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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  As good as it gets ! - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By itwizard - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after test driving several competing cars from Mercs, Lexus and Audi. I needed something with 4 doors. This 540 is an absolute beauty. It has speed, power and superb handling. Above all it feels real solid and safe while driving. Kids love it and so does the wife.

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  SEcond M5 - 2002 BMW M5
  By jer4 - May 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my second M5. Had the 2000, it was hot stiff and strong. The new model seems faster and is a dream to drive. The improvements were minor on the surface. The hardest to believe is that the 2002 is a vastly improved version of the original. the best of the best!

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  well worth the money - 2001 BMW X5
  By edmunds user - May 13 - 2:00 am

  The best car i have ever had ,such a fun car to drive , safe , comfortable, chic,the best suv of all

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  Best Car Owned So Far! - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By ScrumDawg - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 535i two years ago from BMW of Nashville as is. It had one previous owner who used this dealership for all services. The car was running hot and they changed the thermostat thinking that was the problem. As it turned out it was the head gasket. They replaced it for FREE. Since then I have had to replace some hoses, clamps, struts, suspension bars, brakes and tires. As long as I maintain the engine with regular fluid changes and tune-ups I plan on driving this car to 300K miles. If you are thinking of purchasing one, be sure you get the 3.5 litre engine vs the 2.5. The weight of the body and frame demand it.

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  Bought Used 2011 328i X in Nov 2016 - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWLifer - May 12 - 6:20 am

  Had to spend $600 for a sparkplug coil and tuneup when it failed a month after I bought it. Then $100 for an oil change because I could tell how dirty the oil was from the dash indicator (there is no dipstick) , and then it started to produce a oil burning smell (prior to oil change) inside the cabin when the car is sitting and idling. Had to replace valve cover gasket(VCG), valvetronic gasket, and some other small gasket nearby. I also replace the eccentric shaft sensor( while they had the cover off..they recommended it)so it made sense to when they had everything off. that was another $1200, I previously owned a 87 325i and spend about $11k in repairs for the 6 years I owned it . I also had a 96 328i for about 10yrs and spend about $15k in repair over those years. So I knew about spending more in Maintainence when I bought it but its well worth it to have one of the "Utimate Drving Machine"s

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  No compromise required! - 2000 BMW M5
  By allan2 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I cant spend enough time in this car. Its power, handling, flexibility and creature comforts, all with seating for 5, are just not available anywhere else. (Sorry MB E55) The engine is rock solid, although the ECU is a little finicky, reporting errors fairly regularly, but my local dealer has been outstanding in fixing any issues under warranty AND providing a no charge rental. I very much like the stealth nature of this car. Only true car nuts recognize it, but with tires wider than the 540s, and a slighly lower suspension, it looks taut and forboding without screaming out that fact.

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  98 BMW Z3 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By AnnieZ - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This little car is the most fun imaginable! While it is no race car, it corners like a champ and literally scoots down the highway.

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  Better than I expected - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By hgopad - May 10 - 2:00 am

  The new 745i Sport is amazing. Yes, the idrive takes a few trial and error experiences, but the basics like radio,cd,phone,navigator, etc. are all quite easy to use. There are so many additional things to do with it that you can continue learning some every day, if you wish. The performance, handling and comfort could not be better. I had a 740i Sport before and thought it was the best, and this has surpassed it by quite a bit. Not only is it impressive to drive, its the most interesting and engaging car Ive ever found.

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  An out performed vehicle with poor rest - 2001 BMW X5
  By Bliu - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Its performance is rated at best compare to the other cars Ive driven. The handling is awsome. Its a beautiful car from the outside, but terrible from the inside. There are lack of gadgets and toys compare to the Japanese vehicles. However, since I bought this car, I had to take a day off work at least once every other months to take it back to the dealership for service. My window broke 3 times. It doesnt roll up and down. The light gets burned out. The fuse burned out. I can give you a long list, but you get the idea. So if you are willing to deal with the problems just so that you can have an out performed car, than this car is for you.

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  German autobahn and twisty roads - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Joe - May 9 - 9:50 pm

  Only options were Sport package and silver color on 6spd manual US spec. After 1200 miles it is surprisingly fast and fun to drive on German roads (B-50 near Nürburgring) more than what I expected from a car. Very stable at 145 MPH on Autobahn. Good stereo, easy to clean wheels, hate the in and out of the vehicle (med. male 170 lbs driver) and steering wheel tilt stinks, must get iPod option when buying or pay 3x more when dealer installed after, average of 21 MPG so far on premium fuel, new for 08 white LED for door and license plate, only a fender side repeater lens with water condensation problem that is being replaced by dealer warranty so far. Definitely would buy again.