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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  2011 328i Xdrive - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By oakleyg - November 19 - 10:06 pm

  Replaced my 2010 BMW 5 Series. Was concerned about the smaller vehicle. The 5 Series is a great car, the 3 series is an amazing drivers car. Had several 3 series through the 90s all fun to drive. BMW still finds a way to cut costs small and annoying things. Turn signal in 2010 5 series had a three blink feature with one-touch, not in the 3, just a feature I became accustom to. No folding rear seat, apparently an option. No rear camera strange miss from a company that claims active and passive safety. Al-in-all just a blast to drive. Comfortable, gas mileage not too good. Been getting 24MPG highway.

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  Just got one. - 2014 BMW X1
  By arrowspace90 - November 2 - 8:30 am

  I cant say much about it, I got it for wife who said she wanted a hatchback with pep. These criteria took me to the VW GTI, a very highly rated and affordable car. We test drove one of those, and wife found it too low, and plain looking. She somehow decided it was a "kid car". I was frustrated and so surfed to the X1. Wife loved its classy look (the BMW emblem on it didnt hurt anything), its higher stance, and was very happy driving it. Its amazingly affordable. Hers has the moonroof and the nice rain-sensing wipers. Most other features are standard. We picked out one of 3 white ones on the lot, I would have liked the premium audio and upgraded rearview with compass

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  Not what Ive expected - 2001 BMW X5
  By jbcarl2020 - October 29 - 7:19 pm

  When I bought this car, I was so excited till the driver door handle started giving problem. It will not open from outside. This was a continuous problem - every time we had to drive about 30 miles to get it fix and after 3 months we were back to the same problem. This is a fun car in the summer but comes winter and it becomes terrible even with winter tires. Lots of electrical problem - till lights were always going off. No more am I going to buy a BMW x5.....

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  BMW 750 is the worst car I have ever owned. - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By rachael9 - October 16 - 7:48 pm

  I have owned various high end vehicles and have always found them to be well constructed and a pleasure to drive. That is, until my BMW 750IL. During the warranty period I had to make numerous visits to service for warning lights etc. and the dealer mechanics could never identify a problem. That is, until the car was just outside the 50K miles warranty. Then the problems started en masse. At 52K, major engine repairs (valve seals) and three of the four electric window controls failed. About 1K miles later had to repair ball joints, leaking oils components, battery, etc. My view, stay away from BMW at ANY cost. They claim superior enginerring but exact opposite in my case.

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  Worst vehicle we have ever owned - 2007 BMW X5
  By craigwarden - October 16 - 10:40 am

  I am a fairly affluent 55 year old. I have owned many vehicles in my time. From domestics to imports, this is the absolute worst vehicle I have ever owned. Currently running about $2500 to $3500.00 per month in repairs. The dealer loves me. Now it has been sitting in our garage with a brake fluid leak of some sort and is unwilling to turn over at all. Every light on the dash is flashing. What a piece of Garbage. Never again will I own one, EVER!

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  Good car....but has its issues - 1995 BMW M3
  By bvill89 - October 15 - 4:33 pm

  First off, let me say this is a great car but make sure you know who you are buying it from and that they took good care of the car and have records of repairs. Not a car to take chances on unless you really have the wallet for it. Not a straight line bruiser but still fast. Eats V-TEC Hondas all day. Handles like a dream. Especially with the manual transmission. Also note, NO traction control on this car. Not a car to be buying for you teenage child. While a great car, If you have the money, go for the E46 M3

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  Buy the manual - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By djlarroc - October 15 - 1:35 pm

  Felt compelled to add my review since it is positive and most people complain. This is my 4th BMW (3rd 5 series). All have been manual. This is another great sedan. Has been very reliable. 3 years and 25k miles. Have only had to replace a coolant sensor (cheap/easy fix). The car gets amazin HWY MPG (34ish) City 20ish. Accelerates and handles amazing. RWD, and have been caught in a few CO snow storms, and got me home. Its also a very safe car. About the only cons, is the I-drive has scared me a few times where it did not turn on, then all of a sudden turned on. But as far as mechanically, another excellent BMW sedan.

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  Fantastic Car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By archer_r - October 13 - 4:43 pm

  Ive owned this car for about 3 years and it still impresses me by its performance, handling, and comfort. The engine has ample power throughout the entire rev range. You could be cruising in 5th gear at 1500 RPM and it will still pull when you put your foot down. The car also rides very well. The ride is stiff yet comfrotable. You definately feel the road well and feel every bump, but its never uncomfrotable. The steering is also nice as well. It really makes you feel connected to the road, which is something some modern cars lack. For being a mid-sized sedan, this car really handles well. You can definately take corners with a lot of confidence in this car.

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  UPDATE since my last review (3/16/13) - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By oakleyg - October 13 - 3:28 pm

  Purchased used with 37,000 miles. Now have 97,400 miles. Up to this point no issues. Have been averaging 28.5 MPG. Had first issue last week, very high pitched noise and rough idle at stop. Was traced to crankcase vent. Was covered under my extended warranty for $50 deductible. Tires and brakes were new at 37,000. Still OK, will probably replace tires before snow - live in USA Northeast.

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  Best X5 Ever - 2014 BMW X5
  By co_gs350 - October 10 - 10:46 pm

  The new X5 is a delight to drive and is truly beautiful inside. The performance ride and handling are awesome. Test drove the Porsche Cayenne and ML. BMW is hands down the best for me.