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:

• 

  Keep your Asian import - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Wish I had my Honda - January 4 - 7:45 pm

  I was so excited to get my new 325. Love the handling, comfort, smooth transmission........until the problems started. With less than 10,000 miles I had to replace a fuel injector, and one of the passenger side power mirror stopped operating. Now with 23,000 miles I just had to replace an oxygen sensor. Oh and I almost forgot to mention the manufacturer recall (6,000 miles) for another computer related problem. I will definitely sell this car before the warranty runs out and would advise against purchasing a BMW. Its back to relability of Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus for me!!

• 

  Windows - 2001 BMW X5
  By Daljinder - January 3 - 6:48 pm

  Looks great but I am having a problem with it. 3 of the 4 windows has already stoped working and fixed. The cooling system got all messed up on the highway. I have to get it towed. Water pump, radiator, hoses, builts etc were shot. It cost me over $1800. They are telling me that it has a problem of overheating....what..? It seems that my SUV is in the shop every month. I lost a confidence in the car. Any one having a problem like this or it was just my luck..?

• 

  This car rocks -- if you spec it right! - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By Grimmer1968 - January 3 - 7:51 am

  Weve been driving our new 2017 330i x-drive wagon, with M-Sport package and adaptive suspension, for a few hundred miles now. Its a sheer pleasure. First, the wagon looks gorgeous and is very distinctive with its Estoril Blue color and Coral Red interior. The 250 hp G-48 engine purrs along with a pleasant sound and is very fast. At 90 mph the car is smooth and rock-steady. The ride is a nice balance between comfortable and firm. The safety tech and version 5.0 infotainment features are state-of-the-art. What really brings it all together from a handling and comfort standpoint is the adaptive suspension, which is a no-brainer at $1000. You wont find another wagon nearly this good, and virtually no crossovers and SUVs -- including BMW;s -- compare with the looks and handling.

• 

  Love this car but - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By ryan kerry - January 1 - 10:07 pm

  My wife had a new baby and bought this car. We love the car,its fun to drive, and realiable, but find it difficult to put a baby in a car seat, and it does not have the extra hooks to tie down a car seat. The drink holders are the worst I have ever seen. We need to move on to a the mini van and forget about getting another BMW.

• 

  Stay In The Shop - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Rodney Clarke - January 1 - 11:35 am

  This cars style and lines are beautiful inside and out. It handles like a champ on the road, when its not in the shop. Seems like the cold weather always creates problems for it, ie. tensioners go bad noises get louder. While at the shop the problem can never be duplicated on the first visit. It takes at least two visits to the shop to get it repaired. They never have the broken part in stock. Also, the car is not as quiet as I would expect from a high end vehicle. My frequent visits to the service dept. and the noises continually reduce my opinion of my 525i. If you buy one make sure it is Certified, so your out of pocket expenses will be minimal.

• 

  640i review - 2015 BMW 6-Series
  By Wayne S - December 30 - 4:38 am

  Need to put better tires. Have had blowouts on 3 of the 4 tires and only10000 miles.Still tires are the issue!! Performance is the best for the money. Good overall value

• 

  Firm, Fun Ride - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Y2k - December 29 - 7:36 pm

  This is a great car. I bought 330i w/Performance package. It moves much quicker than standard 330, which is already a great car. low profile tires really feel road, and steering will pull strong on uneven roads. This really can annoy as steering is SUPER sensitive and reactive. Car feels the road in a big way. Fanstastic acceleration and cornering ability. Compared to TL and G35, and they have a more "luxurious" feel (especially the TL. They felt "softer".

• 

  at a glance and gone - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By morrika - December 29 - 4:49 am

  Love this car. I would say the 535i is a great buy based on gas savings durig these times. But power is the name of my game This car handles wonderfully. The sports package is a must. And while enjoying the ride listen to the Harmon Kardon how real can you get? Just a nice all-around confortable drive. This car turns heads, then youre gone and you cant help but smile.

• 

  Love my bimmer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By CJF - December 28 - 4:54 pm

  I bought the car with 24,900 miles April 2014 from 80 year old woman. The car now has 57,000 mile. I like the car very much. NO major issues, just maintenance issues here and there. Unfortunately, repairs can be pricey. Overall , I would recommend this car. I am very happy with it. I do expect to keep it a longgggg time. I will keep up the maintenance and it should go and go .I do believe it is the "ultimate driving machine" and I would not go to back to a "basic" car again. I really enjoy driving it...

• 

  Open your wallet - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By vikast - December 27 - 12:38 pm

  I bought this car new in 1999 and have averaged 15000 miles per year. The car is great to drive, but has had numerous reliability issues - air conditioner replaced, all four power window motors / actuators replaced (2 replaced twice), minor fluid leaks, front suspension components replaced, thermostat replaced twice, four sets of headlights, etc. In addition to reliabilty issues - maintenance is exorbitant. The dealer wanted $1,200 for brakes, $250 for a new battery, $600 for inspections, etc. Parts are special, so you cant just go out and buy them at Pep Boys. As a car, the BMW is only marginally better than the G35 and TL, but the ownership experience is worse than the Japanese.