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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  2011 528 lag machine - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By jkmj9999 - January 5 - 12:12 am

  it sucks !! dont buy it .. maybe for your grand parents .. step on the gas.. either lags or burst into speed (sport mode) from time to time.

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  What exactly is German Engineering? - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By thr33wayclimax - December 30 - 6:21 pm

  Bought this car in November 2010 with 50k miles as a CPO. Water pumps are electric and go out every 50k miles or so, covered under cpo. Injectors on this car are notorious for failing, had 3 fail on my car also covered under cpo. Finally the condensor was leaking also replaced under warranty. I sold the car recently for a good price as it still had one year left on the maintenance and warranty. But the new owner reported serpentine belt failure. This is due to a bad subfram design and driver side engine mount which allows the belt to hit the subframe, over time the belt will shear and WILL FAIL. BMW has a "New" subframe but will not cover costs to fix their mistake. Idiots.

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  Trophy Wife - 2010 BMW 1-Series
  By tasseltoosh - December 30 - 2:08 pm

  My BMW is what was promised: "The Ultimate Driving machine". Its fast, fun and flirty. However..... This car is for the person who would be willing to support a trophy wife (or pool boy). Its gorgeous and the envy of all, but she continually wants new things and things cost!! Beware, its going to be a bumpy ride. Tires - runflats. Nice thought, but they ride rough. Replacement is $350 each and meant to last only 35,000 miles. They go "flat" rather easily. (Three flats in 6 months) I had a complete blow out after hitting a pothole. Cost vs trade-in value is not what I expected.

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  INSANE - 2011 BMW X3
  By personaltrain - December 30 - 12:11 pm

  I just dont even know where to begin with this hunk of [non-permissible content removed]!! First Ill start by agreeing with every negative comment Ive read on this review board. Just purchased this junk on wheels less than one year ago and its already going back to BMW for service for the fifth time! I had to bring the car in for its first service owning it for three days. Little did I know this was just the beginning. PLEASE PLEASE listen to all the reviews on this board. Consider something else!!!

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  Love/Hate - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By m_n - December 29 - 9:50 pm

  Outstanding performance. 5 minutes into a drive you understand why Car and Driver has put it on their 10 best list for 22 consecutive years. Love love love the way it drives. But it is the 2nd most unreliable vehicle Ive owned, next to a Mercedes E320. Water pump, vanos unit, idler pulley exploded on me, this sensor goes bad, that sensor goes bad, constant check engine lights, power steering leaks, and on, and on. And it eats rear tires. The only saving grace is this car is very easy to work on for an average mechanic. Yes, it really is. I replaced the water pump in 1 hour and I have never replaced a water pump before. Non-dealer parts for non-M cars are reasonably priced too.

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  Great Entry Level BMW - 2013 BMW 3-Series
  By yos21 - December 26 - 6:56 pm

  BMW definitely delivered when they redesigned the 3 series. I dig the added length and wheel base. I have the M-sport edition w/prem and cold wx pkgs to include nav, rear cam, HUD and the Harmon Kardon sound. I love the Estoril Blue color and stylish M-Sport Wheels. The sound system is awesome! Storing music is a snap. All the features are easy to use and the idrive system makes integrating all of the features a snap! Only problem so far is a steering issue that whenever I turn the wheel to the extreme right-hand position. There is a clicking noise. Im not worried since the warranty will cover this and the mechanics will fix it, but its a bit displeasing to say the least!

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  Mileage overstated! - 2013 BMW X3
  By woodsieco - December 21 - 8:28 am

  My 6cyl 3 series averaged 28.4 mpg on the highway when traveling in the 80-85 mph range. The X3 is in the area of 18mpg. Now, if I slow down to 70 the mileage jumps up to 26+. Of course on the highways of AZ and CO where the limit is 75, traveling under the limit is somewhat risky as the normal flow is near 90. Overall I really like the X3, and I suppose 18 mpg on the highway for an all wheel drive isnt horrible, although my previous Explorer was over 20 mpg. Driving within normal limits I average 27.6 combined. I notice no difference in performance or MPG with different gas grades. So it seems as if the cheap stuff is just fine in the cool weather and mid-grade when it is warm out.

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  Great Car, but not Cheap to maintain - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By amg0507 - December 17 - 12:47 am

  Ive had my car for a few years now and put a good bit of miles on it. Ive got 120,000 miles. Ive changed the battery, tires, oil, spark plugs, all the regular maintenance and it drives great. But its a BMW and parts are not cheap. . . its also not cheap to have someone put them in for you. If you want a car that is Cheaper to keep going, drive a Toyota or a Honda. If you want to enjoy driving your car get a BMW. Previously Ive had an Rx-8, MiniCooper Sport, Lexus SC430 and a Honda Accord.

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  Merry Christmas to ME - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By rickbmw - December 14 - 3:50 pm

  Ive owned a 550, 535 and a 328 and by far the 2013 528 is the best BMW Ive owned. You wont know youre driving a 4 cylinder turbo - it is faster than the previous regular 6 cylinder. Comparing it to my previous 5 series, it is an upgrade in luxury.

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  Luxury! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By hand77 - December 14 - 5:51 am

  This is the first of many BMWs that I will own! This cars interior is amazing for a 2004! Heated everything, power everything! The iDrive wasnt too hard to figure out after a few weeks of owning. It doesnt save my presets to my radio, but thats fine I use my phone. There is no performance to this car, it is VERY slow, but the luxury makes up for it.