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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  Super Fun Car !! - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeff Walker - February 4 - 1:52 pm

  This has been the best car! I bought it for myself, then my wife took it from me, then when our son turned 16 guess what? he took it. Great car for him. Handling is awesome!! Power is great and so is gas mileage!! No problems with this car, actually looking to buy another one in North Carolina. It now has over 235,000 miles and I wouldnt be afraid to drive it across country tomorrow.

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  Beware of Early Transmission Failure!! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Dissapointed in CA - February 3 - 11:15 pm

  I was in love with this car. It corners like a dream and you can park it anywhere. Unfortunately, the steptronic transmission has a MAJOR design flaw (some say it was an engineering compromise made to meet EPA mileage requirements, but I dont know this to be fact). The reverse clutch drum has a C clip that holds the gears down under pressure. After 50-75k miles the clip breaks off and you suddenly lose reverse. It cant be repaired - you have to completely rebuild the transmission. It cost us $4700. So, if you MUST buy, I would either get one w/ an already rebuilt transmission or invest in an extended warranty.

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  No Wonder Theyre Everywhere in CA - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By tannersoc - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second BMW, after purchasing the 330Ci coupe last year. I traded the coupe in on the 330Ci convertible. This car feels like its worth the $49,000 MSRP. I am a car enthusiast, but even I used to wonder what all the hoopla was about with BMWs... After living with the 04 coupe and now this convertible, I understand! They are truly fabulous automobiles! They are so fun to drive, yet so smooth and so luxurious all at once!

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  Excellent car BMW X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By prash77 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Great to drive. Very stable and safe. Lives up to "ultimate driving machine" reputation.

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  Two BMW 5-Series in our Garage - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By David/Nina - February 1 - 12:23 pm

  We currently own a 1998 528ia and 2001 530ia. Nothing is like these cars on the road. Both are reliable, handsome and FUN TO DRIVE. The 528 is a little underpowered but the 530 is a Blast!

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  No More 2nd Thoughts - 2008 BMW M5
  By Marc - January 30 - 6:42 am

  Ist new car, 1st BMW, and I was worried about the price. I just got it and all of the buyers remorse/doubts are now gone. Its incredible & I love it! Did I say that its incredible! Great performance & I am still in the break in period (<1200mls=<1/2 pedal,<5500 rpm). The only drawback is the gas mileage - I knew it was 11/17 mpg (more like 7 in stop and go-18 hwy @80mph & 11.5 combined-and I am babying the car right now!). But experiencing it first hand is something else! Interlagos Blue M5=Headturner!!

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  BMW X5 vs MB GL450 - 2007 BMW X5
  By John S. - January 29 - 7:05 am

  The X5 with the V8 has nice acceleration and a throaty growl. The ride is noticeably harsher than our MB GL450 and neither really exhibits excessive body roll. On worn highways I often try to drive to the side to get a smoother ride. I really regret getting the side aluminum running boards, they make it much more difficult to get in and out. While many reviews say the iDrive is easy to learn, I sure wish BMW would add more dedicated buttons. The GL450 is much easier to use to access the map, radio, etc.

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  POCKET ROCKET - 2017 BMW X3
  By TONY CONYERS - January 26 - 11:51 am

  I own a 2004 x5 v8 which I passed on to my son, Pretty good performance, and utility, and durability. I started shopping 6 months ago for a new vehicle. and I drove everything before returning to BMW ( I had a loaner x3 w/ 2.8 engine , and felt it was "pokey") So this time, I tried a 2017 x3 3.5 xdrive WITH M Sport package- I am a big fan of the seat cushion extension- and WOW. This machine really moves. I feel like the Little Old Lady From Pasadena- except I am 70, & living in Scottsdale. I cant say enough good things about this vehicle. Perfect for me at 63" , and I can haul lumber, boxes, whatever. The styling is great too. Worth the $$. Tony.

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  BMW at its finest - 2003 BMW X5
  By Stan1 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Handles just like a BMW! The best SAV on the planet.

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  Great car, great value! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Adz - January 24 - 8:04 pm

  Have owned this car for over two years and with a Lexus before this, and a Mercedes prior to the Lexus, I am simply amazed at how great the 3 series is! The exterior design is tame, yet very mature, and as a dentist, I am pleased with taking this car to work (it has a grown-up, serious look to it). The interior is amazing - very classic, and timeless. I like simplicity, and the smooth uncluttered lines of the interior are always pleasing for me and passengers. Drives really great and its so reliable. I have 27,000 miles and have only had to service the car once! The car tells you exactly when (date and mileage) and what to service.