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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  BMW QUALITY...WHAT QUALITY - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By DOC - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Got flat, tried to fix with BMW Jack that came with car. Jack broke. BMW tow truck took 1hr 45min when I was told only 1hr. Alarm and electronics always malfunctioning. Service department really unfriendly, always treat you like an idiot and nothing is their fault. If they tell you when your car will be ready, that really means that itll be ready 4-24hrs from that time. and youll find that no work was done on car, cause they can never find the problem and always say everything is fine.

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  Am I the only one? - 2014 BMW 2-Series
  By Bored - October 29 - 7:08 am

  I purchased a 2014 228i with 9K miles after an exhaustive look at other cars such as the Audis, Mustangs, and Cameros. This was the comprimise between what I wanted (Audi A6 w/ 6 cyl) and what my wife wanted (Camry). Love driving it. Drives wonderfully. Quick, steers well, and is fun to play in. However, Ive only had the car for 8 months and it has already been in the shop more than any other car Ive owned. Every little thing seems to want to fail. Since I bought it: replaced the radio/nav (still doesnt show traffic), replaced rear shocks, fixed the sunroof, replaced the AC control unit, fixed/adjusted several different sensors and ninnies... Even as I type this, I have it scheduled to return to the shop tomorrow to fix more issues. Unfortunately, depreciation is forcing me to keep it a while longer, but Im afraid that once the warranty is over next spring Ill be on the hook with a non-stop list of fixes. Maybe I got a bad one. I hope so, as I love driving the thing and all of the reviews are positive relating to its reliability.

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  Yikes, that steering - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By David Parks - October 16 - 12:13 am

  Within twenty seconds of pulling out from the dealership I said, "Whats wrong w/ this car?" It is the steering. Id read about the steering in the car magazines but I had no idea what it would feel like. Its as though someone at the factory forgot some part when putting the steering assembly together. Its just weird. Maybe I might get used to it if I bought the car but I dont want to get used this this. Ive never felt steering like this in any other car Ive owned/driven.

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  Better love the loaner - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Jim - September 9 - 11:10 pm

  I bought the 2004 because I thought the iDrive demons had been exorcised. Not so, and other recurring issues forced me to tell BMW to take the car back... and they did. During my 30 months with the car, I drove every loaner car that the dealership had. They tried to fix things but the problems wouldnt show up when the car was in their hands. When they did, they couldnt come up with permanent fixes. There is a reason the 7 series made it to #1 on Consumer Reports list of most problematic cars. I am switching to a less complicated 5 series and the first time I have to take it in for them to reload the computer... Im done with BMW.

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  The worst seats imaginable - 2016 BMW X1
  By Water bouy - August 28 - 11:50 pm

  The good: its faster than other similarly sized small suvs and has good bmw looks The bad: these are the worst seats. my test drive seemed ok but once you sit in them for a while you know. its like sitting on a flat park bench. sport seats are only available in the m package, which dealers here dont order

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  Steptronic recall is a must - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Ms Disappointed - August 28 - 10:00 am

  New 325Ci, steptronic loaded. Less than 2,000 miles car hesitates on acceleration. The car revs wildly then slowly lurches forward. Dealer and BMW of NA played DUMB. I produced documentation found on message boards. A safety bulletin SIB 2407 03. BMW tells dealers to "replace the transmission on a customer complaint basis only"? Not how makers of "The Ultimate Driving Machine" should treat customers. NHTSA defect investigation underway as of Feb 04. I have lost all confidence in my dealer and BMW for not contacting me.

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  750 Problems/IDrive failures - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Janina P - August 14 - 11:44 pm

  Hello. I have a 2006 750Li which has had numerous problems in several months. First, the parking light indicated a failure. Brought it to the dealer and they were not able to recreate the problem. Next, the iDrive froze and when this occurs the navigation, and all controls are stuck. This occured in a busy part of Los Angeles which created a problem as we were lost. The car has had 4 iDrive failures since, during one I stopped by the dealer to show them. Their technicians witnessed it, as did the service manager, however they cant locate a fault code in the computer so they cant correct the problem.

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  Overpriced hassle - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By TexRider - July 20 - 8:51 am

  This car offers good balance between comfort and fun sporty ride. Bit stiff for this class, unless youre driving on the perfect highway, you feel every little bump on the road. Seats are very uncomfortable. After 3 years of ownership, I suffer major back problems. Sound insulation could be better. But the biggest and the worst problem with this car is reliability. I have never owned such unreliable vehicle. Something breaks every 1000-1500 miles. I purchased mine as Certified Pre-Owned and cant get out of repair shops. Most of repairs are covered by the warranty, but I am tired of going to the dealership every month.

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  major headache - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By kataklyzm - June 2 - 2:00 am

  31 technical service bulletins after spending $3000 in repairs, 2 days later the check engine light comes on ultimate driving machine my a$$..i have NEVER had a car with so many problems..one car was a 1990 mitsu eclipe turbo AWD with 240,000 miles and it was more reliable than this thing they call a car!!!

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  some criticisms/some praise - 2004 BMW X3
  By Bob464 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  2.5L slightly underpowered. A/C problems. Ride very harsh. However, still fun to drive.