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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  Great car but different from past BMWs - 2012 BMW 5-Series
  By johny14 - June 11 - 1:01 pm

  Got a 2012 528 M Sport, traded in my 2002 540i 200k miles later. The 540 was a 4 door sports car and I loved it. Negatives first - this one is a luxury car that tightens up in sport mode to be a great grand touring vehicle, but its not a sports car. Which is fine with me because it is my daily driver. Positives - WAY more comfortable and quiet, spectacular fuel economy (getting 34mpg hwy and 27.5 average). Love the interior (switches all in the same place as my E39) + large NAV screen. The turbo 4 takes a little getting used to coming from a V8 but it really goes if you push the pedal far enough.

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  six month review - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By blus535i - June 8 - 10:20 pm

  I have owned my 535i for six months and love the car. I have had no issues at all with it and have already put 8,500 miles on the car. I average 27-28 mpg combined and have gotten 35-36 mpg on the highway doing 70mph. I have gotten a lot of compliments on the car it is Deep Sea Blue with Gray interior and W-spoke wheels. My car had a special production run with these wheels and I love these wheels. My only complaints no spare tire and the cup holder on the manual is useless. I dont plan on putting run flats back on the car too expensive for the staggered wheels. The car is fast, smooth and quiet.

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  The new Corolla in the form of a BMW 3 series - 2013 BMW 3-Series
  By longrides - June 8 - 5:21 pm

  Heres to the new $40K BMW Corolla, or should they just be embarrassed to even put the BMW symbol, which is (really, was) the symbol of "fun to drive"?! The pick-up in this car is jet-like, but thats where it ends. It handles like a Corolla. The interior is cheap and outdated, like a Corolla. This car handles like, you guessed it, a Corolla. It even has the same engine note as the Toyota Corolla. Everything about this car says "Toyota"! Except of course for the gorgeous exterior. The ridiculous introduction of electronic-assisted steering will prove to be the beginning of the end for BMW. I dont wonder anymore why Audi is advertising "more drivers than ever are switching over from BMW"!

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  Fun to drive! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By jerm9697 - June 7 - 12:09 am

  Great car no serious trouble. Very fun to drive and very comfortable! Only thing is that the interior seems to scratch very easily. Other than that the car is great. I would buy another bmw

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  Better than expected!!! - 2013 BMW X1
  By ad77 - June 6 - 9:35 am

  I got mine last September and it has been a blast ever since, 15K miles already. Ive picked a Valencia Orange with M Sport Package, heated seats and Harman Kardon sound system, nothing else and the only option I miss is power seats. This thing drives exceptionally well and the hydraulic assist steering is still the best. The manner in which this vehicle goes from 60 MPH to 80, 90 or more is almost ridiculous. Serious handling and solid structure feel make it even better. Of note this is my 5th BMW in the last 10 years and so I expect great things from BMWs and in this case they delivered a great little product. If you can get one and enjoy the ride, you wont be disappointed...

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  Went 2013 over 2014 - 2013 BMW X5
  By jnc3 - June 4 - 11:45 pm

  Know some do not like the harsh suspension and heavy steering. That is why I stayed with BMW and took a 2013 over waiting for a 2014. Found driving a model with the newer steering was too light, reminded me of the 2 lexus had. The X3 drove with the new unit. I know the diesel has some issue with expensive fixes. But the 2014 is going to have a revised diesel so felt would be better off on the last run of the current motors. Build quality yes it good but have found some of the plastic pieces creak and pop, not what expect in a 70K SUV. So did not go a 5 in quality. But this E70 has good visibility, good seating heights. Course got the multi contour seats.

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  Why All the Complaints? - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By daveinmass - June 4 - 7:27 am

  I just took delivery of my new 2013 528xi and dont understand why there are so many negative comments about this car. I traded a 2009 BMW 328xi Coupe for the 528. We loved the Coupe but decided it was time to go larger. The 4 cylinder 528 is at least as quick as the straight 6 in the Coupe - I havent hammered the 528 as it is still breaking in but its very quick. No, it doesnt sound as nice as the 6 but I dont care - the 528 is amazinly quiet. The Start / Stop feature is interesting and is not intrusive. There is none of the "shuddering" others have complained about. It is actually kind of cool...

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  BMW does not protect electronics from melted snow or grocery spills in the cargo area - 2012 BMW X5
  By x5dieselowner - June 3 - 3:48 pm

  Do not let the BMW perception for reliability deceive you. Common place expectations for simple engineering rigor to protect consumers from costly repairs due to liquid damage is not a part of the BMW reputation. If you are considering purchasing a BMW think twice. The marketing team was responsible for the final decision not to repair over $1300.00 in damage due to electronics placed along the drip path for liquid spills in the rear cargo area of the X5d. The electronic connectors were placed in a position so that the cup is turned in a way to catch liquids. There are no protective nor preventative measures to prevent liquids from entering and destroying critical expensive electronics.

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  2nd review - 2013 BMW X3
  By wittyj - June 2 - 2:28 pm

  We now have about 12,000 miles on the X3. BEST utility vehicle I have ever owned. Fuel economy is right at 26.5 p tank. Have gotten as high as 32mpg when cautious? And this was obtained with mid grade. To date there are NO maint. Issues at all. Flawless vehicle and American made. Storm grey and oyster interior are cool in summer here in GA. As for the auto shut off....was rough at first but at about four thousand miles the process smoothed out totally. And it does help save fuel.

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  An honest X5 review - 2003 BMW X5
  By burts_dog - June 2 - 1:59 pm

  Took a chance buying a used 2003 X5 4.6 with over 80,000 miles. Have put around 3,000 miles on it so far. Not a commuter car. Best as a hot rod Sunday driver or to the lake towing 2 wave runners or a boat. Horrible radio. Youll want to totally replace the radio head unit so factor in about $1,000 for that if you DIY. Very nice seats. Fit and finish for 2003 exceptional. Ride too harsh for most people, but lower tire pressure will help. One thing critics overlook is that this machine was built to tow 6,000 pounds! So much power. Quick at 0-60 in 6.5. More than you will ever use. Could you take this car to 300K? Maybe, if you are gentle. But prepare to pay the $. Its really a 2nd car.