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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  Looks good but full of bugs - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Eugene Namyotov - May 15 - 8:03 am

  The best car you can own if the roads you travel every day are glass smooth. The car handles as well as BMW should and the pick up and braking is outstanding. The issue is in the electronics as for most of the owners i know, the engine light goes on and off at times, the AWD malfunction light goes off at times, once i had a turbo fail light go off and go away after a car restart. It becomes annoying that a 50k car has little bugs that were not taken care off pre-production. I have the M package and the wheels and tires that got damaged by NYC roads are not available for purchase in USA, must be ordered from Germany which takes 4 to 6 weeks. i have been waiting for a front right rim 4wks.

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  No major complaints - 2007 BMW X5
  By bla - May 13 - 10:44 pm

  Purchased car brand new - expected lots of issues, especially when I was reading reviews - to my surprise -- pretty reliable. Only had to replace battery because of a bad cell, could happen in any car.

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  The Ulitimate Driving Machine - 2002 BMW X5
  By Austin Reid - May 13 - 6:09 pm

  Ive owned the BMW X5 for about 2 years now and what can I say is WOW. It is really an Ultimate Driving Machine. This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. But within the first year I had to replace a 4K Transfer Case, a 900 dollar inspection, 1400 dollar brakes, 1100 dollar tires, 600 dollar window regulator, 1200 A/C Compressor. But hey I really love the vehicle and Im sticking with BMW for Life. Dont set your reliability standards to high because again it is the Ultimate Driving Machine not your typical Ultimate Honda Machine.

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  Not Quite Excellent Yet - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By kjgood - May 13 - 11:34 am

  Was forced by need, availability, and good price, to "settle" for the Steptronic instead of the manual not sure it was the best choice. Great power, but no limited slip diff makes wheels pin far too easily. Both auto trans and traction control have various "modes" but not convinced any of them are ideal. Handling limited by crappy RFT OE tires. Exterior design is good from some angles but awkward from others. Excellent top quiet when up, and retracts neatly. Interior handsome. Rides much better than my previous Honda S2K, but doesnt handle as well (not surprising). Too many creaks and rattles for a car in this class, mostly around tops of windows when top is up. Fuel mileage is poor.

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  Too early but here is my 1st impression! - 2011 BMW M3
  By Sameh - May 13 - 11:32 am

  I got the 2011 DCT coupe few days ago. Too early to give any objective opinion, but here is my first impression. Perfect look, won’t change a thing. Nice driver seat and cockpit. The M button does change throttle response and sharpness dramatically. You can drive it as a mellow C class Mercedes on 7th gear at 40 MPH going to Starbucks, or as a crazy beast in 3rd gear at 80 MPH merging onto a highway. Power is too much for the street, needs a track to enjoy it. Get used to shifting at 4000 RPM cause it doesnt feel right shifting before that but enjoy the sound. Take a c shaped exit on 70 MPH and life will never be the same. Tried Audi S5 twice, good car but M3 is in different league.

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  Outstanding car - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Larry Fitz - May 12 - 1:37 pm

  We bought a left-over 2009 in February 2010 from Autobahn Motors in Ft. Worth for $7K under MSRP with shipping to California included. Main options: 6-spd auto, sport pkg, leather, heated seats. We test drove: 128i, 135i, 370Z, and G37 Coupe locally before deciding on the 135i. By far the 135i has a great combo of sports car feel, powerful acceleration, handling, fit & finish, appearance, comfort, practicality, interior space + window visibility, and price. We have >2,000 miles and have had no reliability issues, to date. Top speed 120 mph, to date. Auto trans is very good. The audio/speaker system is poor. Mileage is about the 18/28 as advertised. We like our "little ripper."

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  Ultimate Drive - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ULTDRIV - May 11 - 2:56 pm

  I purchased a fully loaded 330xi with the sport package in 2006. It is a blast to drive! Ive topped out at 130mph and it felt like normal highway speed...quiet and smooth. High speed turns and winding roads are a blast. This car loves to race and is extremely comfortable at all speeds. Yes, you will feel the road, thats why its a sports car...thats why it is fun! If you want a softer ride, do not get the sport package. It is made to be driven and I hit 100mph+ whenever I can on an open stretch of highway. Four years of trouble free ownership thus far. Only problem was the electronic steering wheel lock which was fixed quickly under warranty. BMW is the best car Ive ever owned.

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  I love this car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By pedro - May 9 - 9:41 pm

  I had more than 10 cars, the last 2 were infinti g35 and lexus IS 350, I am very please with the ride and handling, nice car, no compartment space at the front, but i get lost of compliments about the car. On snow days the car drive as a tank solid performance.

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  Great performance... - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By jjtoronto - May 9 - 9:59 am

  A very well engineered and well thought out car. The engine is sublime - almost too powerful for most uses, but nice to have that kind of acceleration on the highway. The all wheel drive works well, however i wonder if four snow tires would work just as well without the loss in mileage. Seats are comfortable, but keep in mind that it is a smaller car - and meant to be a sports sedan.

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  Would be great if I could steer it! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Joe M - May 9 - 6:50 am

  Very nice and fun to drive, however when the temperature gets over 80 degrees the power electronic steering stops working. This is a known problem to BMW (bulletin # 4515500-02) and a safety issue but they want $3000 to fix it. - So much for German Engineering, maybe it never gets above 80 degrees in Baveria!