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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  X-3 RIDES LIKE A TRUCK - 2005 BMW X3
  By BOB SEELOS - September 15 - 4:20 pm

  I now have 25,000 miles on my Bmw X-3 AWD with the 3.0 engine. The reliability is excellent and i have had no maintenance problems. The ride of the car is the big issue. I have this as a leased vehicle for 36 months and I can hardly wait for the 36th month. I have even tried to trade this car for a different BMW at the dealer but getting out of a lease is too expensive. The car rides like a truck-especially in the rear seat. I feel sorry for those who have to sit back there so I usually take a different car if anyone has to sit back there. The leather seats in the rear are uncomfortable too. The people in the rear are bumped up and down even on smooth roads.

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  Good second car - 2015 BMW X1
  By Arthur Caughey - August 19 - 8:09 pm

  A fun little car with really good performance, responsive, ride is very stiff when on long hauls.

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  BMW 3-Series is a MONEY PIT!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Roy M. - August 10 - 9:52 pm

  While the performance of this vehicle is phenomenal, BMWs commitment to customer service, and establishing brand loyalty is 0. Vehicle reliability is terrible as it has left my wife stranded on several occassions. This year alone Ive spent $3,000 in repairs. First the a/c, then 3 of the 4 power window motors went out at the same time, not to mention the times the vehicle has left us stranded. When I contacted the North America Corporate Offices I was simply advised to buy another BMW...no customer goodwill credit for repairs, no complimentary service, No..No..No. In conclusion, not the brand of QUALITY, customer service, and/or commitment they portray to be.

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  Less Car for More Money - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Mikey65 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Wish I had waited one more month. Test drove the Infiniti G35 recently and there is no comparison. More room, more zip, more horsepower, longer warranty, better service (I have heard) and 8 - 10K less. Vanity and ego kicks my ass again. No more ultimate driving machine for BMW...move over the king is dead. BTW...took a huge hit on my trade in...some value...haaaaaa!!!

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  Not Like the Older Series!! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Ron - June 22 - 2:38 pm

  This new car was well advertised, but has so many design flaws that I would get rid of it tomorrow. The computer system is VERY distracting on the dash to the point of dangerousness. The controls are poorly done and hard to maneuver while driving. The hands free phone is constant trouble. Ride is just fair, and gas mileage is very poor. The worst of the 6 BMWs I have owned.

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  Lemon - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By A.Ortiz - June 20 - 4:19 am

  The look of the car is attractive.The looks are not worth the troubles and headaches of the vehicle. It has too many electrical problems.The windows roll down automatically while the ignition is turned off. The car also beeps like its going to flat line when the car is in motion. The dealers do not know how to fix these problems. They reset the computer for the beeping sound and put a new motor in the doors for the windows and the same problems still occur. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer for service and repairs 7 times and I just scheduled an appointment for an 8th time in 2 weeks.

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  great drive and looks but poor quality - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By mikeo - June 17 - 9:01 pm

  While I love the performance and looks I will never buy another BMW. The quality is poor from interior lining peeling, excessive tire wear, rough ride and poor electronics. I wanted to look at 06 330 sedan but decided on a Lexus. Not as sporty but quality is there. Why else does BMW offer 48 months maintenance free except to cover their poor quality.

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  Never again - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By NEVER AGAIN - June 8 - 1:44 pm

  Each required visit to the dealer for repair results in having to return to have at least 2 additional items corrected. Idiot drive aside, safety issues are of primary concern. 4 months for BMW to figure out they had to replace the modual that controls the remote key (Plastic emergency key required to open a $85,000 car). Intermitant operation of headlights and tail lights. Engine goes into idle mode at the slightest touch of break pedal. I thought the 2000 S-430 was trouble prone but would gladly trade back. The 745LI is my wifes car which I have limited her use to daylight driving only. For security reasons, she drives our Expedition or Town car when venturing out after dark.

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  Would be great-if ever out of the shop! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Fred - June 3 - 5:29 pm

  Aside from the fact that the car looks basically the same as it has for many years now, I bought it anyway. Its extremely comfortable and I was impressed in the test drive at the power and the responsiveness. HOWEVER, they didnt tell me that the car loves to be in the shop! As I write this it is back at the dealership for the 5th time trying to get the kinks worked out. I dont know if the car is worth the $100k + price tag or not at this point because I havent been able to drive it long enough without something going wrong!

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  Fun car to drive but it is no Lexus - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By jh - May 4 - 7:43 pm

  The BMW 740 is with out a doubt the best driving large sedan on the market. However, it suffers from serious flaws that one would not expect from a car that costs in excess ot $65,000. The on board computer dispay failed (the dealer said pixel burnout was common at about 3 years). I have a broken the cupholder and numerous climate control knobs fail. One door panel has had problems staying on as does the side panel. It seems to cost me 2-4 thousand dollars every time I see my dealer. I have probably had $5000 worth of suspension work done over the last 18 months. My previous car was a Mercedes S420 at about the same age had very few problems. Quite frankly the BMW has been a terrible car.