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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  Great Car, but........ - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Somewhat Satisfied - December 29 - 10:00 am

  My car was fine for the first few months, but Ive had a problem with the car stalling. I have a 5-speed...when you start it for the first time and let it idle for about 2 minutes in neutral, by feathering the accelerator the car stalls out. This has been happening for months and no dealer has been able to fix the problem!!! BMW customer service has been no help either to date.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Alan10899 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Not the fastest, or the best handling, but the total package is perfect.

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  Road Warrior - 2007 BMW X5
  By Doug Johnson - December 20 - 12:00 pm

  This is the Ultimate Driving Machine in so many respects. I bought this car new in 2007 and still drive it today. It is a fine vehicle and enjoy driving from Southeast Louisiana to the Florida Gulf Coast. It is a dream to drive. The only negative elements thus far is that the touch coating on the steering wheel and on the console bubbled and pealed off. The dealership and BMW should have replaced it in my opinion. Just outside of the extended warranty the all wheel drive on the right front failed. Fortunately I had purchased a second extended warranty from The Good Sams Club and after my deductable of $500.00 they paid out $1762.00. This was a major job for a failed gasket. Should not have happened at 115,000.00 miles in my opinion. The tailgate fold down plastic piece broke. poor design with plastic rather than metal. Plastic doesnt hold up in southern heat. All factors considered the best car that I have ever owned, hands down!

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  High priced sportsedan. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By edhchoe - December 14 - 4:36 pm

  The list of standard features do not include leather, powerseats, or even center armrest. However, this is the ultimate driving machine with the utmost finish quality. Get one if you can afford one.

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  bmw 5 - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By frankbank - December 5 - 6:20 am

  Many bugs in my 5 series. 530 is under powered, get the 540!! In the shop 5 times for minor problems ie computer chip malfuctions, iDrive, and tires.

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  What a disappointment. - 2003 BMW X5
  By Tony Hammock - December 4 - 10:00 am

  After several luxury SUVs from other manufacturers I thought I would try the BMW. What a mistake that was. At first the X5 was a joy to drive. Now that I have owned it for several months it is in the shop more than on the road. The fact that it has incurreds some problems that needed fixing doesnt upset me. It is the pitiful attitude and lack of understanding from the service department that I have trouble with.

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  Very Disappointed !!!!!!!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Helopilot - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I have a momentary significant engine hesitation on slow accelerations; I have taken the car to BMW 6 times for this problem. I have taken the car 7 times for a distinct whine at 70 MPH coming from the rear end or the manual transmission; BMW changed the rear end fluid and then the rear end. The gas pedal sticks after 30 minutes of use; its been changed two times. The radiator requires filling every 7 weeks to bring the coolant level back up to full on the float stick. BMW has tried to fix the above items, but refuses to work on any of the anymore. The driver shoulder harness tensioner has been replaced twice.

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  X1 the smaller choice - 2017 BMW X1
  By Eddie Perez-Santalla - November 4 - 5:31 pm

  Great BMW on the smaller scale . Only complaint would be outside air noise a bit loud at higher speeds maybe this is from the full Sunroof and shoulder room in front seats . A little wider would be a great idea for next model.

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  Nice toy - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Alex Pitsas - October 29 - 4:13 pm

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  qa problems - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By mpbmjr - October 29 - 2:00 am

  purchased and waited 2 months, the car was in for door and window problems 4 times within 2400 miles, bmw headquaters says that windows are adjusted in germany separetly, just an other way to say qa/qc is a problem previous owner of 5 and 7 series, the car is a gas to drive but seats not as good as on aforementioned net net, surprised at poor qa/qc and dealer, if this continues, the rep they had is going to nose dive