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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  Made Me A Believer - 2005 BMW X3
  By gravelroad - March 14 - 2:41 am

  So, always wanted a BMW...finally bought one off a 3-year lease that was certified. My salesperson said that once I owned a BMW thatd itd be the only car Id ever own again..he was SO correct!! The handling is great for an SUV just like a sports sedan. And, yes, the ride is bumpy. Ive read that its been improved after 2006. But I dont mind..because it handles so great in snow & rain. Ive had gas mileage 35 mpg on highway. Of course, with A/C on and driving in city, any car can be as bad as 10 mpg, no exception to date. Even with gas prices predicted at $5.00/gallon, Id rather be in something safe than a roller skate getting 40 mpg. Think about it!! Planning on keeping this.

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  My first Bimmer - 2012 BMW 5-Series
  By ssi05 - March 1 - 12:53 pm

  Handling is exceptional, no issues with run flat tires as reviews suggest. The car handles bumps very well and corners like a charm. Sport mode makes it handle like a true sports sedan. Even at high speeds (100 mph+), driver feels totally in control of the car. Technology: The Navigation software is buggy and hard to work, I prefer to use my phone over cars GPS. The car is not 100% keyless. You would still need to pull the remote out of your pocket each time you need to lock/unlock the car. The 4 cylinder turbo has a lag and takes some time to get going. Downshifting from 2nd to 1st gear, drivers can definitely feel the minor ‘thud’

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  They dont make them like this anymore - 2001 BMW Z8
  By twosmalltowns - February 29 - 1:08 pm

  This is a fabulous car: exciting to drive, fels great. Just dont expect to get out of the gas station too quickly - people are always coming over to stare and chat. I have had people wave me down on the street to stop so they could photograph it. Awesome car.

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  Amazing Driving Experience - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By tarek307 - February 23 - 2:51 am

  i must say, i was worried about getting a 745li, knowing all the issues those cars sometimes have. But ive really had no issues, & value wise, even if i get issues, its ok. This car is a true drivers car, has that amazing heavy yet sporty infamous BMW feel to the max! Its a pleasure driving this baby..feels nothing like the big huge sedan it is.

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  BMW Run-Flat Tires, Less Than Optimal - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By teerific - February 20 - 11:04 pm

  Run-flat tires installed on BMWs 2011 5-series vehicles are less than optimal - creating a high level of concern for consumer safety. I purchased my brand new BMW on September 1, 2011. On October 3, 2011, I returned to the dealership for installation of wheel locks. The service tech identified a bubble in the wall of the front passenger tire. I replaced the damaged tire at the cost of $550+ dollars (including labor). During a more recent, unrelated service appointment, (February, 2012), bubbles were identified in both front tires. This would account for the second replacement of the front passenger tire within 4 months and my vehicle has less than 6,000 miles.

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  Like a 4-seat Miata...Fun Fun Fun - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By socalh2oskier - February 18 - 6:26 pm

  My 2011 128i Convertible has 8,000 miles with nary a problem. Changed the run-flats to Contintental DWS regular tires the first week and it was like driving a completely different car--much better ride. Comfortable seats and just a blast to drive. In some ways better than the 3 series--top down at least you have some useable trunk space with the 128. Almost went for the 135, but Im happy with the power of the 128--engine sometimes lugs a bit taking off, but slap the transmission over to sport mode and it compensates and puts you into the sweet spot of the torque curve and takes care of the issue. Nimble handling. One of the most fun cars Ive ever had.

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  WOW - 2012 BMW 5-Series
  By suny66 - February 14 - 8:46 am

  Not sure what happened to BMW. Car has so much lag when you press gas that Donot know if it will move before the car from behind will hit me at red light when it turn green. It is my BMW no 3. Interior is better but BMW seem to lack lot of other luxury items. There are no indicator lights on mirrors . MIRRORs are small with mimited view. Rear view camera hold view after you set to drive, this didnot happen with my Lexus truck. Honestly I will drive it for some time and if continue like that I will think radical and go for some other luxury car. Fast line it do perform excellent along with nice brakes you rely upon. Will Try winter drive with x drive and post it later.

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  Its a diesel? Yup - 2011 BMW X5
  By dasdzl - February 13 - 12:44 pm

  Got a 2011 left over that the dealer had for a while probably because of the color (sparkling bronze) but I kind of like it. I have almost 4000 miles on it now and have done 2 longish trips with it. I avg around 25 for urban driving and on the 2 longish trips have seen 31. Even with the ski box on i still see around 27 on the highway. I would have liked it it have the sport seats, but the standard seats seem to be fine although it has taken some time to get the right seating position for comfort and visibility. I very much enjoy the rear seat room for friends and the ability to have room for the dogs in the back. I did get a trailer hitch for it for the bikes. Kinda pricey though.

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  Roadside Assistance is a Scam - 2009 BMW X5
  By bmfan - February 9 - 6:14 pm

  Called for a jump start and got a street looking guy with a battery pack not enought AMP to start my X5d. Called again and waited one hour. They couldnt find any well equipped tow truck to jump start my car. I finally used my own AAA and a full size truck showed up in 15 minutes. This happened in Downtown LA! Called BMW and they provided no comment.

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  Fun to drive, not without issues - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By fango2 - February 6 - 9:27 pm

  I bought mine in 2008 with 28K miles. I sold my 2003 325i to get this car. Just like the 3 series, I LOVE the way this car drives. The power, acceleration and steering are incredible. Its super smooth at high speeds - you just dont know youre speeding! After about 50K miles I was experiencing jerkiness in the transmission. Sometimes at a stop the engine would race and Id have to shove my foot on the brake. I mentioned it several times to my dealer and finally, at 99K miles (I had the extended warranty) I asked to have a mechanic ride with me and I got a new transmission :) Cupholders suck dont like the iDrive and interior is so-so, but I still like the car!