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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  Over all happy with my BMW - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By me and my bimmer - September 6 - 9:17 am

  When I first bought my beamer and sat inside it, immediately I was consumed by the quality and durability of the design. As I drove it for the first time around my town, the way it handled was very impressive. Tight steering and the way it handles bumpy roads was extremely well. Engine performance is there when you need it with smoothness and power.This is the first German vehicle I have owned and I would have to grade it with and A+.

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  Absolute bliss - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By gottadrivebmw - September 5 - 10:26 pm

  Picked up the car this past march. It was sitting in the lot, so the sales person gave us the car for invoice price, so I couldnt resist the offer. Got the car in monaco blue on beige. Absolutely gorgeous. The car is a beast, even though it goes 0-60 in 5.7 secs, give or take, youll outrun 90% of the cars on the road. Gas mileage is superb as well, averaging 24 mpg with mixed driving. I just filled up my car and I have 440 miles on a full tank. If youre looking for a fun and somewhat economical car, the 335i is it.

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  Fantastic - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Alan - September 5 - 6:20 am

  I was looking for a fun luxury sports sedan and decided to try out the Lexus IS, MB C-Class and the BMW 3 Series. The 335i easily left the biggest grin on my face of the 3 cars I tested and in the end I bought one. All I can say is this car is incredible! Fast, fast, fast yet still behaves like a perfect gentleman. You better keep both hands on the steering wheel as this car gets up to speed VERY quickly and feels faster than the official numbers BMW states. Handles like its on rails and awesome road feel. Fuel mileage is great for a car with 300hp. City driving so far Im seeing about 25-27 mpg and hwy easily over 30mpg unless you drive it hard. All around an awesome car!

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  Awesome Ride - 2004 BMW X3
  By kc2001 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Love this SAV. Handling is outrageous! This BMW begs to be driven hard. Sure this SAV might ride a little firmer but at least it doesnt wallow and feel as you though you are in a boat like most SUVs. If you are going to fork over 40+K at least get the leather seats vs vinyl- and of course get it in manual!

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  Airbags Failed to Deploy in Rollover - 2004 BMW X3
  By Jen36 - September 4 - 8:01 am

  Although very happy with my BMW Certified Used X3 the first year I have had it, when the time came for this vehicle to come through with safety features, it failed me. I just had an accident with my 2004 X3 yesterday in which there was a side impact followed by the vehicle rolling over to the left on the drivers side 3 times. None of my airbags ever deployed in the rollover. My head impacted the vehicle frame 3 times, when in fact in a rollover, my drivers side airbags should have deployed. I just had BMW replace my airbags 9 months ago due to a faulty indication light. The dealership is showing no interest in my complaint.

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  Lots to smile about with the 330i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By JohnV - September 4 - 2:10 am

  Picked up the car 12/31/05. Since then, I have put on ~3,900 miles. Some in snow, some in rain and now quite a bit in sunshine... all of it has been a pure joy to experience. From interior/exterior fit & finish, to overall esthetics & overall performance, this car is HARD to beat, if NOT impossible. Oh, did I mention it gets great fuel mileage & Im talking a 21.1 avg since I picked it up (I DONT drive slowly either ;-) If youre in the market for an upscale sport sedan and have ~$45k to spend, look no further!

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  Disappointed in BMW - 2005 BMW X5
  By Dont buy one. - September 3 - 5:49 pm

  We were very excited to buy the X5, it had stellar safety ratings and was fun to drive. The problems started shortly after we bought it. First the lights didnt work right. Then the AC had problems. We had to replace several window motors. I got to be on a first-name basis with my service rep, as we have been in the shop almost every other month since we bought it. The quality of the materials in the vehicle was poor as well, the door handles are cheap plastic. All in all, not a very pleasant experience with what we thought was a quality German brand.

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  Fun but ..... - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By DB - September 3 - 2:58 pm

  This car is a blast to drive, but the cooling system and electronics leave much to be desired. Dash lights, cd player, window mechanisms, radiator, etc all had to be replaced in a car that had less than 100k.

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  Ill Drive It Another 10 Years - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By jkhuddy - September 3 - 10:11 am

  Rock solid at 150K miles. Replaced all cooling components (pump, radiator, thermostat & housing, belts) as a precaution at 140K. Just replaced the struts (they didnt owe me a thing.) Great gas mileage (30+ on highway) having a manual tranny helps. Looks good, handles great, safe and comfortable. Best six cylinder on the market. Bullet-proof drive train. Mine is Canyon Red, which looks great on this car.

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  Luxury headache - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Maven - September 2 - 7:41 pm

  Very overrated in terms of mechanical reliability. Numerous problems along the way that we never experienced with less expensive cars. yes, there is good road handling: acceleration and road handling is high quality. But the car has been embarrassingly unreliable (the 2010 model) and the dealership even seems wearied by this years inconsistencies. Furthermore, the interior design, as one grows accustomed to it, is simply dumb. Audi and Mercedes are far advanced compared to BMWs lack of imagination.