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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  Outstanding - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By sergio - September 24 - 8:09 pm

  I love this car and all the features especially the electronic seats and computer system

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  One X5 is enough - 2005 BMW X5
  By Kay - September 24 - 4:13 pm

  Had my 2002 X5 since new. At 3000 miles experienced overheating problems. At 17000 miles the entire HVAC unit had to be replaced-water flooding the interior P/S. Speedo has a 5mph error (slow) that I was told was inherent in BMWs - dealer quote "BMW does not want their owners driving too fast". I/P center stack has a severe rattle at the radio cover, console has a severe rattle at the cupholder cover, to date the dealer has not been able to repair either. When I use the heated seats the headlamps dim. Steering is very heavy feeling, difficult in tight, low- speed turning. Would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Great!! Just as imagined! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By jman - September 24 - 3:48 pm

  Bottom line: its an excellent car. I have owned the car for almost 2 years and has been great. The only problem I have noticed, as many other BMW owners realize is that the window regulator (not motor!) fails frequently. It is a pain and can be extremely embarrasing driving in the winter with your window down because of a failed regulator does not encompass the ideal of a luxury car. Other than that problem, the car is fun, sporty, and drives like a dream after 78K miles. The best feature of this car is its performance it feels like a true sports car, not a family transporter like many Japanese and American cars.

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  E46 M3 - 2006 BMW M3
  By Steve F - September 24 - 2:46 pm

  I like this car a lot, it has the razor sharp body, and it is just what I wanted in a sports car.

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  BMW Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Joyce - September 24 - 10:11 am

  Love the car - the seats hug you and there is great back support. We have taken some cross-country trips in the Z4 and its been comfortable and fun to drive.

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  A (very) entry BMW.... - 2014 BMW X1
  By Albert - September 23 - 6:18 pm

  Base model X1, 2.8xDrive (very basic interior) + sporty feel and drive + great handling and feel on windy roads and highway - tight feel up front for 6ft male -very tight leg room for adult, tight leg room for 10 y/o male behind 6ft driver - Unless low price is most important or harsh, but sporty drive is wanted, strongly consider 2016 model. Traded in for base model Acura RDX 2016, and after 6 months, very happy with the Acura. Albert [HTML removed]

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  my beamer - 2001 BMW Z3
  By bruce jones - September 23 - 4:45 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive, my wife refers to it´s economy as "smiles per gallon". It has the feel of the road and agility of a sports car you would expect,but still rides like a much bigger car. There is no rough ride or road noise like you get from a Miata. It looks so damn nice parked in my yard it makes me smile just looking at it.

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  Unsatisfied - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By JVT - September 23 - 12:29 pm

  Bought this car for reliability, but it is anything but reliable. There are lots of badly engineered parts that go bad and should be recalled but are not and you are charged for their replacement. Everything seems to cost over $500 to repair. A regular oil change and inspection costs $250. The brakes and tires dont last long, the water pump, alternator and other parts die suddenly before 100K. Now at 120K the car has broken down and left me stranded on the side of the road three times this year. The car does not deserve its reputation.

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  This car over delivered - 2016 BMW X6
  By Peter Bordeaux - September 23 - 10:28 am

  We have owned (4) prior BMWs (1 325IS and (3) Z4s) the latest was a 2013 Z4. Loved the roadsters but needed something more practical yet sporty. The 2016 X6 was the ticket. We looked closely at the X4 but it was an odd size and would no meet our needs. The X6 has plenty of headroom, front and rear seats. It rides exceptionally well and is incredibly smooth. It is very agile for its size, trust me I know agile having (3) Z4s and this car is agile. It moves well, has excellent, smooth acceleration when you need it and is a pleasure to drive. We have the 35is motor and in my opinion is all you need. We have been to the mountains with a load for two people and had no trouble so I wouldnt recommend the 8 cylinder and the extra fuel consumption that goes with it. My wife was worried that she would miss her roadster and she has said now numerous times that she loves her X6, loves how it looks and drives. The only gripe we have I that it is a little tricky to get in and out of since it does not have a upper handle but not a big problem and you get used to it. Everything else about this car has been outstanding and far better than I thought it woud be. Also, we get constant comments on how nice of a car it is from neighbors, friends and strangers so that is fun. We own the white X that does not have the M body but has the aluminum running boards. Hope this is helpful for you if you are considering this vehicle.

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  Finally own one - 1998 BMW M3
  By imnion - September 23 - 9:48 am

  I just purchased this car in Sept. of 2005 and I love it. It really does handle well (cant seem to squawk the tires no matter what I try). Its a real headturner and you get a lotta people saying "Nice Car". I get about 27 MPG on the highway (not bad). Not a cushy ride so youll feel the bumps but plenty comfortable. Seems like the best torque is at mid-range (30-60 MPH). The brakes are impressive (you stop like right now). No leakage with the ragtop at all. Harmen/Cardon sounds great. Yes, you can get groceries with it too. I even get two sets of golf clubs in the trunk. No problems as of now.