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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  Good ride but caution - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By bucklaobmr - July 11 - 10:36 am

  First BMW, got another one (06 330i) even with the minor issues I had with this one. Caution on getting the first year of a new generation (1999 E46 in this case). Should have waited for the bug fixes. Good handling, styling. Had to replace 4 window regulators, 2 cooling fans and 1 control arm. Broken sunroof shade. BMW owner should know that these cars are high performance = high maintenance. Tires will wear out in 20k miles.

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  Nice Ride, but.... - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By NormDePlume - July 8 - 9:52 pm

  I love driving this car - my 2nd Bimmer. That I cant get CD track titles to display has been driving me nuts for three years. I see the new 7 series has fixed this, and some other iDrive related short comings. Too bad they cant make those changes on the one I already own.

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  Just Bought a Used 2004 - 2004 BMW X3
  By S Lanoue - July 5 - 2:43 pm

  Ive only owned the vehicle for 4 days and Im quite attached already. The engine is powerful. One caution to first-time BMW drivers, the car uses premium gas. There are plenty of unique features that Ill be reading about for days and learning how to use (rain sensing windshield wipers, self-adjusting headlights, etc.). It does seem a bit utilitarian in the scarcity of luxury-type interior features (wheres the built-in sunglass holder and coin rack?). Also, the ride is very springy/bouncy, not as smooth as I expected. Nonetheless, I am smitten at least with the novelty of it all.

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  Love The Look, Too Many Little Problems - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By JoeH - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 325i sedan used in July 2002. I loved the look and passed up a similarly priced Lexus because of the look and nameplate. It was a mistake. I must have had it in the shop at least 6 times in the 15 months that I had it. The window came off the track (2x), the front passenger door leaked (2x), brake pad replacement, and even once when the engine just started smoking and stalled at a stop light! The leather interior is inferior to the Lexus as well. Overall I really wanted to like the car, but too many little problems will keep me from buying it again.

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  06 X3 - 2006 BMW X3
  By comer98 - June 26 - 2:53 pm

  After 1 year and 12000 miles of ownership the newness has worn off, but the performance remains. This is the best handling vehicle I have ever owned. Overall, I am very pleased with the purchase. The price is high, but it is a BMW and leasing incentives make owning this vehicle very affordable for the first 3 years. Problems: radio display is malfunctioning (LCD screen is all messed up) and a replacement has been on order for over 1 month recently have started to experience the door sqeaking or rattling when the windows are rolled up. Also have an annoying headliner rattle above the drivers seat. Hope to have these issues resolved when the new radio arrives. Overall, still very happy.

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  2001 BMW 325i Sport Wagon - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By BimmerDrvr - June 23 - 1:42 pm

  My E46 wagon has 108k miles and is an automatic. I have owned Audi A4 and S4 wagons prior to this. The BMW has better interior leg room and cargo room than the audi. I just made a 1600 mile trip in the BMW and averaged 31.7 MPG at average 71.3 MPH. So far the BMW has only needed basic maintenance with the exception of window motor problems (warrantied) and the rear seatbelt stuck and wont work (out of warranty). The AC evaporator also needs replacement due to a leak, but has worked flawlessly since refilling with a leak stopper. Overall the BMW is a great touring car and safe family cruiser.

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  Love my 330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Christa McMillan - June 20 - 8:15 pm

  I traded my Honda Accord for a white BMW 330i sedan with the sports package. I also have the upgraded stereo with a 6 CD changer. I feel like I am driving a concert on wheels! I have loved driving this car from day one. I didnt know a thing about this car before I bought it which I have never done either. I did purchase the extended maintenance warranty.

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  2009 BMW 335i - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Brad R - June 20 - 3:03 pm

  I may have had the first 09 335i in all of CA while the rest were stuck in customs at the Long Beach Port in LA. This car is great! Fast, tight, great control, nice new body look with minor changes in the 09 in the exterior as well as on the interior. iDrive is so much better then old system. Great maps, options, usability, hard drive! And with the new twin Turbo which does its part to conserve gas this beast has power when you need it, and style when you are just rolling. Perfect mix of luxury and sport. The back seat is too small, but I guess thats why there is a 5 series.

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  Keep cool BABEE - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris Rex - June 20 - 5:20 am

  Beautiful drive & design... watch out for over heating problems..in3x for such and now AC does not cool properly.

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  some items need help - 2018 BMW 5-Series
  By Double Ds - June 20 - 1:48 am

  Seat belt recievers in front seats are to low, hard to connect belts. Door sills by front seats are to high, which makes it hard to get in and out. Seat settings are not automatic, you can set the seat the way you want them,but you have to push 1 or 2 on the door to activate, this is going backward if you ask me. The last six cars I have had all had seat setting that happened automatic when getting in or out of the car. You need to get side view option as there is a blind spot when pulling into left lane, I have to be very careful, side mirror needs help. The 540 I is a good driving and handling car. This is my first BMW. always had top GM or Lincolns in the past. I guess all cars have some good and bad points.