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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  No longer the 3 series - lost soul - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By JerseyDrew - April 14 - 5:49 am

  If youve driven a previous generation 3 series, and fell in love like I did, this car may disappoint you. My 2011 BMW 328i xDrive wasnt perfect by any means - uncomfortable seats, crappy MPG, and nearly exploded on NJ potholes- but it had a "soul". The steering was weighted perfectly - no gimmicky sport/comfort/ ECO pro mode, brakes had a nice bite, and car always felt confident going twice the recommended speed limit through exit/on-ramps. Throaty inline 6, and I could go on... this new model may appeal to Lexus/Mercedes-Benz owners - shiny, colorful displays, and cool lights. The car is definitely more comfortable to drive around town (softer suspension and electric steering). MPG improved greatly (average +10 mpg compared to older model). Thats all I can say- I guess BMW is trying to appeal to the mass market buyer. Until the 3 goes back to its roots, Im planning on buying an Audi next.

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  BMW-Biggest Mistake on Wheels - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By unhappy beamer owner - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst nightmare I have experienced with a vehicle. I have owned this vehicle for thirteen months and it has been in the shop nine times, with major mechanical problems including but not limited to, a new engine at 40000 miles and a new transmission at 60000. The only good thing I have to say about this vehicle, it is fun to drive when it will drive. Nice to look at but, Just say NO!

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  Too Expensive - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave - March 11 - 4:36 pm

  After shopping BMW, Acura, Lexus and Honda, decided on the BMW. It was my wifes choice of cars. Bad choice. My neighbor bought the Acura TL and it runs circles around the BMW in performance, luxury and price. The BMW is slow, very loud and rides horribly. I know it is a road car but the ride on the run flat tires is absolutely terrible. Speaking of the run flats, these tires were a huge mistake on the part of BMW. Mine have 11500 and will need replacement in another few hundred miles. The car also wont hold an alignment. The paint quality is also very poor. Next time I will buy the Acura with better engineering, performance, price and quality.

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  Expensive to Maintain - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Benson - March 10 - 12:51 am

  BMW performance is great and the car looks good, however, if you want to own a used BMW without warranty you will get very disappointed. I have owned different types of used cars some even older but none compares to a BMW. The maintenance of BMW is a disappointment. There is alway a service engine light on the dashboard that always requires expensive attention.

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  Not Quite The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By ecb - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car. However, I have had to take the car into the dealer for service 3 times in the 8 months Ive owned it. The main problem is with with Transmission. Took the car into the dealer to fix this 2 months ago and was told that the parts needed to be ordered and we would be called when they were in...were still waiting for a call. Ive never owned a car as unreliable as this BMW. If you plan to buy a BMW around the Philadelphia, PA area avoid Devon Hill BMW they are lacking in any customer service ability.

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  The Best Car Ever - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Tim Thompson - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car

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  Material quality and standard features are awful - 2013 BMW 1-Series
  By Jill - February 21 - 7:46 pm

  Sorry, I cant agree with the other 128i reviewers. I bought this 2013 128i used, having previously owned a 2004 330ci for 6 years. Granted, the 330ci had Premium package and the 128i is base. But the Sensatech seats and door material on the 128i look cheap, and the black shiny plastic in place of the wood grain or titanium trim is just plain tacky. The 330ci felt like a luxury vehicle. The 128i feels like an entry-level Hyundai or something. I actually just sold a Hyundai Genesis 2.0T Premium, which had keyless entry, keyless start, universal remote, moonroof, nice trim, automatic dimming mirrors and good bolstered seats. It cost about $24k new. The base 128i has NONE of those things, and cost over $33k new. Yes, the driveability is much better than a Genesis (but noticeably worse than a 330ci). The gas mileage is worse than both of these other vehicles. Overall Im not overly impressed with the 1 series. It feels like a step down (even with more power than the 330ci and the Genesis) and a step backwards in time. The BMW enthusiast in me wants to get rid of it as soon as possible and get a 2 series!

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  Wouldnt Get Another One - 2016 BMW X1
  By Lime99 - February 20 - 9:36 pm

  Got stuck in a lease with one of these, I immediately regretted it. BMW must be paying for positive reviews, because it not that stellar of a vehicle. The car has stylish looks, has many bells and whistles, and is fun to drive in Sport mode, but thats about it - everything else is like driving a typical 4-cylinder, kind of boring and sluggish. The worst part about the X1 is the interior comfort and design. The front seats are the worst Ive ever seen, they have ZERO padding, way too firm like sitting on a park bench, theyre also too narrow and high. The leather is very grippy and not smooth, tugs your shirt. The steering wheel obstructs the dashboard, you cant get a clear view of the entire instrumentation through the top hole of the steering wheel. The controls for the screen and navigation are horrible and feel 20 years old. Selecting single letters or digits to input an address into the nav? Forget it. Its also unsafe having to look down at the control wheel and buttons instead of up. I would not describe the whole system as intuitive at all. Outside temp only visible to the driver, no digital speedometer, annoying. The on-wheel radio controls are not the easiest to set up or navigate. The whole cabin instrumentation is just overcomplicated, and kind of Frankensteined with new and old. The screen looks like it should descend, but it doesnt, its kind of unsightly like its tacked on. MPG is so-so unless you drive in Eco mode which turns engine off at stops. Overall very disappointed with the X1. It looks like a BMW on the outside, but it isnt on the inside.

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  deep pockets - 2004 BMW X5
  By sarasota - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Anyone thinkig about buying a used x5 out of warrantee needs to have deep pockets. The dealer has seen me so much that I think they are getting ready to give me an award for most visits for service. Two window motors,front headlight, rear light,door mordigs, window sunscreen clips, ashtrays that pop out of the rear door when closing,window washer tank cover broke off. All this right after manufacturers warrantee ran out. You need to buy a Toyota as a second car so youll have something to drive while the BMW is in the shop.

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  BMW Leaves me in limbo - 2004 BMW M3
  By D Maher - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle had a vibration in the front end since the day I took delivery. 18 months later with 50+ days in the shop during that time they could not diagnose & fix the problem. The dealer and the manufacture walked away stating they could not test drive the vehicle over the speed limit. The problem existed at 120 kms/hr and up. My point is........you better hope you get a good BMW otherwise your not going to get satisfaction front your dealer. This was my first & last BMW.