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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  Still Happy with it after a month of driving - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By michaeljdiesen - January 5 - 1:03 pm

  I got my 2011 BMW528i about a month ago and wanted to drive it a while before commenting on it. I purchased it as a replacement to my 1998 BMW528i that I had for 13 years! Now for the review: The interior is luxurious! The iDrive is new for me but after a few weeks of getting used to it, I like it. Why no touch screen though? The stereo is nice but could be a little better. The front seats seem cramped to me, maybe narrow the center console a bit? The automatic transmission seems sluggish until you shift into sport mode. The exterior is flawless. I havent noticed any problems with the run flat tires but have been warned by many people to expect it.

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  First Five Series - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By eip - January 4 - 9:39 pm

  Recently moved up from an 06 330i. Really like the ride and quiet of the new 528 but does not handle as well as 3 series. Excellent highway car and still good in the curves but some of the sportiness is gone as a tradeoff for comfort.

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  Dissapointed - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By pietraadm - January 3 - 3:06 pm

  This is my first BMW. I find it a good handling car, but with POOR RELIABILITY. I will sell it at 65,000 miles. The straw that broke the camel back is the need for a new transmission, after a new radiator,etc. I am just 15,000 mi over the warranty limit, and I see nothing but expenses ahead. So GOOD BY BMW for me.

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  Overall Quite Good - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By ace46 - January 3 - 2:55 pm

  I look for any excuse at all to go and drive it. Once I dreaded having to run late-night errands. Not any more!

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  2010 BMW 3 Series Diesel 335d Sedan (3.06L 6cyl Turbo diesel ) - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By hua1 - January 2 - 4:13 pm

  After searched and compared so many times amount Mercedes E, Lexus GS, ES and BMW, finally I bought this 2010 BMW 3 Series Diesel 335d 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo diesel 6A). on January 23, 2010. I have driven this car for less than one year, but I am not so lucky as I expect, I have a lot of trouble for this car, I have send back to dealer for 4 times already for service. First I got vehicle indicating the refill diesel exhaust fluid as soon as possible warning on 5440 mileage. And refilled diesel exhaust fluid on 7/28/2010. Second time was Recheck and program control at 5768 mileage on 8/4/2010. Thirded time was vehicle indicating check engine soon light on, at 7747 mileage on 10/4/2010, this time the car stayed at dealer service for five days. Fourth time was break and DSC malfunction light on, this was after big snow on 2/27 at New Jersey, at mileage 10560. The appointment will be on January 7, 2011. right now I don’t know how long the car will stay there. This is worst car I never have before, I had Toyota Cressda 1980, Toyota Celica 1990, Nissan Maxima SE 2000, and Mercedes Benz C230, 2003, in my family, but no one has these so many problems, and all problems are electronic problem, not mechanics, I don’t know how BMW did the quality control for this car? When you drive a trouble car, you fell yourself sick, and uncomfortably, you did not get fun for driving. I am still wandering is this qualify for the New jersey LEMON LAW? This car is fuel economy which goes 36 mpg on high way and 32 on local. I have no complain on driving and handling.

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  2011 328i 3.0 AUTO - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By semperfi68 - January 1 - 1:52 pm

  Our first BMW. Picked up this car new and like the way it handles and drives. The cup holders are fine with me. I like how they are out of sight when not in use. The radio is good. One must be near deaf to need or want a lounder one. The car is not made for people with big feet. Wife is small and has small feet, and she drives the most, where Im tall and me feet hit the brakes or gas ped by accident often. Still, its ok. However, since buying this car, its been in the shop 3 times for a diff. problem. (my luck). First time, they replaced said diff., next, replaced oil and added some, wanted us to drive it aound a few weeks, next, they ordered another diff.. Still waiting

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  Im trying and I cant find a flaw - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By cheapdeep - December 31 - 12:01 am

  I"m one of those guys. You know, the type thats incredibly picky about his cars and finds a few things that could be done better in every car hes owned. Ive had a lot of great cars over the years but this is the BEST. I really cant think of anything I would change. It drives great, is incredibly comfortable, looks amazing, has great options and features, plenty of power, incredible handling and its just flat out FUN. This is the first review ive ever given that hasnt been hyper critical.

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  Basic BMW - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By finman - December 30 - 11:27 pm

  A bit of a step back (in a good way) from increasing bloat and luxury. Perfectly matched power to size/weight built seemingly in the true "old-spirit" of the M-versions of BMW. Never short on power and torque, nice exhaust growl, smooth manual transmission, powerful linear brakes, tight, firm suspension with incredible balance. I-drive system, entertainment/phone, etc is excellent, easy to use and diminishes distractions while driving. Front seats are very comfortable for 6ft plus, rear seats are perfect for smaller children when used without a booster, otherwise relatively useless. Trunk is adequate. Incredibly fun to drive. 23 mpg overall.

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  Fun to drive when not in shop - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By soccerprnt - December 29 - 12:13 pm

  Loved it when new. After 45000 miles I wish I had never heard of BMW. This car is continually having issues. It started with the antilock brake light coming on intermittently, about once a month. It was at the dealers at least 4 times for this before the problem was finally fixed. Similar problem with engine light coming 3 visits to fix this. Recently my clock has been clearing the time. Engine now stalling out occasionally while I am driving the car. Happens after driving from a few hundred feet to about a mile after I have begun driving it. Extremely dangerous. Diagnosed bad battery . Not covered under warrenty. They also did a programming update on the engine.

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  Dont buy this car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By felipea1 - December 26 - 4:19 pm

  Overall this is the worst vehicle EVER!! I keep fixing parts all the time, if I can summarize all the problems with BMW 325i I will need more space. Please stay away from BMW you will thank me later. Great engine but thats it the quality of the cockpit is horrible, the engineers who design the cheap parts in the interior and exterior should be ashamed.