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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  Red made me say WOW! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By BlakeAustin - September 14 - 10:00 am

  There is no doubt that the combination of ggod looks and rock solid handling and braking are what sells this car. Those items cannot be improved a great deal. It got me to shell out the money. I think the sport seats have good lateral and lumbar support. What could be improved is the horsepower. By the way, if you want a BMW dealer that treats you as you would expect, go to BMW of Peoria, IL. I live in St. Louis, MO and it was worth driving 6 hours round trip. My salesman and the sales manager jumped through hoops for me with a smile on their face.

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  Practical BMW - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By RHartounian - September 12 - 4:38 pm

  I have always loved BMWs. This one is not any less of a BMW. It has good handling and good torque in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear. I wish it had a sixth gear. This car has a very tight gear ratio so in the 5th gear at 80 mph the engine is begging for another gear. Too bad! The glove compartment is really poor, though. Everything you place inside, it keeps rolling out. I love the E30 glove box much more. I hate the vinyl interior. BMW is probably one of the only luxury car manufacturers that still makes vinyl seats. In the summer months its an oven in there. One common problem with this car that cannot be fixed is the climate control. Overall its a good car.

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  Nice Car - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By Kelvin Parson - September 11 - 6:44 pm

  It is a nice car and like most things about it. It does have road and wind noise though compared to previous BMW that I have owned. The menus for the iDrive are not that intuitive, but it does have many bells and whistles. The climate control is slow to respond to the temperature requirements for the fan.

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  Z4 Coupe 3.0si... so far, so good - 2006 BMW Z4
  By BS06NOVA - September 7 - 10:01 am

  I followed this vehicle since the X Coupe Concept unveiling in Jan 01 and loved the look the moment I saw it. Previously owned a 00 Z3 M Coupe (S52 engine) and would rate the Z4 similarly but with welcome upgrades in chassis stiffness and cabin noise reduction. I-6 is inherently smooth, mechanically sophisticated, and refined but not sleep-inducing. Much better than the M3s S54 which I found to be rough, unappealingly raspy, and difficult to drive smoothly in traffic. Materials quality and fit and finish is fine but doesnt approach VW/Audi. Great steering feel and response. Somewhat heavy but appropriate clutch and shifting.

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  Texas BMER - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By dalworth55cars - September 6 - 9:50 pm

  This car is tight and handles well and feels sturdy. The drivers leg room and seat adjustments are a little cramped. I am very pleased with the highway gas mileage, however the city miles are less.

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  Not for real road driving - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Los Angles - September 2 - 12:12 pm

  Nice and fun car to drive, but not for real road driving apparently. Drove thru a puddle of water over a dip (deepest part 15 in), killed the whole engine by hydrolock (in a 2 years old car!) Air intake valve in this car is a lot lower than most of the cars (behind the front bumper). So it only looks good in the showroom and drives well in a closed course? Better wish it never rains in your area. Well never buy a BMW again.

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  Phantom Electrical Problem - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By SusanU - August 29 - 5:25 pm

  This car has been fine, but many things were fixed under warranty. I would have hated to pay for that and I was not happy with service at BMW (not the dealer at which I purchased my car), but thats another rating. Right now, there is a phantom electrical problem that causes the windshield wipers sometimes to stop working. I also noticed the door locks malfunctioned a couple of times. I have a good mechanic (ex-BMW tech from the dealer) but he said he cant locate the problem unless it stops working long enough for him to put it on the computer. So far, by the time we get there, its started working again.

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  Good Until... - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By A.V. - August 29 - 3:52 pm

  I have to say I was pleased with all aspects of my 1999 323i untill recently and coincidently when the balance of the warranty ran out. That was when the "fun" began or around 50K. So far I have had the air conditioner repaired twice, brakes done a couple of times and now the transmission is slipping at 80K, which according to the dealer costs $3500 to start, which I will not repair. However, until recently, I really had no problems to speak of that were truly serious. The sunroof was a major area of difficulty and had to be repaired twice. Overall I love the car, but I do not think I would buy another one due to the high costs of frequent repairs. Great if you have the $$$ to fix.

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  Unsatisfied Customer - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW - August 25 - 8:46 pm

  Excellent engine, plenty of powers. IDrive - terrible mistake. Had so many problems with it. Mechanical support from the dealer is terrible. They do not know how to fix it. I left the car for 15 days last month to fix the air conditioner fan. Took in three times for the same problem about the seat belt warning sign within the first 6 months afrer the purchase of the car. My patients think think that I am working at BMW dealer because I drove so many different BMWs (loaners from the dealer) to work. The 7 series was a mistake and I will never buy BMW near future even though I have two as of now. I am a bit afraid to drive this car.

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  2003 X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Ed Price - August 24 - 9:03 pm

  After driving this car for 3 years, I was very happy with the dependability of the car. No electrical problems and except for service, never needed repairs. Only disappointment is lack of changes in style and interior from year to year.