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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  Such a disappointment - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Frank - August 9 - 12:05 pm

  Since the intro of the E46 body style I drooled at each passing BMW. I finally had the oppt to purchase a red 330i and I couldnÂ’t have been more excited. Boy, what a let down. Problem after problem after problem. I have replaced 3 rear tires. There is something wrong with the rim and they deflate and boom. The tire dealer says that he canÂ’t find anything wrong with it. I have replaced 2 turn signal bulbs and 1 headlamp bulb. Recently, I had to reseat the other headlamp because it just stopped working. I have had the window problem with the regulator but was able to fix myself (it still cost me $116 in parts). And donÂ’t get me started with the AC. I could go on. DonÂ’t buy this car!

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  New body changes hideous - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW King - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I just got a 2004 BMW 330 CiC and I hate the new headlights. The tail lights are nice. Plus the new bumper is kinda ugly. But I love the car it has no roof unlike the 2002 bmw 325 coupe i just traded in so when the weather is good the car is 10 times better.

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  Great car for long road trips - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By Theo Pahos - August 3 - 10:50 pm

  Too large for daily errands

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  Worth The Price - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By M. Young - August 1 - 11:50 pm

  She isnt the least expensive car to own, but shes worth the price. If you love driving, the flagship 7 Series is a dream. Sure afoot, "broad-shoulder" powerful, smooth, quiet, and regal. This is before Bangle. No iDrive either! 14-speaker sound and top quality materials everywhere you look. It always feels like it could be driven across the country with ease. Only 10% of BMWs are 7 Series so you dont see them everywhere when youre driving. Very advanced tech for a 1998 car. Most 2006s still cant compare. Change oil often, replace radiator, treat her nice and she will make you happy.

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  BMW 7 series - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Doug1958 - August 1 - 7:14 pm

  This Car is so fun to drive the way it handled around big bends is legendary.

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  Disappointing for this much money - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Owner - August 1 - 6:23 pm

  After thoroughly enjoying my 3 series, I looked forward to the 530. What a disappointment, I have never had any car in for service so often, the high battery drain others have mentioned, iDrive replaced, tires have been replaced twice at no charge due to noise and excessive cupping, brake sensor malfunction resulted in having brakes replaced at 10K miles. While BMW has replaced all these items, having to take car in over 10 times in a year is just ridiculous. Not what you expect for this much money. Also just cant get this seat and steering wheel adjusted to point its comfortable for more than a little while. All in all, a great looking car, and I enjoy it - when it runs correctly.

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  OK - 2005 BMW X5
  By cabinduncan12 - July 30 - 1:17 pm

  The BMW X5 is a great car to drive on the highway, but is completely unsafe to drive in the snow, even with snow tires. The rear wheel drive is too unreliable. The seats in the front of the SUV are comfortable for about 20 minutes, but after that, your back will get sore. The back seats are too stiff, for there is no siding for your back, and no grip.

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  Best Luxury Sedan on the Planet - 2006 BMW M5
  By mdh - July 29 - 8:31 am

  Delivered October 2005 on the first shipment to the US, Im at over 25,000 miles. The iDrive and SMG take some time to get used to - really about 5,000 miles or so. Once you get the hang of the SMG, it is just a blast. I never tire of revving this engine, especially on downshifts. The power is just astounding, especially on the highway - there are only a few cars sold today that compare. Ive put on lightweight BBS 20" rims and Michelin PS2 tires, and installed H&R springs and spacers. With these mods, the car handles like a go-kart, but still rides well enough to take 5 people out to dinner. If youre looking for a Porsche that seats 5 people, this is your car. Amazing!

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  Very Solid Great Driving Car! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Joel Thomas - July 21 - 4:26 am

  Had it 3 1/2 years. 72k when i bought it, 107k now. One owner trade in at the same dealer it was bought new from. I had an issue with the steering column security lock(common) if your handy you can get in there and do some lubing n probably solve the problem. It happened within the first 30 days of ownership, so the dealer replaced it free of charge. gave me a 2013 328i loaner. I was a little disappointed in the new 328i at first, with the new body style, but it eventually grew on me. but my sports seats vs the standard seats, was a huge difference. Mine is also a 6sp manual, that with the sport seats really make a difference. The N52 engine also has a lifter issue(ticking in the top of the engine) doesnt really hurt anything n the only reason I had them replaced was b/c my extended warranty paid for it, otherwise I probably would have left it alone. the lifters will tick on the rare occasion , but a quick trip with the revs up a bit to pump up the lifters n its quiet as can be. Some people are just not really car people and sometimes are the blame for all the repair bills. I pretty much keep up the maintenance, mostly just keeping the fluids nice an clean. Mine still has the original spark plugs. I will change them soon n probably replace all the coil packs while Im there. People complaining about coil packs, you can buy a whole set for like 175$ n they are easy to install. Water pumps can be a little pricey, but if you buy the parts online(same as dealer) you can save hundreds of dollars. I still have the original water pump n Ive seen them go to well over 150k for some people. Its only a one time repair so its not that big of a deal. If you take care of the car n dont beat it up, it will give you many years of great service n be a pleasure to drive. Many of these on the road now with well over 200k. Just dont go to the dealer every time you hear a little squeak b/c they will find something wrong guaranteed! If you suspect something, google it or ask some honest mechanics, most of the time it will be something minor or nothing at all. Also has some great bun warmers!! n yes the window switch is a little too far forward for some, but not a real issue for me. Its nice just touching the door handle and it unlocks n no need to insert the key, as long as its in the car somewhere, it will start. (convenience access option). N most of the cooling system parts other than the water pump are actually very reasonably priced. Check around b4 you buy anything from the dealer. I got my battery from walmart (made by the same people n looked identical except for the color. $119 at walmart n $300+ at the dealer. but always check b/c the dealer will surprise u sometimes. Great drivers car( not a drag car), but has a nice smooth engine that seems to pull forever and its at home doing 100mph on the freeway on cruising a nice curvy back road. I luv it as much now as when i bought it. I can drive my dads honda accord(very good car), and when I get back in the 06 bmw 330i, I really appreciate the bmw. drive it responsibly and keep your fluids up and it will give you many years of service. Dont forget that automatic trans, find you someone that is competent and let them do a fluid n filter change, then maybe a drain n refill sometime soon after that and it will serve u well. Great Car!

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  Automatic Windows are Poor - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Joe NY - July 18 - 8:54 pm

  Drive train wise the car is fantastic. Plenty of get up and go with the slighest touch of the gas peddle. Aesthetically it is still the most attractive on the road. Still get looks for a nearly 7 year old car. In winter I use 4 snows and have no problems even got home in an ice storm. I have a standard shift and its so fun to drive on the curves in the Adirondacks.