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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  330 Ci Bought Based on Reviews Here - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By taggart01 - November 4 - 7:39 am

  I bought my 01 with 124k on it back in 08 based on a bulk of the reviews from this site and research Ive done from other sites. Sure youre going to find people that complain that things went wrong but I was thinking of a used car with a lot of miles. Ive replaced control arm bushings, water pump, coolant resevoir, valve cover gasket. I learned how to do most of the work myself so the cost is minimal and at times the work enjoyable/rewarding. Expensive to maintain? Sure as with ANY car if you take it to the dealers. If youre looking for low maintenance neither this car nor ANY used car is it. Leasing is your option.

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  Have Enjoyed This Car So Much - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By 94southernbmw - November 2 - 2:23 pm

  Bought this car at fully depreciated price in July 2012 and have been driving approximately 3 or 4 days a week for last 3 months. Had to put in a radiator which was leaking when I bought it ($475). Getting the top down and taking her out for a spin is well worth it though. Good on gas (having been a truck SUV driver). Has decent pick up. Car has 174k miles on it an idles as smooth as can be. Car has been properly maintained. It is a form of therapy and so much fun. If you are thinking of buying a convertible I happily recomment this one. Take it to a mechanic as they are old cars now.

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  Lots of Smiles - Update - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By chasman9 - November 1 - 11:29 pm

  Just turned 40,000 miles. After reading other reviews, Im surprised. Not a fan of Run Flats, but the rears went 30,000 miles and I just changed the fronts, yep - 40,000 miles. Also, I have not had the car in for anything other than an Oil Change. The car has had zero defects. Still looks and handles like new and is a blast to drive (6spd Manual). If a single thing bugs me it is the phone book. Lets say you pull up a name and dial the house and there is no answer. If you want to dial the same person, only the cell, you have to start from scratch imputting the name etc.. Wish the back button worked just to take you to the other numbers for this same person.

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  Scotts E46 - Ultimate Driving... period. - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By scotte46 - October 31 - 2:13 pm

  Ive been a BMW guy for a few years. I have 3 of them, all purchased with at least 70K miles on them, so I got them pretty cheap. Started with 97 540i sport, then 02 M5, and recently added 03 330ci sport. With so many fun cars to drive, its tough to decide which one I want to use each day. Most often choose the 330. Why? Its just so darn fun to drive on the twisty roads in SW Wisconsin (where I live). M5 has incredible power and comfort, but the 330 just seems to know where I want to put it in every corner, and its plenty fast. With 3 cars to share the miles, I havent been forced to fix much I do most of the required maint myself and use local Indy for rest.

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  Problems consistently - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By moras - October 31 - 9:49 am

  The front plate of the BMW was damaged with the outside temperature sensor after 3 months. BMW refused to replace on warranty. The generator failed, the bolts on the underpart of the car were replaced at a cost of $250 within 3 years and no warranty. Note I had the extended warranty purchase for 3 years. Generator replaced after 5 years. Oil leaks valve gasket cover replaced by dealer yet the oil leaks are from the hoses and oil filter area which was not replaced. Total amount spent is 5K which I have not spent with an American car driven to 170M miles.

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  Steering Wheel Vibration - 2013 BMW 3-Series
  By rickbmw - October 30 - 10:10 am

  This summer I ordered my 328 exactly they way I wanted it and waited for two months for it to arrive. My steering wheel had a vibration between 40mph and 60mph and at first thought the tires were breaking in. Sent to the dealer after a few weeks and the loaner they gave me had the same problem but WORSE!!! Ive since discovered that BMW was made aware of a "potential" steering wheel vibration between the speeds of 40mph to 60mph in February 2012. Sold me my 328 without testing it and traded my 328 convertible, which I would have kept if Id known the new sedan had this problem. Im in the process of returning the vehicle. Trying to work out a deal to buy a 5 series now.

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  Fun little SUV - 2004 BMW X3
  By kaileak - October 24 - 6:39 pm

  This is my second BMW, i also own a 2008 BMW 128i. When i first drove the X3, being that it is now 8 years old, i expected it to not be very tight. I expexted a little bit of slop in the suspension, leaks, breaking that wasnt as good as it once was. Boy was i surprised, this X3 handles like my 128i and still has a nice stiff ride.

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  Transmission Issues!!! Avoid if possible - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By warmstead - October 22 - 4:57 pm

  I have owned BMWs since early 90s - 735i, 745i and now 750i. The 750i is by far the best and worst of the 7 series. if you have a 745 series!! KEEP IT!!! much better car then the 750i... I have had transimission issues " the Jerk or safe mode problems etc" was told everything from need to replace the transimission to it needs a software upgrade. Great looking car but just not worth the investment with todays economy... "Anyone wants to buy a 2006 BMW 750i ? will make you a heck of a deal...

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  True sports sedan - 2013 BMW 3-Series
  By cg62 - October 22 - 11:46 am

  I have my car for a week today. I custom ordered my car in August. I ordered a loaded Mineral Gray sports model with red leather interior and black trim. This car has exceeded my expectations. The car is striking inside and out. This car handles and rides better than any car I have ever owned(G35, M35,CLK350 etc...). In comfort mode it is a small luxury car in Sports or Sports + mode its a sports car. The Harmon Kardon sound system is fantastic. The xenon lights are a must. The transmission with shift paddles is fantastic. I-drive has been perfected. Heads up display is the icing. Averaging 28 MPG in mixed driving and on the highway at 70MPH I am getting 35MPG.

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  Unique Value - 2013 BMW X1
  By heavysixer22 - October 21 - 3:23 pm

  Ive been driving my X1 for about a month now, and can say its the perfect combo of fun and functionality for me. The 2 liter turbo is wonderfully paired with the 8 speed auto. Ive driven stick shifts for the past 20 years, and havent missed the control of a manual -this auto reads my mind. I was looking for an AWD wagon that was fun to drive, compact, but not cramped. It came down to this and the Subaru Outback, but the Outback was a little too big and soft for me. I said "no" to all the pricey packages, getting ala carte options like heated seats, panoramic moonroof (worth every penny), and some nice wood inlays. The car was about $33k - a real value for such a well built vehicle