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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  First Time BMW Owner - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Ken C - September 13 - 4:40 am

  Wanted a BMW my entire adult life. Purchased a new 2007 328i 4dr and am really enjoying it. I have never considered myself a "car guy" but the power and ride that this vehicle provides is exceptional. While my overall expectations were met (and sometimes exceeded), there are still some opportunities that I believe BMW should address, such as the poorly crafted leatherette seats and the ill-placed cup holders.

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  A definite head turner - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By JonInAustin - September 10 - 10:00 am

  A little pricey compared to other convertibles but the quality is definitely there. Youll be amazed at the number of people who will talk to you at traffic lights in this car. The inside is very simple without the bells and whistles found in so many other cars but that keeps your mind focused on the road. The one major drawback to this car is the lack of a built-in alarm system!

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  I wish I bought the XC90 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Liau23 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Good car with great handling. A little stiff though.

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  Long Term Ownership review - 4 + years - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Ed C - August 31 - 4:09 am

  I bought this car with 18,000 miles on it in August 2013. It currently has 107,000 on it in January 2018. The acceleration is really good! Cost of ownership is terrible, still owe $9,000 on the principal loan and its starting to fall apart. Things that broke: 4 ignition coils (2 separate occasions), costing me about $25 / coil per time (DIY repair), 2 complete sets of tires. Currently the car has these problems: 2 bad rear wheel bearings, a failed DISA valve (engine rattle on acceleration) , serpentine belt tensioner pulley is slightly squeaking, rear upper control arm bushing is worn, and oil pan gasket and valve cover gaskets are leaking. The DISA valve is a known issue and a problem solver repair kit exists on Ebay for $80 (a new DISA valve costs about $250, and it will break down like the original). Ill be replacing the valve and wheel bearings as soon as the cold weather breaks. I love the way the car looks and handles so Ill be keeping it after its paid off.

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  Initial disappontment - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Japgerm - August 28 - 2:53 pm

  Just picked up a 745 and having issues already. My initial car was never delivered to me due to the dealers inability to fix a code error during the system checkout. So i accepted a different color vehicle with different options. During the drive home from the dealership my speakers POPPED and the Idrive system re-intialized itself.Next day it occurred again and my left front speaker is blown. In all fairness the dealer has so far been excellent since the day I walked in the door..

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  Tons of Repairs - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Lexas_p - August 11 - 2:00 am

  All I can say is, expect to pay twice what you pay monthly for maintenance and repairs.

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  BMW 330I - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By RNG55 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  It is the ultimate driving machine. Performance/aaceleration is great. Safety is also outstanding. Only bad thing is it needs more interior storage area.

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  Personal expreince with my x5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By EHutty - August 5 - 5:03 pm

  The car drives great, its comfortable and was my first car. I still own this care and am debating selling it. Ive had a good amount of repairs tipcally nothing serious, both rear window regulators have gone out about 50 bucks each to replace and did it myself. I do all the repairs myself minus this most recent one. My MAF sensor went out but all i had to do was clean it. Its a fun care to have but every few weeks something small breaks and triggers your check engine light. Atleast for me. Most recently my transfer case went out and I put a new starter and replaced all hoses and things in the car. Was debating on selling for a FJ but not sure.

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  Sophisticated Fun - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By A.M.S. Jr. - July 25 - 10:00 am

  The BMW exudes understated class. Everything about the car is tastefull. The style is classic and will still look good in 5 years. Driving is thoroughly satisfying. The cars handling is precise with plenty of power around town and also on the highway. The car is solid. Build quality, fit and finnish are first rate. Dealership experience was enjoyable and service was their top priority.

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  fun drive but............ - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By tiago - July 19 - 10:00 am

  great car to drive but my car has been in the shop for the last 5 days they dont know what is wrong with the engine and cant seem to fix the vibration in the steering wheel, the sport steering wheel was not even centered when i bought it.I have 8000 miles and they also just replaced the radio???? this is my first bmw and dont know if i would buy another. Air noise is terrible. you would think the windows are down. problems with this car since day 1