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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  Loving my 328Ci - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By adrian - February 14 - 2:30 am

  After owning a 95 318ti that had 220k miles on it and ran flawlessly, I knew i had to buy another BMW. I got a helrot red one with black leather interior and a 5 speed manual trans. I absolutely love this car. Its got good power for daily driving and sports driving too.

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  Bad Service - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By chim - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Great perfomer, when not in the shop. I have had 4 - 3 series cars (88,93,00,02). The last two have had consistent major and minor mechanical and electrical problems. Two dealerships have been horrible to deal with as they keep car and then dont actually fix the problem. Have had car 5 months and its been in the shop for 3 weeks and going back in again. BMW has to produce a trouble free car before releasing to the public. Service staff poorly trained and understaffed for the high sales that BMW has. Service problems not worth the price of vehicle. Think twice before buying.

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  BMW X5 3.0i - 2003 BMW X5
  By Northeast - January 28 - 8:09 am

  The SUV is very nice. Very comfortable and easy to drive. I have owned since new. Good build quality, many nice features. Operation has been trouble free. Ride is slightly "bouncy" on bumpy roads. Performance of engine is fine. I would recommend it.

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  Fun car for the money - 1999 BMW Z3
  By Doug - January 23 - 7:37 am

  Fun to drive, good on gas, good quality product. Only major problem is with the sealed gas tank system. After the dealer put 2 gas caps on it and looked at it several times the warranty ran out and then they said I had a leak in the gas tank filler neck. They could not repair it?? They said I had to buy a new tank for around 400. I purchased a code reset reader and I turn off the code every times it tells me I have a leak. I do this from 2 times a month to sometimes only once in 3 months. I called the home office of bmw and they did not want to help me with the problem. I should have insisted they fix it when the warranty was in. Other than that I enjoy the car.

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  Electronically troubled - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By 530i owner - January 19 - 7:12 am

  Now in the shop for the fourth time to fix the (apparently) unfixable Sirius satellite radio entire radio failed once engine valve clatter and transmission "clunk" is annoying, but not yet troublesome. Great car otherwise, but clearly not up to manufacturing and reliability standards of Lexus, Acura and the other "Pacific Rim" manufacturers whose cars I have owned in the past. Even more troubelsome than the two Mercedes we recently owned.

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  BMW is the choice just need a warranty - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By keanuration - January 17 - 5:02 pm

  Have been driving this car now for two years and have had my ups and downs. First, I had to replace sensors that amounted to over $1000. Oil level problem, p. driver seat inop, dr. rear window inop, stitching on top back seat began to split, engine service malfunction, p. roof cover broken, paint on hood oxidizing. On the positive side its a superb road hugger. Great off a dead stop, can really go! Smooth and solid ride without much noise. NO body lean or roll. Relatively small sedan, but still have room in back for two adults. Love the auto up/down windows on all doors. Okay mileage, avg 22 mpg. Bulletproof engine and tranny. Retention of value is great.

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  Worth looking into - 2007 BMW Z4
  By DagaLasVegas - January 13 - 11:00 pm

  This car is a definite good buy. I have leased this 2006 BMW Z4 3.0i and so far I have been satisfied. The overall perfomance is great but one thing I would rather have is front wheel drive instead of rear because it affects driving in rain. Since I live in Las Vegas the rain is not an often issue, but when it actually rains I have to watch out and drive carefully on turns. Gas mileage is rather typical for 3.0. Interior design is not what I have expected and this is my biggest disappointment. It really looks cheap maybe because I am used to Audis unusual design but still this is not so good for a BMW.

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  owner for two years . a great grocery getter - 2014 BMW X1
  By robert d - January 8 - 12:15 am

  35 mpg on a 3000 mile trip 24+intown in winter dont like run flat tires curbed one cost to replace 400.00 besides being noisy. fun to drive easy to park we are empty nesters so the size works for us .Good dealer service too

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  Great car, but costly repairs - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By bimmerpilot - January 7 - 8:31 am

  Got this fifth BMW used with 98k on it, had the obvious mechanical faults repaired but NOT the radiator, which I learned has an estimated life of 90k miles. Big, costly mistake! In spite of this, I rate this BMW second best out of five. If you maintain the car, it will give good service. Of all the 12 or so cars I have owned, BMWs have been the most satisfying to own & drive. I rate it above Mercedes for a drivers car highway performance is great, handling cant be beat by any car that I can afford. Its not perfect, but what is? If you do the required maintenance ($$$) it wont let you down, plus its great fun to drive. The 3 series is easy to park and has good performance and comfort.

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  328i 6MT, Sports, Premium, Xenons - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By SofaOnASock - December 25 - 4:16 am

  After test driving the Lexus IS 350, Mercedes C300, Infiniti G35S, BMW 328i and BMW 335i. I finally ordered a BMW 328i w/ 6MT, Sports, Premium, and Xenons... a pretty basic car in my mind as BMW tends to nickel and dime you for basics in a luxury sedan, i.e. leather seats, power seats, xenon headlamps. Although BMW is relatively the most expensive, the handling is definitely the best for an entry-level luxury sedan.