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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  airbag light overhead console - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By flierhi - July 11 - 2:00 am

  the passenger airbag light in the overhead console is bright enough to use as a map light. what were they thinking?

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  First BMW - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By liguy - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is beautiful. My first rear- wheel drive car has had no problems in bad NY weather, despite the ominous prediction of my former Lexus salesman! Handles like a dream and although not quite as speedy off the line as the 530, I dont think the price increase is justified for a bigger engine and bigger wheels. BTW, if youre reading this message, you can probably handle the i-Drive. This is certainly the finest sedan Ive ever owned.

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  The best roadster out there - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By Chrisloef - July 11 - 1:36 am

  I sought out to purchase a roadster style car this June and must have tested everything under the sun. I wanted to stay $60k and under which actually didnt leave me with many comparable options. My favorite cars ended up being the Corvette, M Roadster, and 350Z Roadster. Once you sit in an M roadster, you will notice the marked difference in quality. The M has it all, style, quality, and great feel.

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  Awesome Car, Hope it Lasts Forever! - 1998 BMW M3
  By M3 Cruzer - July 10 - 7:24 pm

  I love this car. I wish it would last forever. I bought it used with 15K miles on it in 2002. I have driven it 90K+ miles with 100% reliability, it has never broken down once. This car is so much fun to drive that I cant imagine stepping down to any other car. I am forever spoiled! With 105K miles, this car still feels new. This is not exactly an inexpensive car to own. I get about 23 MPG in mixed city/hwy driving. Tires cost $1K every 25K miles. I have probably spent $5K+ on routine maintenance during the seven years I have owned it. Who cares though, what I love about this car is that it has 4 doors, hauls, gets 23+ MPG, has achieved 100% reliability to date, and is a blast to drive.

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  Love it but... - 2009 BMW X5
  By Scott in Austin - July 10 - 5:34 pm

  While my 2009 X5 4.8i only has about 300 miles on it total Ive got to say I wake up in the morning looking for places to go just so I can drive this awesome piece of machinery, and I work out of my house. The Pros: Awesome Handling, macho-good looks (especially with my 20" y-spoke sport wheels), solid German engineering, thicker than average sporty steering wheel and powerful. The Cons: Beside the fact I have already had it in the shop for two full days due to two (conicidence? I think maybe not) bad front tires that was causing my cars steering to pull there arent a whole lot of cons. The i-Drive interface is a joke! BMW has some work to do and could take some pointers from Lexus.

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  Fun vs. Frustration - 2003 BMW X5
  By uncbears34 - July 10 - 4:53 pm

  I have owned trucks and SUVs all my life and I have yet to own one that is as much fun to drive as the X5. You pass other drivers like theyre in reverse and it corners and brakes like a BMW should. Its one of the best looking vehicles on the road and no matter how hard you push it, it wants more. However, every other month another sensor or display light would go off or hose will leak or seal break and Id get hit with another $500 bill (at a minimum) to fix something that just shouldnt go wrong (door locks, airbag light, etc.). It was always something. If you have the patience and another vehicle to rely on, its a great car. If its your only car, check your roadside assistance.

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  Great car - 2014 BMW 3-Series
  By Elmer Fudd - July 10 - 6:42 am

  Exceptional materials and build quality. Great milage and trouble free. My only complaint is the standard headlights.

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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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  Forget the rest buy the best! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Travis - July 9 - 10:20 pm

  Unbelievable comfort and handling! I looked into others. But with the quality of make, driver handling, engine power, as well as the strongest engine for the money in its class, is a great deal compared to the others. I did not go wrong when I selected this car, and you wont either.

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  Too much fun!? - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By No. 1 bmw fan - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Heres what I can offer to anyone looking to buy: The car phone reception is so-so and the installed easthetic is less you expect. Pass on it. Expect alot of looks. It doesnt scream expensive like a Mercedes, but people in the know know what theyre looking at. The back seats are more comfortable than the fronts of most vehicles. The front seats are the most comfortable youll ever experience. Self-levelling headlamps, lowering mirror when reversing, window shades and beeping when the car has something it wants to make you aware of. A big cash outlay and the feeling it was worth every penny.