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:

• 

  . What a great drive - 2018 BMW X3
  By Adrian. - April 15 - 9:19 pm

  Coming from 530i, best drive I could ever expect. A bit intimidating at first with all the bells and whistles it easy to learn. Never flown a space ship I guess it’s as close to flying one. Quiet, very comfortable Interrior and fast 4 cylinder engine. Happy to have gotten my BMWX3.

• 

  Inconsistent Idle - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By EratticIdle - April 13 - 9:41 pm

  15 year BMW owner. This car/engine has an idle issue. If you are thinking of buying one observe how it idles after reaching temperature. As you stop, the car idle drops to normal. 2 seconds later it drops, shakes the car, returns to normal. Happens a lot. Been to dealer 6 times. Have driven other 2006 and 2007 530s and noted the SAME issue although some vehicles not quite as noticeable. Worried about long term viability of this car.

• 

  Dissapointed - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By disappointed - April 11 - 7:11 pm

  Bought a 328xi sport coupe after previously owning 2 Audi TTs. The worst feature is the run flat tires. Ride is very harsh and the $300+ to replace is outrageous. Ruined one in the first 300 miles on an Interstate pothole. Had to drive 150 miles @ 50 MPH. At least it lasted more than the advertised 50 mi. The odometer and speedometer are 6-7% high (thats worth about $400 on a 30,000 mile lease). Poor design 12V port in center storage area is in a position that wont allow the lid to close when any of my eqpt plugs are inserted. Gas mileage is poor. Lucky to get 18 MPG even on Interstate. TT with DSG got >25 MPG, weighed about the same and was quicker. 328 automatic is crude compared to Audi.

• 

  2001 bmw 325xi leaks alot - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By leaks alot - April 11 - 1:55 pm

  I have owned a bmw 325xi since 2001. The car handles great but is very expensive to maintain. I have had all four doors leak. Fixing the vapor barriers on the doors still does not solve the problems. Rust will start to appear on body around the lower doors from a break in the seal that covers the weld along the edge. Rust also appears on the metal lip that is below the door edge and above the plastic trim. Rust will also break out below the trunk bottom lip. Rust will also appear on the trunk lip below the classic kidney bean intakes. I have had to replace three power window motors I think because of water leaking into the door.

• 

  Noisey at Highway Speeds. - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Ashley - April 11 - 1:43 pm

  The car handles well, especially around corners. The interior looks good. The noise from the engine/muffler seems too loud at highway speeds and I cant read the radio dial with polarized sun glasses.

• 

  Fun to Drive--but has many issues - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Marty B - April 10 - 5:02 pm

  This has been a recurring problem with the 08 535i where the engine light comes on: ENGINE MALFUNCTION-reduce power. I took it once to Palm Springs BMW, but they did absolutely nothing. I took it to Pacific BMW where they replaced the fuel pump back in Nov 08. Early April I took it to Alexander for the same problem--ENGINE MALFUNCTION- reduce power. It turns out to be a leaking high pressure pump and broken injector. Both were replaced, and now its in working order. All at no cost. How soon will it be before the ENGINE MALFUNCTION--reduce power light appears? I was promised that everything is in working condition. Yes, but how long? We have a 353i coupe with the same problem.

• 

  I cant believe - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By l. conroe - April 9 - 10:12 am

  The 745i is a great car when I am able to drive it. Ive spent countless hours driving back and forth to the dealership because of malfunctions. Its great they give free maintenance for the first 50 thousand miles because you will need it. My gripe is that I maintained my car with regular service. The "check engine light" came on. I thought it would be some minor repair. Turns out the repair cost is $12000 for "CARBON on the cylinder head!!!!-not a blown head gasket, but CARBON!! Thats like telling me the brake dust on my rotors require a new axle! The ULTIMATE MACHINE has a poorly designed engine if carbon build up requires 12 grand of service. No More BMW for me - Honda/Infiniti here I am.

• 

  What a car!! - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Ryan - April 5 - 8:01 am

  I just bought this car yesterday, and as you can guess, Im writing a review today to tell about how great the car is. The performance on the vehicle is jaw dropping, the exterior styling is perfect and the technology on the vehicle is one the industry leaders. The bluetooth technology and voice command system are among the coolest features of the car. The idrive is a bit complicated, but I feel confident after a bit of use it will become second nature. Did I mention I love the 300 horses under the hood? Highly recommend.

• 

  Only 2.0L but still a lot of fun - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Rene - April 4 - 4:48 pm

  I went for the 2.0L rather than 3.0L (the in between 2.5L made no sense to me) because it is a long term car so running costs are important. The lighter engine means this is the best handling car I have ever driven. I can blast round beds, be they sharp corners or sweepers at speeds that make my hair tingle. I used to race stock cars and have had a Morgan +8 - the Zed 4 is better. Blasted across Germany at 90-120mph and got 41 miles per gallon. I live in London and still get 30mpg. I love the looks (pre-facelift) and always stare at the car when leaving it. Driving does not get much better.

• 

  Sorry to have purchased this car - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By LongTimeBMWOwner - April 3 - 9:32 pm

  Car is very nice except for a problematic idling issue. Been to the dealer over 6 times (lost count thereafter), talked with BMW of North America several times. No satisfaction even though the car is under warranty. If you are looking to own a BMW hope that you get a good one and not a lemon as I have. I have owned several BMWs over a 15 year period and feel completely let down by the situation. Two more observations: sound system is average, very average. Wind noise from the sunroof is annoying.