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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  BMW = Practical - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Kenny - May 15 - 4:12 pm

  Wife and I had our first kid and dumped a minivan for the BMW wagon. She loves everything about this car. The AWD is good in the snow and 2 Britax car seats fit comfortably in the back with the armrest down. With enough space to pack all the kiddie stuff in the rear, my wife loves the ride, stability, safety, and overall ride of the wagon. Whos kidding... I love driving it too.

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  great car - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By aldoseven - May 15 - 8:03 am

  330i fully loaded, 18-s, sport suspension, 6 speed and everything else. This car is a pleasure to drive. Im in love with it. Since I got this car, 6 months ago, I still feel like a little baby who just got his toy for the first time. I mean, everytime I get in the car I feel like a different person. I just LOVE IT.

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  Still smiling.... - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By josh - May 15 - 6:26 am

  I still have not got the smile off of my face from my first drive. The salesman told me if I drive it Ill buy it. I drove it and I bought it. This is the funnest car on the face of the earth.

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  BMW for life - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwdan22 - May 15 - 3:56 am

  This car has been amazing for the entire time I have owned it. The only major problem I have had with it is that the top stopped working after being jammed. It has lasted over 170,000 miles and still drives better than most cars on the road. I will only own a BMW.

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  Not a good experience - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Disappointed - May 14 - 9:27 pm

  One of best purchase experiences of many cars over 40 years of driving. Car has its problems, mostly electrical. Especially iDrive is a bad idea. Poor execution. Drivers seat adjusts forward and up on its own. Screen display blanks, iDrive inoperable, no GPS, no radio, no access to system functions or warnings. Reprogrammed multiple times, reverts to same problems in short time. Electronic key replaced 3 times in attempts to cure Comfort Access issue. Nothing.

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  Tranny Problems Anyone? - 2007 BMW X5
  By Texaninpdx - May 14 - 4:34 pm

  I too had issues with the transmission not wanting to shift. Luckily I was near my home. Nonetheless, I took it in and a computer reset was done - havent had the issue since. Otherwise, traded an 07 Escalade for this beauty. I love it and would recommend it to anyone looking for sporty driving as well as utility.

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  Dream to Drive - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By GStreet - May 14 - 1:06 pm

  A great new design.The 4 yr/50,000 full service program helped seal the deal for me. The drives like a dream. The active steering make turning so smooth. I look forward to being a BMW owner for years to come.

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  2007 BMW M5 - 2007 BMW M5
  By davexg - May 13 - 9:12 pm

  Probably the only car you can store your golf clubs (it comes with an illustration for 4 bags), bag cart or baby stroller at the same time. Great amenities such as window shades, adaptive headlights, etc. Five people fit nicely although the rear folks will be crowded. Nice exhaust note, lines. Gas mileage and transmission is another story.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Alex - May 13 - 4:15 pm

  Ive now owned this car for a little over a year and a half. Being that I needed a highway cruiser, this car was an excellent choice. Before buying these cars, find out if some of the common problems on your model have been addressed. Namely, the radiator and fan need to be replaced at around 60k-70k miles. The waterpump and thermostat need to be replaced at that time as well and as others have mentioned, the front suspension parts dont last too long. Dont forget though, this car weighs over 4,000 lbs! Driving this car will wear down the front suspension quickly. Expect to replace it every 50k miles or so. Also, the cupholder is flimsy, therefore I bought a wedge-type holder and its great.

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  Great car, options expensive - 2016 BMW X1
  By AB - May 13 - 10:16 am