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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  BMW 535i - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By Nate in NY - November 7 - 2:00 am

  The best thign to do with is car, is find an open road. Even though my car is 13 years old, it still is exceptionally fun to drive. IT handles well, and has plenty of kick.

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  Overpriced and unreliable - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By bueller72 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car brand new in 2000 and can honestly say that this has been the most expensive and poorly designed vehicle Ive ever owned. Ive had the following issues: suspension issues (control arms - 2 times!), HVAC, ignition switch, windown regulators, power steering pump, radio, horns, speakers go bad and require replacement. Latest issues: camshaft sensor, amplifier, and another power window regulator. Stay away from BMW. BMW North America doesnt care about their customers either. After warranty expires, DUMP THIS CAR.

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  Bimmer Bummer - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By delawaredriver - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Electrical and mechanical problems plague this car. It has more rattles than an old Chevy. Thank goodness for the extended warranty. I used to overlook the failures because of how much "fun" it is to drive a BMW. No more! Cant wait to get rid of it.

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  My favorite car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Richard - October 31 - 1:33 am

  It pays to use a private mechanic for routine maintenance, but if you have to go to a dealer for BMW tech issues, such as electronics, be prepared for high cost. This car is really fun to drive with a stick shift, and handles beautifully, as you would expect with a BMW. Its body is still in great shape after 10 years. People compliment me on how well it rides and its comfortable seats. Ill be sad to part with it.

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  Wanted to... - 2016 BMW X5
  By Dan Berezowski - October 25 - 9:37 pm

  Looking for a new car to upgrade from my MDX I decided to give the X5 a test. The car handled wonderfully and felt like driving a much smaller car. The interior was terrific and felt very luxurious. The infotainment center seemed to work flawlessly with a beautiful display. My big issue with the X5 is the amount of cargo space. I wanted to love this car so much I was trying to determine if I could overlook the cargo space, but it is just much too small. I even decided to take with my large cooler on my second test drive to see if I could squeeze everything in. For such a nice utility vehicle it would be better for BMW to find a way to double the cargo capacity. A real third row is unnecessary, but real cargo space is.

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  Best Gosh Dang Car on the Planet - 2003 BMW M5
  By Alma84 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Well, Almost. No where else are you going to get 400 Horse Power, and will seat 5 comfortably. The BMW M5 is the Apex of the Super Sport Sedan section. No other Sport sedan can do what this machine can do. But, ive heard the M6 will come out soon, same as the M5, but with 2 doors, a V10 and 500 horses!!!!!! Only bimmer can do that.

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  So sweet - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By Hxciter - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car from my Dad, he bought it new, so I know the history. It has 63,000 miles and feels as tight as the day he took it home, quality is awesome, down to the door sounding solid when shut, and even how rigid the turn signal lever feels. You cant put this stuff into words until you drive this thing. Quiet on the inside, the heated seats heat up 3x as fast as my new 2003 expedition, and for a hog of a car it does move out. Love the way the engine sounds too. Not one single complaint. (although I have yet to have major maintenace work done yet, so I am unfamiliar with the cost of repairs. i.e. brakes, etc.)

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  Would Be Great But.... - 2003 BMW X5
  By Jeffrey19608 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is unsafe. My brake pedal fell completely off. Fortunately I was in a parking lot when it happened with my family in the car. No one was injured. The driver side window decided tt break on a trip. Had to drive the car with the window down. Window fell out while driving. I have a 2000 4.4. This vehicle needs more testing & quality control. Have lost confidence in the vehicle! Fotunately the dealership I purchased the car from is top notch! I think they need to be. They see me too much.

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  Good acceleration - 1993 BMW 7-Series
  By george A - October 21 - 2:00 am

  The dealerships were overall great on repairs except the last time. The car felt very stable while driving and had wonderful acceleration. It was quiet.

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  Last Beemer for me! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By dh56 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed with this my 2nd BMW. Yes - its a wonderful, fun-to-drive car. BUT - A/C has died 2nd summer in both cars - $1300 to repair!! Cupholders are a joke - unusuable and constantly broken - and now the water pump went -2 months before my lease ends - another $1000 to fix. For $700/month Im going to be looking elsewherefor my next car. And the dealership is NO help - they act like its a privilege to own one of their cars.