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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  Extremely costly once your warranty expires!!! - 2013 BMW 3-Series
  By Danny Carrillo - March 3 - 6:13 pm

  First, please know this is not a gripe review. This is just factual. I absolutely love everything about this car except its reliability. These are the problems Ive had with it: * 23,000 miles: Steering column rubbing/squeaking noise. This occurred during the warranty period and was taking care of. * 51,700 miles: Turbo actuator fails. Costs me $750 at the dealer since I was out of warranty. I called corporate seeking assistance. They declined to cover even though it was just out of warranty, they have a hard line, so they declined to help. * 52, 900 miles: The steering noise is back - dealer will not cover it. This is just a nuisance, so I declined repair. * 54,300 miles: Engine begins smoking during routine city driving. Valve cover gasket $902.79 + Oil filter housing gasket $656.99 for a total of $1,576.40 with tax. This is a very fun car while its new, but just know that the glamour dies out quickly. Honestly, I regret not buying another reliable Honda/Acura. I still own my 2001 TL which now has over 417,000 miles on it!

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  Incredibly expensive to maintain the V8 Bi-Turbo - 2012 BMW X5
  By Stephen Slayton - February 10 - 8:07 am

  Constantly requiring expensive maintenance. Bought with 60K miles in 2015. Have spend $10,000 -- and this it at least 1/3 less than what the dealer would charge. EVERYTHING requires massive labor and parts are amazingly expensive. My 6th BMW, but my first V8 Bi-Turbo.

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  Dont buy the 2003 BMW X5 junk junk junk - 2003 BMW X5
  By Mayormiller - February 9 - 2:28 am

  I dont know if BMW is still making the X5, maybe they corrected the problems but I know their customer service sucks they will not address the problems with the transmission shifting on its own on flat land going up a hill is cool going down and hell put it in neutral but Im flat land is going to shift 3rd to 2nd 4th the 2nd 3rd to 2nd 4th second drives you crazy surprised the engine didnt explode in the one of the engine leaks oil everywhere

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  Bennifets for returning service costomer - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By FedUpFred - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in May (2001) and I just recently traded it in for a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. This car (BMW) was an absolute nightmare! Problems ranging from leaks in the driver foot well to airconditioning malfunctions to sunroof noises. This car was not worth the $33,000 . In my opinion If you want a good German built car go for a Benz or an Audi. Dont waste your time with BMW. The whole experience with the dealership and service people was also a nightmare. Last, the build quility was terrible; if I was driving over a bumpy road, the car would sound like it was falling apart. NEVER AGAIN!! (Cheap Materials)

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  Disappointed in BMW Engineering - 2008 BMW X3
  By C.T. - November 8 - 4:57 pm

  i have had my 2008 X3 for 5 years now and very disappointed in BMW Engineering, very poor engineering and i had to do repairs frequently, cannot count but the recent one was starter and ipbs switch that costed me $1100.

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  Its all a Lie! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By A. Velasquez - November 6 - 4:30 am

  I will NEVER buy or lease a BMW, way overrated, and its a money pit!

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  2011 BMW 535i engine goes at 84,000 miles - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Debra Logan - September 29 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased my 2011 BMW 535i new from the dealer with only 495 miles. Service has always been timely and performed only by BMW dealer. Recently the car started making a rattling noise intermittently when accelerating and decelerating so I took the car into the dealer. I was informed that the engine had metal in it and needed to be replaced at a cost of $31,000. BMW is refusing to replace the engine and is only willing to cover 20% of the cost. Metal in the engine is not something that I could have caused. The engine is either defected, or the service that I thought was being performed on my car for the last 6 years has not been performed by the dealer, or if done perhaps incorrectly. Ill never buy another BMW after this experience. BMW obviously does not stand behind its produce. So much for the "ultimate driving machine".

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  330ci - not a good choice... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By annoyed - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. The a/c didnt work from the factory and there are numerous other things too much to mention. Avoid this car, unless you have money to throw away.

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  attention - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jojo123 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This has been the worst car that I have purchased. I am 30 years old I finally was able to afford a BMW, look what I got.I have 20 problems with the in 3 months.I had to a lawyer.I only can use 700 characters that is not enough for me to exlpain all of the problems I which I could.Lots engine, fuel problems, and sunshade failures

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  Piece of junk - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By EuroFan - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Has spent more time in the shop then on the road.