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:

• 

  Yea!!! it was worth it. - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By instep99 - March 18 - 2:00 am

  At 147,000 miles, Im still thrilled. This is my second 5-series. I got 110,000 miles on a 1986 528i when I began having problems with the (auto) transmission. This one is a 5-speed and Im hoping to get 200,000 just on g.p., although this Bimmer is now only used for "recreational" driving.

• 

  What a great car! - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By ltaylor - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 318is from a wonderful 1st owner who took incredible care of his car (all records etc). The car has 126K but runs like new - everything works great. I owned a 2002 Mini Cooper S last year and I swear this car is as quick and as nimble - plus it isnt broken constantly and you can hit a pot hole without cursing. I am dreading the repair bills but in the meantime I am enjoying driving this wonderful little car!

• 

  BMW i8 - 2014 BMW i8
  By Aric Giddens - March 17 - 6:27 pm

• 

  Ive owned this car over a year - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Jon - March 17 - 7:40 am

  I bought an early 2007 328xi. I have about 17k miles on the car now and its been a great car. Zero mechanical problems. It has great acceleration for day-to-day driving, and sport mode when you need to merge. Major downsides are (1) gas mileage (20-22 in mixed driving; no where near the EPA estimate), (2) noise from the runflats (the loaner I had for my 1 year service was quieter, which leads me to believe that these tires get louder with age). I also had some paint peeling from the interior drivers side door handle. Apparently almost everyone experiences this. BMW replaced it in an hour, no questions asked.

• 

  lots of fun/problems - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By sanjaysp - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Great drivers car!!! pleasure to drive, get lots of looks.

• 

  Best 5 series ever - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bert - March 16 - 2:52 am

  Ive owned a lot of Bimmers. The E60 5-series 550i is my absolute favorite. Very composed and agile for its size, it comes with a screaming 4.8l V8 good for 360HP (or about 500HP if you put an ESS supercharger on it like I did). I have owned mine for three or so years now, and the only issue I have had is with an intermittent clock reset due to a failing comfort access door handle. It is roomy, smooth, and comfortable for those long highway drives, but one must constantly be aware that the car tends to want to cruise at its comfort zone of around 85MPH - i have had many occasions where I am doing the 65MPH limit, get distracted talking or listening to music, and then find myself at close to 90 when I look at the speedo again. The car is near silent and rock solid, so you really dont get the normal cues that you are speeding. Gas mileage is the Achilles heel of this car, though. I averaged about 15-16MPG in normal combined driving, which would drop to 10-12 if driven hard.

• 

  Very reliable car. - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwchicago - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I know its a cliche but this car is very nice to drive. I love the handling and the automatic transmission is very responsive. The "Manual" option is also excellent as it allow you to switch gears just like in a manual car. However, what i liked most about it is that i dont go to the shop anymore. I only had a problem with the CD changer. German engineering is always very good quality/long lasting. This car will probably last 15 years and still look good (People always think the car is 98/2000 while its 1994). My next car will definitely be another bmw.

• 

  I drive is not so bad - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By GER12 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Its a great driving full size cars, it performs better than my wifes smaller Lexus which gets me sea sick from its rocking ride, we both love the bimmer and are looking to get rid of the 6 month old Lexus. The A 8 might be a contender to replace the Lexus or the another 745i and i drive only took a few days to get used to and now it simple and makes it simple because we only need to locate one button while driving.

• 

  Get back to basics - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris - March 15 - 6:59 pm

  I previously owned a 95 M3 that was rarely in for repair. This 2011 535 has seen the dealership far too many times. In a span of just over 2 years the following has occurred: keyless entry failed (multiple times), water pump failed, AC failed, valve cover gasket replaced, another oil gasket leaked (last 2 were total $2,300), 2 wheels bent, 1 wheel cracked (run flats not for typical roads), sway bar replaced to name a few I recall. Other than that, I do love this car. X-Drive is probably better than most SUVS out there. Love the aggressive looks of the M-sport package. Car is bank vault solid. I feel very safe hauling my family in it. I-drive is decent but not as intuitive as Acura. Gas mileage is outstanding for such a large car (29 hwy). Long trips Ive done 34 mpg. Power is impressive. Hesitation from stop is there as others have written. Very odd. Feels like transmission is slipping. Dealer claims its normal. Seems almost any brand has issues. If you get lucky with yours, you will love it. BMW simply needs to simplify their electronics. Stop the over engineering and focus on building a solid car again. My problem is I visit the Philly auto show every year. Not another car out there that meets my need for performance, style, price, awd, safety and comfort. Sounds like a market opportunity...

• 

  Beauty!! - 2002 BMW M3
  By mary - March 15 - 5:48 pm

  This car is amazing...