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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  AWESOME - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By TALCOTT - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I DROVE THEM ALL......NOTHING CAME CLOSE, HANDLING SPORT PACKAGE A MUST! TRY S TURNS IN SNOW, NOTHING DOES IT LIKE THIS BMW.

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  BMW 330 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Jay - September 30 - 3:36 am

  This is a great car and gets great gas mileage for the performance! The styling is much better than the 5 or 7 series. This one has more room than the outgoing version and Sport package is not as harsh either.

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  Glad I bought it - 2007 BMW Z4
  By BigShow - September 27 - 4:19 pm

  My 4 th BMW 2007 conv auto - base model - very pleased- had 69k- pd 11k at a dealer- clean and checked out- lots of fun , comfy enough, quiet enough-storage surprises you. I drive it like I stole it, smoooth and reliable- Im 5-11 200lbs/ fit fine.

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  Its all about the performance - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By BLove - September 27 - 3:00 pm

  After waiting over 20 years, I finally purchased my first BMW and it has been everything Ive ever wanted. The turbo charged engine is what ultimately sold me the 335 over the 328. Living in a city with steep winding hills I wanted a car that I could depend on to deliver the necessary power and handling and the 335xi delivers. I bought the car for the driving experience it provides, nothing more! If you want fancier gadgets then buy a lexus, but if you want the top of the line driving car, then you have to buy the BMW!

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  WOW WOW WEEEEEE - 2014 BMW X5
  By john drennon - September 26 - 8:54 am

  It is a premium car if repairs are need, so proper maintenance is essential. BUT, it is a wonderful automobile. Lots of extras, a sound system like none other, bells and whistles that have bells and whistles. Plus it is just plain well built. An enjoyable ride. Im already anticipating my next BMW.

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  A great car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By ScottP - September 26 - 6:46 am

  I agree with all the other positive statements. Things I didnt like were 1) the runflats and the fact that the car does not come with a spare or a jack kit. 2) My car was built in 4/2007 and they were still using a fuel pump made by Seimens. Many Seimens fuel pumps have failed and mine is having symptoms of failure (long crank starts 4-5 seconds). BMW has not issued a recall and is handling the issue on a case by case basis. It is assumed that all new cars now have the improved fuel pump made by bosch although BMW wont confirm the date they made the switch.

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  The Perfect Car ?? - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim - September 26 - 4:36 am

  I recently traded in my 03 M3 coupe for the 2008 335xi coupe and I have no regrets. From my perspective the 335 does everything well and is a pleasure to drive. It has driving dynamics close to a M3 but with a more refined ride. Combine this with the all-season capability of BMWs x-drive and you have a sport coupe that just may be the perfect car in this segment. The bottom line: if you want a race car buy one. The new M3, a Corvette or a Porsche will do the job. If on the other hand you want a grown-up sports coupe that has room for four, can carry luggage and golf clubs, test drive the 335xi coupe. You wont be disappointed!

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  Outstanding - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Amir - September 25 - 8:30 pm

  This is the first time that BMW has made the 5 series in to an all wheel drive. The drive, smoothness, performance, electronic features are beyond expectations.

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  The car they warned you about. They were WRONG! - 2013 BMW 3-Series
  By Allen Mayberry - September 24 - 7:47 pm

  Well, first things first, I pretty much had a good idea what I was getting involved in when I decided on a BMW. Ive worked on a few different models in the past, including an engine rebuild and cooling system replacement. Ive heard all the horror stories, and read most of these very reviews on Edmunds. There were some doubts placed in my mind for certain! But I ultimately decided to take a small leap. I managed to find a gently used metallic bronze CPO 13 328i XDrive in immaculate shape from a dealer that gave me more for my Crosstrek than anyone else in the area. So far, the car has been perfect; not one single issue. Except for one small scuff on the soft leather seat...my fault but covered under warranty. Runs great, great mileage, unbelievable handling, fast enough, attention getter...to me it just seems like a good daily driver. Though it is under warranty and I went ahead and purchased the extended warranty, Ive already acquired all the tools and knowledge I need to repair nearly everything. I only wish it had a manual transmission. Not a deal breaker, though. The insurance cost surprisingly is what drove me to this car (pun intended). 2016 Mustang 5.0? 600 bucks more a year. 2016 Subaru WRX? 615 bucks more a year. 2013 328i? 12 bucks more a month than my friggin Crosstrek! Im only angry I didnt buy a BMW sooner. Fuel mileage has been stellar. I had to drive from Virginia to New Jersey, about 300 miles or so, for work. Averaged 35mpgs and over 75mph. In my opinion, if you are the kind of person who can work on their own vehicles, the maintenance costs arent much more than a Subaru or Toyota. If youre the kind of person that expects a car to go 100k miles with nothing but oil changes...better stick with Toyota. Performance? Coming from a Crosstrek, it feels like a rocket. Feels just a bit slower than my old Mustang, but MUCH more composed and smooth in the corners. Need more speed? 335i or M. Comfort? The seats are fantastic! I drove the Crosstrek to Miami from Virginia...once. I was in a lot of pain. Driving the BMW? I was ready to party in South Beach when I arrived. I will say I personally dont trust a 10k mike interval between services, so I change my oil in between. Theyre not hard to work on yourself...unlike Audis.

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  I read all these reviews before I bought - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By alex1956 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  O.K I was almost sold due to my test drive. Poor reviews and Consumer Report reviews led me to purchase my Accura RL- S. Saved 15K thanks to your reviews.