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 2006 325i, "the best all around car" - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By William - September 13 - 11:16 am

  BMW 325i is a great fun to drive car that has plenty of power, economy amd safety. The BMW full Maintenance plan is excellent and really aids in making the car a great pleasure to drive.

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  x5 problems - 2003 BMW X5
  By kathy waldref - September 13 - 6:44 am

  I had problems, after the first year, all the time and it was always in the shop. Thank goodness for everything free. At different dealerships, couldnt keep it running. it was a lemon, and no one would do anything about it! I got so mad on way to yet another appt,(over an hour, because of traffic, one way) I sold it (had bought it and not leased, didnt want to be stuck with it after expiring warrenty soon) and got a Z4, which I love and seems more reliable.

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  BMW 330 Convertible - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By marvin Harris - September 12 - 11:49 pm

  Had a 2004 330 Convertible, with only 43k miles, which got totaled after accident with a pack of deer on 05/01/2015. Immediately started searching for a replacement car, 2004-2006 BMW Convertible. Due to airbag fiasco, also looked & drove 1 Series, 2007-2015 3 Series & other convertibles nothing beat my 2004 330, so looked across entire country & found a 2006 330 with 36k miles. I AM VERY,VERY HAPPY with car. In my opinion nothing beats the the 2002-2006 Bimmers, especially when it comes to convertibles.

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  6 series convertible - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By bobp - September 12 - 11:29 pm

  This car MUST be driven to be appreciated. Once test driven, I had to purchase it. Acceleration is awsome. Dynamic stability control keeps the car perfectly level in corners, as they say, like riding on rails! And BMW quality speaks for itself! Now thinking about the M6, but that may be too much power. This car is the perfect performance luxury vehicle!

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  Practical BMW - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By RHartounian - September 12 - 4:38 pm

  I have always loved BMWs. This one is not any less of a BMW. It has good handling and good torque in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear. I wish it had a sixth gear. This car has a very tight gear ratio so in the 5th gear at 80 mph the engine is begging for another gear. Too bad! The glove compartment is really poor, though. Everything you place inside, it keeps rolling out. I love the E30 glove box much more. I hate the vinyl interior. BMW is probably one of the only luxury car manufacturers that still makes vinyl seats. In the summer months its an oven in there. One common problem with this car that cannot be fixed is the climate control. Overall its a good car.

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  Great car but a few complaints - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ray - September 12 - 4:26 pm

  Great car and performance. Gas milage on NY Thruway is averaging 36 mpg with manual transmission. Do not like 1. no body side moulding at all 2. Cigarette lighter power does not work unless motor is running. 3. No alarm system and dealer wants $700 to install one.

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  Nice Car - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By Kelvin Parson - September 11 - 6:44 pm

  It is a nice car and like most things about it. It does have road and wind noise though compared to previous BMW that I have owned. The menus for the iDrive are not that intuitive, but it does have many bells and whistles. The climate control is slow to respond to the temperature requirements for the fan.

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  The thrill of a Bimmer - 2005 BMW M3
  By JZ - September 11 - 12:13 pm

  I am a person who believes a car no matter what make or model is meant to be driven not showcased. So Ill give you the drivers point of view. The car is a pleasure to drive. It is fast, it is smooth, and it can handle with the best of them. Its a mean looking car with a mean spirited personality. The tunnel vision you get at the higher RPMs is an amazing feeling. The security in the drive while pushing your car is unprecedented. Knowing a car can handle the high RPMs and the ability to stick to the road can make anyone feel like they are professional drivers. I own a manual, and Sports mode feels like youre driving a new ridiculously faster car. What a car to suit any occasion.

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  Better love the loaner - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Jim - September 9 - 11:10 pm

  I bought the 2004 because I thought the iDrive demons had been exorcised. Not so, and other recurring issues forced me to tell BMW to take the car back... and they did. During my 30 months with the car, I drove every loaner car that the dealership had. They tried to fix things but the problems wouldnt show up when the car was in their hands. When they did, they couldnt come up with permanent fixes. There is a reason the 7 series made it to #1 on Consumer Reports list of most problematic cars. I am switching to a less complicated 5 series and the first time I have to take it in for them to reload the computer... Im done with BMW.

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  Great SAV/SUV!!! - 2006 BMW X3
  By vegawoo - September 9 - 1:36 pm

  This is the best car Ive bought so far. I love this car. It is really a luxury car with the capabilities of a sports and utility vehicle but small for easy loading and driving.