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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  BMW Smile - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Ted C - December 19 - 2:33 pm

  This is my first BMW, had I known it was this good, I would have gotten one a long time ago. Test drove many others in its class but this car is head and shoulders above the rest. The others, although very well constructed and outfitted, were like riding on a comfy couch going down the highway, the BMW, you DRIVE. Ride, handling, acceleration all perfectly melded into truly an "Ultimate Driving Machine". This car is almost too much fun to drive. Hopefully it will not be too hazardous to my driving record!

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  The ultimate driving piece of **** - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By johnj - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new 2003 BMW 330CIC. What a mistake! Within 2 months, I started having problems. First the warning lights would go on for no apparent reason. I would bring it in to the shop and they would "hook it up to the computer" and tell me nothing was wrong. Then my car started sputtering and they replaced the choke valve. Next, my car just stopped running. 2 more trips to the shop and 2 roadside assistances later, I finally unloaded this "ultimate driving machine." I had hoped to get another BMW thinking this was just a fluke, but dealing with the dealership and BMW headquarters made me see the light. I love my lexus!

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  How to get a smile on my face? - 2003 BMW Z4
  By silverwolf714 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a convertible for quite some time. When the Z4 came out, I immediately thought I can stop looking. Love the looks, and love the performance even better. I had wanted to keep my old car since it was paid for, but after driving the Z4 for a couple of weeks, I simply had to sell the old car. Now I am buying a truck as my second vehicle because I simply refuse to drive anything else. Drive one and youll know what I am talking about.

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  Endless money pit - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By RenoBMW - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Great road car when its running, but plagued by extremely low realibility and extremely high repair costs. Bought this off lease and have had it in shop at least once every month since for various things breaking or not working. The A/C has been repaired twice at $1800 per trip, and still doesnt work all the time, new driveline, suspension, seat motors, DMK motors, the list is endless. Ive paid nearly as much in repairs as I did for the car. As soon as the last payment is made Im buying a Lexus.

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  It is what it is - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By JrB - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought used @ 36k, (60k now) I have had it for 4 years and not a problem. It is a small compact car and that is what you get...and a little more. Very fun and good gas mileage.

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  Fun to drive but controls not intuitive - 2017 BMW M4
  By joe maslar - December 18 - 4:12 am

  Beautiful Car and GREAT to drive. I ended up picking this mainly because I wanted a hard-top convertible with some power. This car drives great, is comfortable, and great with the top down. Overall, Im happy with the purchase but am a little annoyed by some things that dont make sense to me, a lot related to difficult function controls. Ive only had it about a month so part of this might be just adjusting to BMW ways. First of all, it isnt possible to put this car into PARK without turning off the car. So weird and annoying if you want to be SURE that it is in PARK. It switches to park automatically if turning off the car in Drive or Reverse, but otherwise you can only put it into NEUTRAL and set the parking brake if you want to sit idle, or turn it off and turn it back on. Also, the lack of touch for the screen interface is inefficient for entering addresses, and the finger spelling on the console control knob is not a good replacement--much easier to tap out a number on a screen than trace each individual number/letter. Also, the volume control is only on the dash or on the right side of the steering wheel--this means if you have your hand on the console knob controlling your nav/media, driving with your left hand, you have to move your right hand from the console knob to the dash or the steering wheel. The car has options for comfort suspension for daily driving but there isnt a way to make that a default--it always goes back to the more rigid SPORT option so that you have to reselect each time you start the car for COMFORT. There are other little things like the toggle for the hard-top requires you to pull BACK to put the top UP/Forward, and push Forward to put the top down/back -- just not intuitive. LOTS of media options but difficult to sort out. Anyway, Ill stop with these things since overall its a very nice car with AMAZING driving profile, which is what most people might be looking for and the little things might not matter. Its my primary car so the daily use things are a little annoying to me. As far as hard-topped convertible with power, I think this is the only good choice. I was considering going Mercedes C63 Coupe but didnt test-drive it since I still wanted the convertible.

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Shenn10 - December 18 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! No problems this car rides and handles great. Idrive is a very simple operating system to learn. Very quiet ride. Upgraded sound system is perfect.

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  The best car! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By TampaBMW - December 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome except for the old school windows on a pulley. The are expensive to replace!

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  THIS IS THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By muscler - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is as close to perfect as I have ever seen. I previously owned an Acura TL, one of the "sports sedans", but nothing can compare to this car! You dont have to sacrifice much in the way of comfort and utility for this much style and performane. Many say the styling is "controversial", but it is really the most beautiful car I have ever seen. Though it only has 225 hp, my Z4 has beaten Corvettes with close to 400. I love the vicious growl of its engine in the cold morning air. I cant imagine how a 3000 lb. car with 225 hp can go that fast. Others cannot even compare to it. Wonderful BMW. This is the roadster to own!

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  2003 Z4 - great , Dealer sucks - 2003 BMW Z4
  By dturk - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Wasnt in market for car (getting 530i), but took a ride after hearing about dealer incentives. Car is addictive bought it. Very precise and responsive. Well worth the price paid (under $39k for loaded vehicle listing over $47k). Only problem is dealer salesman rammed it with a customers used car a few days later (381 miles) when I took it back for a paint problem. Now dealer acts like I dont exist. Got an email into BMW North America to see how they handle it. Meanwhile having to use own insurance to get it repaired.