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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  The 330i and others in its class - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By reviewer - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 330i (RWD 4dr sedan ((3.0L I-6 5M))is almost a perfect balance of luxury and sport. This car has excellent fuel economy it this Near- Luxury car segment. The Audi A4 Quattro has a better interior and exterior than the BMW 330i. The Infiniti G35, a big competitor to the 330 has a better looking interior also. The G35 sedan is about $7,000 cheaper than the BMW 330i sedan and is as good if not a better of a performer than the 3-series. So get out and take a test drive to see which one you like better. My wife is in line to get a new G35 coupe! So Ill tell you later which one I like better.

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  540i cannot be beat - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By raj - May 7 - 12:51 am

  Best car I have ever driven. Also own a CL500 and I prefer the 540 over the Merz. Great car and the only reason I would replace is if I get a 545i. Performance cannot be beat, great ergonomics. BMW really builds a car around driving. Dont get this car if you like eating or drinking in the car, thats what American cars are for.

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  Frugal fun in the sun - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By mgold - May 6 - 1:00 pm

  Ive owned this car since 1999 and have logged 115000 on the odometer (the car is about to hit 200k). Since I got the car, its been my trusty daily driver and fun machine having taken it on several road trips (including Yosemite) and have autocrossed with it. Its also pretty frugal getting about 27 mpg in mixed driving, although due to taller gearing than its hardtop siblings, it doesnt get mileage in the low 30s like they do (the cabrio has a 4.27 final drive ratio and the sedan and coupe have a 4.10). I highly recommend any of the 91 318i models to anyone looking to get into their first BMW. Im soon retiring my car for weekend fun and buying an E36 318i for my commute.

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  1995 BMW 5 Series - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Dream Master - May 5 - 1:06 am

  This car is a mixed bag. It is extremely comfortable in front but cramped in back. It gets fairly poor gas mileage, about 19 mpg in mixed driving. OTOH it is fast even by todays standards the engine is a joy, and it handles amazingly well for such a big car. The steering is perfect, the brakes are excellent, and the controls are generally within easy reach. One exception is the window controls, which inexplicably take up most of the area between the front seats, where a console should be instead.

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  Previous Porsche owners observations - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By dazeahead - May 3 - 3:06 pm

  Unmistakable German engineering. Handling excellent for a car this size, but not as easy to corner aggressively as with a 911 and its "oversteer" which makes any turn at any speed effortless. This is more a touring car and less a sports car. Very comfortable and manageable interior. The iDrive is very easy to learn and use. Sport package, comfort access and heads-up (I do not have HUD) a must. You cant see the speedometer or tach when cornering which is a distraction when pressing the car around turns. Overall a very impressive and formidable automobile. Not quite the Ultimate Driving Machine, but an excellent stand-in. A 911 is a 911, period.

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  Too expensive to maintain after warranty - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Calzone - May 2 - 3:31 pm

  Nice sports sedan, lots of fun to drive in dry weather. Poor handling in snow, and very costly in repairs once the warranty expired. Several issues with AC unit, latest $1,200 for an evaporator. Real wheel spring broke after 60K miles. I am selling and getting a Honda.

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  no surpeises - 2014 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By jim34b - May 1 - 9:25 pm

  Edmunds review is accurate, and others must share their opinions, because 5 series GTs are hard to find, so I ordered a 2014 550i xdrive. I like it because it is a large, comfortable, powerful sedan, that converts into 60+ cubic feet of trunk space when needed. In my case, thats about six times per year, and I hope BMW keeps making them.

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  I love my 760 Li - when it runs properly - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By dj - April 25 - 4:15 pm

  I just love my 760 (this is my 2nd, the first was a 2005). Unfortunately, it seems to have MAJOR engine/mech. problems. BMW has been unable to diagnose/repair the most recent problem which left me stranded on the side of the interstate in a major thunderstorm. The car has been taken away by a flat bed truck 2x now. Nothing more embarassing than waiting for a tow with your $150k car on the side of the road. My first 760 had minor issues-so I ordered a new one thinking I just got a bad car. I actually had it built with everything I wanted which took months & I finally get my new beautiful car & the day they delivered it there was an error light on in the dash board... its been downhill since.

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  Superb Alll Rounder - 2007 BMW M6
  By RAF - April 24 - 5:35 pm

  Great GT because it can do 95% of what a pure sports car can do on a track. On the road no sports car will leave the M6 behind. Furthermore it is very comfortable, well made and huge fun. iDrive is easy, and SMG faultless. What is the problem with all you testers. If you need help in learning how to drive SMG smoothly let me know. Ill gladly show you!

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  Land Shark - 2004 BMW Z4
  By DarkApprentice - April 24 - 5:04 pm

  This thing is sleek, corners well, good turning radius, punchy 0-60 for the amount of money spent, the stereo system is decent for a stock set-up. A little awkward getting out of the vehicle but this is nothing new for a sporty vehicle / roadster. All in all its a great car!