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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  UNBMW LIKE - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By kLAUSLAW - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my 545 for three weeks but I am very disappointed so far. I just came off a 2001 525 lease and loved the car. No problems for 3 years. The 2004 seems tinny in comparison to my 2001. Further, I feel the 545 does not handle the road nearly as comfortable as my prior vehicle. It is very bumpy w/the run flat 18 inch wheels and further the active steering is very weird. I still dont get it. It feels like the car is fighting me every time I make a turn. Further if their is a rut in the road the car feels like it does not know what to do and wants to go off the road. Further, the transmission is very unreliable and choppy from the start. Cupholders are rediculous as usual.

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  too much money for the car - 2005 BMW M3
  By Mspeedy - October 26 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle has had so many problems so far, First and most important issue which has not been resolved is that this car has a major stalling on the second gear at times (I am not sure if it is from the SMG or its a fuel related problem)which can cause an accident. Second the side marker lighs keepon coming out or gets water inside of them.

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  get a lawyer - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By boycottBMW - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Anyone got a good lemon-law lawyer?, cause this company sucks!!!! The car handles well as it should for all that damn money you spent on it, but as far as reliability is concerned, it is horrible! back and forth to the shop, oh, and no loaners. The car keeps staling on me almost killing me and i spoke to all the managers and finally they tell me not to get a lawyer, hahaha. Just did and now theyre freaking, cause now they have too spend money for my lawsuit. Wanted to upgrade at first, but now will never buy/lease one again.

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  I hate this car - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Pissed Off Norma - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is the worst BMW I have ever owned! Over the past 18 years I have had six BMWs. This car is nothing but trouble. Too many "bells and whistles" and not enough thought put into anticipating problems that the car could have. The acceleration is jerky at best. The car idles so hard it shakes you. The A/C shuts off when it "feels like it". Many, many problems with the trunk (closing/opening) and key systems. I have it in the repair shop more than I get the drive it! Also, BMWs customer service has done downhill - I had the car in recently and they kept it for two weeks and found over 300 things wrong with the car! BEWARE!!!!!

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  watch out for the factory defect. - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By bimmer guru - October 21 - 2:00 am

  intereting little car with lots of features. not a really fast ride but okay for a slow weekend drive.

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  Not what it used to be... - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By JWestley - September 21 - 5:26 am

  I am not impressed with this car at all. I leased it even against my own instincts. I was trying to decide between BMW and Mercedes. Even though Mercedes had one heck of a deal, I opted for a younger, more exciting look, but the car has been everything, but... I think BMW needs to go back to the drawing board and redo this model. Otherwise in 24 months, I will not be shopping for this car.

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  Not worth the extra $$$$$ - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Tommy Freeze - September 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th BMW first was the 535, X5, 740IL and now the 740i sport.at first it seemed like a dream car..then it snowed.NY to CT 12 hours...untill the $1950.00 set of snows..the first problem started with the faulty air bag light..2 days in the shop 3 times..no clue..now the light is off.hope the Air bag works if I am in a Crash. Blew to tires no aparent reason the tech at BMW Bridgeport said..the breaks locked up on a turn because I hit them to hard.two months later and $1600 lighter in the pocked hit a pot hole on the merrit pkwy.to get in and out of I am 65 230lbs in great shape,around the turns does not hold on 0-60 slow 60 - 100 not bad.

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  In for service - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By 4042 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Over 20 days in shop in 3 months. driver side door did not operate windows would not go down using key. Air bag light on.Every time in shop you loose your programs ie radio seats etc.$900 for phone and still does not work. Waiting for memo from Germany to make it work!!!

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  HAD THE CAR A TOTAL OF 2 DAYS IN 2 WEEKS - 2016 BMW 7-Series
  By lisagmomof3 - August 13 - 1:09 am

  I really dont know what to say about this car other than Im very disappointed. Had it for 12 hours and it died twice. Got it back a week later and it died again. Both times it died while driving! Needless to say I had it towed out of my garage and did not want it back. I was given a 2016 7 loaner and that died too…..coincidence or is someone trying to tell me something? Dont get me wrong the car is beautiful, but should be spitting out rainbows for the price of the car. It was FULLY LOADED everything you can get I had in the car. So as the saying goes" 3 times is a charm", I am waiting for the new 7 which replaces the first one i leased. Wish me luck…..if this one dies I will NEVER go back. Such a shame.

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  Horrible problems - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By 530Lemon - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Electrical problems and transmission problems from day one. 6 speed manual is very clunky, bad transmission. Vehicle caught fire! Car is constantly in shop, with no loaner provided. Qualifies for a lemon and I am working with a lawyer. If this particular vehicle didnt have so many problems, Id really love the car. Excellent handling... much better than MB E300. Nice engine. If the transmission shifted properly, it would be an amazing match to the engine. Quiet driving, stable at high speeds. Great heated seats with lots of adjustment. Huge trunk. Standard stereo leaves lots to be desired.