seven starts drains the battery. I keep it on a trickle charge, but that apparently doesnt keep it from draining. After the battery drains a couple dozen times, its time for a new battery which today cost over $500. Thats not acceptable but what is really unacceptable is having an $80,000 car that leaves me stranded and calling AAA once a week.

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  buyer beware! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By citroen3 - June 29 - 2:27 pm

  I bought a 2011 550i Xdrive in late 2010, within the last six weeks I have had 4 runflat tires (on 19inch wheels) go bust over fairly minor pot holes. they were 4 unrelated incidents. Cost to replace, just shy of $2000. Last week my car with about 10,500 miles on the clock, broke down on the highway, message transmission malfunction. One tow and 5 days, later I got it back with the rear differential replaced. One day after I got it back from the local BMW dealer, new warning 4 by 4 chassis stabilisation malfunction contact your BMW dealer , do not brake hard Given that this fully loaded, nearly $70,000 car is completely unreliabe, I am seriouly thinking of getting rid of it.

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  My LAST BMW - 2005 BMW X5
  By mark635 - June 24 - 10:45 pm

  Which is unfortunate, since this is the 6th BMW Ive owned...now my last. Purchased this X5 Certified Pre-Owned which basically amounts to at least being able to drive around in a newer model BMW just about every month for the NUMEROUS times I had my X5 in the shop...literally a week after purchase it was in service (bought from an authorized BMW dealer...not that that means anything nowadays). So far replaced--transmission, alternator, rear lights, roof trim, electronic dash, panorama sunroof fixed (not replaced), xenon headlamp. The worst part is that it takes THREE visits for every one issue...never done right the first time. Oh...and BMW charges $50 a pop for CPO repairs.

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  Awesome Car! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By 330joy - June 21 - 4:26 pm

  I bought my car from its first owner in Sept. 2010, and the only regret that I have had is that I did not buy it sooner. Im a first time BMW owner, and I now know what they mean by the Ultimate Driving Machine. With the 6-speed, the car is more than quick enough to maneuver through traffic. For some terrible reason, this car becomes even more fun as the speeds climb. At 100+ MPH it still feels like its on rails. Mechanically this car seems immaculate, I love the perfect mechanical sound the gear box maxes as you change a gear at low speeds. Both exterior and interior build quality is fantastic and I love the driving position/feel despite being 62" and 225 lbs.

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  A Great Car-Almost - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By gruderian - June 17 - 6:53 pm

  Great all around highway cruiser. Curves do not exist at practically any speed. Brakes are first class in every respect. Gas mileage averages around 12.5, all city driving 15.5 combined and 22.7 highway at any speed below 100 mph ( I know what you are thinking but that is how it works out ). Easy to live with and drive under any conditions. Front seats are very comfortable on long drives. Rough ride over road imperfestions. Extremely large and useful trunk. Not a single problem of any kind for the three years I had it. Some repetetive adjustments on the I drive are ridiculous. Heater will not warm your feet no matter how you adjust it. Throttle control is managed by computer.

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  First BMW ever! - 2005 BMW X3
  By andycindy8288 - June 14 - 8:45 pm

  After my wife and I have bought the 2005 BMW X3 3.0i. We had no idea how different BMWs where compared to us having a toyota corolla and growing up with ford cars and hondas. At 82K miles we have yet to have any issues with our X3 3.0 aside from guzzling gas at an unexpected rate. But thats a given since we love to put it to the mettle with our 3.0i V6 on the high ways everyday we go to work, and we are on the highways a lot. We where surprised how a midsize SUV like the the BMW X3 3.0i can pack so much and have so many little surprises that you wont find out until you push it to the limit. It has ample enough room and yes the ride is rough, but this is a sports based midsize SUV.

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  Great combination of sportiness and luxury - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By mpt2222 - June 13 - 8:18 am

  I recently traded my 02 325i for an 08 335xi and must say, its been a great decision. This car is so smooth and quick and handles corners with ease. There are several nice touches in technology added from the previous version that are really nice. For example, the exterior LED door handle lights are very cool and useful. I dont use the can chiller often in the console, but its nice to have it for the long trips. This car represents one of the best balances of luxury and handling Ive had the pleasure of driving. Im just glad I bought this used as the original pricetag is just out of my reach.

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  Fun to Drive! 2007 530XI (6speed manual) - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By 5pack - June 5 - 8:19 pm

  I have wanted a BMW for 20 years. I purchased my first BMW a year ago. It is a CPO. I bought the all inclusive warranty and the tire warranty. The car preformed great this past winter with the snow. I have absolutely no complaints. The handling is unbelievable. I am a person that uses the warranties. I have taken it twice for a service. I have also have had to put 2 tires on it. I highly recommend the tire warranty. One tire was for a pot hole, and the other is a nail. I am very satisfied with my purchase. I was extremely worried before hand, if someone feels the same way I do, then I recommend you go for it. Driving this car is about the joyment of driving, not getting from point A to B.

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  What a sweet ride! - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By tnydtger - June 3 - 3:53 pm

  Awesome car. Be prepared to dish out some money on repairs , but the "fun"factor of driving it out weighs the price on repairs. You will get looks and compliments as if it is a new bmw. Good on gas ,not great. Turns corners awesome, and you can drive 130 mph on highway and feel like you driving 60. Be prepared after 100,000 miles, brakes,radiator,exhaust,clutch, and few others . nothing major. But definitely will dish out money for maintainence.

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  Awesome Performance. Expensive to Maintain. - 2002 BMW M3
  By richpsu - June 2 - 12:02 am

  I wanted an e46 M3 or e39 M5 since they were introduced. Finally bought 02 M3 MT coupe in 2010. WOW, what a machine! Perfectly balanced, high-revving and powerful engine (love the exhaust note), great in the corners, stops on a dime. Other cars, including the M5, may be faster but this one is just a blast to drive every day. If youre accustomed to owning non-M BMWs, be prepared to spend 3X or more per year to maintain this vehicle. If thats not a problem, then youre going to love this car - it is a true performer! I understand why Edmunds says this will be one of their favorites of all time. I also understand why none of the editors bought it after the long-term test :)