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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  Bucking bronco - 2008 BMW X3
  By Atlgax3 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Unexpected acceleration when going over bumps or after turning uphill can throw you into car in front of you, complete hesitation on entrance ramp, strange gear changes. Totally unacceptable and un-ultimate driving experience. Turned the 2007 model in as a lemon because it was so dangerous. 2008 is only slightly better than 2007. No help from software patches at dealer service dept. Will

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  Poor fuel injectors malfunction at 1800 - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By ANIBAL RIBEIRO MD - August 30 - 3:14 pm

  Very poor comfort on flat run tires poor navigation on board system unpredictable fuel injectors is an ominous feature regret purchase vehicle replaced under New Jersey lemon law is good for the public to be aware.

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  This car is a 4 wheel nightmare - 2007 BMW X3
  By Michael - August 26 - 5:28 pm

  Do yourself a favor and steer clear of this absolute wreck of an automobile. The automatic transmission is a mess. My car has 60,000 mikes and has had the transfer case replaced, the rear and front differential, exhaust system and more. It spends at least a week in the shop every 3-4 months. BMW of NA is completely non- responsive as is the dealer. Without exception the worse car I have ever owned. This is my rid and last BMW. Do yourself a favor and get and Audi.

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  Nightmare - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By footdoc - August 23 - 6:47 pm

  Since I purchased this car as certified pre-owned it has been back to the dealer for repairs 1/3 of the time. After multiple complaints to BMW-USA the dealer finally contacted me. Before that the dealer ignored me. I am still using a loaner car and the computer module must be replaced.

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  Piece of junk - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By lousy cat - August 20 - 2:46 am

  This is the only car I have ever owned that literally falls apart before your eyes. BMW should be ashamed to put such a poor quality car on the market. Its only redeeming quality is that it looks good. The list of things wrong with my car are incredible for a car that has just over 100k on it BMW shame on you.

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  Worst Call Ive Ever Owned - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By John B - May 26 - 10:44 am

  I must be insane but I do not see how a call for over $40,000 could have such horribly uncomfortable (power) seats and probably the worst standard sound system I have ever heard in a car at this price. The ride is awful. I feel like a rabbit in a box being bounced around. Making a ride rough and quick bouncing does not make it solid. BMW is grossly overrated for what you get. It is all name and hype. Amazing what a manufacturer can do with a name. They cheaped the 2010 down so much but everyone (obviously including me) is willing to just grin and bear it. Wish I had not sold my Audi A8. That was a quality car.

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  Part 2 of N52 engine really has problems - 2008 BMW X3
  By 1978bmx - April 27 - 7:38 pm

  My review somehow incorrectly stated the miles on my X3. The engine valve issue started at 6K, Not 60K as it states. And the car only has 11K,Not 110K as the reviews states, and yes it has been in the shop 5 times in a year and a half. The followup to my last review: After being in the shop for the 5th time BMW thinks the valve slam/tapping is normal! you should hear this especially during a cold start...it sounds like crap, no kidding it slams and thumps like crazy, and this was AFTER the cylinder head replacement! the sound comes and goes still! BMW WILL NOT DO MUCH FOR YOU AFTER THESE ATTEMPTS TO FIX A DEFECTIVE ENGINE ACCEPT TELL YOU THAT THE SOUND IS NORMAL!! BE WARNED FUTURE BMW BUYERS

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  Inshop 4 wks/yr air conditioning - 2007 BMW X5
  By UnhappyAZX5 owner - April 20 - 8:56 am

  1. In shop currently, for acceleration failure (triple hesitation before going when you mash the gas) 2. Air conditioning repairs -- about 8 / 3 years. 3. Moonroof replacement -- dealership claims a childs kick entirely destroyed unit -- mighty fine workmanship, BMW. 4. My last BMW unless they figure out that customer service still pays, and its really more environmentally friendly to be 4X2 when 99.9% of X5 owners never leave the pavement (the 0.1% that do are back at the dealership within hours, no doubt).

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  Brake Booster failure with 53K miles - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Steffi - April 2 - 6:12 pm

  I am very disappointed to drive with a supposedly quality build car just to figure out it started to fail breaking while waiting in the car line to pick up my children. Unbelievable, I needed a full replacement of the brake booster and the brake Master cylinder after only 52K miles. Good luck to all of you driving this car which almost became a liability for me. That will be my first and last BMW ever.

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  First and Last BMW - 2008 BMW X3
  By Gary - March 14 - 4:47 pm

  Well German engineering aside this SUV has been the worst new car I have ever owned in 30 years of driving. It lives at the dealer. So far still cannot fix the hesitation issue which is severe in normal "D" moon roof significant issues: needed new exhaust at 40K miles: blower motor issues navigation system is major piece of junk: now satellite radio is defective and no parts to fix it X drive is lousy in the snow not really a true AWD system etc. Horrible vehicle trying to get out of the lease early. When get loaner car usually a 3 series love it. X3 is just a BMW fiasco stay far far away from any of these until they redesign it. Oh love heating steering wheel.