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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  2017 X1 a Different Car From the 2015 X1 - 2017 BMW X1
  By Robert Gilbert - October 14 - 3:36 am

  We had a leased 2015 X1 whose lease was up and opted to go inot a 2017 X1. Our 15 was 12K miles over the agreement and BMW let us out of the lease early and forgave the extra miles, so it was the best path. The 17 X1 is a different car then the 15 model year. The seats are smaller/shorter and are not as comfortable for me, a 510", 150# male, but for my wife, a petite 51" 110# female they are great. She likes the seating position more than the 15 X1. IMO, the interior is cheaper than before. For example, the shifter is a simpler analog type vs. the electric fly by wire on the 15 model. The buttons and switches, while still of high quality are noticeably different in feel. Our model has the iDrive knob/buttons in the center console, no nav, and is OK, but a distraction, IMO. To the positive, the turbo charged engine has plenty of power, and brakes are good. I really like the LED headlights, they put out a nice bright white light. The cabin noise is about the same as the 15, and is I believe, affected by the OEM tires used by the factory. Overall, BMW says this is the lowest cost Bimmer, and on this count they are right, they accomplish this feat by using cheaper components. We have been a BMW family for 15+ years owning 7s, Z3, Z4, 535i, X3 (still owned and going strong with 118K on the odometer) and 2 X1s, so I am a bit conflicted that they are producing such entry level cars. It is becoming harder to rationalize BMWs cost premium for this class when there are so many other competitive SUVs on the market.

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  Mikes 750IL - 1991 BMW 7-Series
  By Mike inNC - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful ride. Handles well for its size and weight. Amazing acceleration and performance. 16mpg mixed driving. No inexpensive repairs. Have recently replaced heater core, radiator and ac compressor.

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  FUN CAR - 2002 BMW Z3
  By AMILCAR - October 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR WAS LOTS OF FUN I TOOK IT TO 130 MILES. LOVED TO DRIVE CNVERTIBLE ON THE RAIN...TRY IT SOME TIME!

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  In the Shop - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Auggie - October 8 - 2:00 am

  While Im impressed with the luxury, Im not happy with the ongoing maintenance. This is the "Flagship" marquis of BMW. So then why so many problems? Ive been an owner of Jaguar and I must say Ive had fewer misques than with BMW. I enjoy the feel of the 740il, but think they could have done a better job with the overall quality of the vehicle.

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  my first BMW...wont be my last, either! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By andergtr - October 6 - 10:00 am

  45,000 miles and over 18 months after buying the car, i still love it. it truly is the ultimate driving machine. near perfect balance and amazing feedback for the driver. i wish it had more power, but then again ive never had problems speeding at over 100 mph from LA to san diego. reliability has been great. the only gripe i have is that it costs a lot to maintain.

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  Fun but not reliable - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By AndrewR - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. It performs like a sports car but has the roominess of a large luxury sedan. But, the reliability problems make it difficult to justify owning. Its almost at the point where I never know when I turn on the ignition whether the car is going to get me where I need to go. Everything from body mouldings that fall off while driving, two failed catalytic converters, a failed radiator, an airbag warning light that comes on intermittently, an intermittent warning that my rear bulbs are out, and on and on and on.

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  Think Twice Before Buying 540i - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By disappointed2 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive been through 3 engines ($6,000 per), two transmissions ($3,000 per), 3 driveshafts ($1,500 per), and 2 alarm modules ($800 per). That should speak for the car and the dealership experience is no better. They like to replace things instead of repairing things, parts are terribly expensive, and overall service is a joke. If you want a BWM, buy a new one or a slightly used one, especially not any 5-series. 3-series may be okay. Good luck with your Big Money Waste!!

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  Id buy it again - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By sezme2 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  My next automobile will be the M5 vs. S500, until then, this machine is more than adequate. Id love a roadster type, but theyre too impractical for a family-man. I chose this car for its stellar passive safety ratings (checkout hywsafety. org) and its ability to handle precisely to actively avoid a collision. My wife had not been an auto-phile, but this car has made her passionate about driving.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine? Maybe - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By ArturoIsGod - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1998 323IS back in February 2002. I love the syling, handling, and the performance from the 2.5 liter inline 6 is pretty good. Thing is its only got 60K miles on it and Ive already had to replace the catalytic converter, the water pump, and the serpentine belt. The thing vibrates like crazy when at idle and seems to be getting progressively worse. One of the exhaust mounting brackets has broken loose and it rattles under the car. As soon as the extended warranty runs out its gone. Anyone know the phone # for Acura?

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  A car for the rest of your life! - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By scottie2 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 8 years and it is by far the best car I have ever owned. Its black on black wth gray around the very bottom on the exterior which looks very good and you dont see on other cars and newer BMWs. The dash also is very cool with all the buttons for the auto A/C. The road feel in this car is like no other make of car I have ever driven. There are many other little extras that when you get a BMW 325is and experience it you will understand why its such a great car and hard to let go have once you own one. The exterior styling is very classic and my car looks as good as anything out there and its almost ten years old.