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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  Better than I thought - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By gasman - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I have about 5000 miles on the car over few months. Quite a bit of it in the snow. Very good snow handling with the standard all weather tires. Although the traction control system is fairly intrusive it has kept me on the road. Ive owned several Audis in the past and the 330xi snow handling is about 80% as good. In the dry it drives like a RWD with excellent handling. Slightly harsh ride but turn superbly. Probably not a long distance commuter car. Good ski car though. One can still elicit some oversteer within the 1 second or so it takes for the stability control to initiate.

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  Quality & Performance - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By j0daly01 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  No problems yet. Fun to drive. Great interior look and feel. No detail overlooked. Great car!

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  330xi 6-sp man sport, premium and cold - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW addicts - January 2 - 3:30 pm

  Traded in 2003 330i for this. Initially, I have some reservation. But only the second day of owning it, I cant even find enough excuses driving it. The engine is superbly smooth. The 6-speed manual executed perfectly. Got it black on black with aluminum trim. Im loving it more each day. Best decision ever made. Pick up is excellent even in 6th gear.

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  2016 BMW X6 xDrive 35i Carbon Black Metallic - 2016 BMW X6
  By CD - January 1 - 8:49 am

  After owning and driving this car for almost one year here is my take on it. First let me say that I was sold on this car before the salesman pulled over to let me drive it purely based on how comfortable the upgraded seats were and how powerful it felt on the road. Quiet, powerful, and a very smooth acceleration. The 5.0 or M version is tempting, but really not necessary for me because this car gets out of its own way quickly. It seats five with ease, and unless you are over 65" the back seat is perfectly fine, and I have not had any problems filling up the rear with a ton of groceries. I own the M sport, loaded with options that are actually very easy to use and I usually do. The navigation screen is huge and clear. I like the sloping roof line and M sport molding much better than the X5 or any other similarly shaped SUV. Recently took a road trip (1800 miles) and it was extremely comfortable. I usually swap out my cars every 1-2 years, but I do believe I will hold on to this one for quite a while longer.

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  My 180,000 325I - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Ashley - December 31 - 6:48 pm

  I bought this car around 170000 miles and it hasnt given me any problems. I am currently at 189,000 miles. My car is lowered on h and r, this is only where I find my problems. The engine bay is clean and it runs like a dime! Starts in the cold first turn, and is silent. Also regular ttl is performed on this car, even before I had it. This is why it is able to run problem free with quite high milage. My red leather seats are still in good condition, with no rips or scratches. And I havent exprireneed any window problems. Only thing I dislike about the car is the handling, and its performance in harsh weather conditions. This is expected because of its rear wheel drive system but its definetly disappointing. I just needed to share, thanks for reading!

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  Great Car, but........ - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Somewhat Satisfied - December 29 - 10:00 am

  My car was fine for the first few months, but Ive had a problem with the car stalling. I have a 5-speed...when you start it for the first time and let it idle for about 2 minutes in neutral, by feathering the accelerator the car stalls out. This has been happening for months and no dealer has been able to fix the problem!!! BMW customer service has been no help either to date.

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  as close to perfect as a car can get - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By jasonnga - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had several Mercedes, Lexus and this is my 2nd BMW (first was M3). All cars have something that I would change, but this is definitely the best car I have ever owned. The only complaints are cup holders, radio, and seats. The seats are too narrow. I am a weight lifter with wide shoulders, and I cannot fit inbetween the lumbar supports. I have to sit sideways. Even the M3 did not do this.

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  just buy it - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By xoxo - December 29 - 10:00 am

  i just love it...nothing better than driving with the top down listening to tunes. you can fit 4 comfortably unlike other luxury convertibles.

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  Interesting Car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By ecp - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for the value--fun to drive--has pep as well as class...extremely impressed with ride and features...a fun convertible...

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  When pretty is not enough. - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Alan Patrignani - December 27 - 1:44 pm

  There is no question that this car is a show stopper and loads of fun with the top down. Based on the accolades and reviews, it is logical to assume that this car would be as great a performer as is looks. That thought process became a myth when at only 28,000 miles, and having had all the recommended service on time, my car began to stutter and would shake terribly on acceleration. After 6 new coils (which took 2 service appointments) it ran smoothly for almost one day when it was discovered that it needed a new fuel injector. Once we got past that, a week later it needed a new air conditioning evaporator coil. Without the extended warranty the out of pocket expenses would have been outrageous. And all of this at only 28,000 miles. Amazingly enough, severl other owners that I have met casually have had similar experiences and cannot wait to sell their cars. But we all hang on since the reviews are so compelling and create the BMW mystique which somehow convinces us that it must be us...but perhaps not, perhaps it really an over-rated performance car.