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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  THIS IS THE BOMB!!!! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By chappaquidick - August 10 - 10:00 am

  It is everything that I could asked for and more!!! No regrets... The European Delivery Program is awesome. I advise everyone to take advantage of it. The part it, i got it $600 over ED invoice. Such a great feeling

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  My car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By admin1 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I looooooooove my car!

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  Dream car - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By LadyZolt - August 10 - 2:00 am

  The car handles exactly like one would expect and the people at the BMW dealership are always friendly and ready to help. The car handles like a dream and is even better in real life than I would have thought.

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  Its NEW to me - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By gigiash - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Just got my used 323i last week, I have driven American,and one japanese car. So this is quite an experience for me. Car drives great and gets good gas milage. This car was clean and nice inside and out. Black with Tan leather, KH sound,winter, and power etc. I love the pick- up ,smooth ride and I quess the" Bimmer mystic" its a bit soon so I wont rave too much, but,I love it and I dont miss my 2000 SUV.

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  I wish my commute was longer!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By DaveH - August 8 - 8:00 am

  If you like a cushy, comfy ride to the grocery store or you want every wiz bang electronic gadget under sun, look to the Japanese automakers. If you want a drivers machine thatll demand you hit exit ramps at speeds other cars cruise at on the highway, this car is for you. The 330i is a drivers car. My wife says, "Why do you need to go that fast from stop light to stop light?" Jam the accelerator in 2nd at 3000 RPMs and youll feel the answer. This car begs to be driven and its way too tempting not to comply. Aside from flat out acceleration and gobs of torque, the 330i feels like its on rails whilst careening around corners or exit ramps. Drive it and youll see.

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  Its a trap! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Collin B - August 8 - 4:54 am

  I owned a 2004 530i that I purchased in 2013 for a year and six months and 20,000 miles. In those 20,000 miles the vehicle needed more than $5,000 in maintenance and repair items, and this was a clean 1 owner example that had been meticulously maintained. It needed 4 new brake pads and rotors for $2200, 4 new tires for $1200, all new PCV hoses for $850, Spark Plugs for $300, transmission fluid and filter exchange for $900, water pump and coolant for $75 (DIY), $200 for a sunroof leak and the subwoofer it took out (DIY), and $300 in oil and filter changes. I cringe when I think about how much I spent on this car, only to have it totaled in a flood. However, it was the most solid driving, comfortable and beautiful car I have ever owned. All of the features it had worked from the heated steering wheel, to the complex iDrive system, even after 11 years and 120,000 miles. The engine still purred like a kitten, could bounce off the rev limiter, and the car would still hit 155mph and pull 0.90g in the bends just like when it was new. It never broke down, nor had any problems. All of the items listed above are either wear items, or were replaced preventatively. I cant imagine owning another BMW of this age, as the rubbers and plastics used simply dont hold up over time, however Id definitely consider owning another newer one. This car is not for the faint of heart, and if you just need a cheap luxury car to drive everyday, Id go for a Lexus. On the other hand, if you like to work on cars yourself, or want a fun daily driver and are willing to pay for it, the BMW is the best youll find.

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  Warranty King - 2007 BMW X3
  By Warranty King - August 7 - 10:32 pm

  I had this car for a 1 1/2yrs and I love it. This is my first BMW and I will continue to buy due to the best warranty service. Ive taking my car in for an oil change for zero cost. The car handles very well in the rainy season, the seats are comfortable. The sunroof is awesome though a little loud and the trunk is very spacious. Ive driving this car from and to California and it just runs smoothly. The performance of a BMW is no comparison.

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  Great performance. - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Roger K. - August 7 - 10:12 pm

  Arguably the best sports sedan of its time (M5 excepted) and a classic in the making. This car is all about driver synergy and performance. You feel integrated with the machine: it does what you want, when you want. Reliability is a problem: radiator, digital displays, door seals, HVAC have all failed. Although problems are expected four years out, I never had this much trouble with Japanese cars. That being said, try finding a Japanese sedan that is as good to drive. Low profile tires and sports package make for cautious parking (but I cant blame BMW for that). Buy this car if driving experience is the priority.

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  great car as the first owner for bmw - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By Ning Qu - August 7 - 7:24 pm

  great car, but the interior is not good as expected

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  Good car but too many repairs - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By slick - August 7 - 11:47 am

  I bought my car in April and I love the way it drives, for a 2.5 its peppy. I had to replace ball joints and bushings $800. Also had a failed right front suspension spring. $200 fix. The car runs smooth but too many little repairs. Very fun to drive and will recommend purchase with warranty.