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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  Rocket on 4 wheels - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By Mike - January 16 - 6:14 pm

  I purchased a 740IL 2 years ago (my fav.car) to give to my wife. She and I are in love with this car. I cant speak more highly about the workmanship, the quality and the performance. The power of the V8 is extremely impressive and the sound it makes when you take a Mustang, Camaro, or even a Corvette off the line leaves them wondering what just happened to them. As of now we own 2 Bimmers the 95 740il and a 95 525i, these are our two favorite cars out of the 9 we own. With all of the said we have had to replace many parts and as of right now the 7 has to go in the shop due to the fact it will not start or even turn over, But I still love the car.

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  At 140K miles - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Alprazo - January 16 - 8:26 am

  Run flat tires and the carbon build up in the exhaust manifold and diesel particulate filter and a front wheel bearing are the only problems thus far. The torque that the engine puts out keeps the car feeling fun. No electrical or other problems with the car. The exhaust manifold was replace under warranty at 80k. I am about to pull out and have the diesel particular filter cooked at 140k. The right front wheel bearing was replaced at 140k. The car has held such little value though and I am told that it values between 6-7k. It was purchased used in 2013 with 34 thousand miles.

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  2009 X5 35D - 2009 BMW X5
  By CHATTGUY - January 16 - 4:51 am

  Diesel mpg averages 28-30 at 60-70mph, in town I am getting about 22 mpg. I was worried about the iDrive, but it works great once you understand it. The voice navigation is best I have used. Power tailgate sounds flimsy, but works. Power is awesome from the 3.0 diesel, frugal yet powerful. I was concerned about ride with runflats, but so far just seems a little stiff.

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  Bavarian beauty - 2006 BMW Z4
  By 2006 BMW Z4i - January 15 - 4:48 pm

  I have only owned this car for 5 months and love it. Previous car was a 1998 Porsche 911, while the Z4 cannot compare to the 911 in performance it comes very close and cost a lot less in purchase price and maint. cost. I also think it is a better looking car. I have gotten more looks and compliments then I did with the 911.

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  Loyal BMW Driver for 20 yrs - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By sharon gamba - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the 2004 530I. I like this car alot better than my last 5 series (2001)as far as performance and quality, it doesnt look as sporty, its more elegant. Handles well, feels tight, lots of new toys, and as far as the I Drive, I really like it. I do not like the seatbelt feature, I find it really annoying, and intrusive. On a more positive note, i adore the high beams, they halo the road, and night driving is fabulous because of this feature. Overall, BMW seems to have climed a notch in the quality of this vehicle.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Stephanie weltzien - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This Car is amazing. NOt only have i had a chance at being in the car while its being driven.. my father works at BMW so i get a first hand look at what great cars are coming out, when they are coming out and what to look foward to in the new line of cars. But Byfar This car IS amazing in so many ways. Its body style catches peoples admiring eyes, it gets great miles and it is comfortable and a easy ride.It also HAs unbelivable crash test ratings. Making it safe for the whole family to ride in. So hands down this is the best car on he road.

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  NICE CAR - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MISIO - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I LIKE IT,IT IS FAST AND VERY COMFORTABLE.HAS GREAT ACCELERATION.. IN POLISH WE CAN SAY.."PALI GUME"

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  MY 2004 BMW - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By TOM K - January 15 - 2:00 am

  THE CAR IS EXPENSIVE, BUT WORTH IT. THE RIDE AND HANDLING ARE FANTASTIC, THE CAR IS FLAWLESS REGARDING ASSEMBLY AND FIT. THE CAR IS WORTH THE MONEY. I RECEIVED WITH EUROPEAN DELIVERY, SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT FORWARD, NO SURPRISES.

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  Wow! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By cricketcrazy - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Picked up my custom 545iA after a wait of 2 months. Ordered it in Jet Black with Grey interior with Cold Weather, Rear Seat Heating, and Premium Sound. The car looks beautiful inside and out and the new shape has prompted several WOW comments already. This car is very fast, very solid, and very silent. The fuel economy of 20-26 mpg for a V8 is phenomenal. I love this car and dont regret trading my 2003 530i after just 3 months.

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  My 1st Convertible - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By El Barto - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I really love my car. I keep the top down even in the chicago winter! If its above 20 degs., the windscreen and the seat heaters do a fine job of keeping the front seat passengers warm! No need for a hardtop. If I were to buy this again, Id spend the extra $$$ to get the 330Cic with the 6 spd manual trans. The extra power would make it that much more fun.