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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  Fun car, i love it - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By GE - May 31 - 4:03 am

  Bought the car used, unfortunately it had rear axle problems so we went through 3 sets of tires before it was found but after that problem was fixed everything is running perfectly. The car originally had 70k miles on it and there is now 111k miles on it and we have not had to do anything but routine maintenance on her. I plan to drive her until she dies. Mom has an 86 3.25es and it still runs like it did the day she bought it, so Im hoping for a long life.

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  2010 BMW X5d - 2010 BMW X5
  By Retired Dan - May 30 - 1:27 pm

  We love this car. The diesel is a strong performer and good mileage. We have not experienced the lag time on start up that testers have stated. We got the 3rd row seat to accommodate grand kids and it works great for that, not enough room for adults though. The ride is quiet and firm which we like. We dont even notice the diesel noise, it purrs like a kitten!

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  Solid, Powerful & Comfy - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By PH de CA - May 30 - 1:52 am

  After years of driving economy cars I finally splurged and bought a beautiful 335d + Prem Pkg, Nav, Comfort Access, Logic 7. One week and 600 miles later, I cant believe I waited so long. Its an absolute pleasure to drive -- powerful, stable & comfortable, with good fuel economy. The diesel engine has a deep, satisfying growl at low speeds, but is almost silent on the freeway, the best of both worlds. iDrive is easy to use, & live traffic on Nav is accurate. After babying it for several hundred miles, I allowed myself the pleasure of flooring it to pass someone. OMG - on an uphill grade, but seconds later they were a distant dot in my rear view mirror. Ive been smiling a lot in this car!

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  Still the best but has lost something. - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By allan adderley - May 28 - 9:57 pm

  This is my 3rd 330i after a 2001 and 2002. Like the others this car had the Sports & Premium packages. Extra CPO warranty and bought tire & wheel insurance. Got an automatic after having 5 speeds because of my wife and regretted it immediately. New automatics are better but still dont have that "connected" feel of a manual. The handling is even better than previous models but didnt feel as fun to drive somehow. The car has definitely gotten bigger and heavier and you feel it. Some systems have almost gotten too complicated. Would have probably kept the car if it had a manual transmission but sold it at 38,000 miles. Now thinking about getting a 135i but the styling puts me off.

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  What next? - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Tony - May 28 - 3:46 pm

  Bought it with carfax one owner 72k miles. Now 166k eight years later only major repair new radiator and a/c components. Most important thing is to have a great mechanic whose accurate diagnosis can save you thousands. He warns me higher operating temps of later bmws is main reason for parts failures. Really want a 528 or 530 2001-2003. How many miles can these cars go? Very wary of late model bmws unless on a lease.

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  My first BMW & love it! - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Michele - May 28 - 12:28 pm

  I just purchased my BMW after reading several reviews on here. iDrive seemed to be the biggest issue for people, I figured it out in about 20 minutes and I like it personally. The car itself is wonderful. I was warned about the motors because they werent BMW in previous years. In 2007 they put BMW motors to support the power of the car. I feel like Im driving a sports car and my husband and I look for reasons to drive it all the time. We have had 2 Lexus & this was a fantastic change. Its a much more exciting drive. Its smooth & very roomy for taller people. There is hardly any storage, but was told, you can have storage or a quiet ride. I hardly hear any road noise. I will buy another!!

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  Cruising Top Down - 1999 BMW Z3
  By Martin - May 27 - 8:53 pm

  Sweet looking car. Its very quick and nimble. Drove it 5,000 mi this winter from Florida to NH. Handles great in snow. With cruise control got over 30 mpg traveling 75 mph. Love to drive around with top down and wind in my hair.

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  The only luxury SUV - 2011 BMW X5
  By HCJ3 - May 27 - 8:39 pm

  It is very smooth. It handles very well. The new, twin turbo, fuel injected engine & new eight speed automatic transmission is unreal. Fuel economy is much improved. The new 300 horsepower engine is as smooth as glass in delivering great performance. The handling is just excellent. The comfort access system is a winner. I will never have another SUV without this capability. The run-flat tires are the best! This is the ultimate driving machine in an SUV!

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  Great uncomfortable car for everyday - 2010 BMW M5
  By Walter - May 27 - 4:20 pm

  This is my fifth BMW and third M car. First M5. Ive had 3 series, M3, M5 and now I also have a 750Li. I dont expect any comfort for a M car but this is harsh, Too harsh. It is not right for everyday car but Ive seen M5s in NYC streets. I can not imagine driving them in NYC. I live in Los Angeles where streets are little better than NYC. The performance is excellent however I do not know if it is worth more than the E90 M3, I never owned but driven a few times. The quality is terrible. I had more mechanical trouble with this car in last few month than I had with all BMWs in last ten years. I became close friends with my dealerships chief mechanic.

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  Twin turbo 6 cylinder m7 - 2011 BMW 7-Series
  By ANDY - May 27 - 12:17 am

  Efficient Dynamics. Twin Turbo inline six is awesome balance of performance and efficiency. Get the M Package!