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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  Fantastic Car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By tom mcguire - April 7 - 4:11 pm

  I have put all 160,000 miles on this car and except for items that go on any car, like brakes, belts, etc it has not had any serious problem except that the sports shift mode hasnt worked in 2 years. Never uses a drop of oil, gets 31 mpg at a steady 75 and I always feel rested after driving it. While it has not been garaged it still looks brand new as I wax and seal each year. Great car and in 40+ years of driving I have driven the best cars available and some dogs along the way. BMWs have become too complex, but I am buying a new 3 series soon and giving this car to my daughter. Buy one and youll see.

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  Incredibly fun - 2011 BMW X6
  By madmarcus1970 - April 6 - 3:01 pm

  Been a BMW owner since 1996. These cars keep on getting better and better. I have an X5 4.4 V8 and now the owner of an X6 (still kept the X5). In short having the X6 35idrive (diesel), i can honestly say that i do miss the oomph of the v8, though the gas consumption is way better 10.8 L/100 km. It is economically better, and way cheaper gassing up once every 10 days vs 5 days with the V8. So apart from the get and up and get em, v8 power what do i miss. Nothing, great car, great steering, incredibly great seats, incredibly great car. Few around and the owners are proud. Hard to park though, apart from that highly recommended you will get signs of approval from all. It is a modern marvel.

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  2010 6er Germany - 2010 BMW 6-Series
  By Martin - April 6 - 8:13 am

  This car is straight up powerful – and I have the luxury of living and driving in Germany. Bringing this car to the US will be a sin as one cannot fully appreciate the power and excitement that this car delivers. I dread the day when I have to drive the stagnant highways stateside. I will miss the infamous autobahns and the speeds at which I can drive this great car. Handling is effortless and superb. "I live for the moments that I take my 6er either to work every day or just out for a spin on weekends”. My 2010 BMW 650i Coupe is a world class car and true head spinner from the poor slackers that are stuck in their tiny 3 Series and Z4 Coupes.

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  Silver bullet - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Anicca - April 6 - 12:14 am

  Ive had the 330ci for four problem free years. I love the car - its got everything great performance, great looks, great economy and great reliability. Who could ask for anything more? Ive been a BMW driver for 30 years, and this is the best (tho I still wouldnt give up my 93 318is). For anyone considering buying a used bimmer, Id give the 330ci a strong recommendation, without reservations

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  2006 330 Coupe w/Sports Pkg & 18" wheels - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By T. Testa - April 5 - 3:18 pm

  Bought my 2006 330ci certified from a NJ dealership. My first attempt on a certified vehicle. So far car has been great and literally did look almost new upon my purchase. Great blend of sportiness, luxury and fuel efficiency. Cant ask for much more for a sporty vehicle.

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  On the fence - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By OnTheFence - April 5 - 11:13 am

  My lease comes up at the end of the year but not sure if I would buy it. It was at the dealership multiple times due to the high pressure fuel pump and gasket leak issues. Morning starts feel like a boat motor. Engine misfires. Car lurches back and jumps forward at stop lights etc. Its a joy to drive when the engine is trouble free. I-drive is so slow it drives me nuts. The blutooth works about 50% of the time. Im eying the infiniti M and the lexus G because I really want a trouble free vehicle with better ergonomics. Ill have to sacrifice the driving dynamics of this vehicle though. There should not be a compromise for a $60,000+ car.

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  After 3 years of ownership - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By AD from LA - April 4 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased this car in early 2008 and still look back every time I walk away from it. I have a white 328 coupe optioned with auto transmission, sports package, and ipod connections so its pretty bare bones. Over the years Ive received numerous comments and I think the design is classic BMW. I didnt test drive other competing cars and after renting the Benz, Lexus, and Infiniti I dont regret the purchase at all. The overall interior build quality, telepathic steering, excellent handling, and covered warranty/maintenance make this an excellent purchase. After almost three years, Ive made a few visits to the dealer to fix interior trims (all covered by warranty), nothing mechanical.

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  Better than advertised - 2010 BMW X5
  By Bigpunnisher51 - April 4 - 5:21 pm

  Well Ive spent about a week with my 2010 X5 3.0. Initial impressions are quite favorable. I am quite taken by the overall fit and finish of the vehicle, its absolutely beautiful. I went with Sapphire Black, and every option available. Driving thus far has been refined, although I am going to miss that raw thrust and power of my outgoing FX 45, but I need to slow down anyway. Hopefully it will be as reliable as the FX

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  Fuel System Problems - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom - April 4 - 12:52 pm

  Great car, amazing when running well. My 535 is having a lot of problems with the car running very rough and has had several engine malfunctions. The dealership has put in a new module, high pressure pump (HPP), and several new injectors. Problem is routine to N54 engine. BMW acknowledges the problem is a design fault. Check out and have good warranty if purchasing. Love the car when it works.

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  N52 engine really has problems - 2008 BMW X3
  By 1978bmx - April 3 - 11:56 am

  I purchased my x3 new, did my research and the x3 came in to be up there with the 3 series in quality. At around 60k the valves started to tap like crazy, (metal on metal sounds- if yours is doing this it is not normal! It needs to be repaired- dont let the dealer service people tell you its air bubbles in the oil. It will lead to premature engine failure this should be covered under warranty) the tapping sound was especially loud with cold starts. The engine cylinder head was replaced, but the sound is more of a thumping slamming sound now, it will be in the shop this week again! Even the BMW techs Ive talked to, feel the quality of BMW is really slipping.