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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  EDP X1 - 2014 BMW X1
  By bmwcca325xi - October 15 - 12:10 am

  Ordered car and picked up in Munich as an EDP car in June. Major options: M Package, Winter Package. Nice firm ride and soaks up bumps well. Drove car 2,850 miles in Germany, Austria, and France. Top speed driven was 125 mph on the Autobahn -- car was feeling floaty so did not go faster although the engine could handle it. No issues in Europe over 2,850 miles. Averaged 25 to 28 mpg. Back in Calif., I have driven 2,200 miles and averaged from 25 to 27 mpg since being back. I attribute the same MPG while driving much slower to the lower fuel quality (ethanol)

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  Driving Precision and Transformer Features to Wow 6 Year Olds - 2013 BMW 3-Series
  By rihallix - October 12 - 12:19 pm

  The switch from a zippy Honda Civic Si to a 328i Convertible may have taken away the rush of the Civics K20 engine acceleration but it replaced it with a vehicle with refinement and class. At every turn it feels like someone back in Munich really thought about that feature and refined it. The convertibles big feature is of course its transformational hard top - a feature guaranteed to mesmerize passing 6 year olds and still cause heads to turn for older observers. The 3.0 liter inline 6 is not the eager peppy Civic engine, its more the competent "I got this" super smooth pour on the power superior alternative.

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  Get out while you can - 2003 BMW Z4
  By mike229 - October 2 - 2:44 pm

  Those who owned the car and sold it are fortunate. Bought mine in 08 with 99K miles but dealer maintained. It was a fair weather driver and what a mistake. The car now has 104K miles and Ive spent some $15K in repairs. Things like water pump, oil pump, alternator, motor mounts, numerous sensors and of course the top. Ive replaced the hydraulic pump twice and the side pistons once. Ive spent some $5000 just on the hydraulics. It seems the car is notorious for having leaks in the vaccum hose system. The cup holders never worked, and I just let that pass. Its almost as though I can expect a $500 repair each time I drive it. Not what I bargained for.

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  People mover with class and performance - 2009 BMW X5
  By cnaps - September 28 - 8:59 pm

  I must say the BMW x5 3.0 is x-drive is a joy to drive its not a m5 but its perfect for everyday use. The cabin is very comfortable and build quality and materials are of the highest quality the brakes are very good and drives very tight. It gives you the room you need to move the family around with out losing performance and style. Build quality and reliability is as good as it gets.

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  Do not fear the 4 Cylinder! - 2013 BMW 3-Series
  By michaelfb68 - September 25 - 8:48 am

  I had a 2003 325i for 9 years before the repairs became too costly. I loved the drive, but jumped to an Infiniti G37x seeking more room, interior refinement, and reliability. The G just didnt do it for me from a performance perspective though, so back I came. I surprised to see BMW went to a 4T, but once you drive it you wont know it. Quiet, smooth, and fast, plus it gave me a 9 MPG bump over my G and old 325. You get to 70 mph and think youre doing 45. The cabin is quiet, the engine is quiet, and its all BMW. The steering is softer (not soft, though), but gets tighter with speed. Even at lower speeds though, it is responsive.

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  Love My Ride - 2013 BMW X3
  By drkcollins - September 20 - 8:27 pm

  I looked at and drove nearly every car and SUV out there. When I drove the X3 35i I felt at home. Also drove the 28i but even with the Turbo, didnt have the torque Im used to. The 35i put a smile on my face! Performance, comfort, gas mileage, not to mention the sleek classy look. What more can you ask for?

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  The Ultime Driving Machine! - 2002 BMW M3
  By mbatista911 - September 19 - 4:21 pm

  Finally got to buy a 2002 SMG M3 Interlagos Metallic Blue Coupe, what a car! Just have it for two month now, got it with 109,500 on it, and had put it over 1,000 miles already, the only thing I did was change the throttle body sensor and change the oil, everything was about U$375.00 in an aftermarket BMW shop ( dont dare to go to the dealer, they will charge you U$160.00 just to read your car with the computer) so the EML and Engine service soon light went away! Yes it can be a litter expensive to maintenance, but the car wont be breaking every week or turning EML or engine service soon lights on, Is a daily driving car,with no problems!

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  BMW has to stand behind their errors! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By badfradzz - September 13 - 5:38 pm

  Just traded my 330i for a 335i. There was no other cost effective way to get that next 50 HP out of the engine (which was fast enough for most folks, but once you get that bug). This car is incredible (Incredible!!) And if you are older than 45, this car is more like a sci-fi transporter out of a comic book. Its so smooth and goes so easily 30mph over the speed limit that youll think its a set up by the Klingons to get your money. However, three problems remain in the 2007 and up, 1: subframe/serpentine belt damage 2: wastegate failure in the turbo/turbos 3: high pressure fuel pump failure. To some extent BMW has addressed two of three. So do your homework, the 335 will smile on you.

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  Overvalued lemon - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By ragril - September 9 - 11:58 am

  Ive owned this car for almost two years. My first and last BMW. How much I regret this purchase. The ride is rough, noisy and irregular. This car has a problem. There is something wrong with the ride. It shudders and vibrates badly. Yet, the dealer has been useless. They find all sort of excuses in order to dismiss my concerns. It is supposed to be normal!!! When my beloved Honda Pilot 2006 rides smoother and straighter than my $60,000 2011 BMW, you can tell this junk is worth nothing. So much for the ultimate driving... scam!

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  Battery - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By father4girls - September 2 - 9:43 am

  I bought my 2011 BMW 535IX back in Oct 2010 and have loved it since day one. The car is great and the dealership is great, I am just concerned that they replaced my battery for the 2nd time in just under 3 years. I am on my 3rd battery and my concern is what happens when the free service contract expires next year? Is it just my car or does BMW have an electrical issue here?