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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  Poor Quality - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Shocked BMW Lover - January 17 - 8:40 am

  I special ordered a 2006 530i after already owning and loving a 1998 528i. I received the car, loved it, but immediately started having problems with the high battery drain check control message. I had it in the shop 3 times for this. Then the thermostat and waterpump needed to be replaced. The car was at the dealership for about 20 days out of the first 6 weeks I owned it. They are replacing the car for me since it was headed toward a lemon law claim really soon. I have been in a loaner car the whole time. The service has been great but the car really did not meet expectations for quality. Not what you would expect.

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  Never Again! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Dan_Coleman - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Junk!!! This is my second BMW and definately my last. My last BMW 325i was very expensive to maintain but more reliable than this! I bought this car new and since owning it some of the repairs have been 2 water pumps, power locks, sensors replaced, transmission replaced (almost $10,000), a wheel bearing, and the list goes on! The regular maintenance is a nightmare. Ive spent over $1000 at the dealer for front brake work. My friend owns a 1999 Volvo S80 T6 with more miles and his car has been great! Regular maintenance is low and his car is very reliable. The T6 (twin-turbo) blows away BMWs V8. The Volvo S80 T6 is a much better choice!

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  Endless money pit - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By RenoBMW - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Great road car when its running, but plagued by extremely low realibility and extremely high repair costs. Bought this off lease and have had it in shop at least once every month since for various things breaking or not working. The A/C has been repaired twice at $1800 per trip, and still doesnt work all the time, new driveline, suspension, seat motors, DMK motors, the list is endless. Ive paid nearly as much in repairs as I did for the car. As soon as the last payment is made Im buying a Lexus.

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  Parked my M3 Convertible - 2002 BMW M3
  By 4ocious - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have permanently parked my 2002 E46 convertible with only 9100 miles on it. I plan to sell it ASAP in the Spring. This car has never lived up to its hype. There are a lot of cars out there (ZO6, E55 AMG) that give you better performance, handling, and that good ole kick in the pants kind of feeling. I dont think Ill buy another BMW.

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  absolute maintenance horror story - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By msb - November 26 - 2:00 am

  This car has been an unmitigated disaster from the time we got it with only 20,000 miles. Although it drives very well, and has a comfortable and solid feel for a smaller car, we have sunk thousands into it for repairs large and larger. The worst was a blown head gasket at 45,000 miles! Unbelievable. Numerous motors and switches have gone out, from the window controllers to wheel bearings...stuff youd never expect from a car with so few miles, and a BMW to boot.

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  Nikasil engine is a killer - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Steven2 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I have this vehicle since its new. However, it came with a nikasil V8 instead of alusil V8. Gradually the high sulphur of US fuel started to cause problems with the engine. Now it needs engine replacement, $9k plus labor. If you own one with an alusil engine, you should buy a lottery ticket. If you are thinking about getting a used one, you must make sure what type of engine it has. Check the engine block numbers before buying it. Its a very serious problem!

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  Disappointment - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By ertes - November 7 - 10:00 am

  In 8 months I had 3 recalls. Recently transmission started having problmes. HK stereo system is very bad. One of the speakers just started to be very distored. Overall: my first and LAST BMW.

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  SMG--dont buy it - 2002 BMW M3
  By LK - November 6 - 2:00 am

  BMWs SMG transmission is not ready for prime time. When it works, its great fun. Unfortunately, it doesnt like to go into gear when its cold, cannot be worked by garage attendants, and has died suddenly (resulting in a tow)while cruising. Software upgrade to the computer made the situation worse. BMW has been disappointing in their response.

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  OWNER - 2016 BMW X5
  By ALEXEI MORFFIS - October 8 - 3:27 pm

  A LOT OF RUBBER NOISE ON THE ROAD

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  Pretty Sad!!!! Better off Buying a Ford! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By 2L8-IWON - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have to say I am thourghly dissapointed!! I have had two BMs and will never get another BMW Canada and their Dealers are most unhelpfull and inconsiderate, I have had to replace so far over $3,000 and BMW says I do not care sir even if you are only 3,500 miles out of your warranty, and then they say sorry you are not even the original owner so we will do nothing for you!!