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 335 xi - 2013 BMW 3-Series
  By wpotis - February 23 - 7:24 am

  I have owned this car for 6 months and have had no problems. The x drive works great in the snow. The car is amazing. Handling and acceleration are the best. Would buy a second one. Def. recommended. Winter tires are a little noisy.

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  Nice Luxury Car (: - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By carguru12 - February 20 - 3:40 pm

  We purchased our 525xi secondhand at a BMW dealership and it was certified used. The interior comfort is great, and road noise is minimal. The only thing I dont like about our 5 Series is the iDrive system. It cant be avoided (option up a standard radio like in the 3 Series), and it has radio presets, but there are no preset buttons (you have to use iDrive to get to them). The car also has an annoying "grab" in the transmission, a software issue. The performance is great. I love this car.

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  Exactly what I have been looking for! - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By bwschubert - February 20 - 3:05 pm

  I have been searching for a RWD convertible with a manual transmission for some time now and while test driving all the usual suspects in the same price range (new and used) my 128i was the obvious choice. I wouldnt mind a 135 for the significantly increased grunt, but there was no such car available- either new and too expensive or used and too old and out of warranty. Nevertheless the linearity of the naturally aspirated I-6 makes running up to the 7000rpm redline a pleasure, especially with the top down. While true value is debatable (I dont know if I could ever justify the full sticker price of a new one) the build quality, ergonomics and all around driving experience is worth it to me

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  What more do you want! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By jimlarson - February 12 - 11:08 pm

  just simply a Fun, fast, unique car! i just bought a white 04 z4 with red leather and couldnt be happier! drove a TT for years, loved it, but like the z4 much better because of comfort and exterior design. interior isnt as fancy as i would like, but who needs a GPS when your having fun getting lost driving around! very low to ground, makes for a little awkward "in and out" ... but who cares! gets tons of compliments, looks amazing from all sides. you dont see these cars all over the place which makes them even more unique. great around corners, i live in pacific northwest, and wet windy roads are super fun! ... nice and quiet with top up!

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  2006 Break My Wallet 330i Sedan - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By tggary - February 9 - 4:53 pm

  My 2006 BMW 330i Sedan auto is a lot of fun to drive when it is operating without problems, Repeated ignition coil breakdowns, bad bushings, oil gasket leaks, run flat issues - all in 47K mileage range - I long for the 04 Jaguar X Type 3.0 which was totaled by another driver - it never broke down and was great on ice and snow too with the stock All Season tires. I do love the 330i, Black / Black Leather Premium Package and very quick, but it is just sad how the so called superior Bavarian Engineering is a joke. Then again, our 2002 Benz has been perfect to 87K, just tires, oil and brakes. Next time, I go Acura, Lexus, if Germanic - Audi or another Benz. BMW stands for Break My Wallet.

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  First impressions - 500 miles driven - wonderful so far - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By jim9757 - February 5 - 7:49 pm

  Was looking for a smooth highway ride with nice handling. This car came closer to my desires than Lexus, MB and Audi. Very quiet and handles well on winding roads. Soaks up road imperfections. Will come back later with updates. Edmunds projected price was right on target. Everyone comments on how quiet it is inside and how well laid out the interior is. Back seat is more roomy than I expected.

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  2002 BMW 7 Series (Good and Bad) - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By shame - February 2 - 6:44 am

  I want to buy a 7 Series but I have been told by many BMW salesmen that if Im going to get one, by a 2003 or newer. They say that the 02 had several problems. I like the 2002 and newer body style. I Never cared for the 2001 and before body styles. But what I dont understand is for such an expensive car why did it come out with so many problems. Most of the reviews on the car from anyone who has owned one seemed to be very mixed reviews. People keep complaining that the car has several mechanical problems, but also say that theyve kept the car for 5 to 10 years. So it must not be that bad. What changes were made in the 2003 and newer models to improve all the problems?

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  Good But Not Great - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By rudycassap - February 1 - 12:05 am

  After telling myself not to do another BMW since I hate turbocharging, I went and did it because of the lease deal. Also, the cars are getting to be soft while Mercedes offers sport versions of their cars and regular tires (no run flats). Why didnt I go MB? This is not a bad car. It is just boring to look at and boring to drive. The M sport package helps but the sport suspension tuning is still soft.

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  2013 BMW X1 XDrive 28i - 2013 BMW X1
  By toros888 - January 28 - 6:55 pm

  I special order this vehicle in Aug 2012 and got it from the dealership in Sep 24 2012.Vehicle is loaded with all options,color -mineral gray metallic.Its a wow! luxury Sav.Its extremely fun to drive-long or short distances,my wife loves to drive it all time,its solid and comfortable to drive,it delivers excellent performance,power,handling and gas mileage.The exterior design is unique,interior is of high quality, high tech gadgets and accessories are simple to use, safety features are impressive.Its fast and quick acceleration,The 2013 bmw x1 is worth buying.

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  Great to drive but poor reliability - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By a_tazmanian - January 25 - 8:23 am

  This was my first and probably last BMW due to very poor reliability. It has consumed at least a quart of oil between changes since I got got the car- mechanics cannot figure out why (compression is good). AM radio reception is very poor. Side view mirrors started to corrode and turn brown after just a few years. The diver side window got un-hinged after 6 years. AC stopped working after 7 years. Rear light ground line is undersized and burns out (now a recall). Key re-chargeable battery dies and key has to be replaced for $500. Windshield wiper fluid container leaked and had to be replaced after 8 years. Plus many other more expected wear/tear and maintenance problems.