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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  Long time owner - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By L B - May 3 - 11:29 am

  Ive owned my 325 do convertible for more than 10 years and Ive kept up with the maintenance. Ive rarely had to make repairs on the car. As Ive gotten older its hard to get in and out of, but other than that, its been the best car ever!

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  Unbelievable Ride - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Kyle F - May 2 - 9:33 pm

  This is my first BMW and far from my last. I will never get rid of it but sure to get another. It is the smoothest ride with great handling. Great for just cruising around town and can handle its own when wanting to get somewhere quick. I have had a few little problems when I first bought it like an alignment but thats really it. The brake pads keep you busy with the dust but I replaced those by choice. The exterior is very sleek and sporty and the interior is pretty classy. The engine could use a little more power but I have done a few mods and gotten plenty of power. I have absolutely no complaints about this car and do not plan on having any Just do regular maint. and it will run forever

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  Best Car in the World - 1998 BMW M3
  By Rick - May 2 - 6:57 pm

  I bought the car from a dealer on a lease return 5 years ago. It had 23,000 on it so I had the car three years before I even needed to pay for an oil change. No problems other than a sticky door lock. It is now an 8 year old car and people still say "great car" when I stop for gas or the store. The styling is so good and the look is so ageless, even my friends ask me if I bought a new car every once in a while. 31 MPG regularly on freeway. So much fun to drive I have never been tempted to "upgrade" since I cant imagine liking it more. Once had a cop tell me to take it esy since the car looked like it was going 100 in the parking lot!

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  Expensive Toy - 2006 BMW M3
  By m3driver - May 2 - 2:18 pm

  This is the year I decided to finally take the leap and buy an M3. I have longed for one of these for quite some time. I was prompted by the fact that BMW will soon be straying from its time honored tradition of squeezing the most out of its venerable in-line 6 and replacing it, in the M3, with a larger V-8. So far the decision comes with no regrets. This is a beautifully crafted, subtly understated performance car. It eases the embarassment of succumbing to middle age malaise, conventionally known as the mid-life crisis.

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  2001 BMW 740iL - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Captain JC - May 1 - 9:45 pm

  Ive owned this car since new. A few repairs...service air conditioning, replace drivers seat trim containing seat controls...plastic-broken. One new set of Michelin tires. The car is a wonderful driver. I own several other BMWs, every time I drive this one, I keep saying to myself, what a great car this is. Very comfortable, good performance, great fuel economy for a car this size, lots of trunk space, enormous back seat and leg room. I look at the new ones, but a little hard to justify $125,000.00 to purchase a 2017 7-Series, to replace what I have in a car that I just love to drive. I also own a new 2016 BMW X5, lots of nice new technology, but the 740 runs just fine without all the pizzazz.

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  Hot 4 door hatch - 2016 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe
  By BMW BOB - April 30 - 5:23 pm

  I wanted a car to replace my Audi S7, and this was just the ticket. Test drove Mustang 5.0, Lexus GS-f , Lexus IS-f, Mercedes C-400, and Audi 4 and S4. BMW 435 xi Grand Coupe with M package won on several points. Versatility of hatchback, styling, included no cost maintenance, ride/performance balance, and value. Audi maintenance is very expensive, Mustang 5.0 is unrefined, and Lexus handling is like a marsh mellow, The BMW is very quick and I have been averaging 28mpg on the highway at speeds of 75-80mph. The one major weakness in the vehicle is the horrible run-flat tires, with no option for a spare in the trunk. I will be changing to Michelin Pilot super sports soon, however puncture sealant kit must be purchased to compensate for lack of a spare." I" drive takes time to get used to, but once mastered works well. Hands free phone calls are very clear and crisp.

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  SUV to BMW 328i - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By joe - April 30 - 11:16 am

  This was the best move I have ever made. I went for a SUV to this 328i BMW. This car is amazing hold the road like no other. Gas mileage is the best! Cut my monthly gas bill in half. With the price of gas that is saving me around 150 per month.

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  Best ever - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By v laprade - April 30 - 9:16 am

  This is the third Beamer I have owned and by far it is the best in all areas. The fuel economy is very acceptable for this size car, I just wished it did not need premium gas. The handling is very BMW and the acceleration for the 530 is excellent. I am having some difficulty adjusting the driver seat to a comfortable position. The front of the seat seems to be titlted too far back and presses on the underneath of my knee.I like the size of the trunk but wished the rear seat folded without having to buy it as an option. One thing about BMW is that there is nothing free if they can charge for it. The rear seat could use a little more leg room. I have no trouble with the I drive.

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  My first Bimmer 2006 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Quie - April 29 - 9:30 pm

  After owning 3 Toyotas, I decided to purchase a BMW and WOW, now I know what they mean by the ultimate driving machine. I drove it to see my parents for XMAS, which is a 3hr drive from where I live and oh, what a performance. I got 34 MPG at speeds of 70 & 75 (mostly speed limit) and the handling was superb. The enjoyment of sitting behind that inline six, knowing that the only reason that Acura can pass me is because I let it, is a wonderful experience.

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  In the shop for the first 30 days - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By John Stadler - April 29 - 8:46 pm

  Nice car was in the shop for 30 days with a noise that caused the dealership to pull the dash, and finaly found it in the sun roof. Not the quality that I would have expected. The blue tooth does not work well. I liked the old hard wired, worked every time