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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  330i 6-Auto is a nice car! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By DaveC. - November 17 - 5:00 pm

  Ive owned this car almost a month now, and I really like it. It has very good handling for a 4-door car. Its fairly quick on acceleration, I think mainly because it has a really good first gear. Also, the brakes are astounding! Its really amazing what this car does for you... it has auto (rain sensing) wipers, a cooled cup holder, headlights that follow the road, and all kinds of other neat stuff thats too much to list. I never looked at a foreign car before, but Im really glad I did because this BMW is completely a nice car. You wont be sorry if you consider it for purchase.

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  335i is flat out awesome! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By RA - November 17 - 4:50 pm

  End of lease was nearing on my Audi A4 3.2 Quattro and I planning to purchase the car. Bored and nothing to do a couple weekends ago, I decided to stop by the closest BMW dealer to check out the 335i. After the test drive, I was instantly sold. Before I pulled the trigger, drove the G35 and the IS 350, but clearly the 335i was the Ultimate Driving Machine. Tons of power available at any speed. Handling is superb and the car is incredibly balanced. Cant say that about the A4. Fit and finish of the car is first rate. Interior is clean and laid out nicely. Great stereo. The sport seats keep you firmly in place. Awesome car to drive. Fast and fun!

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  A Balance of Performance and Luxury - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By kchou - November 17 - 10:00 am

  All i gotta say is for all them haters out there "claiming" that the BMW has dick performance for the price tag, all i gotta say is if you want a "dragster" go get yourself a mustang, please do not waste a perfect car. BMW offers the best combination of performance when you need it, as well as the luxury, class, and comfort of any "high eloquent" car such as a mercedes etc. Of all the classy cars, id have to give BMW the best rating in terms of balance because a BENZ is just too luxury, no performance, while a WRX is just all raw performance without keeping the driver in mind.

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  18 YRS. OLD- BEST GRAD. PRESENT EVER!!!! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Katie31100 - November 17 - 10:00 am

  i LOVE this car.. gotta say thanks to my dad for buying me such a HOT car for graduation!!!!! I have no complaints whatsover... LOVE the color ( steel grey) and from now on, i will never get another car that is NOT a convertible

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  Great All Around Performance Car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By joea - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Evreyone expects that this BMW is a terrific road performer but who would have expect it to be a superb snow car. A month after buying it I was in a snowstorm in Vermont. I was passing Subarus and Quattros with ease and confidence on the interstate.

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  Lemon!! - 2016 BMW 7-Series
  By Nate K - November 16 - 7:39 am

  Sometimes we can not change sat radio stations, was on a two hour car ride and was stuck on Pitbull radio. We can highlight another station, use the scroll wheel on the steering wheel, finger gesture to skip to the next station it will not select or enter. I called the service dept multiple times and finally got through. She said to restart the car. The last 5 or 6 times this happened it took half a dozen to a dozen restarts. I had to turn it off and get out, lock it to put it in hibernation and restart. This is happening more and more with this car. Other issues: -Cruise control will shut off completely on the expressway when you hit a bump. Have to turn it back on and set it again. -moonroof rattles and squeaks, sounds like a ten year old clunker. Have to vent it to stop the noise. Closing the sun shade muffles the noise. -cameras fail for parking. 360 and either front or back cameras. "camera fault" black screen. -safety systems fail and have faults, lane keeping, side monitoring stop working. -adaptive cruise has failed a few times, fault and will not work. sensor fault. Close call with the car in front of me stopping!! -display key locks up a lot. Gets stuck under sub menus and will not go back to main menu. Have to hold the power button for 30 seconds to reset it. -Display key will not show the correct info on the car. Car is locked and it shows on the key car is unlocked. Will show moonroof or windows are open when they are closed. Had to run outside to double check. -says key battery is dead on the display in dash. Display key is above half full battery. -I played with the auto park feature and it ran the car into the curb twice. -Samsung tablet will not connect to the car for back seat passengers, have to restart a lot or reconnect the tablet to the car. Will not control anything if you can get it beyond the connecting scrolling circle. When the car was delivered to us the BMW genius had issues with the tablet, I could not leave the dealership for a while until he figured it out. -Voice control says it is not available a lot when you hit the button on the steering wheel. Example: I will try to respond to a text message through voice and it will not work, "the function is currently not available" The dealership has been horrible to deal with, cant get it in for two weeks!!

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  Wow, the whole package! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwlover21 - November 16 - 12:36 am

  This car is, in a nutshell, the best all around package you can get for the money. It has great handling, steering, acceleration, and surprisingly good gas mileage. The coupe is especially fun considering its standard sport suspension and lower vehicle height.

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  The 5 just gets better! - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Hatzakorzian - November 15 - 11:28 pm

  Took delivery in Munich and drove 2300 miles in Switzerland and Bavaria with my family Owned a 98 528 and 01 530 before this 04 530 all manuals.This car exceeds performance and luxury of the previous cars. More rear seat, head and luggage room, better ergomics,better brakes,modern body design.Performance-wise,Sport Package and active steering, Swiss passes or Sierra Nevada in California are a dream. This car out-handles the previous cars, even the 01 530 with Dinan stage 2 suspension. iDrive is a blessing unless you want to take your eyes off the road. Easy, intuitive,fast and no clutter of buttons. Not a good system if you multi-task while you drive. A much safer approach if you try!

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  close to perfect - 2004 BMW M3
  By forum154 - November 15 - 2:17 pm

  If you are thinking about getting a Bmw M3 i believe you are thinking with inteligence. 0-60 in 4.8 stock, think about that. The handling is amazing, its like a go kart. And to consider how sporty it is the enterior is wonderfull with the feel of the leather and lumber heated seats to the luxuries easy to use navigation screen that is mind blowing. Also if you order the 19" alloy/chrome wheels you are set to go. If your passion in cars is healthy then you will end up test driving this ultimate driving machine and never wanna get out of the driver seat. In conclusion it handles like a dream, has the get out of my way apperance, while having the luxury desig

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  LOVEMYZZZ4 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By lovemyzzzz4 - November 14 - 9:03 pm

  Have had the car 6 mobnths and love it more every time i drive it. Heads turn and I continually get tons of compliments. Currently, I avaerage 24 MPG, not bad for a sports car! The dealership has been very accomodating for appointments and any repairs. I took the car on a 600 mile trip and was able to pack the trunk with 3 duffle bags, and a lot of other things. I was amazed how much the trunk held. I highly reccommend this car! Its wonderful!