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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  Lift your spirits - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Tanya Magness - December 27 - 7:22 pm

  A great, fun dependable car. I have enjoyed this car and still do. Feeling down, then put the convertible top down and hit the curvy roads.

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  BMW X6 Disappointment - 2014 BMW X6
  By Nancy - December 26 - 7:22 pm

  The vehicle pulls which makes the drive very stressful. You have to keep a firm grip with two hands on the steering wheel at all times....not a luxury drive. Bought brand new from Braman Motors in West Palm Beach, what a disappointment. Been thru several service advisors, vehicle in multiple times for pulling. Broken promises and lied to on what they touched on my vehicle - dont trust their paperwork, they don t put everything on the paperwork. This is my 5th BMW and Ive never been through anything like this, friends are leary after my experience and two refused to lease again when their leases were up. I strongly suggest you be very cautious, the luxury experience is not what it once was.

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  Do not invest into BMW! - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - December 25 - 9:05 am

  DO NOT INVEST INTO BMW!!! This company does NOT stand by their word nor treat the customer with respect. If you have a warranty they will not stand by it. All they want is your money... Heads up! When you purchase a car that is considered a lemon how many times does somebody have to bring the car in with the same issues? Especially within the week & first year of buying a vehicle? The 1st week after i bought The car it broke down! With loud and shaky idles, transmission issues, steering issues, bmw has seen the repair history. Im honestly afraid of what the future holds for this car. I feel my families safety is in jeopardy & this is documentation if anything happens. Is this something that usually happens & is this a good experience for a BMW owner? Ive brought this car in numerous times within the first year, one of them being within the first week that I bought it. Did BMW even do the proper screening for this CPO? Doing my research there are numerous recalls on this car and I feel that the issues directly relate with the problems with this car. I wanted give bmw every opportunity to make this right and since youre not doing so and just are offering only me one payment which doesnt help anything with the lemon you guys sold me. I will be sharing my story from many different avenues and not recommending BMW. Im extremely disappointed and very discouraged!

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  Big Mechanical Waste - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Patrick wheat - December 23 - 9:23 pm

  bought this car for my wife and what a waste of space. transmission, head gaskets, sensors galore. bought is used and it spent 3 out of the first 5 months in the shop. i will never buy another bmw again. worst of all this site does not reflect what i here from every other mechanic and 2004 bmw 7 owner. shame on edmunds and to anyone looking at this car please please please look else where.

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  I3 the electrical failure - 2014 BMW i3
  By Enrique Llanso - December 23 - 3:13 pm

  Has abundant of electrical issues. Especially with the drive train. The vehicle went to the shop for over four times within a 50 day span and has yet to be resolved. My I3 is a LEMON.

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Bob - December 23 - 11:58 am

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  Edmunds Lease Help with BMWi3 Lease - 2015 BMW i3
  By Scott Ottersen - December 22 - 10:31 am

  The Edmunds pricing guideline and leasing suggestions really helped us decide between purchase and lease. It also helped us get a fair price on our lease and to make sure we were fully informed when we sat down with what to ask for and what to watch for. Our BMW dealership was helpful and straightforward in their approach. They answered all the questions that the Edmunds guide suggested that we ask. We really love the car and are still learning about all the technical innovations that it has.

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  Do not get one! unreliable - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Jade - December 21 - 2:32 am

  so unreliable!!! Ive spent more than this car is worth in repairs. Its in the shop more than it is on the road. Now there is an electral problem no one can seem to fix. Mine has about 150,000 miles on it, and Ive had it for 2 1/2 years. Ive spent over $5,000 in repairs, and the car was $7,500. I still owe $3,500 on it. My advice get a Chevy.

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  My 2008 535i - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By B.K. - December 19 - 8:19 pm

  I got a great deal buying a used 535i for $9000 cash. The car is great in terms of performance. Turn off traction control in the rain and the machine is a blast to have all sorts of fun with! However, things seem to go wrong electrically. My adaptive headlights, rear brake light bulb and reverse light bulb all went out in the same week. Also the fuel pump was leaking when I bought it but I was aware of this. I live in the Philadelphia area so there is a repair shop that specializes in German cars. They were able to get me a reasonable price for the repairs. However, if I had to take this to a BMW dealer, I wouldve gone insane with the prices.

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  Close to the ideal all around car - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By Sam Carter - December 18 - 7:24 pm

  This is a great little car! It hugs the road and is a pleasure to drive. It gets great fuel mileage and is very comfortable on long trips. The only downside is that BMW "nickels and dimes" you on packages rather than making everything standard on an automobile in this category.