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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  BMW versus Lincoln Ls V8 - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By leon - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Drove a Lincoln V8 w/sport suspension for the past three years. Have a new 330I with sport suspension for the past 30 days. Engine- Same on both cars. Seating. Better support on the Lincoln. Transmission: better on the BMW. Steering: Much better on the Lincoln. Location of controls:Much better on Lincoln. Amenities: Lot more for the buck on the Lincoln. Suspension: The same. Brakes: slightly better on BMW Wheels and tires: Slightly better on BMW. Sound system: The same. Traction, stability: Better on BMW

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  Pocket rocket - 2016 BMW 2-Series
  By Stuart - July 13 - 4:04 am

  Fast car not quite as sporty unless driven in sport mode then much more impressive. Do not like that tires are not runflat and there is no spare.

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  great car however horrible tires - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By sabrina Greco - June 25 - 9:54 pm

  This is a great car. However we have owned 2 740LI BMWs , we have replaced 7 tires total on these cars. The run flat tires are horrible. We are constantly getting bubbles in the tires. BMW is well aware of this problem anWd offers insurance for the tires however, it isnt about the money for the tires, its about safety!!! A car that costs so much money or any car for that matter should not have a safety issue with tires!

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  BEWARE!! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Dan Phillips - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Got my 540--at first overjoyed, then probs began. Clutch issues, then a REPLACED trans. at 18K mi.!! For a loaner, I repeatedly got a Hundai!! Astounding!! It happened to my brother, too. BMW never showed me any appreciation of my investment or expectation. Insulting! a Ive heard it before, now I know. Be careful. New clutch for 2 grand??? And still the trans. never worked right. It became pathetic. Ended lease early.

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  BMW should try again - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By famnp - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a 1989 535I until 11/03, I was very happy to consider a new 5 series. When I saw the 2004 I had to have it. I love the perfomance and the handling(nothing like going over a winding road at 80 and not knowing it). I love the safety and the looks. They need to get rid of the 7 series technology. Every 6 weeks the car is at the dealer with an air bag/restraint system failure and no seems to be able to fix it.

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  Go for it! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By rich545 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded in a 2003 330xi for the 545 and I was hesitant at first because I loved the 330, but wanted a bigger car. No regrets now! The 545i is a great car, period. Enough power to throw your head back into the seat, and handles like its on rails. Just got a recall notice, but thats not uncommon for the first model year. The dash is a little spartan looking, but I dont understand the most common complaint; the iDrive. Anyone that can use a computer should find it a breeze to use. Plus, all you really do it set your preferences with it. Most things can be controlled without using it.

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  truth in new technology - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Imacgenius - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I think that the 745 is s beautiful car, but after 9 months and many recalls, poor reparirs, computer blow outs, and a few stranded experiences, i am not sure that it is worthy of the BMW name. Wish I got the Mercedes

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  My BMW 330xi - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Noah12343 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car in general. It is a blast to drive, and it screams quality. The performance is adequate although it could use a more powerful engine. My major concern is BMWs neglect of its interior. There is no room in the back seat for anyone over 55 or over 150 pounds... and the options leave alot to be desired.

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  Great Driving, poor spacer - 2016 BMW X5
  By Peter Carson - May 22 - 2:39 pm

  If want cargo area for SUV, very disappointing. Previous model much better

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  Great Car ... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By rega - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Love the car and the way it handles. Love the exterior. Interior nice, needs more storage area. I also had the transmission problem. I took mine into the dealer after noticing the problem, and a replacement was ordered right away and installed within weeks. The dealer handled it very well. Its just a shame that one pays so much money for a car and then finds out within the first few miles that the transmission must be replaced. And yes, BMW has not issued a formal recall as of yet (dont know why). But I have heard the issue is resolved as of 12/03, and they certainly fixed mine and stood behind the car.