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 performance, but very expensive. - 2016 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael - June 18 - 8:33 pm

  After several months of researching all types of different vehicles I ultimately decided on purchasing the 2016 340i xDrive. Overall, this vehicle met my needs and after reading countless reviews (consumer and professional) the 340i remained in my top three narrowed down selection. My personal needs for a vehicle required performance, luxury, AWD (due to the snowy winters in Chicago), and decent gas mileage (sub par mpg with my last vehicle, 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8). My 340i is equipped with the cold weather package ($800), driver assistance package ($950), M sport package ($2,600), technology package ($2,750), and the track handling package ($1,700). $8,800 for those added options is very steep in my opinion but after getting a good trade-in value along with very low APR financing, as well as a tax credit and 4 years free maintenance I felt that it all balanced out. As for my impression of the vehicle, let me start off with the interior. Although many people tend to favor the interiors of Cadillac, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus, etc...the BMW interior is still very nice and luxurious. I can understand if some people think its beginning to appear a bit dated, but nonetheless its still superior to many vehicles on the market. The Dakota leather sport seats are top notch quality and for the most part above average in terms of comfort. The anthracite headliner, aluminum and gloss black trim accents throughout the vehicle along with the ambient lighting (which is dimmable) all go together fairly nicely. The cabin is really quiet and there are no rattle like noises or unwanted vibrations. The exterior of the vehicle is the best looking to date for the 3 series sedan in my opinion. From the elegant lines on the hood and the minor refresh of the whole body in general gives the vehicle a great sporty look that is very tasteful but not overstated or too flashy. I opted for the black sapphire metallic paint and the 19" alloy orbit grey M sport wheels along with black kidney grilles complete the overall look. Now on to the performance. Let me tell you, this car can move and it is fast! It doesnt exactly give you the "throw you back in your seat" kind of feeling and I must admit I do miss that and all the rear wheel glory and torque of my previous SRT8, but I still experience an ultimate thrill and satisfaction while driving this car. The 8 speed automatic transmission is flawless. The AWD has a tenacious grip on the road and you feel like you have complete control at all times. I prefer to drive in the sport mode setting regularly as it is always responsive and ready to accelerate hard at any time. The start/stop fuel saver system is very intrusive and can be deactivated with a push of a button and I never use it. I have a lead foot and most of my driving is in the city and Im averaging 16 mpg which for me is acceptable especially considering the performance you get with the 3.0 liter twin turbo V-6. Ive read that 0-60 mph can be as low as 4.4 seconds which I dont doubt depending on the conditions and where you live of course. The adaptive M suspension is great, but comfort does suffer a bit if youre selecting the sport modes. The low profile run flat tires detract from the comfort too, but nothing that isnt tolerable. The handling on this car is great too. So much that it almost feels like youre driving a coupe. Although this is a sedan, it feels so light and steering it is so effortless without taking away from the overall driving experience. The M sport brakes are phenomenal and feel perfect and smooth (not too sensitive and not too soft) when I need to apply my foot to the pedal. I also really like the sound of the dual exhaust when I drive in sport mode. Youll definitely hear the "crackles and pops" when revving the engine and when you accelerate hard and ease off the gas pedal. I always look forward to getting behind the wheel of this car and just letting it open up on the road. But let me tell you, this car isnt perfect. I do have a few gripes with it. Mostly with the knob control of the display screen. It can get quite annoying. Turn the knob to scroll here, click this and click that, hit the back button to exit, and on and on. So many times I want to be able to just touch the screen and get to what I want with ease but I cant. I knew this beforehand of course and was willing to deal with it. Connecting your iPod or iPhone via Bluetooth or with a cable isnt the best in terms of integration with this vehicle either. The interface definitely needs some tweeking. For example, lets say you connect your phone via Bluetooth so you can play your music. Accessing playlists or trying to shuffle songs is not easy when dealing with the knob turn dial control. And with the lack of a touch screen, you cant just select what you want with ease. If youve had a Nissan/Infiniti or a Dodge, their infotainment systems are much better. Lack of a touch screen and remote start at this price point is disappointing.

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  Big car that drives like a sports car... - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By lc18_58 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  The engine is simply amazing. Power on the freeway is effortless. Sometimes I cant even tell that Im going 85-90! Because its very easy to go fast. I have a 45 minute comute to work and I use to hate it, BEFORE I bought this car. It has brought the FUN back into driving for me. The logic 7 sound system is a must, you wont regret it. The ventilated seats is an great feature, since its now impossible to sweat on the leather anymore. And the exterior styling is very noticable. Believe me, this car turns a lot of heads. Yes, BMW was right... it is truly the ULTIMATE driving machine!

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  Happy I got the 330... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By spzero0 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a new car... I was going to buy a 325ci but the delaer made me testdrive the 330 and boy was I happy. The car is awosme in all weather. I can pull off the line or drive leisurly and still be happy the sport package is a must and 5 sped is a definate... best bang for the buck by far, mercedes and audi eat your heart out!

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  Great Car - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Drew BMW - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Runs like a top after 135000 trouble free miles. Fun to drive but a little uncomfortable on long drives. The interior has worm very well, looks like it is only a couple of years old, not 9. The exterior too - it sat out for 5 years before we got our garage and it still looks great. Only the molding around some of the windows is looking a little weathered. Great car for the money. HOpe to drive it another 9 years.

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  What a car! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Absolut-ly Glorious - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I can only say that I am one satisfied customer. I previously owned a 95 325i, and though these two vehicles are light years apart in some ways, they both reflect the quality and driver enjoyment that is synonymous with BMW. I love my 2001 330i, and can honestly say that I look for "excuses" just to get it out of the garage and drive it. . . somewhere. . . anywhere. As for complaints, I really dont have any. Sure, the cupholders are the makings of a minimalist, and BMWs are the pricey selection in their respective categories. However, my father always told me, "You get what you pay for," and once again, good ol Dad was right.

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  A Great Car for the Enthusiast - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Let me prefix by saying that I was a parking attendant for 7 years and while I did not get to really test drive very far I got a good feel for all of the manufacturers strenghts and weaknesses. I have waited a long time to be able to afford a BMW but worth the wait. I really like a car that is fun to drive. My BMW 330i was preceeded by a 94 97 and 87 integra, A 92 CRX Si, an 84 Mustang GT Convertible all new. This car is faster then all and handles like a dream. BMW has done a great job balancing the feel of this car. I was concerned about quality after owning a string of flawless japanese automobiles but have not be disappointed.

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  Unparalleled Driving Experience - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By eyemac - June 17 - 2:00 am

  2002 525ia w/sport and premium packages, steptronic transmission-this car is flawless. the exterior is as appealing as any car in its class or size, the ride is a notch or two above the Lexus. the seats lumbar support (you GOTTA buy the premium and sport packages) makes you feel like youre in a cockpit. when you "open it up", you dont hear road noise until 90 mph. finally, this car turns heads. i bought (i dont "rent" autos) the rare slate green exterior with the stone green trim, and women, as well as men compliment me daily. p.s. buy a radar detector. you will test the cars limits. **hint** the car wont let you down.

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  Scary Fast - 2001 BMW M5
  By SJ_Sharkie - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car all the way around, excellent quality and phenominal performance. This is my first BMW and now I understand all the great things the car mags say about the 5 series. Best car that I have ever owned and I would highly recommend the car to others. Im very interested in how they will improve on this car in upcoming new model.

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  Too Many Defects - 2001 BMW X5
  By bcoomer - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Certified Preowned with 24k miles. Over 3 months we had over 15 different problems & took it in for repairs 6 times. From break problems to false airbags lights to buzzing under the dash to CD door sticking to loose driver side mirror they never could tighten even after installing a brand new kit. The dealership finally bought the car back from us.

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  the truth - 2000 BMW X5
  By mujo - June 16 - 2:00 am

  car has gone to the shop many times. now i have about 38000 miles rain sensor,door locks,door knob drivers side,front suspension,computer in dash gone bad.All little things. car is under warranty so it is ok but for 57000$ ??????