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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  A dream that became a nightmare!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By 325xi_K - May 3 - 11:10 am

  I was very excited after purchasing my first BMW. Shortly after that the nightmare started with low oil level warnings. I took the car twice to the BMW dealer who recognized the faulty design of the oil level sensor. Also had valve ticking engine noise: bad exhaust valve lifters. Another issue happened when the vehicle stalled in the highway and could not start it again. The problem was found to be the tone wheel became loose (where the position picks its signal from front of the crankshaft). Very disappointing.

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  Got out just in time. - 2007 BMW X5
  By Rich - May 2 - 8:03 am

  Our X5 was bought new in February 2007 and regularly maintained thereafter. It was our fourth Bimmer and, probably, our last. The car was comfortable, had good performance, and good looks. The I-drive was OK and there were enough knobs and buttons to help you avoid using it. Panoramic sunroof was great, wished wed used it more often. The first several years were uneventful, just what you want in a car. The last few, however, were anything but. We got to the point where we were afraid to take it out for more than 100 miles. We spent $3,400 getting a "valley" gasket fixed. That was the beginning, leaks began showing underneath the car. Not only oil but brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc. Our local, well-regarded BMW specialist said to get it steam cleaned top and bottom so they could assess where the leaks were coming from. I read horror stories from other owners about mid four figure repair costs for leaks, one guy spent $8,000! After the steam cleaning our mechanic wouldnt return my phone calls, I think he knew he could only give me very bad news if they put it up on their lift. The steam cleaner said not to drive the car very far after the cleaning because the leaks looked to be numerous. With great relief we traded it in on a new Acura RDX last week after having driven it 98,000 miles. The guys who write the BMW commercials should build the cars because BMW reliability is a thing of the past.

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  Careful - 1st Model Year! - 1996 BMW Z3
  By No longer a BMW fan - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This was my dream car - or so I thought. Stylings beautiful, but BMW missed the boat on designing this car for longevity. The car has literally been falling apart since it was about a year old...roof leaks, pieces falling off the dash, the door handles pulling out of the door, seat belt locking, air bag light staying on for first 5 minutes after starting the car. And, of course, once the warranty was up, the worst starting happening...and it costs a fortune to fix!

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  Completely different car from earlier X1s - 2017 BMW X1
  By Gary from Austin, Texas - April 25 - 11:54 am

  My wife and I test-drove a 2017 X1 last week. Happily, we also test-drove an X3, which, in our opinion, made the X1 look terrible. She ended up buying a new X3, which she finds, at this point, to be a wonderful car. Anyway, I own a 2013 X1, which I like very much. I have nothing but good to say about it. But the 2017 we drove was definitely a different car from mine. It looks pretty much the same, although I think it is a little larger. The turbo-four still has the nice kick to it. But the ride was hard -- bumpy and uncomfortable compared to my 2013 and especially compared to the X3 we drove. So, if you are interested in an X1, keep in mind that you are considering a car so different from the older X1s that perhaps it should have been renamed.

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  Shoud Have Been Better - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By fcc - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Door window rattles other door window stuck and had to be repaired, breaks wine, wear out at 20k, and leave black dust on wheels. Hesitation in hot weather almost got me killed several times. Driver seat cover replaced under warranty at 20k. Im getting the full Euro-car experience :-), Ill get a Japanise one next time.

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  Fun to drive when not in the shop - 2001 BMW X5
  By Lynn11 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  My X5 is comfortable and has plenty of power, even though it is the 6 cylinder. I have had it back and forth to the local dealership at least 15 times while I have owned it with various problems. Some of the problems, from a faulty security system to a steering wheel that was replaced and still didnt function properly were repetitious. I will be trading this vehicle in immediately. Bad mistake.

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  Stalling out problem & other problems - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Ex-bmw driver - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Ever since I purchased my 2004 330CI 6 speed manual, I was the service shop almost every week during the first 3 months of ownership. I had speaker rattle noises coming from the passenger door. Insulation between the speaker and door panel fixed it. Equiped with BMW 18" rims that constantly pulled to the right. BMW ended up replacing 1 tire and tweeked alignment to improve it. Worst problem encountered was the sporadic stalling problem when car was at an idle at a stop light. Engine would just cut out. BMW claims it is a software problem and no current fix at this time and had to temporarily increase my idle speed by 50. I got rid of this car!!

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  New low in customer service - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By disappointing - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The car has its fun moments, but you cannot count on BMW customer service team. I have had several incedences where they just didnt stand by their car when something goes wrong. They put their buttom line first. I recently had a tail light replaced and they gave me nothing but poblems. I discovered that it was cracked a day after I had it replaced, but they said it was damaged by road debris. A gremlin would have been a better excuse.

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  the opposite of an S-Class - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By alaia - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I Love the cars except this I-drive which is so complicated to understand. The dealer gave me a 45 minutes courses on own to use this system In one word if you love gadgets and gizmos

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  Nice when its not in the shop - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By dapper1313 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Make sure you lease and dont buy. Mine was a lemon.