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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  Long term owner reports in - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Brian-330cic - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The car itself handles like a dream.. it sticks to the road, its fun to drive and on those rare topdown days in New York its heavenly. What other car company would listen to its owners complain about the steering being a little to Grandma and offer to replace the entire steering rack with one with a tighter feel FREE OF CHARGE, just because I wasnt happy.. The dealers can be very hit or miss, (Thanks to the US legal system) but look past that to the corporate culture and youre on to a winner. Theres a reason all of the car mags love this car, its because its just practical enough to justify a purchase and is too much damn fun to put down.

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  I love this car - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By CKelleher - August 8 - 1:08 am

  I traded in a 2004 330 convertible which I really enjoyed. The 535xi is heads and shoulder beyond the 330 Cic. I am hard on a car in daily use and drive more like an enthusiast. This car never disappoints, whether its a 4 hour drive to the beach or a drag race with a 17 year old in a mustang cobra, the BMW always comes through. Awesome creature comforts blows my parents e550 4 matic out of the water in every way. No problems whatsoever.

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  Fun Fun FUN!!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By m3_guy - August 7 - 4:01 pm

  This is the fourth BMW Ive had and Im not disappointed at all. The performance is awesome, the MPG is amazing and its very comfortable. What sold me on the car was the bluetooth. Its so easy to use and so handy that its become my favorite feature of the car. I HIGHLY recommend this option. The only negative I can say about the car is the take off. For a smoother take off, it feels like it starts in 2nd gear making it feel a little "sluggish" when Im at a full stop. None of my other BMWs had it and Im not I sure I like it. Other than that BUY IT!! You will love it.

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  Jet without wings - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By arjay1 - August 7 - 3:14 pm

  Had the the car for about 3 weeks now. Having too much fun. I never thought Id be driving a diesel. Diesel smell gives me a headache but this car does not have it. The exhaust pipes are still so shiny even after 1250 miles of driving. Have to buy a good radar detector to help reduce the chance of getting tickets. Car goes to 50 mph too fast and without much effort. Run flat tires not much of a bother.

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  The BMW for drivers - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By carguy - August 7 - 2:21 pm

  This is my 3rd BMW coupe and it is by far the best as it builds on what BMW does best - great performance without sacrificing everyday driveability and comfort. The twin turbo six delivers amazing torque throughout the rev range and the new ZF auto transmission shifts are crisp and timely - especially when in sport mode. The interior is a clean design and driver oriented with minimal electronic visual distractions. Visibility is excellent and the ride, while firm, is a good compromise between handling and comfort.

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  BEST Car Ive EVER Owned! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Brent - August 7 - 2:38 am

  This is the 3rd one Ive owned, and 2 other family members as well. None of us have had a minutes trouble with them. Owned Japanese during 80s/90s, until my 1st 330Ci. Gas mileage is amazing for such a powerful car. I average 35+ by keeping it at steady speed, but it has more than enough power when needed (couldnt tell the difference in it & my sisters M3). Hugs road like a dream. I should have flipped several times, once in rain, once avoiding a deer on curve, and it proved its safety engineering. One collision left me with MINIMAL damage compared to the other guy. I will forever have my children and parents in this car. Service is impeccable...take care of it and it will take care of you.

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  Happy - 2013 BMW M5
  By K Adams - August 6 - 7:24 pm

  Great large car

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  Simply Amazing - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By PartsForImports - August 6 - 7:23 pm

  This is the first BMW Ive ever bought. Before I had all Japanese sports cars that were very nice. When I was shopping around for the 740, I knew that these cars are expensive and known to have issues. Bought mine w/ 100k miles from original owner with all service records. After 2k miles, the alternator failed. Paid $400 for a rebuild one directly from Bosch and fixed it myself. It is true that this car is expensive to maintain but if you work on it yourself (thanks to e38.org writeups), you will save a lot of money. The bottom line is that this car is simply amazing and worth every penny that you spend on it. The feeling you get while driving in this spaceship is unexplainable.

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  X-5 Diesel - 2009 BMW X5
  By Lakerdad - August 6 - 2:23 pm

  Clean burn diesel engine and great fuel mileage, no black smoke or smell. A little bite noisy when standing by the car. When staying inside of the car, cannot tell the difference between gas and diesel engines! It is the first BMW I own. Hopefully the quality as good as Japanese products!

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  Experience with 2006 M5 - 2006 BMW M5
  By rsteele - August 6 - 12:15 pm

  The new BMW M5 has a substantially different character than the previous model: less low rpm torque, but more mid and high range power. Using the SMG transmission well is like learning an action video game or how to tango with a new dance partner. Once youve got the rhythm and the timing, its a great transmission, but this may take 5,000-10,000 miles. Thats why reviewers tend not to like it. Same with iDrive. Its clunky for tuning different radio stations, but very handy otherwise, once youve learned how to use it. Unlike with the Editors M5 Review, I find the steering to be very good and much better than on my prior model M5. Whats not good: fuel economy and driving range.