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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  400 HP Imola Red Super Sedan - 2002 BMW M5
  By Kurt G. - October 12 - 6:58 pm

  They say, use the proper tool for the job.This car is the tool for a proper driving experience. I couldnt say enough about it. Its great on the highway, with ample power to overtake the lemmings in the fast lane. Its agile on back roads, and twisties for spirited driving. Its true, they are a bit of bite to the coin purse when they break, but fortunately they have a bullet proof build quality, and breaks are infrequent. Its nice to have the ponies on tap at the press of a button. The car definitely wants to go when you press the sport button. Throttle response quickens, power and torque pin you back in the seat, steering tightens up, transmission shifts quicker. Truly a drivers car. Not for the person who just wants a personal conveyance.

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  Very nice and quite expensive with options. - 2014 BMW X3
  By Russ - October 10 - 1:01 am

  I recently "test drove" a pre-owned 2014 X3. The dealer was very knowledgeable and we ended up driving about 15 miles during my drive. The car had 34K miles on it, yet it still looked new. The leather seats were in great shape. I have read some articles that mention a firm ride. I have been driving for 45 years and the X1 has one of the nicest (and sportiest) rides of the many vehicles I have driven. The ride was certainly not overly firm. In fact, it was downright fun. When the rear seats are folded, there is a surprising amount for room. If you want to have a little fun while driving your small SUV, this is the one to get. I just wish the new models werent so expensive. Forty-five to fifty-five thousand is a lot of money for a small SUV, regardless of how nice it is. BTW: I did not reply to all of ratings because I did not have the opportunity to try all of them.

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  Great SAV /Sports car - 2008 BMW X3
  By Joe Iuzzolino - October 8 - 10:18 pm

  Ill tell ya, Ive had a bunch of SUV Japanese vehicles and none compare to the X3. Love the power and handling. I have not had it in snow yet but looking forward to taking to the mountains this winter, its a tight suspension and I like it. Bluetooth works but not as easy to set up as other vehicles. Really like the interior but most of all the power and steering are aesome, I have the xenon light pkg wow! I love the adaptive lights!

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  The great hype - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Dave Heywood - October 7 - 9:06 am

  Just bought this car this past august. Ive seriously have driven the car no more than two weeks. This car is already a nightmare. Gasket leaks and misfiring issues. Should have stuck with Mercedes. BMW dealer cant even pin point the issue. Very poor customer service. BMW of Peabody ma. Stinks. Im ready to throw in the towel at this point.

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  Five years and still going - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Casper - October 7 - 8:00 am

  Bought this when I was five years younger and it still is a good car. A couple of repairs all under warranty, nothing major. My roof is 99% water proof, only once or twice a few drops of water noted. I use Hoffman car wash, they do not recommend power wash i.e. the brushless type. Back seat is useable for kids and the occasional adult, need to push the front seats forward for the adults. Fueling, use the newer slim pumps, or you will stand there a long time to fuel to max because the auto shut off kicks in frequently. Still get lots of looks when the top is down!

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  Amazing car - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Justin - October 6 - 10:52 am

  Bought mine a month ago with 178,000 miles on it. Other then missing a few trim pieces the car is perfect. After market performance suspension is the only thing that has been done. I have owned some very fun cars in the past (2006 gto) and those cars are great in a straight line. But i have learned to appreciate corners with this little car. What the 1.8 ltr m42 lacks in off the line power it makes up for in high rpms and the ability to take corners at rediculous speeds. And still feel in control.

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  5 Major Failures in 50K miles - 2012 BMW 5-Series
  By Darrel Moening - October 5 - 7:45 pm

  Im the first and current owner of a 5 series BMW. The car has had the following failures - power train, tie rods, turbo charger, engine tune-up, oil filter housing, and coolant system. Weve had the car towed twice and have had the car in the dealership a half dozen times for repairs. Weve escalated to BMW USA but they have refused to provide any additional assistance. Save yourself the trouble...

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  What A Automobile - 1991 BMW 5-Series
  By Chuck Sperry - September 28 - 6:40 pm

  I purchased this car off the showroom Floor in October 1991. I wished I could buy a new one again! This car has been a DREAM, it currently has 281,000 miles on the original transmission and engine. Ive always changed the oil every 4,000 miles and have always used Mobil 1 Syn. OH! by the way...always make sure to change all your fluids (Brake, power steering, rear end, coolant as needed. This is the year 1991 where BMW went from a timing belt to a timing chain. The M50 engine also has a large-big pusher oil pump. I might be buried in this thing..............DiD I ever get my moneys worth. Learn to work on the car yourself...its not that hard. The only thing I had to change was the ECM....theres a place in Miami that will repair ECMs for $400.00 with a lifetime warranty....besides that just regular maintanance. This vehicle doesnt burn a drop of oil. Automobile of the Century!

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  Love it with a few minor complaints - 2015 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWDriverCA - September 28 - 6:29 pm

  The car looks great and drives great! I enjoy the drive, its very comfortable and Im overall pretty happy, but... I do not have satellite radio (which I had in my much cheaper Toyota) and miss it, and am loathe to spend $600 for it. I am very disappointed by the locking system. The fact that I have to find my keys to enter and exit/lock my car and I cant do that through automatic sensing is very annoying (again my much less expensive Toyota had this). I understand that I cant even have this feature added to the base model, but rather must get a whole new car. I am leasing, and every time I get into and out of the car, I am reminded that I look forward to getting a new car once the lease is done in 3 years... Overall this is a great car, its just a shame to be so frequently reminded of this shortcoming. The voice recognition is not great.

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  It died on me - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Martijn - September 28 - 1:07 pm

  I loved my 2011 335i x-drive from the moment I saw it black out side, red inside, manual transmission, fun to drive up the canyon to my house. Bought is at 60k 10 months ago. Until two weeks ago ticking noise in the morning, car died in the afternoon. Towed to BMW rap new engine needed, will cost 25k. Hoping it can be re-built, but this is about the same cost I owe on it, so I cant even get rid of the car. BMWs are fun and beautiful when they work, but the maintenance is a serious risk to your solvency, or at least to mine.