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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  European Delivery - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By DB - June 6 - 5:26 pm

  Picked up in Munich - drove 1 mo in Germany, Italy, & Switz during the World Cup. Only options: Sports & Cold Weather Packs (no iDrive). Car handled well typically driving 90-115 mph (Autobahn). Steering weight - just right (backed off @ 130 mph - front end felt light - the added height of the "xi"? ) Brakes fantastic. 6 spd man./ clutch operation were just right. Averaged 24.6 mpg - 3,850 miles with a full load (4) . The 325xi w/the manual had good enough "pop" to keep up w/95% of the Autobahn (PS. Navi - would not drive in Europe without iDrive or a GPS. I had a Nuvi 350 w/memory card of Europe in lieu of iDrive/Nav. It was awesome & ran sitting on the console!)

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  Great choice-- love this car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Rees - June 6 - 1:36 pm

  Recently got a 328i. Test drove A4, TSX, TL, IS250, and G35. Finally decided to test out the 3-series for comparison. I was sold as soon as I took the wheel and stepped on the gas. This car rocks. Looks good, fun to drive, great acceleration.

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  Fantastic for fun and family! - 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo
  By Russ - June 6 - 1:23 am

  One of the sportiest cars around, but PLENTY of room in the back sear for 2 full-grown adults. Plus, the panoramic double-long sunroof give a great sensation for passengers and driver. Sits a bit high, which is great for vision and entry/exit, but hugs the road like a much lower-slung car. NEVER a problem taking off from a light, merging into traffic, or getting around those left-lane cruisers. The 8-speed transmission and the bi-turbo make the car extremely quick, but all the shifting can take a bit of getting used to. The sport line gives you an option for Sport Display on the nice-sized and nicely-positioned screen which show HP and torque as you drive -- very cool! Navigation is excellent, but I dinged it a bit because the voice recognition is a be dodgy sometimes. More cargo capacity than a 3-series wagon. The angle of the hatch back intrudes a bit when trying to fit/load large, squared-off boxes, but overall the cargo space is cavernous. Tons of thoughtful features like tie-downs and bag-holders in the rear, USB ports, kick-to-open rear liftgate, etc. overall a very nicely-done, well-performing car!

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  Update: Just what I wanted - 2008 BMW X6
  By Marc(VT) - June 5 - 4:57 pm

  I was in error when I submitted my original review. The X6 does have the TPM standard, I just was not used to the IDrive and the TPM function is "greyed out" (not accessible) when the car is off. I was playing with all the settings without the car running so thats why it did not show up. I did have a computer glitch, warning me that the AWD and DSC, DBS and startoff assist had malfunctioned. Problem was a $20 brake relay swith that was sending a wrong signal. Dealership fixed it and everthing has been fine since. Still love the car and a definite head turner!

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  Great Car but Uncomfortable Seats - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By NYC Owner - June 5 - 4:27 pm

  I wanted to provide a quick word of caution to anyone in the market for a BMW - thoroughly test the seats before you buy! I absolutely love the performance, handling and features of the BMW 330i, even the much maligned iDrive. I found the seats unbearable though and was thus forced to sell the car after only one month. The seats were just too stiff for me and would cause pain in my lower back and the right side of my hip. I am young, health guy of average size and weight (510/170 lbs), so ordinarily comfort is not an issue. My girlfriend and mom found the car perfectly comfortable, so perhaps the seats are a better fit for smaller folks. Such a shame, as I otherwise loved the car

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  Wow factor! - 1993 BMW 7-Series
  By dave - June 5 - 4:11 pm

  This is my 3rd BMW. Having owned 2 6-series in the past I wanted a big sedan to haul the family and clients. This was a cream puff with only 78000 miles after 13 years and has been very dependable and comfortable. I have replaced the front brakes and driveline as both were causing vibration and now its as smooth as silk. Perfect blend of luxury and performance. I have installed aftermarket wheels and performance tires which made a big difference. 25 mph corners at 65 mph NO PROBLEM! 0-60 in a blink and I still get 19 mpg in all around driving. I had it detailed recently and it looks like new. I love this car!

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  530xi review - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Deke - June 4 - 9:08 pm

  This car is the best performing automobile that Ive ever owned. With that being said, it is the worst car ergonomically that Ive ever seen. The iDrive system is a total disaster. Just trying to change the heat/AC is actually dangerous when driving because you must use the isDrive to do it! Almost all setting on this car must be changed through the iDrive which is very finicky.

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  Great All Around Car - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By ironsalmon2 - June 4 - 7:36 pm

  Every car has there demographic, and afew can branch over those barriers. This is defiantly one of those cars. I have never gotten so many compliments from people of all ages. For me personally, this is my 3rd BMW. Ive had a 750li and a 530i which were great cars in there own right , but this car has so many more usable features and functions. The ride is quiet and very good over bumps. If you change the setting into Sport , the car becomes a serious sports sedan, with quicker stearing, and faster throttle response. The hatch gives the car much more functionality over a standard trunk.

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  Worst decision ever! - 2015 BMW X4
  By Jose - June 4 - 6:17 pm

  When you purchase a new car you expect a New Car! I understand it might have issues here and there but when you have to take the car in 5 times in a 6 month period. Please note the car was BRAND NEW 5,300 miles at that point. Battery Discharge (just rest the system), Left parking light issue (all they did was reset it), Headlight issue again (now apparently the entire headlight needed to be replaced), Front center air-vent had to be replaced. All this issues and the car still did not meet the "Lemon Law". They couldnt even just replace the car. Now there is an apparent recall for safety. This car has just been a headache and the service department at Mckenna BMW was no help at all. We are returning customers as we own a X5 (2014) & 320 (2014). Will we be returning customers? NO!!!

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  540i 6-speed - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By pdxzen - June 4 - 4:26 pm

  The 540i is a fine & fun car. The acceleration is better then most cars on the road with the HP and good torque. Mine is black, w/ black leather interior, and chrome 18in Hamann deep dish rims, w/ 40 series tires, lowered about 1.5 inches, w/ angel eyes conversion, cone air intake, & custom exhaust. It looks pretty good for a 10 year old car. It handles well in corners, but you can tell that it is a little bit nose heavy due to the V-8 in the front as you can break the rear loose when coming around a corner.