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 - 2017 BMW X1
  By Beth Rodriguez - March 26 - 12:28 pm

  I have had this car for a month. I am still not used to the quieting of the motor at stops and then kicking in when accelerating. Storage console is very small and I like to have things at hand. Where do I store my CDs? Compartment not big enough for this. Hairbrush doesnt fit. Turn signal is also something I am slow to get used to. The car is just the right size for me and so far so good.

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  Disappointed After 15000 mile check up - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By donna - March 22 - 10:49 am

  Minor trouble prior to 15,000 mile update with one tire continuing to leak air and prompt message to screen. After dealership updated, car transmission seems different and shifting mode not in time. Just doesnt feel the same! Cant say enough positive about this car prior to 15,000 miles. Get up and go was amazing! I dont like the drivers drink holder location. In the way of front seat passenger. Notice brake dust often on wheels.

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  Critical Owner - 1999 BMW M3
  By ggrimes - March 20 - 7:47 pm

  Purchased from private party, very well cared for by last owner. Wanted a new model but cash strapped because last car totaled by idiot in truck. Rear wheel drive a must last car was front driver (supercharged pontiac) typical GM (poor quality and dealer service) 40K on M3 now and its been solid reliable and fun to drive. Installed 18" wheels, kumho tires, short shifter and aftermarket brake pads to eliminate brake dust.

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  Very nice car, but run-flats are YUCK - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By socalh2oskier - March 19 - 11:13 am

  This car handles like a dream. The interior is nice, and the turbo spools up so fast you dont even notice it. It is very easy to drive this car extremely fast. However, I have a few major gripes. First, why only run-flats BMW. They are terrible. They give a rough ride, are noisy, and wear poorly. I will never by a BMW again - or any other car for that matter - with run-flats! Next issue, there is absolutely zero trunk space. Forget about even a carry-on, it will not fit. This is unacceptable. Final issue, the iDrive is still confusing. All in all, a great driving car, but upon reflection, I would probably not buy again because of the run-flats and the trunk issue.

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  Problems - 2011 BMW Alpina B7
  By Robert - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car in July. I owned the previous edition. A major change was the fact that the head rest does not move forward or back. The current head rest resides to far back and definitely places strain on the neck. I have also noticed that at speeds in excess of 80 mph the outside wind noise is far greater than the previous model. Aside from these issues it is a wonderful car.

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  VERY HAPPY - 2004 BMW X3
  By CAROL - March 18 - 10:54 am

  Love the car, very comfortable to drive and exciting. The sunroof is one of the best features. Its like having a convertible especially for the people in the back. Not as big as my previous SUV, but not as small as others. I would get another one in a heartbeat!!

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  U gotta get one to understand - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Oregon 7 - March 11 - 6:26 am

  This is my second 7 series. Last one was 00 iL. I now have 01 "i" sport in silver. Awesome car that has short comings like expensive repairs and some reliability problems but I wouldnt trade it for anything. I disagree with some of the posts here. If you pay $300/ tire, you are getting ripped off and oil changes dont cost $200. Matter of fact, I have coupon from dealer for $51 with synthetic oil. Ride is rough but its the sport package and I love it. Keep in mind these cars orginally cost 70K plus, and this particular body style is no longer made so make sure you inspect them really well. Look for bad instrument pixels, Power Steering leaks, radiator fan replacement. Great cars though.

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  Great Santa Cruz Mountain Commuter - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jon C - March 10 - 5:33 pm

  I just bought this car as my wifes 1st car. She is arriving soon from Thailand and has never driven a car. I wanted something fun but safe & reliable. I bought the car for $7,500, 83K miles and put about $500 more into new bushings, hoses, belts, and fluid changes etc. The car is a lot of fun and quite a bit of fun to drive. The body and interior are flawless, mechanically it is very sound. My regular mechanics ordered the dealer parts and made the repairs I needed cheaply. This is a fun and cheap little car. I have read all the crying and hand wringing on this site but I have been lucky. It needed an alignment and bushings as stated but nothing else major. Ill follow up if it implodes...

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  Out of the box. - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Mannyc - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Its only got 300 miles on it so far, but I really love it. A great, comfortable and quiet ride with performance to boot and handling to boot.

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  Driving my 745Li - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By betty - March 3 - 12:18 pm

  The driving of this vehicle is smooth, sound and fast. the turning power of sharp turns is incredible and the brake system allows you to stop on a dime. The extra large rear is great for passengers, who can extend their legs and feel comfortable. The drawback, too many bells and whistles. Give me a radio that I can operate like the less expensive cars. The navigation system is definetly a no-no, hard to operate, In the time it takes to set your destination you can call a friend to give you directions,which is less nerve wracking and quicker. Improvement needed on this issue. The car is great otherwise.