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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  Alisa`s review and recomendation - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Zahid Masood - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Very FUN for my youngest 1!!!

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  Competing with pro review on 340ix - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By Whoever - October 17 - 5:49 pm

  I thought it might be useful for someone to get a more detailed review of this car based on personal experience of owning it and at the same time comparing it with other cars owed or tested. When somebody tells me I love my car, its great it generally tells me very little. I heard that from the owners of KIA or Prius or Tahoe and other cars that I personally would try to avoid. They all have something good about them (if only the price) and are better than any car produced in India, for example, but that does not tell me exactly how these cars are really better or worse than others. And thats the only thing that really matters, for me at least. So here it goes. I bought my new 340ix about 1.5 months ago and have about 1500miles on it now. Before that I owned for 3.5 years 335is coupe, before that Mercedes 320 Sport Edition and my wife owns (so me too to a degree) new Z4 35i and before that z4 35 sport and before that z3. Before getting into 340ix, while thinking of either re-leasing or replacing my 335is I tried BMW 435i, M325, 335i, M3, Mercedes c450amg, Audi4 and 5 and RS, Hyundai Genesis and that are all the cars (not to mention my experiences with rental Toyotas, VW, Chevrolet, Nissan and bunch of others) that I can compare. First, none of the tried cars were worth switching to from my 335is. With exception of M3. Which would go beyond what I was willing to pay. So finally arriving of the new 340ix did it. It matched engine power with 335is, it had x drive which I found attractive (335is was not fun driving around ski resorts), it had a couple of luxury items Id like to have and it was a new car I could have for almost the same lease money. So what did I get? Considering I paid for M package, Track package, Park assist and ignored Navigation altogether. Actually, not one but four cars with very distinct personalities. Consequence of track and M packages that provide several different modes of driving which are really something very noticeable, not just on paper statements. On other cars I tried and on my wifes Z4 those are also present, nothing new, but while you can feel the difference on other cars I feel its rather much more dramatic on 340ix. So, starting with these modes: First, they indeed can be useful and I do switch between them in different conditions. Second, I cant say Im particularly happy about them. I would be perfectly fine with one perfectly tuned suspension and steering. Which was the case in my 2012 335iS, frankly having the ideally tuned suspension and steering, better than any other car I tried so far (better even than in M3 and maybe better than Porsche Boxter). I dont know how they managed that but they did with 335is - exceptionally smooth, absorbing all the major road imperfection and at the same time razor sharp with just heavy enough and firm steering to feel the road and keep things under absolute control. Simply a joy to drive. Why BMW would not just stick with it?? People just keep saying that new BMW cars generation lost this handling edge but BMW stubbornly ignores that. And these modes are: 1. ECO Pro - it could be even Eco Pro Pro or super pro or whatever else BMW marketing call them there would still be nothing Pro here. This mode turns your BMW into Toyota Primus. It reduces the engine response to the gas pedal and add a bunch of indicators on display to let you sort of play some computer game, giving some saved miles bonuses, plots and tips, etc. Warning if you press too hard on accelerator pedal or exceed some speed limits. I played around with it while breaking in the car but frankly I cant see what an idiot (pardon) would buy BMW to drive it in Eco mode. 2. Comfort mode - that mode is actually better than on 335 or Z4. It feels a little firmer and more steerable. But still not what I would consider providing a good BMW-like driving experience. It provides reasonable engine output (press the pedal and you really go) and its smooth but IMHO a little bobbing on bumps and the steering is just too overpowered and soft which makes you a little nervous on high speeds. I still use it in rush hour and maybe its OK to use on gravel roads or something. But its still nowhere close to the standard 335is experience, worse than Z4 comfort mode and I would even prefer Mercedes 320Sport driving to that. It reminds me Buick leSabre on steroids. The worst part of it - its a default mode. You cant change it. Why??? Both Audi and Mercedes let you choose whats default, its all software. Mercedes even let you customize the parameters of the mode to choose your preferences. Why am I forced to drive in comfort mode the car most would buy for sporty behavior? Thats plain stupid. Its the same on Z4. So if you bought the car not to show that you can buy luxury car but to indeed enjoy performance ride then you need not to forget to hit the mode button every time you start engine. That will give you a Sport mode. 3. Sport mode increases the responsiveness of the engine,

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  540 Sport - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By DC - October 17 - 11:46 am

  I bought this vehicle with a little over 7k on it. It was a worthly vehicle for about a year. Electrical problems started with the HVAC system which eventually led to a major electrical fire. An igition coil overheated which melted the entire electrical main housing. The car was under warrantee, but was in the shop for 47 days. I fought BMW and they agreed that I got a lemon.

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  VEHICLE FOR THE ELITE - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By clyde - October 16 - 6:43 pm

  Ive had the vehicle for over two weeks, and its been a joy to drive. The power is scary at times - technology is like nothing youve ever seen! Exchanged the 19 inch alloys for chrome and it sets it off!! Comfortable ride, although the Pirellis do not ride as comfortable as Michelins. Totally satisfied so far.

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  Exactly what I was looking for - 2016 BMW X1
  By kayos - October 16 - 7:18 am

  My commute used to be 4 miles, so I bought a cute little Mercedes coupe. Then my commute changed and was taking 2 busy highways for 45 minutes. I felt very insecure in my little car. I really like driving a car, so although I wanted a higher vehicle, I didnt look forward to the parking issues of having a bigger vehicle. Then I came across the X1. It is actually 6" shorter than my coupe was and not much wider. However, it has the height I wanted, and great interior and cargo space! Just blown away! When I test drove it, I immediately felt comfortable with the location of all the controls. I am only 54" and everything is easily reached. Ive always really liked the controls to be in the gear shift area and using a dial. Someone commented it isnt safe to look down. You arent supposed to look at it at all. That is the point of it being down there, so you can adjust things by touch instead of by sight. You just need to learn where the buttons are and how to use the dial effectively. The visibility is great and since I dont have any depth perception, I LOVE the parking help. Now I can go around tight spaces without worrying about hitting something. There are 2 negatives only, the rear window is small and blocked by the rear center head rest. Ill just fold down the center to improve viewing. Also, the seat is very firm. Ill have to bring a seat pad for long trips. For a daily driver with lots of stop and go traffic, I am ecstatic. It is great looking and fun to drive. ***update after driving for a month. The seat has softened from use, so now it is quite comfortable.

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  INCREDIBLE ULTIMATE MACHINE - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By 750ISIT - October 15 - 7:43 pm

  I must say if you can love a car this is it! This car is very powerful, fun to drive and reliable. Everyone admires the car and it is very luxurious.

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  325i automatic - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By David - October 15 - 6:02 pm

  What a great driving experience. I love driving this vehicle. Best vehicle that I have ever owned.

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  Luxury Sedan means Sport. - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By JD - October 15 - 3:40 pm

  Just less than 700 miles but I like this car, both a luxury & sport vehicle. Its worth your money. But, iDrive BMW still have a lot of functions you never need. Dealer must warn customer for Auto Park feature before leaving dealer lot.

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  Unreliable - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By UnhappyBMWowner - October 14 - 4:41 pm

  Purchased used with 33,000 miles. This is my second, and how disappointed I am. Way too many problems, with everything from the windows to the braking system, to the engine and etc. 14 trips to the dealer for repairs since 10/2003. I would never buy another, and am looking into an Audi or Mercedes. I do have to admit the the MPG is awesome, at times I have clocked 40+. BMW is not what it used to be!! BMW really needs to work on the reliability. This car is way too expensive to maintain!

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  Praise for my Z4 - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Curt Horne - October 14 - 4:11 pm

  I use my Z4 as my daily driver. After over 300,000 miles in Jeep Grand Cherokees and a Chevy Suburban, I had almost forgotten how much fun driving could be. I am surprised how comfortable the car is on a variety of surfaces - not harsh like a Porsche. Though the trunk is not cavernous, there is enough luggage space for a couple on a weekend getaway, and more than enough for me when I travel alone. Thought some would disagree, I find the styling to be unique, very attractive and quite modern. All in all, I am most satisfied with this car and suspect I will keep it for some time. By the way, 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway is not bad either.