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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  Dissapointed - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By disappointed - April 11 - 7:11 pm

  Bought a 328xi sport coupe after previously owning 2 Audi TTs. The worst feature is the run flat tires. Ride is very harsh and the $300+ to replace is outrageous. Ruined one in the first 300 miles on an Interstate pothole. Had to drive 150 miles @ 50 MPH. At least it lasted more than the advertised 50 mi. The odometer and speedometer are 6-7% high (thats worth about $400 on a 30,000 mile lease). Poor design 12V port in center storage area is in a position that wont allow the lid to close when any of my eqpt plugs are inserted. Gas mileage is poor. Lucky to get 18 MPG even on Interstate. TT with DSG got >25 MPG, weighed about the same and was quicker. 328 automatic is crude compared to Audi.

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  2001 bmw 325xi leaks alot - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By leaks alot - April 11 - 1:55 pm

  I have owned a bmw 325xi since 2001. The car handles great but is very expensive to maintain. I have had all four doors leak. Fixing the vapor barriers on the doors still does not solve the problems. Rust will start to appear on body around the lower doors from a break in the seal that covers the weld along the edge. Rust also appears on the metal lip that is below the door edge and above the plastic trim. Rust will also break out below the trunk bottom lip. Rust will also appear on the trunk lip below the classic kidney bean intakes. I have had to replace three power window motors I think because of water leaking into the door.

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  Noisey at Highway Speeds. - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Ashley - April 11 - 1:43 pm

  The car handles well, especially around corners. The interior looks good. The noise from the engine/muffler seems too loud at highway speeds and I cant read the radio dial with polarized sun glasses.

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  Phenom - Best Car Ive Had - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By dogsbrekky - April 10 - 5:33 pm

  I have driven every car under the sun except for maybe the Bugattis and McLaren Merc. This is a total favorite. I owned a 1995 version which had some electrical and suspension problems. This 1999 version is a beast with refinement and awesome handling. I grew up with a test engineer father and we absolutely thrash our cars. This 540i holds up better than any vehicle I have tried to thrash. I have owned Australian racing Toranas, several Subarus, a few BMW (540i, 3 series) and a Lotus Espirit (twin turbo). Overall this is the best machine I have had the pleasure to own or drive and its handling is 2nd to none in the luxury car stakes.

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  Fun to Drive--but has many issues - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Marty B - April 10 - 5:02 pm

  This has been a recurring problem with the 08 535i where the engine light comes on: ENGINE MALFUNCTION-reduce power. I took it once to Palm Springs BMW, but they did absolutely nothing. I took it to Pacific BMW where they replaced the fuel pump back in Nov 08. Early April I took it to Alexander for the same problem--ENGINE MALFUNCTION- reduce power. It turns out to be a leaking high pressure pump and broken injector. Both were replaced, and now its in working order. All at no cost. How soon will it be before the ENGINE MALFUNCTION--reduce power light appears? I was promised that everything is in working condition. Yes, but how long? We have a 353i coupe with the same problem.

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  poor gas milage - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim T - April 10 - 12:16 pm

  bought this car 6 weeks ago gas milage is 15-16 city sticker says 20 called the dealer they said 15-16 is normal well why advertise 20 plus ventilation system is on every time you start the car even if you dont want it on

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  This car has it all - 2009 BMW M3
  By Scott - April 10 - 5:12 am

  Still driving it in, but even under 5500 rpm this car cannot be contained. It has tech, premium, DCT, prem sound packages & the 19" rims. The iDrive is fine - I suggest you try it before listening to the complainers. Sound system is divine, DCT is incredibly smooth, especially for everyday driving. Top down the engine tone gives you goosebumps. I have black on black - its like driving the batmobile! Top down road/wind noise is OK even at 100 mph. Combination of luxury, convertible & formula one performance can not be beat. It feels like having a new girlfriend...

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  THE BEST - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By cuzican - April 10 - 2:00 am

  THERE IS NOTHING LIKE THIS CAR. YOU WILL NEVER WANT TO DRIVE ANYTHING ELSE, EVER

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  Very Disappointing! - 2004 BMW X3
  By Lexus RX330 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Test drove and compared MDX, ML 350, X3 and RX330, had high hopes for the X3, but is very disappointed. X3 is overrated, and disappointing in everyway except it is a BMW, has a good engine and is fun to drive. But the ride, forget about it. We are not racing everyday, we need a SUV attentive to our everyday needs, plus the options will eat you alive, about $46,000 for mine. So leave the option box unchecked! For close to $50,000, one could find much better cars. The style is OK, but the inside is cold and cheap looking.

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  The Best of the Best - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By raiderddj - April 10 - 1:11 am

  Owning a 528i with sport package puts a daily smile on my face. No other four door sedan has this classy appearance and exceptional feel for the road. Power is average but the sound and feel of the engine is second to none. Handling is superb as is braking. Creature comforts are excellent with the exception of the cheesy cup holders.