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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  Close to the ideal all around car - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By Sam Carter - December 18 - 7:24 pm

  This is a great little car! It hugs the road and is a pleasure to drive. It gets great fuel mileage and is very comfortable on long trips. The only downside is that BMW "nickels and dimes" you on packages rather than making everything standard on an automobile in this category.

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  AN INEXPENSIVE WAY TO LUXURY AND FUN!!!! - 2006 BMW X5
  By Robert - December 18 - 10:57 am

  I purchased my BMW X5 6 speed with 94K miles on her. Shes a 9 out of 10. The truck has every possible option. Navigation is simple to use, the heated seats keep my back relaxed, the tight steering is awesome, the gear box is smooth and easy, and the truck rides like a dream. I also purchased a 4 year and/ or additional 60k mile bumper to bumper warranty that covers everything, including the clutch. This is hands down the best SUV I have ever owned, and will look for another one real soon to store away for future use, which I will use, once I drive the doors off this baby Im in now.............If you want an incredibly fun SUV to drive a 2004, 2005, or 2006 BMW X5 is your truck. But a manual transmission is the ONLY way to go. Theyre hard to find but once you do your research and acquire one, you will not look back. And 20 miles per gallon doesnt hurt either. HAPPY HUNTING!!!

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  Great Car - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By John Scott - December 16 - 12:28 pm

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  Great Performance Sport Sedan - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Tomas Olivo - December 16 - 11:49 am

  This car performs amazingly well given the facts that is a heavy midsize sedan. The look is great! Definitely a head turner with the Sport package. If you are looking for gas mileage stay away from the V8 but if you are mostly looking for performance and power, this is definitely the car for you. I have owned different cars, but this car is very special. You feel in control and you feel like you own the road when you are driving it. It is definitely a joy. I have owned the car for about 2 years now and I bought it with 73,000 miles. Currently at 104,000 miles and no major problems so far. The only major issues was resolved under warranty after a few days I bought the car at the BMW dealer it had an oil leak and a rattle in the engine but they fixed it. Also the cars transmission would malfunction sometimes but they reprogrammed the computer and the problem was gone. Other little things that I have done myself are the angel lights that went out, fog lights, brakes, etc. Something that does bother me is the transmission at low speed, it is a bit jerky especially when you drive it first time during the day. Ive been thinking about upgrading to the F10 version but reading about all the mechanical issues they have, I think Im sticking with this one for now since it has been such a great car so far.

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  2013 BMW 750i x-drive - 2013 BMW 7-Series
  By Nagesh Sridharan - December 14 - 8:19 pm

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  Great used car to buy - 2010 BMW X5
  By Joseph Liu - December 14 - 11:34 am

  I bought this car at used with 35000 miles on it in 2014. This is the best used car that Id ever drive. I owned quite a few luxury cars. X5 35d is the most pleasure for me to drive in road with great milage and power.

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  Love my tanning machine! - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By Dd - December 13 - 9:23 pm

  I enjoy driving this car with the top down as much as possible. If climate change, it just takes a second to put the top up, well maybe two ! I get compliments on the car often . If you want to have passengers or lots of storage, this is not for you. But if you are looking for a great ride, this is it. I used to drive a winding canyon every day to go to work. Great way to start and end my day just love it!

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  Best Ever SAV - 2015 BMW X3
  By mrspano@live.com - December 12 - 4:27 am

  This is by far the best SUV/SAV I have ever driven. Quick and agile. Nothing else compares.

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  Luxurious, Sporty, Fun, Eye-catcher, Maintenance. - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Fahiem Ahmadi - December 8 - 12:16 am

  I own a silver 2006 BMW 325i Sedan 3.0L I6. I honestly can say that i absolutely love this car very deeply. Its way ahead of its time, people always assume its a newer model just by looking at it. I surprise everyone when i tell them it is a 2006. This car has a lot to offer, it has the luxury look both outside and inside. A lot of people try to dumb down the 325i model compared to other cars in its class performance wise, but i honestly dont believe those people have owned or even been inside this car. For those of us who drive this car on a daily basis you can agree with me when I say this car holds its own on the road with both top end and acceleration speeds. In the 2 years ive owned this car you can bet ive done some racing on the highways and I have beat some pretty fast cars from G35s, Acura TLs, Lexus IS, Mercedes C/E Class, Other BMW models. This car has some heat in it. Automatic 6 speed tiptronic. Now by no means is this car an M3 or a GTR but when it comes to cars in its class this is the best, if not one of the best. Handles the road extremely well, it has saved me from some sticky situations with its handling ability and power steering. The overall design of the car is smooth, elegant and crisp with a driving on glass feel, you can literally be doing 100 mph and feel like the car is going 50. The stock audio system is very high quality both in sound and bass. Depending on what package you get, it comes with climate control, power seats, blue tooth, BMW assist, aux plug. MP3 CD, sun shade and added horsepower. The car is bilingual in its text. With that being said this car is just about 10 years old now and if your thinking of buying one just know that the initial purchase price is not the problem it is the cost of ownership. Meaning, you will put up some big money to keep this car maintained. Ive had this car for 2 years and the initial cost of the car was 16k. Plus -$550 on starter replacement and leak. -$2700 - Water Pump, thermostat, radiator, radiator hose -$543 - Head Gaskett -$434 - Oil Filter housing gasket (2x) -$540 - Belt Tensioner -$1000 - Brake pad, sensors, rotors. -$599 - Spark plugs 1-6 and Ignition coil 3 That is a total of $6366 and not to mention the $200+ a month for insurance .. Gas is decent on this considering the performance factor that comes with this car. The car is fun and exciting to ride in but can be costly. To be honest with you, even though i have broke the bank a few times with this car I truly enjoy driving it and absolutely love this car. If you are single with no kids I would recommend buying this car.

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  good car - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By k john - December 6 - 7:12 pm

  no complaints