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:

• 

  So frustrated :( - 2003 BMW X5
  By GEN - May 4 - 12:23 pm

  In the beginning im so happy and proud to drive a one of the luxury car. I bought second hand. But everything is falling apart of this car. First smoke coming from my hood , then have a poor AC but was able to fixed it right away. One day I was parked out my drive way and the sprinker kicked in with a high pressure of water due to sprinkler head blew off. water went to my hood and the next thing I know it ruined my stereo speaker - very poor electrical wirings. Then front passenger side window wont work - I had to just not to use it at all. followed by the back passenger door handle wont work and now I looked so stupid before I can get in my car I need to go at the passenger side to open my driver door handle. What on earth!!! what else will be next ? :-/

• 

  BMW Does it Again!!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JoeinVA - May 1 - 10:30 pm

  Its been awhile since I have been behind the wheel of a BMW and the changes that have been made to the 325i since then have been dramatic. Honestly for the price, I dont see how anyone could honestly find fault. It clearly blows all comparable eqipping luxury mid-size sedans out the water (i.e. Audi A4 or Mercedes C Class). The fact that all maintenance is covered for 4 years/50,000 miles doesnt hurt either! Happy driving!!!!

• 

  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Greg - April 30 - 10:53 am

  Just picked up my new 328xi a week ago and cannot say enough good things about it. Would have gotten the 335 but it was not available in AWD yet. Engine is great and extremely fast. It came down to the Audi S4, Mercedes E350, Infiniti G35x and Infiniti M35x and by far the BMW drove the best and was the best value. I am leasing it for 24 months but very confident I will be buying it out at the end of the lease.

• 

  Awesome - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By alfrom Florida - April 30 - 2:46 am

  BMW has done a great job enhancing the 3 series. More rear seat space and trunk space, improved transmission, great stereo and of course great looks. Bought my 2006 325i last week and the dealer service was excellent. Performance, fuel economy and free scheduled maintenance were huge factors in my decision to buy this car.

• 

  best bmw yet - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By alan cole - April 28 - 6:26 pm

  This is my fifth BMW since 1994. I have had 2 540s and three 3 series. I have also owned Lexus, Acura, Volvo... multiples of each, and still own a Porsche This new 330 is the best yet. It literally does it all... performs great, drives smoothly, quietly and gets GREAT gas mileage - 27mpg all around and over 32 on the highway. Would recommend the larger engine 330, but both are fine.

• 

  WOW! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By shuber - April 26 - 8:03 am

  Just got my first BMW - 07 335i sedan with auto/prem/sport/cold/paddles/sat. What an exhilarating driving experience! Very responsive; excellent acceleration; awesome exhaust sound; and great handling. Must drive in sport mode. Great curbside appeal. Once you test drive it, youll want one. Nothing close in its class. Man - what a car!

• 

  Terrific car! - 2016 BMW X1
  By Sondra Hamelin - April 26 - 3:58 am

  We had 3 2-seater cars and wanted something small but classy. After looking at several, saw this one and fell in love. It is everything that comes with the BMW name - great ride, wonderful exceleration, and just a pleasure to drive. Yes, its a bit pricey, but worth every penny. Since we already own 2 other BMWs, we were aware that the maintenance cost would be at the high end. But well still be driving this car when all the others are razor blades!

• 

  Super Fun Car - 2004 BMW Z4
  By mcchris - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive been extreamly happy with my purchase and would do it again in a heartbeat. The car is too much fun to drive. If youre seriously considering buying one, be warned of a few things: it has a stiff suspension, it only fits two people and a moderate amount of lugage, and some people hate the looks. If you say "thats the way its supposed to be", then you know this car is for you. If these things irritate you, consider another car. If you think the HP numbers are too low, give it a good test drive. 0-60 in 7, top speed 140 is pretty good for 184 ponies. Be warned: the car is addictive.

• 

  excellent - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By plothug - April 24 - 2:00 am

  it is a very good car that people should enjoy.

• 

  Quality problems - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By singh - April 20 - 6:00 am

  I own the BMW for last 11 months and drove 12000 miles. It is creating troubles for me steadily. During the first month I had to replace the ball bearing of the front right wheel, the left window pane started making noise and was replaced. Navigation went down and was replaced this month. I have to change wipers every 2nd month. CD player and even parking sensors also got replaced with navigation. Now steering wheel has started making a ticking noise. Air noise also started inc. day by day. Dealer says axle problem so need to be replaced. My car is under warranty so I am getting these treatments free of cost. I just cant imagine what would happen after the warranty ends.