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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  Pure Breed - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Salim - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd BMW so far, the new 5 series is spacious, comfortable and a joy to drive. The 8-speed automatic transmission (with the sports option on the steering wheel) is a joy to use and provides a very smooth ride. I drive the car in Lebanon on twisted mountain roads. The car is very well balanced. Handles turns and corners with precision.

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  Nice car with some issues - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By --- - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Nice car with lots of delightful features (especially with the almost fully loaded car). There have been a lot of complaints about the run flat tires. They are noisy and makes the car handle poorly. A great car has been a bit handicapped because of this choice by BMW which maybe should be offered as an option to buyers. Note that runflats are not installed on BMWs pure sport M3 model. This shows you what BMW themselves think about runflat tires. The base audio system is also very poor IMO. But there are tons of details and safety features that one should not overlook and other than the nitpicks above this is an awesome car. There is a reason why this is very popular in this segment

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  A Fond Farewell - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By dc e39 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Purchased CPO in 2001. Only had a few problems in my 9.5 years. Performance and build quality is unbeatable. Just sold the car as maintenance is getting expensive on a 12 year old BMW. My all in cost to drive the car (including repairs but excluding routine maintenance) was less than $3,600 per year. With a set of snow tires this car did great in the snow. Car was expensive upfront but more than worth it over time. I miss this car already. I only wish the new 535 wagon wasnt plagued with problems or I would not hesitate to buy another.

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  Horrible quality and workmanship - 2001 BMW X5
  By peteryuhu - October 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought this used from a private party who was the second owner. All the maintenance and repairs were done by the dealership. It was welled cared for. All I can say, from day 1, it is a lemon. We got for $1K less than private party price, but it is a LEMON. The interior design is great, but the quality of items (door handles-sun shades-back tailgate-etc) feels like the cheap made in China toys that break the same day you open it. This is our second BMW and thought it would be the same quality, our 2001 525i has never had any problems, just routine $65 synthetic oil changes, and normal brake replacements. The X5 is horrible, DO NOT BUY ONE. I should have just bought me a new Odyssey.

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  This is What a Sports Car Should be! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By buckeyede06 - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! It is a very sporty handling car with all the bells and whistles of a luxury auto. It hugs turns and accelerates pretty quickly for a 230 HP vehicle. The suspension makes it a very smooth ride and the exterior is beautiful. It has curved and sharp edges giving it a very sporty look. The interior is sleek and modern and uncluttered. It gets decent gas mileage and is easy to take care of with the right warranty. I have a CPO and it hasn’t cost me a dime yet in maintenance. I know everyone loves these cars, but I think the biggest example of its quality is that I will only buy BMW’s after owning this machine! Joy is a BMW!

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  BMW, Mercedes, and Audi owner - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By fishnman - October 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3d BMW. I have also owned an Audi, a Porsche, 3 Mercedes, and 4 Cadillacs plus numerous other cars. Only the Audi in the 70s, a Chevrolet in the 70s, and a Buick in the 80s were as unreliable. Although this is an attractive car, it is very troublesome. Already a recall for the fuel sensor. The car has had hesitation issues, the "Check Engine" light" has been on twice, the "Engine Malfunction" warning light has come on and the car actually quit. Now the passenger auto climate control must be set 10 degrees higher than the drivers to get an equivalent air flow. It is scheduled for the 4th service visit. The car has 3000 miles on it. Last BMW for me.

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  Diesel Delight! - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Western Philly Burbs - October 26 - 2:00 am

  From the German autobahn to the Philly burbs, this is a blast to drive. European delivery is really cool - Munich factory tour and driving without speed restrictions, plus a 7% price reduction. The only problem is waiting the 6+ weeks to get the car again in the States (and then staying close to speed limits). This is my first diesel I highly recommend it (30 mpg+ in suburban driving, too!)

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  99 528i - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By AA - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle used in 07 with 85K. This vehicle was been a joy to own. No major issues at this time just the basic maint. I know its just a matter of time. Might have to sell soon to avoid costly repair bills.

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  Transmission problem - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By lawrence - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Once the 6 year 100k miles warranty is gone, surprises! Maintenance very expensive and for those equipped with lifetime ZF HP19 transmission youll be lucky if it last past 100K mark. Especially in New England weather.

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  Great Car! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By chamoh78 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This was a very used car when I got it. I purchased the vehicle with approx. 90K knowing that BMW is of higher quality and the car would last longer than most. The 100K service wasnt cheap, but I knew this before I bought the car. This is my first Bimmer and it certainly wont be my last. I may never own another brand, unless I want a truck...