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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  Great Car! - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By JoeyJ - March 23 - 10:24 am

  Great car fun to drive but when something breaks prepare to spend at least $200 in repairs.

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  Engine light - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By runanelope - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had my engine light go on about every other month. Little annoying things like VANOS, thermostat, gas cap. But it hasnt left me stranded. I have the 323i. I dont like the power although it isnt bad. I would opt for more tork. The drive itself is amazing!!!!

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  Radiator Problems - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By samarap - March 22 - 10:00 am

  While this is a great car, it is not at all perfect. I continue to have antifreeze smells after two years and several trips to the dealer. Front brakes also did not last very long. May not keep it after warranty due to expected high cost of maintenance.

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  Bought Car used in 2013 - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWguy - March 10 - 10:10 pm

  This car has been amazing i wont lie.. For being my first car to buy on my own i am happy with my purchase.. Bought the car with 67k miles on it and now driving it around with over 140k miles. This car drives and handles just like you see in the commercials.. You can drive fast around sharp curves and have your headlights lead the way.. For someone who is 64 size isnt the best but not terrible either i have with it. I drove from Washington state to New York in my car and was comfortable the whole way.. I will say after 145k miles you will start to see issues.. I have had to have all my Spark plugs and coil packs replaced probably totaling $500 all together. Then recently with in two weeks i have had my serpentine belt replaced, and its pulley replaced totaling over $300, plus i have had electrical issues with my car completely going dead loss of all power 2x now luckily at home though.. Thanks to AAA saves my life. I have had my air conditioner not working, and other minor errors. This car burns through oil like nothing, and tends to have oil leaks.. Love the car but i think its time to get something newer.. I would suggest buying this car and year if you are getting it with low miles.. Its a fantastic car.. .

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  BMW 530i - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By nstajka - March 9 - 5:58 am

  Great car. Love at first sight. I knew I would buy it as soon as I walked in the dealer.Then reality sets in. Seems like Im in the shop every six months. Last time the fuel pump or the pump sensor or relay? They didnt know. But after three trips in and almost $600.00 (Again!), Im ready for a Ford again. It was fun but unless I win the lotto Im done with BMW.

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  Ultimate Texas Driving Machine update 2 - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By raiderwes - March 4 - 10:08 pm

  I still have the car at 97,000 miles. Replaced air mass meter, PCV valve and head gaskets at 93k mi ($$$). Replaced Kumho Ecsta tires at exactly 30k mi with Michelin Pilot Sport+ ($$).

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  BMW 530iA - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By TheoMD - March 4 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars I have ever owned. Absolutely love it except for the awful cupholders and lack thereof in the rear

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  Owner m5 2008 - 2008 BMW M5
  By leif - March 3 - 8:46 pm

  Since the purchase of this vehicle we have not had any problems with the car. I had to add 1 qt of oil after 5000 miles but it was free from BMW and the first 1200 mile service was free also. Have had to add some air in both front tires once. Other than that easy to drive and navigate through the entire system. Blue tooth works great and I have not had any problems with the car. I have owned many vehicles through the years and I have to say this is probably the ultimate vehicle that I have ever owned. Past cars owned has ranged from Porsche to Toyota Paseo.

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  Mixed feelings - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By tnnative - March 1 - 11:59 pm

  After 2 plus years of ownership this has been a car I still love to drive. However, the cooling system has been a series of expensive repairs... Radiator, oil radiator, thermostat, water pump, head gasket, hoses. Otherwise a reliable car other than normal issues they all seem to have (upper door trim comes loose, easily diy fixed). Ive researched these tremendously, and the 3.0 liter v-8 seems to need many parts replaced between 100-130k miles. My BMW mechanic informed me of this, however, so there were no surprises. A great highway car, very quiet up to 80 mph. Good a/c (replace the filters, makes a huge difference if they havent been maintained).

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  A civil 996 turbo - 2008 BMW M6
  By Canadian M6 - February 27 - 8:08 pm

  A high tech car that fits the needs of a serious well healed car enthusiast. If you are not comfortable with computers and spirited driving this car is not for you. Surprisingly refined - I enjoy driving it more than my more visceral, in your face 2003 996 turbo. Great daily driver if you use the paddles otherwise difficult to drive smoothly in automatic mode.