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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  Drive the xDrive 550i! - 2016 BMW 5-Series
  By DeMarre Fleming - August 20 - 1:42 am

  The all new BMW 5 series is equipped with a lot of new features along with a variety of standard features. With a shocking 445 horsepower and a 4.4L V8 engine, this BMW is built for speed. In the previous models the 5 series had the available option for an auto-stop start system, which saves gas while the vehicle is at a complete stop. Standard features on the new 5 series along with the older models starting at 2011 include power trunk lid, satellite radio, navigation, and Harman Kardon sound system. The 5 series comes with a variety of engines such as the 528i, 535i, 535d, and 550i. Some may have "xdrive" applied with their names, indicating it is all-wheel drive. The BMW is a four-door five passenger sedan. It is compatible with the Jaguar XF, Mercedes Benz E-class, Audi A6, Lexus GS 350, Cadillac CTS, and the Maserati Ghibli. Surprisingly, the 550i series remains the better choice over all of those vehicles. For it to be such a large sedan it goes from zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds. If you are looking for a sporty but luxury four-door sedan, the BMW 5 series is definitely a great way to go. It comes in tons of color options inside and out, along with technology package as well. For example, if you are looking for an vehicle for luxury and sport but not too big on the luxury side, the 5 series is perfect. The 5 series can switch from comfort also known as luxury to sport by the push of one button. You will not go wrong if you choose this vehicle. Pros of the 550i includes, Superb engines with impressive fuel economy in most forms; high-quality interior thats packed with high-tech features; comfortable and composed ride. Cons includes, Ho-hum handling; relatively small trunk; intrusive auto stop-start system. Some safety features range from stability and traction control, anti-lock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The braking system also periodically wipes the brake rotors dry in wet conditions and automatically snugs the brake pads to the rotors in preparation when you abruptly lift off the throttle. Another standard feature is the BMW Assist and Remote Services emergency communications systems, which include automatic crash notification, an SOS button, remote door unlock and stolen vehicle recovery. Parking sensors and a rear-view camera are standard on the 550i and optional on other models. An upgraded side- and top-view parking camera system is optional. The Driver Assistance Plus package includes a blind-spot warning system, a lane-departure warning system and a forward-collision warning system with automatic braking. There is also the Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection system that uses an infrared sensor to detect people and objects outside of headlight range.

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  my thoughts - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By mikevb - August 19 - 2:00 am

  awesome performance, BEAUTFUL with the top down,with onlt pretty up.

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  BMW 330CI Coupe Special Sports Edition - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Hoke Mueller - August 19 - 2:00 am

  The car is not cheap, expecially this sports edition. But as with all BMWs you get your moneys worth. The 3-series is still the best car in the world in its class. My car has 6 cyl engine producing 235 hp whihe is more than most 5-series cars. In this car everything is power. Power steering wheel, power windows including rear windows, power rear shades,3-way power seats incl passenger side, seat heating both front seats, Ski bag, 8 speaker Harmon Kardon CD player, Xenon headlights, power 2-way sunroof etc etc But what makes this car so special is its precise steering and acceleration. It is indeed the ultimate driving machine !!!

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  330i with PP - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By nbostonguy - August 19 - 2:00 am

  The Performance Package option may look a bit expensive, but the added tweaks are well worth it. Drive this car hard, and it wont complain. The ride is firm, but supple and not as jarring as an M can be. This car intuitively knows where I want it to go, and it feels confident and safe at any speed. I thought the steering wheel was a little weird at first (that suede stuff), but now it feel right. A truly awesome machine.

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  Very Satisfied, but - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Upstate - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the performance, roadhandling, and drivability of this model BMW is outstanding. Also, the interior design and comfort is all you could ask for from this size vehicle. The one disappointment is its poor road handling on snowy roads. My car came with 17" low profile all-season tires that track very poorly on snowy roads. Snow tires are a must in winter environments. Another negative impact of cold weather on my BMWs engine is about a 20% reduction in gas mileage.

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  323i update with 115k miles - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jimbo 323i - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Heres an update since my last posting 17k miles ago. I discovered my independent BMW mechanic is a liar,(I followed up on his work). I dont trust dealers either. I have learned to do all maintenance myself. I still have the airbag light on, but will be replacing my seat belt tensioners/buckle and resetting airbag light, apparently this is a common problem to air bag lights coming on. Here is what I have done to the car so far at 100k miles, all done by myself. Replaced all 4 oxygen sensors. Changed out the Automatic transmission lifetime oil with the same,

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  The Best - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By hwstatus - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The best luxury sedan around. The I- drive system and voice recognizer system are superb. Tremendous room in rear. Car handles like a sports car.

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  Great car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Vroom2 - August 16 - 3:20 pm

  Traded my E36 for this one and all that was wrong with the old one has been fixed with this model. Much better trim quality and power delivery than previous model. Definitely the best car Ive ever owned and the most fun and stylish way to get from A to B.

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  In for service - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By 4042 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Over 20 days in shop in 3 months. driver side door did not operate windows would not go down using key. Air bag light on.Every time in shop you loose your programs ie radio seats etc.$900 for phone and still does not work. Waiting for memo from Germany to make it work!!!

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  Allens critique - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By BMWfool - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is a gas to drive. Responsive and solid. Feels and handles like a sports car. Now the bad news: be prepared to be raped by your local BMW service dept. They assume all owners are rich and do not care about price. My dealer was charging my wife $125 for an oil change!(Try $8 a qt. for Mobil 1 that can be had at parts stores for under $6) Routine repairs are always $800 to $1,000. I have all the service records and will be happy to share the news.I will buy another when pigs learn to fly. My 01 Corvette is faster,way cooler and I get the oil changed for $40.