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:

• 

  Fun for 6 mos so far - 2003 BMW Z4
  By amk - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW and convertible. I was not sure if I will like a convertible, but this car is so comfortable with top up or down (my usual mode of driving), that I wish I bought a convertible earlier. The car has all the comforts/techno gadgets I was looking for, and all work well together. Handling is superb, and the balance of performance, handling, and comfort is extraordinary. I highly recommend the car to anyone looking to get into this type of vehicle.

• 

  Another happy 5 series consumer - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By snake327 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Very quiet and great MPG on the interstate (30MPG). But those cupholders!!! When will the Germans get it right for the American consumer.

• 

  Teutonic engineering at its best! - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Matt - June 4 - 9:46 am

  I never intended to buy a BMW but thank goodness I did! the 530 is an awesome car, it is comfortable yet still has a sporty feel. The engine response is slightly delayed due to the automatic gear box (it takes half a second longer than a manual shift to kick in) but after that first pause, it flies. I have only owned this car for 3 weeks but it has stolen my heart. I would recommend a 95 BMW 5 series to anyone. P.S. If you are getting a very weak airflow through the dashboard vents, make sure you check the pollen filters (found buried under the dash, you can access them from the drivers foot well on right hand drive models). They clog up with dirt quite quickly and reduce air flow.

• 

  OK Car but you can get a better car for that money - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Juan Benitez MB - June 4 - 7:21 am

  We bought the vehicle on june of 2015, we owned 3 previous MB GLKs (totaled 2) and a C240. We had great expectations about this car since supposedly is the Ultimate Driving machine. Steering wheel is extremely stiff, I know thats how german cars are but this was beyond any other VW or MB I have driving before. Brakes are great, and acceleration, oh man, pfffew, IT GOES!!!!!!! It is super fast. Fuel economy is OK for a 3.0 engine. X Drive works good in the snow but its height does not compensate the 4x4. The bad, YOU WILL HAVE A MISFIRE! For sure, ignition coil will go bad any time after 50.000 miles, for some reason most of them burn oil even with low mileage. That is what I have been told. BMW dealer maintenance is really expensive. HID bulbs cost about $300 in the dealership plus $100 labor. I know crazy! Oil change about $300. The interioR quality is HORRIBLE, It just feels cheap. The plastics, even the wood trim. As of 2/16 we ended up getting another MB GLK 350. And now we have the car for sale. Overall, OK car. Better than any Jap car, not as good as other european.

• 

  Perfection - 2006 BMW X3
  By Justin - June 3 - 8:26 pm

  What a great SAV. BMW hit the nail on the head with this one. The only downside to the car is the fuel efficency. Other than that I wouldnt change a thing.

• 

  Truly, the Ultimate Driving Machine.... - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Dave - June 3 - 4:43 pm

  Bought the xi AWD version a few months ago and it drives like a dream. Incredible machine. Test drove Audi and Lexus but BMW still leads the pack. You must drive to believe. Full 4 year/50K mile maintenance was the kicker for me.

• 

  The last of a legacy! - 2006 BMW M3
  By MdreiGuy - June 3 - 9:38 am

  I purchased this car in Germany, and it was one of the last off the assembly line before they started making way for the new 2008. All I have to say is, if you missed out on getting one of these when they were for sale, youll probably never have a chance to drive such a beautiful car off a dealers lot. I wouldnt trade it for the world!

• 

  BMW Makes it happen ! - 2005 BMW X3
  By gildavis - June 3 - 9:23 am

  What happens when you want a sports car but need an SUV ? Why you get a BMW of course! But why? While its true that one cost more then some other models in the same class youll truly get what you pay for. The fit, finish and feel of this SUV along with its power and handling make it a car youll love to drive day in and day out. Its reliablity has been excellent and I look forward to many years of great service.

• 

  Not so great - 2007 BMW X5
  By kays - June 3 - 9:11 am

  This is my 3rd X5, and was, I thought, a no brainer to purchase. Wrong! Part of my disappointment may come from the fact that my previous X5s were 4.0s This car feels underpowered and slow in many situations. The seats are very different from my old X5. I have yet to find a comfortable setting have driven 10,000 miles so far. The X5 has changed its size slightly, but enough that it is difficult for a short person to enter. My runflat got a flat at 5,000 and they would not fix it, only replace it for $400+. Car has had some computer glitches got towed away DEAD at 3,000 dealership never could figure it out. The info screen goes dead sometimes for no reason. Not a great BMW.

• 

  One of the Best BMWs ever made - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By MilosD - June 3 - 1:34 am

  This car has served me very well in the past 3 years. I used to commute 100 miles every day and it didnt miss a beat. I put in a rebuilt head, which it didnt really need, but other than that I have 50K on it since I bought it and it hasnt taken any money to maintain since the cylinder head rebuild which cost me 3K. Other things to go bad are the thrust arms, remedied by installing urethane busings at a cost of $200.