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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  Awesome Car - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By bbrown7 - March 11 - 3:48 pm

  Had the car for a couple weeks so far, and its been a pleasure. Base model with auto trans and heated seats. Dealer agreed to replace the Bridgestone Turanzas with Continental RFTs prior to me taking delivery. Handling is fantastic, build quality outstanding. No issues so far whatsoever.

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  The Ultimate Drive - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By tratra - March 11 - 1:35 pm

  This is my 4th BMW. Had an X5, 325i, 328xi, and now 528i Xdrive. I always think I want something else. When it comes down to it nothing competes with the drive and handling of the BMW. Not Mercedes, Jaguar, Infinity, etc, and I have tried them all. Fun to drive and luxurious all at the same time. Gas mileage is not bad for the full size car. BMW definitely holds up to its slogan the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Bought Car used in 2013 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWguy - March 10 - 10:10 pm

  This car has been amazing i wont lie.. For being my first car to buy on my own i am happy with my purchase.. Bought the car with 67k miles on it and now driving it around with over 140k miles. This car drives and handles just like you see in the commercials.. You can drive fast around sharp curves and have your headlights lead the way.. For someone who is 64 size isnt the best but not terrible either i have with it. I drove from Washington state to New York in my car and was comfortable the whole way.. I will say after 145k miles you will start to see issues.. I have had to have all my Spark plugs and coil packs replaced probably totaling $500 all together. Then recently with in two weeks i have had my serpentine belt replaced, and its pulley replaced totaling over $300, plus i have had electrical issues with my car completely going dead loss of all power 2x now luckily at home though.. Thanks to AAA saves my life. I have had my air conditioner not working, and other minor errors. This car burns through oil like nothing, and tends to have oil leaks.. Love the car but i think its time to get something newer.. I would suggest buying this car and year if you are getting it with low miles.. Its a fantastic car.. .

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  What was I thinking? - 2009 BMW X6
  By Buyers Remorse - March 10 - 4:29 pm

  It is far too expensive. Acura MDX is half the cost and, although not as fast, a better car. I hope I grow to like it, but right now I cant help but thinking that I could have had more for so much less!!!

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  Great Car - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By BoSox in 04 - March 9 - 6:13 pm

  Driven the car for just under 3,000 miles and its fantastic so far. Heated seats and steering wheel combined with X-Drive have been excellent during this active New England winter. Best driving car Ive ever owned, and interior annoyances (lack of storage space, cup holders) are acceptable given the driving dynamics, all-weather aplomb and overall content of the car.

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  BMW 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By nstajka - March 9 - 5:58 am

  Great car. Love at first sight. I knew I would buy it as soon as I walked in the dealer.Then reality sets in. Seems like Im in the shop every six months. Last time the fuel pump or the pump sensor or relay? They didnt know. But after three trips in and almost $600.00 (Again!), Im ready for a Ford again. It was fun but unless I win the lotto Im done with BMW.

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  2001 BMW 740i - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By MotorStreet - March 8 - 9:06 pm

  This car is one of the best cars of all time. It can be smooth and quiet on the highway , but when you put your foot down its 4.4L V8 surges forward with 324lb.ft. of torque and 282hp. The steering is heavy and responsive. The suspension soaks up bumps, but delivers sharp handling when you want it. In 5 years of owning this car the only problem was getting the handsfree phone setup. Our car had an outdated navigation system and the rear cup holders once broke, but there were no other problems. This BMW is in my opinion one of the best cars ever overall. This one of the last real BMWs from before the new bigger Bangle designed BMW. It has a classic look, but appears modern.

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  Great ride, but weve had a few issues. - 2007 BMW X5
  By Lea Family - March 8 - 4:59 pm

  I love this car. It drives great in every weather condition. Breaking is awesome, acceleration is moderate, but the steering is pretty restricted. Any BMW feels heavy to drive, which is good, but my Toyota Sequoia has a better turning radius and its a monster. Also, the rubber material on the handle of the driver and passenger door has melted off from the heat (granted, I live in southern Georgia) and the plastic around the gear shift is ripping. Im guessing the material just isnt high quality. The car has also given us a few scares on road trips when it starts shutting itself down, and the repairs have been expensive for that. Its unfortunate that our BMW has had so many problems because they are fabulous vehicles! One thing I particularly love about our BMW is the sun roof. If you can get a sun roof, you should. The thing is massive so even the passengers in the backseat can see the sky.

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  New 08 535xi - Awesome - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Love My 08 535xi - March 8 - 1:56 am

  This car has exceeded my high expectations. Performance, styling, quality (inside and out) are incredible. This is an amazing car. The seats are comfortable, the ride is smooth yet sporty, and the peformance with the twin-turbo is unbelieveable. Weve had the car for about a month and the whole family loves it.

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  Buy a Radar Detector! - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Mitch - March 7 - 12:23 am

  Wow is an understatement! Weve owned our 550 for a year, and words do not do justice to this car. The one thing that I would add is that we specifically bought the 6-speed manual transmission, and it makes the car all that much more fun to drive. I will start smoothly in 1st, but 2nd and 3rd are nothing but a blast.