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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  So far, so good - 2016 BMW X1
  By Eric N - February 24 - 9:53 am

  Im a new owner (bought a month ago), and have been pleased with the car so far in 1800 miles of driving. Admittedly, my previous car was a Scion, so any car in this range would have been a big step up. But I really enjoy the performance of the X1 - lots of extra power so that I can pass on the highway going uphill (I drive to Tahoe regularly). The traction works well in the snow so far. And it gets surprisingly good fuel efficiency - I mostly drive on the highway, and get 29-30 mpg on average. And I love the parking sensors - the rear-view camera, and the sonar to know when Im getting close to obstacles while parking, are essential for parking in close quarters. The lumbar support is key as well on the long drives that I do. The controls (turn signals, windshield wipers, etc) are a bit funky and different than most cars so they take some time to learn, but I like the console control for the screen. And the Bluetooth integration with my phone works great for both playing audio and taking phone calls. So far, so good!

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  Im in love with my new BMW - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By johninmargate - February 23 - 11:46 am

  I love my new BMW. My wife is a bit jealous but she knows its just infatuation. My kids love it and I have to admit that Ive never really liked cars like I like this one. Its no wonder people like me are so enthused my their driving machines. I look forward to every drive. Theres nothing like picking up a friend or family member in a car like this.

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  BMW 335 Conv is second to none - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Joe - February 22 - 4:36 am

  Early christmas present!! Dealer and car came through and its a blast driving around this piece of art. The engine, the automatic; everything works 100%. Amazed by BMWs ability to make a high performance car packed into this sculpture of a car. Am a manual kind of guy but having tried the pedal shifting automatic had to go with it. Lightning fast!!

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  Best car Ive ever driven... so far - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Bobby in a BMW - February 20 - 7:00 am

  Fell in love with German engineering with my first VW Golf, then a GTI... then went Japanese with the Acura TSX, which was beautiful, but didnt have the "chutzpah". But none of them compare to my 2007 328xi. Have it in dark green with brown interior and light wood. Have it for 7 mos now. Beautiful. Always wanted a BMW since I was a teen with dreams. The power and the way it handles are like no other Ive driven. Drive it into a turn - it reacts with ease. You feel the road, but very comfortable. Dont mind the run flats. Im thinking next to get the 300 hp, but there really is a lot of power in the 328. Radios weird, so are cup holders. Big fan, but new A4 coming soon... hmm.

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  Buy it for the tax benefit - 2004 BMW X5
  By dogdoc - February 16 - 2:00 am

  The X-5 is clearly the best handling SUV, has all the BMW virtues (without the awful IDrive) and in 04 reasonable gas mileage. But the car is not as comfortable as a comparable sedan, and doesnt carry as much asthe new X-3! Consider the X5 a personal luxury vehicle that is stiffer and less comfortable than the comparable sedans but because its GVWR exceeds 6000 lbs, it will get you a helluva tax break if it is a business vehicle. If you are spending after tax dollars you should look elsewhere (e.g. the RX330 is much more comfortable and holds a LOT more stuff). Check with your accountant before buying!

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  Driving in Las Vegas - 2004 BMW Z4
  By SuzyW - February 16 - 2:00 am

  The Z4 has excellent turning ability, and hugs the road on challenging turns. I have a 2.5L and it feels like it has as much power as the 3 series with a 3.0 engine. The gas mileage is great 24 - 30 MPG. It handles well in rain, and on slippery surfaces, and climbs mountain roads easily. The trunk does hold golf clubs! On a road trip, it held two suitcases, plus biking gear and duffle bags with the top down. The challenges are: The front air dam is low to the ground (parking median); The cup holders will not hold a "big gulp" or tall glass bottle; and with the top up, you will rely exclusively on your side and rear mirrors.

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  Fun but FRUSTRATING - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By H.Payne - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new--SO fun to drive. Great handling, great looks, but I pity the fool who has this car without a warranty. MANY repairs -- drivers seat warmer,window motor,suspension issue,door handle problem,dash compartment door,two recall items,seat warmer indicator light,& more. Was going to sell the car before the warranty ran out, but made the mistake of keeping it. Less than one month later, my car stalled due to a malfunctioning fuel sensor. AAARGHHH!!!

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  Excellent combination of beauty and beast!!! - 2016 BMW X5
  By Yogesh - February 15 - 7:32 am

  Look out for the features available on X5 like luxury line, 20 inches Y spoke wheels, Premium Package, Harman/ Kardon Surround sound system, Surround view camera etc.

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  The best car I ever drove! - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By GG - February 15 - 7:20 am

  After test driving several competitors, the BMW won my heart 2 minutes into my 30 minute test drive. It is true what everybody says, a BMW really does feel and drive differently than any other car. You have to drive it, to really appreciate it. My search for the perfect car has ended. Great job BMW.

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  BMW X3 M Package - 2017 BMW X3
  By PLKitchen - February 13 - 4:57 pm

  The previous reviewers of the BMW I believe are incorrect. BMW still has a 4yr/50,000 bumper to bumper warranty but for 2017 the included service or maintenance is only covered for 3/36,000. That is the main reason I wrote this review to clarify that. I have only had the X3 for 3 weeks and only driven it 300miles mainly because I own a Nissan Leaf and the 2 year free charging ends for me at the new year so I drive my leaf whenever I can. I can say that I seem to really love the BMW. I like nice things and new technology and have had several loaded Kias in the last 5 years because I got a lot for my money and didnt care what other people thought. My 2015 Sorento SX was loaded and I do miss my remote start already which was not an option on the BMW for all the things you can get. But I will say that everything just feels and sounds better in the BMW. Is it $10,000 better I cant say yet but for me if I am going to pay $550 to $750 to own not lease a car it is worth it imo to love what you are driving. I did love my Optima SX with the 2.0 turbo and it was only $400 per month with 0% interest but sometimes you just need to fit something more than you can in just a rear seat pass thru. I really didnt do much research before I bought it on Black Friday and got $2500 off msrp and $1000 BMW rebate/cash/credit whatever you want to call it. So for the last 3 weeks I have been watching reviews and reading up and I can say I dont have any buyers remorse. The only thing I am used to is 0% with Kia and my Nissan but I guess 2.9% for 72 is the best BMW usually offers. I wanted the M Sport and a few other options. There were a lot of vehicles to chose from but only a few with the M sport package. I actually went in looking at the X1 because it really isnt that much smaller and the price was less. The 2018 X3 will be all new and probably larger to make it more different from the recently upgraded X1. I am happy to buy at the end of the current models cycle because hopefully all the bugs are worked out. The only X1 they had with the M sport was loaded with 2 packages I didnt want and was the great BMW astral blue but not my first choice. Nearby was the X3 I ended up with for only $4000 more and still over loaded but it had the 20" M sport staggered wheel package that just makes it look so much better. I checked the price of replacement tires because I dont want to pay $300 or more for a tire but found great options that are not run flats but will get a spare and take care of that down the road. I drive my cars close to the limit and I ride sport bikes and of course I have not driven the X3 even close to max because it is not even close to being broken in but what I have noticed is that when you push it just a little it seems fine and enjoyable but the next level it I think it will be not quite as enjoyable. Should I have gotten the 3.5i with the adjustable suspension maybe but at close to $56,000 there are a lot of other performance options out there. I think my biggest complaint will be with the 8 speed Auto trans instead of some of the dual clutch autos available. Manual is not an option for me because of other drivers in my family not to mention I prefer to concentrate more on my lines and braking etc. than shifting. In sport it seems to hold the gear to long and doesnt seem to read your mind and once it does shift its brisk but jerky. Maybe it will get better when it learns my habits but I think it will be in comfort or sport plus where you have to shift up or down yourself when I am alone. I think if the car is problem free I will keep it and add the Dinan computer upgrade dealer installed and doesnt void the warranty that adds over 40hp and 40 ft/lbs of torque at the wheels and get coil over suspension that I can slightly lower the X3 and have adjustable rebound dampening to make an even firmer but not to stiff of a ride. Another thing I like is I see a lot of X3s x1s and X5s but not to many with the M package or the nice rims. Mostly x5s so it looks different from most out there without customizing.