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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  I love my Z3 - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Bamz62 - February 15 - 8:54 pm

  I have wanted this car since I saw it in GoldenEye and the deal I got was just too good to pass up. It had only 29,000 mi on it when I bought it and everything in all the reviews that drivers had issues with had already been fixed (her father owned a BMW dealership) so it was perfect. I am 52" so it fits me to a T and I just drove 400 mi this weekend and was totally comfortable. Every day I drive it someone comments on what a beautiful car it is and I agree. It is not for everyone, larger drivers will not be comfortable, but they can buy any other car. It runs like a dream and is very reliable, most parts that I have had to replace were the originals. I intend to keep it forever.

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  Pure engineering- drivers car - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By bigwaves - February 15 - 7:51 pm

  If you like engineering to perfection this is the car for you. Great handling at high speeds and you can get great mileage is you want to back off. This is my 5th BMW and my favorite. Well maybe not my 2002 was great, but not reliable.

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  A Real Enthusiast car - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Barry J - February 15 - 6:23 pm

  In the past I owned four BMW e46 M3s and they were all exhilarating to drive with awesome performance. The 135i I now own is as fun to drive as the e46 M3 beating it out just slightly from a performance standpoint, which says a lot about the 135i. Its a smaller car than I usually own, but its nimble and sticks to the road like glue. The large brakes are definitely needed to stop this beast when its hauling down the highway, and the exhaust growl when driving in Sport Mode is an aural pleasure. Fuel economy is okay, just about the same on the e46 M3, but my wifes 335i coupe gets a lot more MPG.

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  best car Ive ever owned - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By david fulginiti - February 15 - 6:04 pm

  bought my 330i new, has performance pak,most options. never has let me down. drove it thru a flood, snow, ice and 90 plus temps,always make me smile and gets me home. I also own a 2008 M3 and I enjoy this car(330i) more as a daily drive.

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  Fun to drive, but... - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By AC BMW - February 15 - 4:52 pm

  This is a car that could have been great, but was let down by lots of details. My car was equipped with the sport package, which is uncomfortable for around town driving and causes the wheels to pick up excessive road damage. The run flat tires tramlined dangerously at the slightest rut in the road. This car had serious reliability and quality issues. My car was delivered with a coolant leak. Also, the steering wheel lock failed leaving me unable to start the car. The passenger airbag failed in the 3rd year. There was a rattle in the dash that wasnt fixed despite several trips to the dealer. The drivers side door pull is made of painted plastic and was peeling when I returned the car.

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  One of the best BMWs yet - 2010 BMW X6
  By Germancarsrock - February 14 - 1:15 am

  I moved into this vehicle from a 6 series and absolutely love it. The 6 is a great car and is a lot of fun so moving to a SAC somewhat scared me but the X6 is awesome. I purchased the performance package so my X6 has an extra 40 horses and it makes the car even more of a beast. I would highly recommend this car to anyone that loves to drive and demands performance from the car.

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  Best in Class By Far - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By JJC - February 13 - 7:18 am

  This is the 5th BMW I have owned.It remains a fantastic car in all respects. In addition to great driving characteristics coupled with excellent fuel economy, the car is incredibly well-built from a safety standpoint. My wife was on the highway at 65mph when she was side-swiped by a semi. She was able to maintain enough control not to veer into another lane, which would have caused a crash given the heavy traffic. When she pulled over and stopped, there was black truck tire rubber from the front quarter panel all the way back to the rear door. The state cop told her he had seen this type of accident a lot, but this was one of the few times there had been a survivor!

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  A Costly Mistake - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Markscars16 - February 12 - 8:20 pm

  When I first purchased this car it looked great as far as paint, along with fit and finish. It also rode well but needed more power. But from 2004 which is when I purchased the car with about 42,000 miles on it from a one owner until now with 100000 miles on it, I have spent over $6500 dollars on brakes, power steering leaks, power window motors, head and tail lamp shorts, transmission problems, and other engine and electrical issues! These cars are over priced, over rated and you will pay bigtime after the 4 year new car warranty is gone! This car is a NO! NO! The Germans need to wake up as the Americans are doing now!

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  Engine Malfunction - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By Darrell - February 12 - 1:24 pm

  This is the third BMW that I have owned (335i and 2 ea 535is) I have had the engine malfunction light come on and have lost power. You can stop the car and then restart it and it may be ok for awhile but the same problem will return. The dealer has been able to fix the problem quickly on both of the times that I have had the problem, it was a bad fuel pump. lower grade gas will also cause the problem with the injectors. Other than that the cars have been great.

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  Amazing vehicle but tires are major flaw - 2010 BMW X5
  By glouis188 - February 11 - 8:33 pm

  I love this vehicle!I ordered the diesel even though I live in Minnesota and it delivers as advertised even in -18 deg.Its worth every penny regardless of the negative reviews on price and the I-Drive (which is great!).Im a car guy and this thing just rocks.Close your eyes, sign on the line and you wont be sorry. No comparison to any of the other Lux SUVs that I drove, amazing! One issue to keep in mind. The vehicle came with Bridgestone Dueler H/L tires as OE and they are awful. Since new, they have droned on so loudly that I went back to the dealer at 850 miles thinking there was an issue.There is, as they are cupping but the dealers hands are tied until 5K miles. Avoid these tires!