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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  2008 BMW 335i - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Jimmy - January 17 - 12:59 pm

  Originally, the 335i was fun to drive. It was quiet, quick, and fun. At 4,000 miles, the high pressure fuel pump failed, showing engine malfunction readings. All work was of course covered by BMW. Again, at 14,000 miles, the second high pressure fuel pump failed. The car now has 40,000 and is on its 3rd pump. Since replacement of the original, the car has less power, vibrates, and has an obvious computerized issue where the tight steering feel comes and goes. With repeated visits to the dealer, I am continuously told there are no found issues.

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  Not a muscle car - a driving machine - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Brad - January 17 - 8:22 am

  Needing a second commuter car and having owned BMWs before, I chose this high mileage 325i as my toy/commuter. It was not a mistake. After a thorough check up by a good BMW certified mechanic, I was off. Now after adding another 7k miles to it, still no problems. This car rips through the turns and has the size and punchiness to get through heavy traffic but gives u a thrill each turn when the road opens up. Its style is classic and turns heads in the parking lot and at street lights. This is a drivers car and it gives you a sense of control you wont get from any other "luxury" car. Some people wont like the firm ride, for others, thats what its all about - being one with the road.

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  Love It - 2010 BMW 1-Series
  By Craig - January 16 - 6:14 am

  I bought a 2008 128i convertible loaded and have it for now approx 1.5 years. I cant tell you how much I love this car. In the summer I am pretty much the envy of all. Car runs great (plenty of testosterone so to speak), feels great behind the wheel, has a stunning look, and consistently has averaged 21-24 mpg. Overall, love the car and consider it a great buy. One more thing. The dealer has been great in answering any questions I have and taking care of all the FREE service. I plan on keeping this car a long time.

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  Generally Happy - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Generally Happy - January 15 - 8:24 am

  I bought this slightly used vehicle, which was a dealers car with only 6,000 miles on it. Consider that was a good move as I reaped savings from not buying brand new. Love to drive the car, especially around curves. While I havent had major problems, I have had to have the car serviced for many nuisances, such as the leather on the drivers seat, which has had to be attended to twice. Also, I had an issue with several pieces of trim in the vehicle which had to be replaced due to the finish coming off. I wasnt expecting that from a BMW at all. Overall love the car and worked really well as my young son could comfortably fit in the back seat. However, he is four and I need more space now.

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  Love my car - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Fastcar - January 14 - 6:41 pm

  Im having the time of my life driving this car. Im a short (53") female and this is the first car that I feel I really fit in. It looks fabulous, drives great and has provided the best driving experience Ive ever had. Ive taken it on 2 road trips (one 500 miles, and the other 700 miles) and was amazed at how my back didnt hurt after. My only heart burn is the large lease payment that I make every month.... other than that its great!

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  Not good quality for this model - 2004 BMW X3
  By horacio - January 14 - 2:55 pm

  Needs a lot of maintenance, on brakes, tires are expensive, the moon roof does not work. It will cost like 2500 to fix, the first gear jumps really bad I scare to drive it now, and the ac compressor went out! Not a smart buy I have 99,500 miles on it.

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  Awesome! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By fiatluxphoto - January 14 - 6:23 am

  All in all this is an awesome car. Ride is a bit stiff over MNs many chuck holes. This could be the suspension option but the 3 series model is known for this trait. It matters more to me since its difficult for me to manually shift between gears moving over a rough road. Its sporty suspension makes handling/cornering great The stereo sound quality is incredible but the radio/ipod interface need improvement. Its basic and you cant tell what song you have playing on your ipod on the radio display. Just playlist/track (01-001 etc) Other than that, its a great ride. Quiet. Fast. Relatively efficient and very very reliable. The missed 10s are my personal opinion. They may not matter to you

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By broken hearted - January 14 - 2:35 am

  Love the car. This car has way too many repairs. Transmission problems 5000, windows 350 cooling system 1600 sensors 300+ cracked head 4000 and on and on. This car is so unreliable? The reviews are either great car or terrible car. What is their problem? They just cant make the car 100% ??

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  BMW 135i - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By JaxbeachFL 135i - January 13 - 9:18 pm

  Options m sport package, leather, upgraded stereo, cold weather, automatic transmission, bluetooth, I initially wanted one with a manual transmission and an ipod only but it was nearly impossible to find one. Ive driven it for 3 months and it has been fantastic. The engine is amazing, the suspension wonderful, and the handling razor sharp. my biggest complaints ... I initially thought it was ugly... but it grew on me... road nice can be loud. I worry about BMW reliability. a few squeaks and rattles...

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  Get one - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Aerocat - January 13 - 8:52 pm

  I wanted a weekend convertible - this car is perfect for that. Mine is Morea Green Metallic (truly beautiful) with Sport Package. Fairly quick, very fast, superb handling. Bought it early 09 with 81,000 miles for $5300 and dropped $700 in it immediately for some needed attention. Stole it. Fantastic shape inside and out. It lives in my garage except for spring/summer/fall evenings and weekends. Love driving it to Kansas State football games in the fall. Very handy to have around when one of my daily drivers is in the shop.