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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  Phenomenal Ride - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Matt V - May 13 - 10:21 am

  This is my first BMW and I dont know that Ill ever go back. The car is firm, responsive, and powerful despite it being the low-man on the totem pole compared to the 335i and M3. Plenty of room (Im 64") and an achievable purchase at slightly less than $30k.

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  The perfect combo of comfort & sporty - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Astaire2 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The 330ci is the perfect convertible, the interior amenities are there, GPS, premium HK Stereo, 6 disk cd changer, heated seats, voice activated cell phone (with sprint service) It has a classic mature sports car design, and a fuctionality that fits your lifestyle. (useable back seats and a good sized trunk) The only convertible better in the re-launch of the 6 series convertible, if you can afford that.

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  Awesome Car!! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By 3sons66 - May 13 - 9:02 am

  Although Ive only had this car for 3 months and 5K miles..so far so good. Weak spots are definitely the cooling system (water pump, pullies) and leaking valve covers. Although if you can turn a wrench...fairly easy to DIY and numerous forums that cover DIYs. Car absolutely hauls...one of the fastest "family" cars Ive ever owned. Purchased for $12200 with 50,XXX miles on the odometer. Overall, very happy with this car. As for fuel mileage, I expected much worse since I cant keep my right foot off the floor board. City / Town is 19.9 average and recently got 24.6 on a 300 mile trip with the set at 80 mph. Nice surprise since most were claiming much lower figures. Stereo stinks.

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  Everyone should have one! - 2008 BMW X5
  By Senor Oso - May 12 - 1:58 pm

  This is a great car, performance with the sport package is exceptional, amazing suspension system. Only drawback is its size, I wish it was 6 inches shorter, oh well.

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  Great car - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By tootakky - May 11 - 11:54 pm

  This is a great car. I researched MBZ first, having driven 240Ds for 20 years. This car is powerful, handy, and responsive. Mercedes lost out with half the fuel economy and much higher prices for diesel models.

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  Great handling vehicle with in need of improvement - 2014 BMW X1
  By Roy - May 11 - 7:38 pm

  Purchased 2014 X1 fully loaded with M-Sport package. Great handling car with aggressive sporty ride, coming from a V6 engine it was hard to believe this car was only equipped with turbo 4. Comes with just enough tech to be comfortable (I never cared for Lane Departure Assistance, Front Collision Warning, and other new safety features). It however came with the crappiest quality materials I have seen in German cars, and it because the hard plastics were constantly expanding and rubbing, rattles/creaks were always present. The run flats combined with M suspension did not help either. Oh, and I purchased this vehicle at 45k and 2 years later the value was at 14k so its two year depreciation was @ 68% which is a little steep even for a BMW.

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  Totally hot!! - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By MusicMan - May 11 - 7:23 pm

  My first BMW, and it is flawless! B on B, and so sharp it is incredible! It looks even hotter with my HOT wife sitting in it also! (She made me say that!) lol! WE love it so much already! Used, this is the best value I could ever imagine, not to mention the looks it has! Beauty, performance, luxury, and dependability, what more can you ask? This was well maintained, and I am 3rd owner. Engine is so clean I could easily eat off it, and I am not exaggerating! SPOTLESS inside and out! Exhaust has no odor, and is clean! Engine runs like an electric turbine with no shake or rattle, perfectly still! After reading these reviews, I as well, I have to agree, the ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!

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  Is this a SUV? - 2009 BMW X5
  By Spirited SUV - May 11 - 11:36 am

  I traded my Mercedes GL450 because we wanted something slightly smaller, but not give up the utility, and luxury-comfort. The X5 hits that mark perfectly. It has sporty handling but is still luxurious and quiet. Gets 20 MPG which is great in my book. Im 64" and 300 lbs and am super comfortable in it, and... my kids have room in the second seats!

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  Into my 9th year now - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Jack - May 11 - 3:39 am

  I originally owned this car. With Sport Package. I gave it Michelin Pilot sport tires. Do oil change every 7k miles and had the engine opened up to seal a leak, the repair man said it is darn clean engine at 130k miles now. Learn to fix and replace some parts yourself and the car is reliably solid.

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  The Best BMW ever Built, Hands down! - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Great Car - May 10 - 3:11 pm

  This is a fantastic, low maintenance machine. A person with reasonable mechanical ability can diagnose and solve some of the problems which are few. I have had 2 e34 BMW and they have exceeded expectation. I had several Mercedes that always needed something ridiculously expensive. Both BMW have been very low maintenance. Stay away from the dealership and use a trusty mechanic and online parts and this car will cost you less than a Honda to keep up. I will always buy BMW.