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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  Glad its gone - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By click click click - August 28 - 1:39 pm

  I have had my car in so many times I gave up on getting it fixed. No help at two different dealerships. The car was totaled in an accident, yes it may have saved my life but Im not buying another BMW. If they cant fix them why buy one. Five years 50k means nothing if you drive 25k a year.

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  Screamin - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By rEddie2 - August 27 - 8:18 am

  My wife always wanted a BMW Convertible. We assumed the lease on this one from the original owner. We absolutely love the performance of this car, but have been a little disappointed with the quality. The tail-light assemblies have been replaced 3 times, the third brake light lens just shattered while driving down the road. Those were replaced under warranty, but it is disappointing considering.

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  Vroom Diesel - 2011 BMW X5
  By chuck1969 - August 27 - 3:50 am

  We traded an 2009 ML 320 Bluetec on this one. I miss the better visors in the Mercedes and the easier Command system versus the Idrive. And this is the most updated version of iDrive? I miss the keypad to make calls and change stations on the MB. But now for the good part BMW is head and shoulders above the MB in terms of performance, and It is rated better in the MPG dept. I love the panoramic roof. I like knowing that i wont have to wonder what my service is gonna cost me for 4 more years its ZERO out of pocket. If you are looking at either one, trust me its the BMW that you want. Not that the MB is all bad mind you its just not as surefooted like the BMW when you push it.

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  This car is a 4 wheel nightmare - 2007 BMW X3
  By Michael - August 26 - 5:28 pm

  Do yourself a favor and steer clear of this absolute wreck of an automobile. The automatic transmission is a mess. My car has 60,000 mikes and has had the transfer case replaced, the rear and front differential, exhaust system and more. It spends at least a week in the shop every 3-4 months. BMW of NA is completely non- responsive as is the dealer. Without exception the worse car I have ever owned. This is my rid and last BMW. Do yourself a favor and get and Audi.

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  A great car even after 6 Years - 2004 BMW Z4
  By PerryM - August 26 - 2:59 pm

  So I bought a 2004 Z4 with 17K miles on it a moth ago. Drove it from Pittsburgh to Chicago to get it home and it was a blast! Wow! This car is comfy, roomy, powerful, reliable, and fun! The 2.5 has quite the power and I cant really notice a difference vs. the 3.0. What more can you ask for? The prices are very competitive these days for a pre-owned. I test drove a Z3 10 years ago and hated it so I bought a MR2 Spyder. This vehicle tops them both by far. Fairly quiet with the top up, especially for a convertible. and you cant really feel the wind too bad when its down.

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  Powerful, great on the eyes, gulps gas - 2011 BMW M3
  By BTN - August 25 - 10:01 pm

  Ive had my M3 for a little over a month now--only put on about 500 miles so far, but its a BLAST to drive. With the 414HP, V8 by far the most powerful car Ive ever driven/owned--esp coming from my 2007 IS 250. :) 14 mpg in the city no matter how easy you are on the pedals is a bit annoying, but you have to take good with the bad--kind of a "rare" car depending on where you live. Im in Houston and Ive seen 2 other coupes, and NO sedans so far, so its nice to stand out a bit. :) Had my M3 "stripped"--i.e. speed cloth, 6MT, no navigation, no EDC, but I dont miss a thing. Love every second in this car--hopefully it holds up after warranty!

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  Great Looking on the outside - 2010 BMW 7-Series
  By Vladsly - August 24 - 5:30 pm

  I Bought this car in the states and I didnt look at the car fax and when I was driving it back home in California from Florida, My transmission failed me. Outrageous prices! Doesnt look too good in the inside and dont think that just because it has a navigation system, that it looks good.

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  100,000 miles - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Gary - August 24 - 3:50 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed this car. I have owned VWs, MB, American made cars, etc. This car has been the most fun on a daily basis. Even with the mileage topping 100k, it is still fun to drive. In shopping for a new vehicle, it is hard to find something that compares to the over-all driving experience. The only complaint is that at 100k, all sorts of gremlins have come out to play. Major and expensive repairs have been necessary. This is NOT a maintanence free vehicle, especially at higher miles.

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  330i sport avg 22 mpg wow what a car! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By FLYfor God - August 24 - 2:42 pm

  I have had a 325i Sport, 325i base and now a 330i Sport, I want to say that there is a wow factor between base and sport, I wish it wasn’t true but they are “two different cars”, my 325i avg 23-24 mpg unbelievable in my book, but with a slight lag on takeoff oh well the trade off is MPG, the 330i avg 22 mpg solid, hwy 75-80 28 mpg 65 mph-34 mpg and 60-35, I think for a 255 hp this is incredible, it has the bang when you hit it but from 1-10 mph yes it’s not a rocket ship but feel BMW did it right, it handles GREAT, maybe not like a G35 but that is a hard harsh ride , the 330i isn’t yet the 325 sport was harsh? I feel the 330i is worth the extra $, outside of a small lag you will love this car

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  Best in the world - 2010 BMW 7-Series
  By Keat - August 24 - 12:55 am

  This car has been a phenomenal experience to drive. Its my 4th 7 series. Over the years I have become pickier. BMW kept way ahead of me! The only disappointment is the gas mileage which has taken a step back. Possibly because of xDrive.