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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  Looks Can Be Deceiving. - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By SportyDave - July 20 - 10:48 pm

  This seems like a brilliant car, the interior is sumptuous with a gorgeous dashboard (especially when the navigation is on). Ride is smooth, and engine just purrs. Every angle of this car grabs attention. However, the reliability is abysmal! This car has been in the shop so many times, I eventually just sold it. Glitches in interior parts (too many motors and unnecessary gizmos prone to go bad over time) just added to the gamut of problems. This car is atrocious in the winter or any slick conditions. The fat rear tires get no traction, and on subject, tires they DO sell are outrageously expensive. $400 a tire! And they barely make 10k miles. In fact, most parts for this car are absurd.

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  Junk - 2005 BMW X5
  By Gianmarco - July 17 - 2:09 pm

  I had a Dodge Durango 2001 before this x5 and never had a problem with it. The x5 is the worst car I had - it leaks from the roof when it rains took it back to the dealer to get it fixed so many times and still same problem. Electrical problem goes dead cant find the problem, driver door wont open from outside with this car you never know if the engine is going to start or not. You dont expect this from a BMW. I am about to put a sign on my glass saying dont buy this car ,too many problems.

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  Rattling Noise, high pitch noise and etc. - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By westwind - July 10 - 12:30 am

  I bought my 328 i AWD sedan in May 2009. It has 1500 miles. I am extremely dissatisfied with it with the following reasons - Under the hood BMW uses many plastic protection covers that cause rattling noise on rough roads - Rattling noise inside both rear doors - Rattling noise coming from cheaply designed cup holders in the front and rear. - Rattling noise inside the armrest between two rear seats. - Major rattling noise coming from inside the dashboard. - Poor engine noise insulation. The hood surface facing the engine does not have any foaming, unlike many other cars. - Flat drive tires cause stiff road experience. - Poor speech detection. This is my second 3 series, but it will be the last.

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  Nice car, but dealership service dept is worthless - 2016 BMW X1
  By sea2see - July 3 - 3:45 pm

  I purchased my X1 off the showroom floor and when leaving found a ding on the dash and a light was missing in the door. The dealer wrote a "We Owe" to fix the problem. Trying to get BMW to do anything is like pulling teeth. 2 months later ding is still there and no light. Their response is, its coming from Germany and we have to get approval. Just make sure your X1 is in perfect condition when you leave, because it will never get fixed. Sad to say this will be my last BMW because of the service Ive received.

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  Lemon? - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By bhunter - June 30 - 8:16 am

  Have loved driving the car, although as mentioned previously, the sound system is lame, the defroster is 100% fullblast or nothing, and we too have had tire/wheel issues. We have had it in the shop 16 times in 3.5 years for various problems, almost every other month since we bought it.The service managers say, "Its a high performance vehicle", to which I reply,"Its a high maintenance vehicle." What about that famous engineering? Id never buy another, its not that fun, and the reality is, most driving is commuting in heavy traffic, little chance to enjoy the performance within.

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  poor gas milage - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim T - April 10 - 12:16 pm

  bought this car 6 weeks ago gas milage is 15-16 city sticker says 20 called the dealer they said 15-16 is normal well why advertise 20 plus ventilation system is on every time you start the car even if you dont want it on

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  Good for the cost - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By BGDC - April 2 - 10:04 am

  My 6 speed 335i ZSP sedan was purchased used as a CPO. The powers nice, the fairly sharp handling is rewarding (nice to be back in RWD) and the is quite cocooned. Large trunk, decent gas mileage and large backseat make it a good family car (wife and infant son). I look forward to curves. Sadly, the vehicle is extremely heavy, the RFTs are lousy and the interior trim appears to be peeling away on the door handle and steering wheel. Its a fun enough car but I look forward to the day I wont need something so large Im anxious for BMW to produce a light RWD coupe/sedan. For the next few years the 335i will suffice.

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  650 convertible 2008 - 2008 BMW 6-Series
  By AMM - April 2 - 2:01 am

  I had the 650 for 12 months and I regret getting it: Too much money for what you get. I paid $90K+, includes: conv, auto, sports pckg, head-up display is an absolutely stupid option, convenience key is not necessary and HD radio that never worked right dealer said it works best in the city but not in the suburbs where I live, thx and heated seats. I could have gotten a better car for $90K or a great car at a much lower price but not $90K+ for 360 HP. This is my 3rd BMW I have a 01-740i and a 05-330cic both are great but the 650 at this price level is a disappointment, not only in lack of HP but in technology/computer etc. Take your time, compare and shop wisely before you commit to a 650.

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  Upgraded from an 01 Camry - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By homer - April 1 - 12:50 pm

  Fun to drive, however interior and wiring stinks. Driver Side Door cup has peeled twice. Replaced nearly half of the exterior light bulbs on the car. I have the Steptronic Transmission and my car STALLED TWICE at a stop. Car has only 20K miles.

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  Its noisy - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By mike - March 30 - 9:33 pm

  The 330xi is not a car to purchase if you are looking for comfort. The size is not bad and it can be fun to drive. It has good mileage, decent interior, plenty of nice amenities. However it is a noisy ride. The road noise is almost deafening after awhile. If you use the bluetooth feature to talk on the cell phone you cant hear your caller. Apparently it needs new tires every 10K miles. Yes, 10K miles (they will tell you its more like 15K but they are lying). This car has turned me off of BMW (and I have had several). Never again.