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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  New 5 needs refinement - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By PCM - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for 1300 miles. The car is not as stable as the older 5. Sport suspension is bouncy. Quirky electronic. Very weak radio reception. Lots of statics and losses all AM signal running underpass. Passenger airbag sensir could not sense an adult passenger sitting in passenger side - a safety hazard. Jerking transmisson. Dakota leather harder than Honda leather. Head rest angel does not conform to body shape, too far from head.Poorly design turn signal stick. I have confused the poor guy behind me when Itry to bring the turning sign back to off but going left and right instead.

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  545 IA bargain - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Mau - January 19 - 2:34 pm

  Was able to get hold of a 2004 545 IA with 24k miles for US $28k. After having a couple of Impreza WRX rally cars and STI I decided to go comfy. I have found that the 545 is just superb. Great power (miss the turbo though), a little slow on the take offs due the heavy weight but more than happy with all the equipment and comfort. Tried the 525 and 530 - simply no comparison. V8 all the way!

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  Fun when its not in the shop - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike - January 17 - 12:30 pm

  Thankfully, BMW has a 50000 mile all included warranty with their cars. The performance is great. I love the car but there are definitely material issues. 1. Steering wheel peels 2. Turbos rattle and wastegates need to be replaced 3. Door locks fail and have to be replaced 4. Plastic and rubber pieces scratch easily.

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  Love/Hate relationship - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeff - January 17 - 11:28 am

  This is my 1st BMW, I dont know if Ill buy another. This car is very fun to drive. However, I am a big guy and it is a very small, uncomfortable car. The redesign in 2006+ is a better compromise of room and performance. I spend a lot of time in a car so this matters (30K miles/yr), but it is fun on days off and short trips when I dont spend hours in the car. The worst feature is reliability. I bought it less than 2yrs ago @ 21K miles, I have 74K now. Ive replaced all the window regulators (and Im about to again), an electrical harness, a throttle body boot, and misc other items. The boot wasnt even under my CPO warranty. In less than 2yrs this car has had 20+days in the shop

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  Update #2 Ultimate Texas Driving Machine - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By raiderwes - January 17 - 10:53 am

  Car now has 95k miles. At 85k mi nav unit in trunk failed replaced with used unit/upgrade ($250). At 93k car developed minor leak - valve cover gasket. Put new Mich Pilot Sport + after 30K on the Kumhos. At 94k air mass meter failed along with PCV valve fixed valve cover gasket at same time totaling $1400. Car averages 15k mi between oil changes, though I will start doing it substantially more often now. Still the most fun car Ive ever owned and cant get excited about anything else out there. Overall, I have not had that much trouble with the car. I dont see much in the way of keeping it another 25-30k miles after that, well see.

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  At 140K miles - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Alprazo - January 16 - 8:26 am

  Run flat tires and the carbon build up in the exhaust manifold and diesel particulate filter and a front wheel bearing are the only problems thus far. The torque that the engine puts out keeps the car feeling fun. No electrical or other problems with the car. The exhaust manifold was replace under warranty at 80k. I am about to pull out and have the diesel particular filter cooked at 140k. The right front wheel bearing was replaced at 140k. The car has held such little value though and I am told that it values between 6-7k. It was purchased used in 2013 with 34 thousand miles.

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  Loyal BMW Driver for 20 yrs - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By sharon gamba - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the 2004 530I. I like this car alot better than my last 5 series (2001)as far as performance and quality, it doesnt look as sporty, its more elegant. Handles well, feels tight, lots of new toys, and as far as the I Drive, I really like it. I do not like the seatbelt feature, I find it really annoying, and intrusive. On a more positive note, i adore the high beams, they halo the road, and night driving is fabulous because of this feature. Overall, BMW seems to have climed a notch in the quality of this vehicle.

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  Santa got it right - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By xmsbmw - January 14 - 10:13 pm

  Santa brought a 1997 red BMW 5 speed convertible to our house on Christmas morning in 2006. My wife absolutely loves this car. We took a ride along the southern half of the Blue Ridge Parkway this summer with the top down and it was an incredible trip. We have had (knock on wood) no problems and no repairs since the day we got it. All we have done in two years is change the oil. Some day the top will need to be replaced but we knew that when we got it. I compare this to a 1986 Buick "T" type I bought new that was suppose to be GMs answer to the BMW. I spent $16K on the Buick, had it 9 years and put over $17K of my own money in repairs. I now know, if you want a BMW, then buy a BMW!

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  Inspires driving confidence, but flawed. - 2008 BMW X5
  By AbaundvrM3 - January 14 - 12:32 pm

  Overall my wife and I love the X5, its classy, rides good, and gets decent mileage. Average 18 mpg in mixed driving, but 40 hp more would help move it better. On the Autobahn the faster you drive the better it runs and it gets the same 17 mpg at 110 as 80 mph! We keep the baby seat in the center, but it lacks the latch anchors so we have to stagger the two side seat anchoring points. Also, my biggest beef with the X5 is the factory running boards. While making it sportier they get in the way getting in/out. My poor wife gets dirty every time she puts the baby seat in. Lastly, the drivers seat always ends up in the wrong spot even w/memory seats, a few flaws that get irritating!

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  Electrical Nightmare.....BEWARE!!! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Electrical Disaster - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Rear tail light burns out 3 months after purchase. Dealer took care of it with NO PAPER WORK. 8 months later, same light burns out. Service guy handed me 5 bulbs, NO PAPER WORK. I neglected to notice a few little electrical problems from a few months after purchase. After 3 years and 106,000 miles here are my electrical problems: Left rear tail light wont work, sun roof wont work all the time, headlights pulsate in intensity along with clicking sound in glove box, and this: door locks dont work all the time. I got the attention of BMW, USA and they paid HALF the cost $2,100! Why? Because I didnt document my electrical problems before my warranty expired.