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German luxury automaker BMW began with making airplane engines during World War I in 1916. Now, the car company focuses on creating the “ultimate driving machine” with emphasis on style, technology, and most of all, an enjoyable driving experience.
The BMW acronym stands for Bavarian Motor Works named after Bavaria — the state where the car company was founded. The German auto manufacturer uses an alphanumeric system for naming its cars. BMW's lineup includes sporty, coupe-style cars, as well as compact, mid-size, and full-size sedans. In 1999, the company began offering the X series crossover and SUV options, which BMW calls Sports Activity Vehicles and are also very popular.
First produced in 1975, the BMW x3 is the company’s best selling model. The 3 and 5 Series sedans popularized the notion that you can drive a sensible car like a 4-door sedan while enjoying the feel of driving a sports car.
Other popular product lines are the BMW M Series and the i Series. The M stands for “motorsport,” meaning that under the hood, this BMW model line has racing quality engines. Due to the power and feel of these models, the line has a cult-like fanbase. The BMW 3 series sedan is the automaker’s foray into sustainable vehicles and includes fully electric and hybrid options.
BMWs are sold at more than 340 dealerships in the United States.
Keep reading our BMW review to learn about the pros and cons of choosing this luxury car brand or skip to the BMW reviews.
BMW ranks eighth out of 31 car brands measured in the latest JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study. The following models were among the top three in their segment:
With the Individual Collection, buyers can get custom colors, personalized details, and exclusive bespoke materials. Buyers can also choose metallic or matte finishes and match or coordinate the exterior with the interior of their choice. This allows customers to create an exclusive vehicle design that reflects their own personality and style.
In recent years, the automaker has been focusing more on renewable energy solutions with the iPerformance plug-in hybrid series and the fully-electric BMW I line. The goal is to build sustainable cars with the torque, horsepower, and driving experience a BMW fan expects. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic, a lightweight strong-as-steel material used in race cars, is used in the i series to allow the car to have the same driving experience as standard cars in acceleration and handling. The following models are now available:
Fully electric:
Plug-in hybrid:
Each new BMW vehicle comes with a four-year or 50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty. This factory warranty is a year longer than the average among car brands. BMW also includes a three-year or 36,000 miles BMW Ultimate Care maintenance plan for all new vehicles. During this period, customers will forgo routine maintenance and replacements costs such as oil changes, engine filters, brake fluid, car filters, spark plus, key battery, and vehicle inspections. The maintenance plan length is longer than the industry standard. Factory warranty also includes a 12-year corrosion warranty that covers your vehicle if rust develops due to weather conditions.
*Note: BMW factory warranty is non-transferable if you decide to sell your vehicle within the first three years.
BMW offers special discounts through its college graduate and mobility programs. Recent graduates can receive a discount on top of a $1,000 rebate for purchasing a BMW vehicle. Customers who need a mobility modification can qualify for a one-time reimbursement of up to $2,500.
A commitment to innovation makes BMW one of the most advanced vehicles on the road. BMW models come with a driver’s assistance system that automatically controls certain car functions to offer increased safety and convenience. BMW hopes to eventually sell fully autonomous vehicles.
Features of the BMW Driver’s Assistance System include:
BMW has a simple warranty policy. It combines the basic and powertrain warranties into one policy lasting for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. While this is a good period of time for the basic warranty, it falls behind when it comes to powertrain components. Powertrain warranty covers the engine and drivetrain — the most costly parts of a vehicle. Many other luxury brands warranty their powertrain policy for five years or more. This is usually the most expensive part of the vehicle to repair. Customers should consider BMW’s extended warranty or a third-party extended warranty.
In the wake of the recent diesel emissions scandal, BMW will pay an $11.6 million fine; however, the German state’s investigation found that BMW’s diesel emissions manipulation devices were the result of shoddy workmanship, not deceptive practices.
Several BMW models were involved in the Takata recall:
If your vehicle is listed, be sure to contact BMW with your VIN to see if your car was affected.
In a recent study measuring the cost of car ownership over time, BMW was ranked worst out of the 32 brands tested when it comes to the cost of repairs and maintenance over 10 years. Some of BestCompany.com’s BMW reviews have also mentioned high repair costs.
No matter which BMW you choose, it will be stylish and fun to drive. The BMW brand offers numerous luxury options with sporty handling, as well as the ability to customize your new car with the BMW Individual Collection. The factory warranty cuts costs on routine maintenance and repair. Specific groups can also benefit from BMW's discount programs. All trim levels come equipped with an advanced driver's assist system keeping you and your passenger safer.
On the flip side, your BMW won't be covered by a very long powertrain warranty, and once the warranty ends, you are likely to be in for costly repairs.
Read through our BMW reviews to learn more about real customer experiences with the brand. If you are ready to take the next steps towards owning a BMW vehicle, visit your local BMW dealership to test drive and discuss pricing options.
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