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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  Love the car but its not perfect - 2005 BMW M3
  By JeffNNJ - February 5 - 1:40 pm

  I love the car but I have had some problems. It is a great performing, great looking car with lots of power and superb handling. The stock tires are not too great so I switched to Bridgestone SO3 and the difference is incredible.

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  Fun car but has durability issues - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Vroom2 - February 3 - 6:55 pm

  This is a fun car to drive just about anywhere. Great on-road grip, handling, breaking and steering. Could use a few more horses but around town its plenty fast enough. The main drawbacks are durability of the trim and reliability. When mine was 5 years old it started becoming expensive with radiator, gearbox and other issues. The rubber seals around the windows also started to wear at which point I sold it. Great car but needs some $$$ and TLC to maintain.

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  Almost, but not quite. - 2005 BMW M3
  By Brad - January 31 - 7:41 pm

  This car is a dream to drive, especially with the SMG transmission. However, one look at the interior shows that even the M3 is sadly dated. The 2005 model needs a better interior, especially when the asking price is in the $55,000 range. For example, the model I test drove only had a single disc CD player, no CD changer, no Nav system, and no satellite radio, but the dealer wanted $58,000 for it. It is a fun drive, but the Mercedes C55 AMG is a better, more complete package for the same amount of money.

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  If it worked it would be great. - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By bwertma. - January 28 - 3:44 pm

  This could be a great car, but repeated problems with the computer system make it unacceptable. Episodes of the headlights not coming on but instead all exterior lights start flashing rapidly on and off warnings that the passenger airbag is off when an adult passenger is in the seat warnings of brake and steering problems etc. We have had many computer modules replaced and software upgrades to no avail. Because of these types of recurring, potentially dangerous problems we dont even feel comfortable enough to drive our 530i out of town. It is really fun to drive. If I had gotten one that worked reliably, I would love it.

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  daves review - 2002 BMW M3
  By dave clements - January 26 - 10:58 pm

  if this was any other car than an m3, i would have got a different car. the problems ive had with it have been frustrating. no mechanical problems just everything else from gas pedal sticking to exhaust hanger to power window and molding

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  Simply the best bmw! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jonas Bickford - January 26 - 10:29 pm

  Our 2007 BMW 328i (3.0 litre I6) is one of the best cars out there! The 3.0 litre I6 hasplenty power! The 230 horses has gotten us to 105 EASILY! The only problem weve had so far is an oil leak...that costs about 1k to fix...but its worth having the car! Im not a huge fan of the fake wood on the dash and panels but whatever. Im actually kind of glad we dont have iDrive because ive heard up until 2009 models, iDrive has sucked. The BMW professional sound system is great! Rear seat room is ok...front seats are comfortable enough. Luckily German cars have a lot of pop-on parts. One of the coolest features is the BMW flashlight in the glove compartment! This car is great! We bought it for 8k, but it was really priced at 14k. We bought it in December of 2015. But resale value on BMWs is horrible. This car is GREAT!

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  Pay the Piper - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By cookieman - January 25 - 10:26 am

  BMW sure has their act together in terms of building a car that performs flawlessly, is a gas to drive and is comfortable on any length trip. Ive driven up to 12 hours at a pop in my 328 and get out feeling great. The engine is increadbly responsive and the handling is impeccable. Ive driven it for nearly 37,000 miles and the driving experience has been excellent.Unfortunately, BMW doenst seem to know how to build a reliable car. Ive had problems with door lock mechanisms (couldnt get in the car), the throttle body (car quit on the interstate at 80 mph), the door trim and now it needs $1000 worth of front end work (control arms, control arm bushings and front stabilizer link).

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  1998 740IL - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Larry Dunbar - January 24 - 2:11 pm

  Puts a smile on your face every time you drive it. A big fast effortless cruising machine with loads of safety features. The interior room makes a long trip very comfortable. The drive fun factor is only exceeded by my wifes 2001 530I Sport.The car now has 47,000 miles on it and so far Ive replaced the A/C pump, radiator, expansion tank, water pump, thermostat and its housing. In additon a complete fluid change on everything. The cooling system componants were replaced as preventive maintainance measures with the exception of the water pump that had failed. All of the preceding is part of the price of owning one of the finest, safest, rides available.

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  Whats not to like? - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Klaus is in the Haus - January 20 - 7:27 pm

  My 2nd Beemer. 1st was the M Roadster. The 745i is so much more comfortable and almost as much fun to drive. Most features well thought out but some defy logic. (What were the designers thinking when they put the door lock/unlock switch in the middle of the dash?) I-Drive learning curve is steep but a wonderful concept. The steering wheel controls and mode button are all I need to shuttle between Satelite, AM and 7 CDs without taking my eyes off the road. I just wish they would improve the navigation menus and display CD track titles. The Sat radio implementation is fantastic! I usually leave this set to display artist and track title. Hands free phone is nice too.

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  Not Making the Cut - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By T. Davy - January 20 - 5:01 pm

  I have had several problems with my BMW, fuel filter and pump went bad, ignition coils burning out, window regulators failing, moonroof not sliding properly, I could name a few other minor problems, but why?! Im currently in the market for a new car, maybe a G35 or C320, definitely not another BMW!