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:

• 

  Recalls,Recalls - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By daman2 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Too many recalls. The service dept. Sucks. Over priced. I should have bought the TL and saved $10,000!!!

• 

  Why do BMWs fall apart so fast? - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By pylt - June 17 - 2:00 am

  At first it was a passionate love affair every drive was special. But now, only 20,000 miles later . . . Im looking to get out of it. Combine the arrogance of their dealers, with the abnoxious behavior of their NJ HQs personnel, and what do you have? A terrible product that, even though it drives well, isnt worth the grief that it puts you through. Things gone wrong: 1. suspension bushing fell out 2. drinks coolant (and no one knows where it goes) 3. its on its 3rd set of cup holders 4. radio speakers giving up the ghost 5. AC always recirculates cant stop 6. steering wheel squeeks (but only when away from the dealership) 7. other probs 2.

• 

  DONT BUY THE 7 SERIES - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Jack Pancoast - April 28 - 2:00 am

  If you travel and plan on returning to a car that unlocks at the airport, than dont buy this total cluster job! They claim to have solved the issues on this piece of junk, not the case. BMW Mobile phone still does not connect properly. Auto close trunk is not auto for the 3rd freaking time. Entire Nav screen goes into total lockup and dies. Yes the engine is great, but you dont get a chance to enjoy it, while in repair shop. Dealership is quite good, however forget about Germany helping them or any customer out with this pathetic piece of $78,000 garbage. Stay away from BMW producing disgraceful quality.

• 

  Buy an A4 Instead! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Kiely Jones - March 8 - 3:56 am

  I traded an 1998 Audi A4 2.8 on a new 2006 BMW 330i and boy golly, was it a mistake! These new Bridgestone run flats wear out right away. I had to replace my first one with less than 2000 miles on the car and it needs two more. I have to assume they are for decoration - they dont actually work as tires. They brag that they run flat, but so do rocks and I dont want those either. They are uncomfortable and they go bald right away - not covered by BMWs 100% maintenance coverage (should they maybe change that to 90ish%?)

• 

  NEVER A BMW - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By guroz@live.com - January 30 - 7:29 am

  We bought a 2011 bmw 528i while it was under warranty. We started to have issues right after that. Pulling right, Electronics freezing, can not unlock the doors with key fob, can not get out from car because door handles do not work time to time and our 2 year old son got locked inside(car locked by it self) and we had to break the window which took almost 30 minutes. BMW said they could not find any problem and went even further some of the issues are features of the car. Our kids getting locked in the car is a serious issue, Can not getting from the car is another serious issue. What if car catches a fire in an accident and we get stuck in the car. We are filing a law suit and also there is one already pending for the same issue. There is lots of compaints for the same issues but they do not want to admit. DO NOT BUY BMW especially if you have kids.

• 

  Lemon - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By TSE - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for less than three months. The car has been in the shop for more than 10 days already due to electrical problems with the eye drive. THis is my 2nd 745i with similar problems.

• 

  Run-Flats No Good - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JeffersonK - November 25 - 12:53 pm

  The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Run- Flat tires dont work with the 330i. In less than 6 months, Ive already had to have one replaced and now I need 2 more. The service center thought that there might be a braking problem or transmission problem that makes them wear out so fast, but it might just be the tires.

• 

  AVOID THE X1! - 2017 BMW X1
  By Karla - April 9 - 3:31 am

  I recently got into a 2017 X1 and it was a huge mistake. After test driving the car a few times I decided to transition from my 328i into an X1 as I was looking for more space and comfort. After driving off the lot and sitting in the car for 15 minutes I immediately noticed the seat was off. THESE ARE THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS. The drivers seat is now causing me BACK PAIN which Ive had to visit a chiropractor to help manage. Unfortunately, both the dealer and BMW corporate have not been helpful - they claim theres nothing they can do to help me. I unfortunately will have to to exit my lease early and get into another make and model.

• 

  Bad Car - 2003 BMW Z8
  By john53 - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Uncomfortable, bumpy ride, extremely loud engine

• 

  Built Proof - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Mattegel - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I just rebuilt the motor on my 1.8L after owning it for three years and preparing to turbo it (151k miles), when I tore it apart I found after all the abuse I put it through (Redline in every gear, everytime I drive it) the lower rod and main bearings were almost like new.... NOW THAT IS GERMAN ENGINEERING!!!! I have killed several American made vehicles with the abuse I put them through. But every German made vehicle I have owned has lasted. (Volkswagen, ,Audi)