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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  HUGE disappointment - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By jw - October 23 - 1:06 am

  This car is highly overrated and Im very sorry I purchased it. I will never purchase a BMW again. Its not comfortable, and even at 3000 miles hasnt been reliable. I intend to sell it and purchase a true luxury car. The ride and drive arent smooth or what you should be able to expect from a car at this price. Most disappointing is that it isnt fun to drive. It feels like my fathers car with a little more hp. The cup holders are hysterical---the drivers and passengers are both on the passenger side---very uncomfortable to access and dangerous to use lean over to use when driving. The leg room is worse than most cars this size. My first and last BMW.

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  Wish this was the car I thought I was buying - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW1320 - August 14 - 1:14 am

  So far Ive had the brakes completely redone, fuel pump replaced, dealer-inserted foam to stop a steering wheel road noise, worn out a set of tires at 33K due to a faulty alignment, and now the transmission is acting up intermittently. All this has been paid for out of warranty, except the alignment/tires. I asked BMW USA to fix the alignment, but they refused. I love the looks of this car, but would never buy another one. It makes me sad since Ive always dreamed of owning a BMW.

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  The 528I is definitely not a sports sedan - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Gary - July 5 - 12:04 pm

  Build quality was fine; but it is sluggish and slow and lacks the exciting driving feel youd expect in a BMW. The Turbo 4 is inadequate and leaves it under powered and wanting. Ive had that engine before and it starts to burn oil between changes at about 20,000 miles so be warned. The navigation system still requires a PHD and a lot of patience. Its not intuitive. Unfortunately, the car drives like a Buick. If Id wanted a Buick I would have bought one for $20,000 less. Very disappointed. Ive owned six BMWs and this is the worst. Believe the new redesign in 17 is intended to remedy some of its faults.

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  Worst car ever! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By James - May 31 - 1:56 am

  This is hands down the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Within the first 2 weeks it was in the shop twice for electrical problems. Then when I was driving on the highway, I hit the gas and didnt go anywhere and almost got creamed, twice. Performance is no where near all the hype and it is a very uncomfortable car to drive longer than 2 hours in. The bluetooth feature is garbage and the recieving quality on whom you are calling is very bad. The gas mileage is terrible in city and hwy driving. Overall a terrible car.

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  So frustrated :( - 2003 BMW X5
  By GEN - May 4 - 12:23 pm

  In the beginning im so happy and proud to drive a one of the luxury car. I bought second hand. But everything is falling apart of this car. First smoke coming from my hood , then have a poor AC but was able to fixed it right away. One day I was parked out my drive way and the sprinker kicked in with a high pressure of water due to sprinkler head blew off. water went to my hood and the next thing I know it ruined my stereo speaker - very poor electrical wirings. Then front passenger side window wont work - I had to just not to use it at all. followed by the back passenger door handle wont work and now I looked so stupid before I can get in my car I need to go at the passenger side to open my driver door handle. What on earth!!! what else will be next ? :-/

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  Rather have a Z - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Germanator - March 30 - 10:00 am

  No more Beamers for me. I switched to Nissans Z, much better, more power too. BMW sucks. My Z came for a fraction of the price from the Z4. Computer faiulures are a daily hassle.

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  Disapointed! BMW X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By sean - March 2 - 6:10 pm

  Nice styling and handling. Poor fuel economy. Extremely cheap looking interior. Driving the X3 makes me feel that I am driving a Low End" BMW. (i.e. BMW 318). It does not feel like an introductory level SUV. It feels like a "Poor Mans"Womens Bimmer"!

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  Disappointed! BMW X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By sean - March 2 - 6:10 pm

  Nice styling and handling. Poor fuel economy. Extremely cheap looking interior. Driving the X3 makes me feel that I am driving a Low End" BMW. (i.e. BMW 318). It does not feel like an introductory level SUV. It feels like a "Poor Mans Bimmer"!

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  When pretty is not enough. - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Alan Patrignani - December 27 - 1:44 pm

  There is no question that this car is a show stopper and loads of fun with the top down. Based on the accolades and reviews, it is logical to assume that this car would be as great a performer as is looks. That thought process became a myth when at only 28,000 miles, and having had all the recommended service on time, my car began to stutter and would shake terribly on acceleration. After 6 new coils (which took 2 service appointments) it ran smoothly for almost one day when it was discovered that it needed a new fuel injector. Once we got past that, a week later it needed a new air conditioning evaporator coil. Without the extended warranty the out of pocket expenses would have been outrageous. And all of this at only 28,000 miles. Amazingly enough, severl other owners that I have met casually have had similar experiences and cannot wait to sell their cars. But we all hang on since the reviews are so compelling and create the BMW mystique which somehow convinces us that it must be us...but perhaps not, perhaps it really an over-rated performance car.

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  Do Not Buy 3.30CI - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Karakas - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 3.30CI on the 31st of Jan 2004. It has only 6500 miles on it and the car has been to service 5 (FIVE) times. The passenger door failed first, then the mirrors with interior light. The engine has serious problems too. Especially in the mornings, I can feel the wobbling coming from the engine. I have checked the positive feedbacks but they dont seem right. One of the review says 3.30 has 30-31 MPG, thats IMPOSSIBLE. My BMWs VIN# is WBABD53404PL11978 and I am serious do NOT buy this car because even the service guys dont have an explanation for the problem. My car cost me 45K 3.30CI with all the options. I can send you pics...