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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  Love & Hate - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By kevlexus10 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car ive ever driven. Great performance and handling. Hugs the curves and rides like a dream on the open highway. But MAN !!! was I in for a surprise when it came to the repairs. Way too costly to maintain. And didnt expect the engine to go out at 100K. Good thing BMW fixed that problem quick. Get the engine checked if you plan on getting a 95 ($7,000-$10,000).

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  a - 2001 BMW X5
  By kdr - November 27 - 2:00 am

  most comfortable and best handling suv ive ever driven. also the most unreliable and poorest quality built vehicle i have ever owned. just got car back again after 8 days in the shop to have steering rack replaced (at 18,000 miles) and now doors will not open from inside. everytime the car goes in for service comes back with more problems.

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  Fabulous Flagship - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By CreagerLeasing - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This 740i is truely a remarkable car. Distinctive design with true creature comforts galore. The sound system is a reward to the ear. Stable drive that hugs the pavement. Top notch ergonomics, and you can hear, smell and feel the quality of the build. An absolute joy to drive and own. Plus youve saved over 40% depreciation by buying or leasing this 1999!

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  Best All Around Car - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By jbarnstrow - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Auto Tranny, but still has plenty of power for the twisties. Carries four without the usual coupe cramp.

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  Bought 740il instead of E-Class Benz - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Raj - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car from a Mercedes dealer on the recommemdation of the salesman. Was in the marker for a pre-owned E320 but salesman stated that this car was much better vehicle for less than E class.

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  Finally - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Royboy - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Well I now own a 97 740 iL Artic Metlic Silver with 98K and really do like it. However, I had to put some money into it after I got it to fix a major problem: Cataly. Convertor which cost me $2,300 p/L. I also other repairs done that were under CPO warranty: Radiator, Elect.fan, new valve cover gaskets and a new int. sensor alarm. I hope I am done with repairs for a couple of years, other than oil changes. I am still happy I have this car because its my dream car and I think I have everything fixed that may go wrong in the future, but if I have any other major problems I will need to look else where.

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  Finally - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By royboy - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Well I now own a 97 740 iL Artic Metlic Silver with 98K and really do like it. However, I had to put some money into it after I got it to fix a major problem: Cataly. Convertor which cost me $2,300 p/L. I also other repairs done that were under CPO warranty: Radiator, Elect.fan, new valve cover gaskets and a new int. sensor alarm. I hope I am done with repairs for a couple of years, other than oil changes. I am still happy I have this car because its my dream car and I think I have everything fixed that may go wrong in the future, but if I have any other major problems I will need to look else where.

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  The Best Car for under $60K - 1998 BMW M3
  By iam4ecu - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car - it was everything I wanted it to be. It makes me smile every day. As a car that won every award and review, I had high expectations and they have been met. If you are considering one of these, find one that is well-maintained and get it. Youll never regret it!

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  Very happy - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By CAS - November 11 - 7:38 pm

  I purchased a certified pre-owned 2014 328GT with the sport package, climate and nav. I am impressed with the cars versatility, performance, appearance, comfort and gas mileage. I am averaging 25.5 mpg city and 37.2 highway. I am not a fan of the iDrive system (programming a radio station takes 5 minutes and/or reference to the owners manual, in the age of smartphones why is this so difficult?) however and the run-flat tires transmit considerable noise on rough roads. I originally had wind noise but the dealer was able to adjust the close point of the sunroof and this had not been a problem since, even with frequent opening/closing. A couple of things I wish this car had include 1) a more accessible location for the rear hatch button 2) remote start 3) wider side bolsters on the seat backs (front only).

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  4-dr 325i - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Lempi - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 7 years old, but I know if I take good care of it, can drive it (almost) forever. The ride is smooth and comfortable, great for long commutes. Unlike most newer cars, the 325i feels solid, I feel a new sense of safety in it. Though safe and dependable this car is also fun! Can brake on a dime, and is quite exciting on the open road. And NOTHING beats the jealous stares from people driving cavaliers and the like. :)