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:

• 

  Safety Concerns - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By john496 - December 25 - 11:22 am

  The soft-close doors on our car have failed multiple times creating a signficant safety hazard that continues to be ignored by our dealer (and BMW Coporate). The driver door has failed multiple times. Imagine the terror of having to drive down a highway worrying that your door will not latch and stay closed. Imagine having kids in the car and your back door pops open while taking a curve. Yes, this severe, unimaginable problem has been ignored as normal wear and tear rather than the disaster waiting to happen that it is for BMW...did they not watch the Prius debacle on TV? Did they not learn?

• 

  Almost perfect, but ... - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By mwomack11 - December 24 - 9:42 pm

  Great car, my first BMW, but glaring points when compared to comparable and less comparable sedans. 1. Cup holders are awful! This is a nut that everyone else cracked a decade ago and in the 3 series the front seat cup holders are poorly placed and of limited use. 2. Car alarm. Should be standard, not an option. 3. Key fob makes it too easy to push the trunk button when removing from ignition. Negatives are done, heres the positives. Ive owned 5 different cars over the last 10 years, SUV to sportster convertible. Ive never seen a perfect car. The BMW 3 series is about as close as I think you can get for this size sedan. Great ride, engine, fun, MPG, luxury, etc. Very happy with my car!

• 

  So here we go...with a CPO - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By pmwdiddy - December 23 - 12:48 am

  I took the plunge on a 2007 CPO 750Li... Got off to a rough start, so far in the first month: 1) New front wheel bearing-thumping vibration in front end 2) New IDrive screen- after locking up intermittently after delivery 3) New Key after old lost program Bottom line, I love the car, the dealer has been great about replacing everything under warranty. I obviously have doubts about the 180 point whatever CPO checklist. They should have caught the problems I inherited. So now I start with a clean slate, will update if any problems occur.

• 

  Best car ive ever owned!!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By 72coupe1 - December 21 - 9:55 pm

  only had this car for a few days, but so far it is the best car i have ever owned. awesome combination of luxury, performance, and economy. everything about it has great build quality except for some of the interior-the paint on the plastic components wants to flake off very easily...i would expect more out of a German luxury sedan. other than that i would recommend this car above all else.

• 

  128i vs 135i - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By goldmund52 - December 20 - 7:00 pm

  If youÂ’re torn between the 128i versus 135i, here is my opinion. Over the years IÂ’ve most enjoyed driving smaller cars with sporty suspensions and revvy engines with well-mated manual transmissions--- Volkswagen Rabbit, Acura Integra, Toyota MR2. Then in the early 90Â’s I bought a Nissan 300ZX twin turbo. I learned two things from that car. One, a car that is overpowered for daily driving is not that much fun. Two, turbo lag always feels unnatural. The 128i is a fast car, more that powerful enough for fun street and mountain road driving, the gear ratios are fabulous and the throttle response is wonderful. Unless 0-60 is your first priority the 128i is the better sports car.

• 

  550i - Im Smitten! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By bmwftw - December 20 - 6:52 pm

  5th 5 Series Owned: The exterior styling of the new F10 550i (M Sport), while more modern than classic, is extremely eye catching and contemporary. Its an excellent refinement of the Flame Surfacing started under Chris Bangle in 2004. Versus the 2005-2010 (E60) 5 Series the 2011 (F10) 5 Series is a wholly more cohesive and less polarizing body style that exudes luxury and a bit of aggression while in motion. The interior offers beautiful materials, a perfect driving position and styling that is more inviting than previous generations. The incredible array of useful tech features, adaptable chassis and drivetrain as well as overall performance are simply incredible. A remarkable package!

• 

  BMW 535 M PACKAGE - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By bmw4ever1 - December 20 - 4:23 am

  This is by far better 5 then the older model. I dont think there is a car on the market that can match all in one factors such as performance , comfort and style. M package gave it even more style and extra handling features. This bmw cant be compered to any other car in its class.

• 

  Total LEMON, will never buy BMW again - 2005 BMW X5
  By purdue_flunkie - December 17 - 2:16 pm

  Spent more time in the shop than on the road. Very cheaply made, tons of Chinese plastic. Engine misfires, coolant leaks, vacuum leaks, broken sunroof, door handles, door windows, and even cup holders brokeÂ… just to name a few issues during the 4th and 5th year of ownership. BEWARE repairs and parts are extremely overpriced and time consuming. Other than reliability and dependability, powertrain performs very well and acceleration is impressive considering the carÂ’s weight. However Xdrive sucks, yes it can pull you out of a deep snow, but when it comes to cornering on a wet and/or icy surfaces it performs much worse than FWD vehicles. Summary: fun to drive while new, falls apart after 50k

• 

  550ix amazing improvement - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By tommypgh - December 15 - 1:32 pm

  I just picked mine up after waiting for several months. The body style is sleek and much improved over the old style. Inside the car is designed with the driver in mind. Stereo System is top notch, and the car is extremely quiet. What is amazing is the power, its actually subtle, you feel like your driving a nice luxury sedan and the when you press the gas it turns into a monster! This car is powerful. I love it, after a few months I will report back

• 

  Snookered by the ads - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By frankzen - December 13 - 7:36 am

  Bought my 1995 318i in 2005 with 165,000 km (about 102,000 miles) on it - it now has 217000km (about 135000 miles) on it. It also has rusted out rockers and right rear fender, cracked windshield, the cluster (mph,tach etc) no longer works, lower control arms are shot, struts shot, wont idle, and the drivers seat (its cloth) is worn out. I have replaced the alternator, starter, O2 sensors 3 times, MAF (twice) and innumerable other smaller items for a total repair bill of about $3000 I paid $5000 for the car in 2005...its now worth about $500. BMWs are fine...if youre willing to spend upwards of $1500 a year on repair and maintenance.