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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  Dont believe the naysayers - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By irobot1 - July 13 - 5:07 pm

  My current 2002 330i Sport is my 4th BMW and 34th car overall so I have some experience. This model of BMW - the E46 - is just plain solid. Yes, there are known issues such as window regulators and water pumps, but when you get past those annoyances and pay attention to the detail in the design of this car they fade into the background. Its easy to do regular maintenance on the car such as oil changes and brake replacements, in part because the parts are made with quality materials and still look like new after 10 years on the road. I think the E46 is possibly the last 3 series to have the classic BMW look and feel, and I have noticed the value of these cars going up in the used market.

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  BMW X1 - 2013 BMW X1
  By taisey - July 12 - 4:52 pm

  Have had our 2013 X1 since middle of May 2013. In less than 800 miles brakes failed. Again, the same problem at 1900 miles. Seems short on power and acceleration. Not very pleased and hope to trade up very soon to an X3. Would not recommend this vehicle base on my experience.

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  The X1 is fantastic - 2013 BMW X1
  By djp13 - July 9 - 1:54 pm

  The X1 is a very solid, high performing compact SUV (or SAV as BMW calls it). The performance, corning and high quality interior are all amazing. The car has lots of power. I only have 3000 miles on the car so far but it handles very well and enjoy the many technology features on car including the numerous I drive features.

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  07 BMW 335I Coupe - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By caiusaurelius - July 9 - 9:34 am

  I just bought recently 335i with 71K on it and as for 6 year old car the condition of it is excellent. I am very satisfied with its interior and exterior design, the car has great performance. As for the Coupe the car is extremely reliable and Comfort. I dont know why people complain about its comfort and build quality because it is a performance car and what do you expect when you buy a used Beamer? want to look inside like in a Maybach?? ALSO EVERYTHING DEPENDS on a previous owners when you buy a used performance car especially BMW. My car had 2 OWNERS and has not even a single scratch and everything is CLEAN under the hood. So everything depends on what life the car lived.

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  Update - it SUCKS! WALK AWAY! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By yankeejb1 - June 30 - 10:46 pm

  All the car mags totally fawn over this car as if its the greatest thing since sliced bread - and it is a looker with great performance (when its running properly)... but make no mistake - these cars are absolute garbage. BMW enthusiasts will of course overlook these cars flaws no matter what, but those of us normal folks who arent blinded by brand loyalty will certainly notice the cars gross unreliability, build quality that rivals a 1980s Chevy Camaro, exorbitant maintenance costs and (in my case) piss-poor service, support and sheer arrogance by the BMW dealer. Theres absolutely no excuse for any of this and BMW should be ashamed (but I seriously doubt it...)

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  Dream Car - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By tinbmore - June 29 - 3:33 pm

  I have owned my 335xi for almost 2 years. (6 speed manual, platinum bronze metallic, cw package, adaptivelights) It has 44K miles and my total maintenance cost has been an oil changes, a set of tires and a set of spark plugs (turbo needs them replaced at 45K mi). Agree with other posters, this just a downright FAST car. High speed merge, no problem, pop it down into 3rd and "engage".

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  Worst car Ive owned - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By nicholasc - June 24 - 10:42 am

  Very unreliable vehicle, I have 62k miles on my car. Ive had the fuel pump replaced and the fuel injectors twice. Also had the water pump die on me on the freeway, car goes into limp mode and was glad I wasnt killed. Do not buy one if its gonna be your daily driver and then whats the point of buying one anyway.

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  Disappointment city - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By nomore528s - June 22 - 10:22 pm

  I have had two 528 sedans in my life. The first was a 2000, and the second was a 2011. I picked both of them up at the facility in SC and drove both them to CA Lotsa fun was had both times. The 2000 over the time I owned it was great... not a lick of trouble. The 2011 was more disappointing than my first wife. The first issue was those useless tires, one of which failed 3000 miles from home causing me to have to spend three nights in a hotel while a dealer ordered a replacement. Unacceptable! The next issue was the computer telling the power steering to stop working. Another computer glitch finished me. I traded for a 2011 Crown Vic. Im much happier. Hitler was Bavarian too.

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  The Ultimate Driving Myth - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By powerrharp - June 21 - 4:14 pm

  I purchased mine as a CPO with 33K original miles on it. IMHO all the dealer did to "CPO" the car was to detail it. Within the first 24 months it had the following major problems: 1. Power door locks failed 2. Right rear wheel bearing went (was bad on delivery...CPO people were obviously deaf) 3. Electric water pump failed 4. Low oil level warning light came on less than 500 miles after purchase (further proof CPOing ignored that 5. Radio display not visible while wearing polarized lenses..oil leak, battery died, bluetooth not blackberry compatible, outside mirror motor failed....brakes stick on release....

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  Absolutely Fabulous! - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By thecarguy112 - June 12 - 2:12 pm

  Just bought a used one with 110,000K on it a week ago, and LOVE it. The power is surprising for 282HP, but 325LB FT of torque is sweet. I dont have the contour seats, but the basic seats are great. This car handles great for its size. I have a rare Slate Green 740i with Oyster Nappa leather, and english green dashboard and carpet. It truly is a joy to own. There are a couple little problems but cheap to fix. GREAT car.