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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  Worst vehicle Ive ever owned - 2005 BMW X5
  By wbere - September 22 - 3:20 pm

  Daughter wanted this because she liked the styling. I should have known better but relented. Bought a 2005 X5 with 48,000 miles on it in summer of 2009 from the only dealership here (Autobahn Motors - in Fort Worth). One of worst buying experiences and service departments ever, but thats a separate rant. One owner. Looked well taken care of. Records okay. Since then its been in and out of the shop. About 7 weeks ago, the low coolant light came on, so we took it to dealer, they checked it, and said it as a busted radiator cap. Fixed that and thought we were okay until light came on suddenly and SUV stopped running the other day. Now Dallas dealership said it was a cracked reservoir. $$$$$

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  Love it, but.... - 2012 BMW X5
  By dave445 - September 17 - 2:04 pm

  This is a great SUV in every aspect except one, in Illinois its impossible to find diesel that meets the requirement of not exceeding 5% bio content. Illinois doesnt tax diesel if it has more than 11% bio content. So no fuel stations carry fuel with a lower content. All pumps that Ive seen state 5-20% bio content. Same issue with every Audi, VW and Mercedes.

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  So far so good - 2012 BMW 3-Series
  By kyrider - September 13 - 7:17 am

  This is my first BMW and I was reluctant to buy a German car due to maintenance/reliability issues that Ive heard before. But after 1500 miles the car is still silky smooth and no issues, knock on wood. The new 2.0L Turbo engine is amazing, acceleration is very good and there is no lug between pedal action and engine response. This car is fun to drive! The leather seats are much better than anything I had before, very comfy and the quality is very good. All features expected in a luxury car are there and they are worth every penny. The only thing that I miss are 1) a storage compartment for sunglasses and bigger storage for phone/wallet somewhere near the driver.

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  WHAT A CAR !!!! - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By jamezey - September 11 - 2:11 pm

  This car is an amazing performer. It outshines many of the newer BMWS . Mine has 204000 miles on it . Ive replaced the water pump , changed the oil , and thats about it !! WHO CARES ABOUT THE CUP HOLDER! LOL. I love my 7. just about the funest car ive ever driven. Big , luxurious, sexy body lines,responsive v-8. I get an average 22-23 on the highway, 21 all day in the city. nothing comes close to the beuty of this car. It is silver with grey leather. Smoked lenses complete this beuty. I wouldnt trade her . Shes a keeper . Ill probably drive her till the wheels fall off. :) Scoop one of these up . . .if you can find a decent one .

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  Its all about the Torque - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By 796bam - September 7 - 5:18 pm

  Bought the 335d new and logged 30k miles. Its fast and fun. The torque is amazing and combined with great fuel economy its unbelievable. Blow the doors off most cars and with lower emissions than the Prius. Passing is exhilarating at 60mph the torque uncoils and the power feels unmetered, WOW it pushes your head back at 37mpg and 390 lbs of torque! Overall its a great car!

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  Had enough! - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By enzo360 - September 4 - 12:40 pm

  After 7 years of ownership, finally had enough of the continual issues with this car and traded it in (not a BMW). Only drove the car in the summer but that did not prevent many costly repairs once the warranty was over. Major coolant leak leading to engine damage (covered by warranty), cooling fan replaced, passenger window motor, 2 batteries, alternator, 6 CD changer malfunctioned, steering alignment could never be done properly leading to uneven tire wear on expensive Dunlops, bad sunroof windnoise that "could not be fixed", excessive road noise, clunky transmission, check engine light "forever" ON, low battery warning would appear often. Each dealer visit minimum $1000. Enough!

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  Excellent car - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By rhodesej2 - September 3 - 9:03 pm

  When we bought our 328i it had approx 82k miles on it, it now has 150k. In that time we have had to replace the radiator and water pump. At 150k it drives like it just came off the showroom floor. We are very pleased with it. My wife is the primary driver and we are now considering buying a 2001 5 series. The paint is cracking in some places also the ignition switch has presented some problems which was an inconvenience to have repaired. All in all it is an excellent vehicle.

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  A Great Value for What you Get= Awesome ride with an all around set of features - 2013 BMW 3-Series
  By buckeyede06 - September 2 - 9:36 am

  Calling a BMW “just a car” is like calling Da Vinci “just a guy”. This thing is fun to drive, has the practicality of all wheel, and man its gas mileage is sweet! My favorite part is the Dynamic Dampening COntrol. It is like having three cars in one. Pop it into Sport and hug some turns or blaze onto the freeway. In eco it is a tame gas savings machines. There are enough bells and whistles to keep everyone happy too. When you look at all the features and all the things you get, it really is a good value. It just happens to be an expensive car. My piece of advice is to go with the msport package, it looks sick!

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  first German luxury and satisfied - 2012 BMW 3-Series
  By kyrider - August 26 - 5:24 pm

  This is my first German luxury car and Im amazed at the quality and performance of the engine. The 2.0L turbo engine is amazing better than my previous V6 Japanese. I traded space by moving to 3 series but I dont regret it, the drive is amazing and the faster you go the better the car gets. This is my first German car so I cant speak of reliability yet but I hope for many years of engine free issues. The one

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  Fuel Pump issue and putting on a hitch aftermarket - 2012 BMW X5
  By jamielovesbob - August 26 - 9:28 am

  I love the way this car drives but after 10,000 miles it broke down on the side of the road. It was a fuel pump issue which Ive heard has been a consistent issue with the X5. My friend said they are replacing it with the same fuel pumps so she ended up having it happen again and got rid of her car. I also opted to put a hitch on aftermarket but beware it may cause serious problems with your lease return since they have to actually break off a piece of the bumber to put it on so you would get dinged when turning in the lease. I opted to use the tow clips with a BMW bike rack which carries 2 bikes (can opt for a 3rd tray but it would be tight) and its a fantastic bike rack.