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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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By sociopath - May 27 - 3:48 pm

  I owned a 2002 325i before I bought my 2008 328i sedan new four years ago. The OEM Bridgestone run-flats were even more awful than many folks are willing to say. After my run-flats wore out at only 16K, I replaced them with a set of Michellin Pilot Sport A/S Plus. After 10K, these tires are wearing very well and give me a soft, quiet, and great-handling ride. The car has been incredibly reliable--simply outstanding since the beginning--and still puts a smile on my face when I drive it. It has a sporty yet secure, comfottable ride and I get about 18 mpg in the city and almost 30 on the highway.

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  Love my M Sport 535i - 2012 BMW 5-Series
  By desertking - May 27 - 12:55 am

  Dont know why Edmunds have only manual 6-speed option for 535i, but this car with auto sport shifter is very responsive and quick. It feels heavy when you start driving but you cant feel the speed unless you look at your speedometer. I like the comfy feel of this car. I like the damper control that you can choose the mode. I dont know why ppl criticize the interior, to me, this interior is far better than Audis cheap plastic feel interiors. Overall space is good as well and at this point, i cant say anything about reliability since I just got the car for 2 days. I will update of course in the future.

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  Will not start, louisy Customer Service - 2011 BMW X3
  By nobmw3 - May 24 - 4:39 pm

  The car only has 300 miles and the battery died three times! Dealer (Motorweks) claoims everything is according to specs and battery runs down because of all electronics and that I must drive the car 3-4 times a week or use a trickle charger at all times!!! Contacted BMW customer service and they send me a standard staement that they bild "The Ultimate Machine" and that I must contact the dealer. I asked if I must take a very long extension cord for the charger when I travel for more that afew days but no one thinks it is funny! Would seem to me that electronics can be interlcked with the start switch so the only run when car is started???

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  My 3rd BMW in 6 years - 2012 BMW 5-Series
  By luvinmybmw - May 23 - 8:50 pm

  I had a 2007 BMW 530i, a 2009 BMW 328i and now a 2012 BMW 528i. My favorite was the 2007. My second favorite is the 2012 528i. The 3 Series, which was a 2 door coupe, was nice, but way too small. Im not a big guy...not over weight and im only 5-9. The 2007 was really sporty and in my opinion drove like it was a train on rails! The 328i drove the same, but again...too small. The 2012 528i is absolutely beautiful. It looks like a small 7 series. Only problem, is it just doesnt "feel" like a BMW to me. It is not the "ultimate driving machine" Im used to. However, in sport mode, it feels much better and sportier, but it is bulky like a Lexus (which i have owned). Interior is nice.

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  Extremely poor reliability - 2005 BMW X3
  By gf1234 - May 22 - 11:55 am

  This car has terrible reliability in 3 yrs I have spent nearly $10,000 in repairs. - two A/C compressor hoses - sunroof leak - air mass meter - all for O2 sensors - complete radiator replacement Do not buy this car.

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  BMW...B.ite M.y W.ealth - 2001 BMW X5
  By mercedesonly1 - May 19 - 3:10 pm

  The moment I bought this vehicle I was very excited. Then the problems started. First the rack and pinion leaked all over my garage twice $2200 then the front axles $400, then the ignition coils $800, then several sensors from MAF to knock sensors $900 all within twenty thousand miles! Sold it at a huge loss...BMW should be embarrassed to have ever of put this on the market.

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  Fun to Drive & Look @ - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By 2097400128 - May 17 - 12:53 pm

  Great fun car to drive, looks great, but everytime i go to the dealership, they find something that is not under the certified pre owned warranty, and had the car 2 1/2 yrs, replaced run flats 3 times, very expensive tires, 0 miles warranty, finally last time i just went and bought 2 michellin tires for the back which were same as 1 run flat, and had 45k warranty on the full replacement, not pro rated, full free replacement, only thing i am affraid off is that i have no room for a spare in the trunk, so if i get a flat i have to get the car towed, guess i will just buy a tire inflator pump for the road, and get it towed at Bmw roadside expense if i get a flat.

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  not perfect - 2010 BMW X6
  By - May 16 - 6:42 pm

  well, wifes X6 sound system is not working , we send it back to the dealer they fix it by installing new software but the problem shown twice, after that i wrote a complain letter to BMW germany after two days our local dealer called me to bring back the car, they said the problem from the amplifier!!they change it under warranty so far the sound system is working until now ,but now i see another problem the back camera somtime not working probably. bmw are nice car but they known of ther reliability issue.

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  750iL WOW - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By idcraig - May 15 - 8:11 pm

  There is not a finner car on the planet I have owned MB S series (close) BMW 740iL very nice Volvos, Cadillacs, Infinitys and the list goes on my 2001 750iL has it all Fun, comfort, power (WOW) I live in the snow belt and I drive my 750 all year without snow tires. You cant own a better car I swear.

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  Back to BMW for more space for new baby. - 2012 BMW X5
  By senator1971 - May 11 - 2:57 pm

  Very pleased with the car so far after 2 weeks. Switched from a 2010 Range Rover Sport with the 5.0 V8 but the car is just as fast - different power delivery. Fuel economy in a different league. Ride quality is much better than the RRS both on 20" wheels. Handling is much more sedan than SUV. Convenience features on the BMW are leagues ahead of the RRS. Electronics are so much better thought out and things like the power lift tailgate etc make a big difference when you have a small one. Last BMW was a diesel X5 in the UK ten years ago, was one of the best cars Ive ever had. Mine is actually a 2013 model not that there are any changes.