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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  Disappointing Car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By JP - November 12 - 2:00 am

  After reading all the hype about how wonderful the BMW 3 series are, I purchased a very low mileage CPO vehicle. First, the great looking sunroof is absolutely useless as it is so noisy at any speed above 10 mph, you cant use it. BMW says "This is normal." The speedometer is off by about 5 mph at freeway speeds. BMW says "This is normal." I have a Volvo and a Ford with similar sunroofs and they are quiet. And the speedometer on all my other cars (Chevy, Ford, Volvo) are accurate. BMW touts their cars as having superior engineering, but that is obviously a lot of sales hype. I am looking forward to the day I can trade this one in on almost anything else. Very disappointing car.

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  What a great car - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By mike si ny - November 12 - 2:00 am

  For my first luxury car this was a great car to pick it packs a lot in for such a low cpo price with worry free warranty and still free maintenance for another year and a half. The car rides like a dream and with all the options you really can never be disappointed. Love the handling and control it gives at high speed is phenomenal. Love the awd system and the pickup great. Switching from sport and comfort modes makes you feel like you are driving 2 completely different cars. This is the first car I have ever bought that I havent felt I wish I had gotten this or that. Well to be perfectly honest I do say I wish I have gotten the 335 the power is addicting.

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  BIG Disappointment - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By mbarrio1 - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Just got the 535 back after the recall- -engine malfunction--and got stuck on the side of the freeway. This is the third time, and its the second replacement of the high pressured fuel pump. So its the third fuel pump on this 5 series. I love the drive, but am concerned about the reliability factor since Ive been stuck on the side of the road three times--NOT FUN! If I get another BMW, maybe one without the turbo, since that seems to be the cause of the engine malfunction.

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  Rocket Ship Performance, Stellar Comfort - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Mo - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this car to replace my 2003 BMW 745Li. Got it with a short shift manual transmission, sport package and aero kit. The car is stellar in performance and handling - a breath of fresh air from my trusty 745. This is my eleventh BMW and is just as reliable if not better than the others. Brings back memories of my 1990 535i 5 speed. The comfort seats are very supportive and provide enough bolstering to encourage spirited driving

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  Cargasm... - 2011 BMW X6
  By Rich L. - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a 2011 Porsche Cayenne S on the BMW 50 X6 and never looked back. Out handles the Porsche! Faster by a smidge 0.2 to 60 and 0.3 to the quarter mile. Turns a corner like a alley cat wearing sneakers! Not as fancy inside as the Porsche, but so much better outside. The Porsche looked like a Murano in the parking lot. Starts out with 400 HP and BMW will update the ECU with 40 extra ponies for $1350.00. what a deal!

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  Defective key - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ecs148 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2006 330xi with 24,000 miles. Paid about $400 for Comfort Access. Engine should start with push button with key in my pocket. Key stopped working. Clearly defective. Won’t work with key in dashboard slot or with new battery. Dealer wants new key for $480. No wear and tear involved. Customer relations won’t replace defective key at no charge. This is clearly technology gone mad.

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  Extremely poor build quality - 2008 BMW X5
  By grey - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Extremely poor build quality. it rattles and squeaks, intermittent suspension noises which dealers cannot fix. purchased brand new in 2008 and hardly used. Please stay away from BMW, buy a Toyota spend the rest of the money with your family. Dont make the mistake i made.

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  Makes you feel young! - 2010 BMW Z4
  By captainmarvel - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW purchase and I am very pleased with the vehicle. Driving the vehicle has been a real please. The driving and steering response is excellent. The miles per gallon 23.5 city and highway has been excellent. Too bad the vehicle does not use regular gasoline. The run free tires are a good option. However, if low tire pressure occurs, the dashboard only indicates low pressure. It does not tell you what tire is low.

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  2011 BMW M3 Coupe Review - 2011 BMW M3
  By NC Car Guy - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought this 2011 Ultimate Driving Machine. Two exotic cars in one fine package. I had a 2007 Porsche. The M3 Coupe has the Porsche inspired performance, but 4 people ride in the M3 (if allowed by owner). The rear seats fold down, it stores plenty of luggage, groceries, etc. Front-to- Rear weight ratio is 50%-50%. Options: 7 speed dual clutch system / F1 paddle shift or automatic drive logic programs, Competition Package, rear power sunshade. Drive it to work, around town, it is a dream. When track Club clinic days arrive, growl around everything in turns...It has more grip and agility than cars twice the price. 2011 is the Final year for the M3 V-8 forever. Dont wait, seriously.

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  Its only a car till you drive it - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By MikeInNNJ - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Got it with 63k (74k now) and its been excellent. The handling, quality, drivability is impressive. There really is a difference from other cars. Very solid feeling. Very roomy as Im 6-2", excellent legroom, good headroom. Not the most powerful but has its moments (generally adequate unless you race). 24-25 mpg highway in the 80s.