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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  better than an e series benz - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By lwm - March 2 - 12:47 pm

  So far, so very good. Fun to drive, great on turns. Good pickup for a 6 cylinder car. A very smooth ride. If you have only one car, and want a fun ride, this is your car. No, dont like the design of the rear end, so I approach the car from the front. The onboard mapping system is handy. The iDrive system is fine, but probably not worth the effort or inherent expense. It does eat up gas quickly.

• 

  325i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By 325i - March 2 - 10:00 am

  BMW is still fun to drive, but the quality in no longer what it used to be. The paint gets irremediably damaged from the smallest bird drop, even thougt the car is washed and waxed regularly. In less than 12000 miles, the clutch needs replacement (noise towards the end of pedal) and the engine suddenly looses power while driving.

• 

  Happy, but......... - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By CB - February 27 - 3:00 am

  This is my 6th 5 series and it does have a character all its own. Runs flawlessly and has all the handling capabilities one would expect. Still, the iDrive (which Im still getting used to) is an unnecessary pain especially to adjust vent settings. Voice commands are understood about 70% of the time and Run Flat Tires are just not worth it (cannot be repaired,are $400 ea and have to be ordered if you need one - not in stock at most shops). Installed AUX cable for my IPOD, but that should be automatic and it should work with steering wheel controls and should show all IPOD information on the cars display. Wheels are boring (no style) and have been replaced as well.

• 

  Nice vehicle, but not worth the +$40k - 2004 BMW X3
  By Carl Freitas - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I just love the way the X3 handles and its compact young look. It is fairly spacious inside and provides a sporty, if sometimes somewhat rough ride.

• 

  Buy Smart , Buy CPO - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Neil Barker - February 23 - 6:48 pm

  I bought a 2003 540 Sport/Automatic from the BMW CPO program. No regrets so far, car has functioned flawlessly. The 540 is manufactured in BMWs premium factory, hence high quality. This car handles like a sports car, fits 5 people fairly well...though I only allow 4 max due to the factory lowered suspension. The Automatic is a dream to drive,its like a personal business jet for the road. The E39 has classic looks, its a good investment, it will look good years from now. New 5 Series ? Horrible!! I could design a better car. Chris Bangle, the new designer for BMW, has done me a favor.He saved me $30000. I bought a clean used CPO BMW. Thanks Mr. Bangle. Get one while you can.

• 

  Incredible Handling--Run Flats Stink - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By socalh2oskier - February 23 - 11:13 am

  This car has fantastic handling. It is well-balanced, and the steering reacts almost immediately. The interior is well-designed, although iDrive is still a pain. I have the convertible, and, if I had to do it over again, I would not buy this car. The miniscule trunk with the top down makes it impossible to run even minor errands. I cannot even remove my tennis racket without going through the machinations of putting the top up. Even more frustrating is the harsh ride inflicted by the run-flat tires. I changed mine to regular go-flat tires one week after purchase, and the ride improved immeasurably. Overall, a nice car, but the trunk space and run-flats ruin the experience.

• 

  QC falls off for BMW 325i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By shmern - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Towed back to dealer at 20 mi, 100 mi, 2000 mi. Doesnt have the zip of other BMWs Ive owned. Lots of little things were wrong (couldnt change the clock). This car is not up to BMW standards.

• 

  good car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By coupequattro - February 17 - 3:57 pm

  The car is fun to drive. Handles well in dry summer driving. Im not impressed with the all wheel drive in DSC mode. My 1990 Coupe Quattro could run circles around the 325xi in snow. With the DSC shut off the car is very unsafe unless you have a good snow tire on it. I also removed the CDV which made a HUGE difference in clutch/shifting performance. If you have a manual get rid of the CDV and save your clutch... I also dont believe in the 15ooo mile oil service. Take oil filler cap on your valve cover after 7k miles and look at the yellow and white sludge in there... Change the oil every 2500-3000 miles and you will not see that build up. If buying used have the car inspected at indep. shop

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  Asks much of you, but very rewarding... - 1996 BMW M3
  By sirimiri - February 17 - 2:00 am

  First and foremost, be warned that when an M3 breaks, the repairs can quickly add up. This is a drivers car, it asks a lot of you (stiff clutch, low floorpan, long doors, etc.) so getting in and out, plus driving it around the city is certainly more of a chore than, say, an Honda Civic automatic. But once you are ensconced in the cockpit, be ready to grin and say to yourself many times "I cant believe I just pulled that maneuver" or "watch this!". Truth is, the car doesnt weigh all that much by todays standards, so even with only 240 HP at the crank, this car will scoot quickly. Great lowend torque, but drops off quickly. Rear drive differential makes high speed cornering very easy

• 

  Improved in many ways, but not as exciting - 2018 BMW X3
  By bmwfan2002 - February 5 - 11:00 am

  The 2018 X3 is much improved in many ways over the previous model. The question is, are the improvements ones that BMW drivers were looking for? The new X3 is much quieter, smoother, and is very comfortable. But BMWs, at least in the past, were known for being fun to drive. The new X3 is not bad to drive. Acceleration is great and steering feedback is not terrible. However, the suspension is certainly more soft than previous versions. The suspension seems to waft and sway and upon braking the nose of the car pitches and dives. Not exactly something Id expect from a German sports activity vehicle - more from a 1970s Detroit car. The technology improvements are apparent, and the Harmon Kardon stereo also sounds terrific. Im disappointed that despite this X3 being bigger than the previous model, cargo capacity is actually less. This is a great car for a technology guru, all-around family vehicle or road trip vehicle, but if you are looking for that classic BMW handling feel, look elsewhere.