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:

• 

  Uber Wagon 18 Months Later - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ian T - September 3 - 7:26 am

  2nd Review. Everything I wrote in 6/08 same except for one recurring power delivery problem. The car has small power interruptions at intermittent intervals. Very annoying but not disabling. Only set a "code" once. 3 trips to dealer to fix plus 1 with a factory engineer in attendance. Never fixed. Destroyed driving experience. Finger pointing between BMW and Dinan. Removed Dinan software but problem remained. 6SM no longer notchy. No other problems but this one caused me to Lemon Law. BMW made a deal for new 2010 w/me instead. My 535i sedan 6sm to be delivered soon. Fingers crossed. The wagon is still beautiful inside and out. It is a piece of art but this aggravation isnt worth it.

• 

  Awesome-But not amazing - 2008 BMW M3
  By Josh7881 - August 31 - 4:02 pm

  Having had an 03, 04, 05 M3 and recently the 08, I have been thrilled.The new body is great...just lacks the "stance" of a performance car. Materials are great, build quality is amazing. The interior is a little stale, even with the nav and extended leather. The car doesnt seem to have a "cockpit." The sport seats are comfortable, but not sporty feeling at all. Also-BMW PLEASE MOVE WINDOW SWITCHES BACK TO CENTER!!! No major problems...OH WAIT! They have depreciated so much it is ridiculous. I just got $44,900 for mine. (That was the highest of 8 dealers) I paid $69,900 fully loaded from the factory. Only had 12K miles, no scratches, etc. WORD OF ADVICE-DO NOT BUY NEW!!!!!! Buy slightly used.

• 

  Favorite - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By RobertoK - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Despite a rash of early warranty repairs, this is my favorite car ever. The dealer has been excellent. The driving dynamics are unmatched for a sedan. The AWD is a champ in bad weather.

• 

  Upholstery Seats - 2004 BMW X3
  By RDLUI - August 27 - 4:01 pm

  Bought this vehicle for my wife when it first came out in 2004. Drives well and is very responsive... just like most BMWs... Have had a good experience overall and not much to complain about. However, the upholstery (not leather but vinyl fabric?) on the front drivers seat started cracking during the 3rd year of ownership and the fabric was replaced under warranty during the 4th and final year of warranty. My complaint is that barely a year later, the same cracking is appearing on the same seat. My wife weighs about 105 lbs and theres only 52,000kms (30,000 miles) on the car!

• 

  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By PhantomX - August 26 - 10:53 pm

  Ive had my BMW 325Ci all of three weeks but I must say I am already smitten with it. This is the most fun automobile to drive Ive ever experienced. It makes you want to just get in and drive around with no particular place to go. Ive already done that a lot! It has torque at-the- ready all across the RPM band so never any lag when you need to move. The car feels more powerful than it is. Its handling is incredibly dynamic.

• 

  1998 BMW 328i sedan manual - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Twotone - August 26 - 4:14 pm

  The BMW 3 Series is the best balance of luxury, sport, comfort, fun to drive and style. No other small sedan comes close. No other front engine, manual transmission RWD sedans are currently available. I get 21 MPG around town and two road trips of 33 MPG driving 80+ MPH. Other have mentioned reliability issues. In the 4+ years I have owned it, all I have done is oil changes, brake pads and tires. This has been the most reliable car I have owned (Ive had 20+ cars). It still looks and drives like a new car after 11 years and 95k miles.

• 

  Theyre just not getting better... - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Xyrium - August 26 - 3:26 pm

  Aside from the reviews of people that went to a sedan after owning an SUV, or those who never owned a classy yet sporty vehicle (same as SUVs?) no offense meant, but this iteration of the 3 series is missing the "Ultimate Driving Machine" feel of old. The engine is wonderful, however, driving feel is almost numb, and the drive by wire, in addition to the AWD makes for some very sloppy and awkward shifting also mentioned in Edmunds review. The interior appears to be a throwback from Buick, and the exterior is very Hyundai, with the raised panels on the sides and large flat area around the wheel wells. Im in a 3 yr lease, but Ill opt for a G37x next time!

• 

  FUN CAR but better be a DIY past 120K - 1997 BMW M3
  By Kelli - August 26 - 7:25 am

  I have put SEVERAL thousand dollars into repairs into this car over the last months. If you cant do the work yourself expect to sink lots of bucks into it!

• 

  2003 BMW Z4 Premium/Sport Everything Rvw - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Jermy1304 - August 20 - 9:39 pm

  I was shopping for a sports car and shortly after driving this car I fell in love with it. The handling is amazing and its got some "get up and go". I will warn you, IT IS A HIGH MAINTENANCE VEHICLE. I bought it 4 months ago with 62k and have had to do 10x as much work as I ever did on my Toyota Tacoma in 2 years. Convertible top doesnt work, Tire sensors were malfunctioning, Turn signal went out, Windshield Wipers malfunctioned, cant jack it up because it is so low, inconvenient access to almost everything, chews up tires because negative camber is set at 3% stock (change to 2% at next alignment )...and still, I am planning to buy a 2009 Z4 because they are THAT FUN! Warning: Chick Magnet.

• 

  Fun car - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Me - August 16 - 10:49 am

  I bought this car with the six speed manual and it is fun to drive. Shell go 140 before you know it. On road trips I can break 30 mpg on the highway but city is closer to 15 mpg. However BMW quality is gone. Ive had replace the water pump, radiator, a few parts in the drivers seat, sunroof, and lately the battery keeps dying and no one can figure out why.