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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  Fun to drive... to the service center - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By CL - November 25 - 2:04 am

  I have enjoyed driving this car, but I have had many issues with reliability on what would be considered to be "small" items. All 4 window motors have been replaced. The electronics on the front right side all stopped working. Squeaky dashboard. The front grille flew off when I was doing 65 MPH. I have had the car for 2.5 years and its been in the shop 11 times... which is about 10 times more than the 1994 model that I drove for years. I also got caught in the run flat tire fiasco. Trust me, if you push the dealer hard enough then BMW USA will replace them @ no charge. In my case, they had records where I had been complaining about the quality of the ride since the 2nd day I owned the car.

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  No Compromise - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By yakdad - November 24 - 9:40 am

  I wanted a two seater but my wife wanted four seats to haul grandkids. We compromised on a 135i BMW 1 series. We have driven practically every other two seat and four seat on the market and both think this choice was perfect. Solid sporty performance and the 300 HP is more than enough to make one take notice. My first time through the gears (we got the manual transmission) on the highway rendered a speed of over 100 without blinking an eye. The back seats are more roomy than one would expect. The sport package seats are comfortable on long drives of more than two hours. Top down driving spares passengers from too much wind and the wind deflector actually works although its not very pretty.

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  Run Flat Tires - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Birdman - November 24 - 2:50 am

  I love the car except the run flat tires , had to be replaced at 17K sounded like a dump truck, Transmission makes a whining noise. Handles like a dream, excellent braking and good service and warranty.

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  Amazing to Drive - Extremely Unreliable - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By DM - November 23 - 11:35 am

  I have owned my 540i for six years now and will be giving it to my son. It is a pleasure to drive and has very good safety features and can get 28 - 30 MPG cruising on the freeway at 75 MPH. As for reliability - lets just say a Ford Taurus is way better and much less expensive to repair. Even a GM car would have better reliability and that isnt saying much. For as much as I love the way the car drives, I can say I will never own another Bimmer. Looking forward to a Pontiac G8 GT

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  Exceptional Car - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By Jonathan - November 22 - 7:53 am

  For months I had been test-driving different cars looking for "the one." Porsche 911, BMW 335i and 135i, Mini, Audi and even the Volvo C70. In my opinion, nothing else comes close in terms of the whole package. This is a sexy car that flies, turns and brakes on command. I just came out of a 530i and at 600, 250 lbs., I am more comfortable in the 650i. Smooth and quiet, powerful yet reserved -- until summoned.

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  Best car I have owned - 2016 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By Steve - November 21 - 8:21 pm

  This car is more like a crossover as you have plenty of room in the rear with the hatchback and the rear seats fold down for even more cargo. The ride is smooth and quiet. Plenty of power when you need it and I have not had one issue with this vehicle. Great for long trips with plenty of leg room in the rear seat. The gas mileage is great for this size vehicle (35-37 on the highway) and it is a whole different platform than the standard 328 - much more roomy inside. Love this car.

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  Year One of the 1 - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By pstevenson32 - November 21 - 5:25 am

  I love my 128. It is great fun to drive. It has more than enough power for a casual driver such as me. With its 6-speed transmission, it generally gets around 24-26 mpg in the city. I have always liked the looks of BMW. Now I get the look at a fairly decent price. The 128 is a luxury car without many frills. The interior has been pared of luxury to make space for roominess. Well for the people in front, anyway. Its still pretty much a 2-seater. Oddly, for a BMW, the interior is without many standards items I have grown used to over the years. Example: The 128 is curiously without a functional cupholder. The only working cupholder is directly behind the shifter. I still love it.

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  2008 bmw x3 - 2008 BMW X3
  By 78bmx - November 21 - 3:27 am

  Driving Hondas for years (owned three and put over 200k miles on each of them). I recently purchased a new BMW X3 in September. Been a BMW motorcyclist for over 25 years. I thought I would try one of their four wheeled models. I have been a bit skeptical about the quality of BMW cars, "they drive great, but more electrical demons than you can imagine" and so on is what I would hear. The X3 drives great, its a solid handler, great tracking, good road feel. But guess what: at 1243 miles my cd player-radio just decided to quite working, off to the shop it goes. Its a minor issue, but a radio should work on a brand new $43k car!!

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  Love This Car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Glen D - November 21 - 2:13 am

  I purchased my 2007 530i new 2 years ago I traded my 2004 530i in when I reached 45K miles. I have not been disappointed with either of these cars! The handling, comfort and power are great. I test drove a 2004 525 when I was first looking because the dealer had one with the Sport Package but I chose the larger engine and didnt regret my choice. The 50K no charge warranty is great but honestly, the dealer makes things up so they can fix my car, e.g., change the wiper blades, etc I have not had any real issues with my cars.

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  3rd BMW and very happy - 335xi Coupe - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Satisfied Owner - November 20 - 6:52 pm

  Previously had 99 and 03 6-cylinder 5- series. Wanted a car that was roughly the same size and with 4-wheel drive. The Coupe fit the bill since I dont need the room for the family at this point in my life. I was hesitant about going to a 3-series from the 5ers but after 4K miles I am extremely happy with the car. Not one issue has brought me back to the dealer. Performance all around rocks. Stereo is great. I can even get 29+ MPG doing 70 MPH. Sport seats are a must. Customization of features and access to features such as the iPod interface are very good through the iDrive interface. And come on - this car is a GREAT looking - people even stare at it at night!