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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  Beautiful car but breaks down a lot - costing $$$$ - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Ex BMW lover - September 16 - 12:56 pm

  I really did my level best to maintain my loyalty with BMW- after 3 brand NEW BMWs and 10 years of battling with repairs and literally dropping 1200 to 2k in repair costs each and every time, I have finally decided to depart from BMW for good. They are only good when under warranty, albeit you still have to go to the shop something- complete waste of time. Secretly, I have been discretely jealous of Lexus owners because the service and quality there get- but I always remained adamant and advocated for BMWs. I decided to keep my last BMW past the warranty, with 6 months post warranty, I came across 4 visits to the shop and over $7k in repairs. TRUST ME, I bought them brand new and always cared for them with the dealership, always put 93 premium feul. I have bent over backwards and now Im tired and must draw the line after remaining in denial for a long time. Its just a beautiful car but all garbage from the inside- not sure why would BMW would do this. it is very sad.

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  550i with M-Sport Package - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By New BMW Guy - September 16 - 1:53 am

  There is no other way to buy a 550i. The M-sport package is a must. The wheels and more aggressive styling gets everyones attention when you drive by. The Logic 7 system is the best sound system I have ever heard in a car. The growl when you take off on the highway is euphoric. The heads up display is awesome especially when you get the nav directions on the windshield. I now know why everyone who owns a BMW will never own another car. The hard drive lets you burn your CDs and lets you hear your favorite music instantly - no waiting for tracks to pull up and better than my Infiniti hard drive system. The updated iDrive is very quick and intuitive. Bluetooth phone connection is impeccable.

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  Wonderful Car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By srm858 - September 15 - 2:46 pm

  I bought my car used, 3rd owner at 108k. I drove it a year and had continuous cooling system problems. It turns out the previous owner cracked the head by overheating the car. I replaced the head myself and now the car is fantastic. You cannot have these cars serviced by the dealer, it is way too expensive. Do maintenance and repairs yourself or find a good independent mechanic, there are many. This is a great car on the highway and the handling with the sport package is exceptional. Overall the car is very well made and you can see where the money has gone to. I would highly recommend to anyone.

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  well refined inline 6 - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By retfalvi - September 15 - 2:00 am

  German mentality to build a car is that they tend not to cut corners in upcoming years and they continuously improving nuances on their cars. I frequently find myself more relaxed listening to the symphony of this inline six than music. Keep your impulses under careful check when you are sure that you have found a finer car, you may find a faster one, but good luck on the other aspects...

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  What a Disapointment - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By bropup - September 15 - 2:00 am

  What a disappointment. That is what our first and last BMW is. It has been in the shop over 15 times AND THAT IS NOT INCLUDING THE OIL CHANGES! Every window has gone off track, the radio has been replaced twice, and the brakes needed replacing after 36,000 miles! to name a few of our problems with this car. Luckily, BMW replaced the brakes for free! We will be purchasing another car before the warranty is up...but it WILL NOT be a BMW. I really regret selling my Honda wagon for the BMW. Not once did I ever have a problem with the HONDA.

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  Other SUVs should make one too.. - 2003 BMW X5
  By FANtAsTIC - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The best performance I have had in an SUV, have had a Suburban, loved that, had a Chrysler ML, hated it!, but now this is brand new, and the best one out there. Gas mileage not the best, but then with SUVs I have become accustomed to that fact. Other than that, the best fit/finish, the most masculine looking yet highest style out of all. Definitely not a minivan trying to be an SUV. Wouldnt even consider anything else now as a replacement when its time for a new car.

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  X5: Fun to drive to the shop! - 2003 BMW X5
  By x5driver - September 15 - 2:00 am

  X5 drives like a dream! The 4.4 that we own has excellent responsivness on the road, no body roll [unlike other vehicles in SUV category]. Switching to Sports allowed me to zoom to 120 mph without the car straining. Truly excellent BMW-like performance. Unfortunately... the car was built in the US and it shows: trunk light poped- out, sun shades hooks broke, two recalls, auto-level computer failed, GPS had navigational bugs, etc. Nothing critical but annoying and time- consumming. Great, safe, fun car to drive but it was rushed out the door and the "little things" were not built to BMW-appropriate level.

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  The BEST Car I Have Owned - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By rsulliuvan - September 14 - 7:26 pm

  Sports and premium pkgs. This car is amazing. Handling is superb, wet or dry. Dunlop run flats hold the road as if you were on rails. The most comfortable seats you have ever placed your tail on. Design is flawless, in and out. Fantastic on long trips, 33 mpg., and a great way to commute. Why I waited so long to purchase THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE is beyond me. Of the dozen or so autos I have owned, this is by far the best. 100% class.

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  Second 750iL proves same as first one - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By ST - September 14 - 4:32 pm

  My 2nd 750 has been the same as the 1st in terms of performance & problems. My 1st, a 99 bought @ 51Kmi & totaled @ 105Kmi, not a horrible crash by any stretch, major damage under the car was the problem. Current vehicle bought @ 41Kmi now @ 53Kmi. Nothing but batteries so far but the oil service light just came on so I am prepared for at least a grand for the soon to be scheduled service by BMW (Break My Wallet). Will probably do the plugs (12). If you cant afford a few grand/yr. in service, this is not the car for you. Sway links & thrust rod bushings will be covered. Extended warranty for 48Kmi/48 mos. cost $4,100 & if you own these cars, you had best get a top of the line warranty.

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  1995 BMW 318i Sedan 5spd review - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Rick - September 14 - 3:16 pm

  144,000k and still runs strong and tight. This is a car that makes driving fun again. Its 14yrs old and rides better than some domestic brands that are only a few yrs old! The 5spd manual is smooth and crisp, the suspension lets you know whats going on and BMW must under-rate their horsepower ratings because I have blown away many V6s with my M42 engine. I run exclusively 5w30 Royal Purple and SHELL V-Power Gasoline. I also updated the factory plastic headlamps with a set of EURO 4300k HID Depo Glass Headlamps with angel eyes. Now I can finally see at night!