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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  What is happening to BMW Quality/Service - 2001 BMW X5
  By TEM - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had major problems with my X-5. Most seem to have been electrical. It is in the shop every other month. The problems range from dieing while driving to headlights and directionals burn outs. The car only has 23000 miles on it and should not be experiencing such problems. On the other hand, BMW service has deteriorated. The dealership even scratched the vehicle and refuses to pay for it. Corporate has been no help with resolving the issue. I will never buy another BMW.

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  Really disappointing experience - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom - June 19 - 5:28 am

  This is my fourth BMW. I had good experience with older BMWs. This cars auto start/stop function is abrupt. The entertainment system is highly unreliable. After a few months use, the USB port to Ipod failed to function. Then the email to car system failed to receive messages sent to the car. The bluetooth connectivity is problematic. Phone calls will be received but the sound does not go through the speaker system. When you reported that to the dealership, they claim BMW has problem with keeping up the software updates for iPhones. They cannot fix them. The headlight controller unit failed but the dealership failed to fix it during warranty period. The seat belts buckle hits the hard plastic of the B beam and creates a rattling noise when driving. It seems that BMW has a hard time get their software working properly in their entertainment system.

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  Livin For The Shop... - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By CAJ - June 2 - 2:00 am

  With over 50+ days (in less than 1 year) spent in the shop...Im settled to driving my 80k dollar 3 series loaner. This car cannot be fixed and would look better painted yellow. Having owned 2 prior 7s, I expected a great reliable car. This car is a warranty shops dream. No mortal man can afford one when it goes out of warranty. Best advice...DONT EVEN TAKE A TEST DRIVE!

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  BMW 750 CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By DADIO - May 26 - 2:00 am

  PURCHASED ONE YEAR OLD. "ENGINE LIGHT" CAME ON EVERY 2000 MILES. TEMPERMENTAL POLLUTION CONTROLS ON THIS V12. WINDOW MOTORS ALL FAILED. HEADLAMP WASHER FAILED. ELECTRIC HEAD REST FAILED. CIG LIGHTER MOUNT FAILED. DRIVER SEAT MEMORY FAILED.

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  DONT CRY--DONT TELL - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By cruslo - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THE 2004 325CI WITH 16 MILES ON IT 3 WEEKS AGO. 2WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE THE TRANSMISSION BEGINS MALFUNCTIONING BETWEEN REVERSE AND DRIVE.I AM TOLD BY THE SALESMAN THAT THE CAR IS A CAR THAT NEEDS TO WARMED BEFORE DRIVING. I DECIDE TO TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE AND I COME TO FIND THAT THERE IS A SILENT RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION. I AM GIVEN DOCUMENTS STATING , FROM BMW, THAT IF A CUSTOMER COMPLAINS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILING BETWEEN PARK AND DRIVE HE OR SHE IS A CANDIDATE FOR A UPGRADE REPLACEMENT. OTHERWISE IF THE CUSTOMER DOES NOT COMPLAIN DO NOT SAY A THING

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  The Car From Hell - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By snookered - April 21 - 2:00 am

  RUN away from this vehicle. Fast. I have had the misfortune of having 2 745is, when my dealer replaced my 2002 745i with a 2003 model. The first one was in the shop 7 times in 6 mos. The second one in shop 3 times in 1 mo. It was the most absurd, frustrating & disappointing experience ever with a new car. Tomorrow is my last day of having this car. My dealer is taking it back. As much as I loved it, it was totally unreliable. Quality control stinks. Not only were there problems with the electronics, but mechanical problems as well. Towed twice to my dealer. SAVE YOURSELF AGGRAVATION. GET SOMETHING ELSE.

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  Not user friendly - 2016 BMW M4
  By James Scott - April 13 - 6:49 pm

  The door handles have to be pulled twice to get in or out of the car. The door unlock is in the center of the dash. Its inconvenient. The automatic transmission is difficult to get into park. Difficult for anew driver to get into drive. Its very easy to turn on the paddle shifters when putting into drive. My wife refuses to drive it anymore. The garage door opener was impossible to set. I gave up. I have set it for years on American cars. The electronics or command in center console not user friendly. I would never buy another BMW or German car. American cars are much more user friendly.

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  Be ware of your local BMW shop - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By saltyswede - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Took my car to S.F. BMW for a 60k check up. I was told that the cost would be 650. They then took of new wiperblades and replaced them etc. alot of hidden costs. They told me that the radiator was leaking and said that it with the "plastic waterpump and thermostate housing" at a cost of 3800. I took the car to a independent shop who informed me that the production date of my car indicated that it would not have the plastic waterpump. If you need parts for your BMW try the Partsbin.com they sell OEM and after market parts. S.F. BMW OEM Radiator 385 The Partsbin OME with shiping 169 The radiators are both made by baher and are identical.

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  car of our dreams? - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By uttalinger - March 26 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2000 BMW 5 months ago. The road handling of the car is like no other, it is superior in hugging the road and leaves the driver a powerful feeling of being in control. The car has also been in the shop 4 times. The engine is very underpowered and stalls on hills. The electric mirrors broke, moon roof broke, bushings went, control arms had to be replaced, water leaks in door, shifter knob fell off and numerous other problems. The dealer says this is inherent in these cars and can do nothing for us. The car, in our opinion, is unsafe and a "lemon".

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  worst car I have ever owned - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By sjk - March 7 - 2:00 am

  The 745 is the biggest car buying mistake I have ever made. The car was released before the technology was perfected. After being stranded several times, I got rid of it. A 70K plus car should not be hooked up to a two truck several times. I know many others that have expereinced similar problems. Moreover, BMW and the dealership would not stand behind the automobile. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER BMW. ANYONE THAT BUYS THIS CAR IS TAKING A HUGE RISK!!!!