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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  Indeed not the Ultimate Driving Machine anymore - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By DLBedfordNH - April 10 - 4:44 am

  I wasnt even thinking about the BMW 3 series -- I was looking at the GS350 FSport (MT gave it a glowing review!), the Giulia (CRs example seemed to live in the shop from day one), S6 (close to M5 speed but much less expensive), ATS-V, GT350, used Cayman. My goal was to replace my RX-8 R3, mainly because I want to have my family of 5 all fit in the fun car, and the RX-8s constant need to downshift was not fun anymore after 5 trouble-free years. Therefore I quickly ruled out the Cayman, GT350, as well as then ATS-V sedan (kids still need boosters, and most have a very wide bottom). I drove the S6 first. Its such a quick car, the dual clutch was fast and smooth, and the interior was such a nice place to be! However, it is realistically a $78k car with some options, and it did not feel like a $78k car. Then the GS350 FSport -- it drove like a slightly updated version of my 2009 G37 -- little more numb, cool new gadgets to play with, same acceleration, ridiculously difficult to use "mouse" controller. It wasnt even that quiet cruising on the highway, which was supposed to be THE highlight of a Lexus. Then I thought Id go for the M3, but happened to see a 340i xDrive at the same dealer, with a STICK! It was $64k sticker, with red leather, M Sport Trim, bunch of driver aides and tech stuff. Edmunds own long-term 340i seemed to garner mostly positive reviews, so I was excited and tested it. I wont bore you with all the details of the purchase experience, but they knocked $9k off (nobody knows how to drive stick anymore?), decent deal on the RX-8, and made me wait over an hour to "prep and detail" the car. The biggest impressions so far, after about 500 miles: 1. The M Sport steering wheel is VERY nice, looks great (I stare at it far more than the exterior of the car, so exterior styling ranks very low in my book) and feels nice in the hands. 2. The clutch uptake is lazy (I am coming out of an RX-8, so this may not be fair to the BMW, but I hate it). 3. The gearing is wayyy too tall (performance of the manual tested elswhere is quite a bit slower than Edmunds long-term 340i auto), so despite the mountains of low-end torque, it doesnt give you that "kick" on takeoff. 4. The suspension is MAGICAL -- it stays relatively flat in corners but still soaks up bumps well. In contrast, the G37s suspension is firm enough to make the ride uncomfortably busy on New England roads, but does not keep it as flat while cornering. The GS350 is slightly better. Only the S6 is similar. 5. Getting on the gas out of a corner is so much fun, and the AWD system inspires a lot of confidence! 6. The steering is the same for the 340 as the S6 as the GS350. They are all pretty accurate, all very numb, and the "sport" setting just add effort without making it any more accurate or giving it any feedback. I agree with another reviewer here about the huge difference in handling compared to previous generations of BMWs -- I drove a 2009 328 xDrive when it was new (first time driving a BMW), and immediately was knocked over by the handling! I realized what all the fuss was about! 7. Nobody ever compliments the 3 series for how quiet it is inside. In then end, I went for the 340i because it felt like it was at least 80% as capable as the S6, had the same bland handling, had a manual that wasnt available with the S6, so it was a much better value. Again, the ATS-V was out of the question because the back seats are too small for 3 kids with boosters; the Giulia consistently showed major quality issues that will ruin your driving experience (MT had an article about stranding in the middle of an intersection!!!); every other 5-seater had the same boring steering; so, I never thought Id say this, but the BMW was a great value!

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2006 BMW X3
  By G Lo - April 9 - 11:33 pm

  My wife needed to replace her Mini Cooper with a bigger, safer car for our new baby. She loved this car mostly for the looks, but shes been driving it for a few weeks and LOVES it. Its incredibly easy to drive, has outstanding power, terrific maneuverability, and has handled the rare L.A. rainy season with ease. There is also plenty of room in the back, especially with the seats folded down. The only disappointing thing is the gas mileage. I expected it to be low, but were below 14 MPG, including some highway driving. Ouch.

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  Best Hidden Beast Around - 2001 BMW M5
  By Kgraves - April 9 - 8:53 pm

  The car is a soft spoken beast. You can cruise in 5th/6th gear at 40mph and have no problem or you can take it to 100mph in 4th gear with ease. It is like driving a Viper with 4 drs, lots of room & a real trunk. You seldom see M5s on the road although you see lots of 5 series cars. It gets looks & comments yet looks so normal and functions like a normal sedan. Great pricing on them now too. Get a used M5 for what a G35 costs new and you dont see yourself all up & down the road. When new it was the fastest 4 door car on the planet & will be the 2nd or 3rd fastest for a long time to come. The stock sound system is just awesome.

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  Close to Perfect - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By DrChrisHall - April 9 - 5:48 am

  I bought this car because I wanted to know what it was like to drive on the autobahns of Germany at speeds they were intended for, and the 650i lets me do that. I havent had to pull over to the right lane for anyone yet. The acceleration, whether starting from a stop or at 100 mph, pulls you into the back of your seat. Merging and passing is effortless. The car grips the road at top speed (157 mph), around corners, or even on wet surfaces. It makes you feel almost too safe..... I used to be a Mercedes guy, but I have definitely switched. This car drives so nicely and smoothly, has such a simple elegance inside, and turns heads because of its awesome exterior. I am 100% satisfied!

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  Driving The Good Life - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Dean - April 8 - 10:47 pm

  I feel my Z4 sometimes anticipates what Im thinking. The power is there, the steering is true and the Z4 knows how to use it. When I get crazy and take a turn too fast it keeps me glued to the road. I know the longest way to any place in town and frequently hit the freeway & drive 20 miles for a cup of coffee. 70 degrees and the top comes down the music goes up. Youll know me when I pass, Im the one with the big grin on my face. Ive owned a Corvette and a porsche, honestly they dont compare.This auto never breaks down! Drive one, youll see.

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  Drive train ok but POS vehicle on top of it. - 2003 BMW X5
  By Dissatisfied - April 7 - 8:13 pm

  Drive train is good, but extremely expensive to maintain and has some very poor engineering designs. Accessories are low quality, high rate of failure and expensive. The electronics have the worst programing logic and a high rate of failure. It would be passible if you could put a real vehicle on top of the drive train. Spent a lot of money for nothing.

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  Luvin Every Minute Of It - 2003 BMW M3
  By PaulWall - April 7 - 6:14 am

  My first impression of this car was bad since within the first 2 weeks of ownership it had to be towed to the shop for not starting. The starter was replaced along with wiper blades and an oil change at no cost. Nice. It has been a dream ever since. It has incredible power for an inline 6 cyl and a suspension that compliments it once you get up to speed. The interior is well suited for a high performance car yet still remains very comfortable partly due to the lower seat extension a feature I really like. The only issue Ive had with driving was getting use to the SMG transmission and now Im madly in love with that setup. Great job on the entire design of this driveline.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Yura - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Performance is not all about acceleration. 525i does not have strong pull of a 540 or an M5 but it has all the right genes, awesome handling and road manners; it is full of potential. Pleasure to drive, first car in which I do not regret talking longer way home.

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  The best value out there! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Rico - April 7 - 2:00 am

  this car is unbelieveable. i have never driven anything like it. it was well worth the money! if youre going to buy a coupe in the 30-40 grand range you would be crazy to not get the 3-series. bmw definatley knows what theyre doing!

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  Best of the Best - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Unique - April 6 - 7:25 am

  This is a great vehicle to have and fantastic. This car beats every other car in style, luxury, looks, options and so on. Extended warranty by BMW up to 6 years or 100,000 miles is great to have, which covers everything from maintenance to replacing bulbs for free of charge.