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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  HAD THE CAR A TOTAL OF 2 DAYS IN 2 WEEKS - 2016 BMW 7-Series
  By lisagmomof3 - August 13 - 1:09 am

  I really dont know what to say about this car other than Im very disappointed. Had it for 12 hours and it died twice. Got it back a week later and it died again. Both times it died while driving! Needless to say I had it towed out of my garage and did not want it back. I was given a 2016 7 loaner and that died too…..coincidence or is someone trying to tell me something? Dont get me wrong the car is beautiful, but should be spitting out rainbows for the price of the car. It was FULLY LOADED everything you can get I had in the car. So as the saying goes" 3 times is a charm", I am waiting for the new 7 which replaces the first one i leased. Wish me luck…..if this one dies I will NEVER go back. Such a shame.

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  Great Drive, Few build issues - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike Leopando - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 330 coupe for 10 months. The drive is superb. I have owned the 2.5 and 2.8 3-series and the 3.0 is light years ahead. My only problem is small build problems. At six months both front turn signals fell out on the highway due to a broken clip. A eight months the door seal came loose and the driver door must be slammed to close. The dealer was pretty good about fixing the problems, but I can see that BMW is starting to cheapen some components. Mechanically there has never been a problem.

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  GREAT - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By ROBY - August 12 - 10:00 am

  DEALER HAS GREAT SERVICE, FACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE WORST, EXECUTIVE OFFICE LOUSY, I WOULD GO BACK TO THE DEALER UNFORTUNATELY THE BMW FACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE, THE WORST.

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  Recalls,Recalls - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By daman2 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Too many recalls. The service dept. Sucks. Over priced. I should have bought the TL and saved $10,000!!!

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  1995 740i engine problem - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By puzzled - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Excited about finally owning a BMW 740, when a year later the car stopped running. Since then, the car has been parked in my garage waiting for an $8,000.00 engine replacement. I learned that there is a problem with the engine which looses compression due to corrosion in the cylinders (this became a problem only in US because of the additives added in gasoline). BMW didnt take responsibility and should have replaced my engine free of charge. In fact, dealers which have BMWs with 4.0 engine that date from 94-96 should not sell them until they replace the engine. What puzzles me is why is this information hidden from the consumers?

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  ultimate driving machine - 2004 BMW M3
  By Jared/mpower - August 12 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 M3 is one of the fines pefrormance automobiles on the market. Its high reving engine and SMG gearbox make you feel like your in a formula one racecar. Who can deni its 19in chrome alloy wheal, dual exaust, m sigrature grills and its low aggressive front grill. However, Id like to see a change in the interrior in the next few years. The car does have some mild understear and feels heavy to drive. But other than that I strongly recemend this car to any one who seeks performance, agality, and abality becase the m3 is able to do any thing you want it to.

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  Love this car! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Scarlet - August 12 - 2:00 am

  My husband got me this car for Mothers Day this year. I had been looking at this car for months, and I have not been disappointed in the least! I love it! It is a really cool ride. It is fun, fast, and makes me feel 20 years younger just being in it. Strangers, young and old alike, comment to me about it all the time. It is smooth and sleek. It is very convenient the way the top folds down on its own. I couldnt ask for a better car!

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  First 5 Series - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Seth Cooley - August 12 - 2:00 am

  We ordered our 5 series from the factory in Munich and had it deliverd to the US in June. This is our first sport luxury sedan and are very pleased with the ride, handling, and appearance. The comfort of the interior is outstanding and allows for 6-8 hour drives with no discomfort. Sound system is great. We use the owners manual to figure out the iDrive and have most of our settings finally completed. Will return to this web site in a year to update our experience.

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  Great Start - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RobMcP - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic automobile. Ordered with every option except sport package. Titanium Grey with grey leather. Some initial build quality issues but a solid start to the new 5. I-pod ease of use issue very overblown have found it easy and intuitive. Best combination of ride, handling, speed, exterior design, interior design, and features on the market.

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  Why Did I Wait So Long - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By csabo - August 11 - 2:00 am

  We were looking for a car for my wife to drive on business. Shes an artist and fell in love with the styling and interior. Im an engineer and fell in love with the performance and handling. It didnt hurt that we got a great deal on the car. The owners groups on the 7 Series are second to none! Weve had a couple of small problems and the forums have allowed me to fix the problems myself. Saved many dollars. We wouldnt trade the car for anything else on the road!