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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  My First Beemer (a 540iA) - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Gumdoc - July 10 - 2:00 am

  If you asked me, "Would you ever buy a BMW?" longer than 3 months ago. I never considered it. I always felt BMW was not generous enough with appointments. . .till now. I bought a low mileage 2001 that was in pristine shape 7500 miles and not a mark. I had been looking for a luxury car and was drawn to the Mercedes E Class. On a whim I called my local dealer and they had just taken what became my car in on trade that morning. They were out of new ones so they let me drive the car. In its condition, it was an ideal purchase for me.

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  335i Rocks! - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Richard Song - July 9 - 2:04 am

  Bought my e92 335xi with a little bit over 40k miles on 2015. Currently almost two and half years, its been running like a champ. Drives and handles like a dream. Everything feels heavy yet steady and tight: the gas paddle, brake paddle, suspension, and the steering wheel. All these together make it a comfortable car and you a confident driver. Sometimes I went 90mph on highway without even noticing because it simply feels so sturdy. Although not designed for fuel efficiency, it returns 30mpg on the highway on usual basis. There are occasional repairs, as expected, but its worth every penny. Radiator gave up @51k mile. Carbon build up causing car hard to start @55k mile. Except from that, its been problem free.

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  BesT cAR EvER - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By MR. BZHoRNut - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I HAvE had this car for quite a while now...and i have enjoyed it sooo much!..thanks BMW!

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  best car ever owned - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By mmmbmw - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This is simply best vehicle I have ever owned. I plan to purchase at end of lease. I see why they hold their resale value. My residual is $45K. I shopped new vehicles at this price nothig compares even thosugh I have 52K miles on mine.

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  BMW - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By CHEF - July 9 - 2:00 am

  great driving car, love the handling and the comfort, not spacious enough, needs more leg room

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  Continually impressed - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Honda convert - July 8 - 10:00 pm

  Just got back from test driving a 330i with Perf & Sport pack and Steptronic. Incredible. This car is flat-out brilliant. I currently own a 99 323i - has been hands-down the best car Ive ever owned. Not sure if I should sell it because the experience has been truly stunning. After 3 years it just gets better and better (33K and it drives exactly like new). But the 330i is a special car that in my estimation offers the best blend of performance, luxury and quality of any sports sedan.

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  Still King of the Hill - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By William - July 8 - 4:56 am

  Just purchased this new 330i last week and have fewer than 400 miles on it. Tremendous engine and legendary BMW handling. Previously had a 2001 330Ci and a 2002 325iT. New 3-series is better, overall, than either of the previous cars. Only complaint is visibility is less in this car than in E46 models. Run flat tires are a bit stiff also. Ours has Sport Package; like the Sport seats and suspension. Goes around corners like its on a rail. Satellite radio and BMW assist are great features. Best feature is the feeling you get when pressing the accelerator. BMW claims 255 horsepower for this engine. It feels much stronger than that and yet gets about 30 mpg on the highway. Awesome.

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  Some like it Hot! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Habu - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic performance, acceleration, and handling. overall Quality unexcelled except perhaps by Mercedes. The 6-speed trans. makes me feel like a teenager again. I cant wait to drive it, even just to the grocery store. My next car will be the "M5".

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  Its not really that bad. - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Eric F - July 8 - 2:00 am

  While many Americans find the new 7 an extremely ugly car, they have to go deeper, to see the brilliant new driving dynamics, engine, and performance. The transmission and rear styling are the only things that are slightly off-kilter. i-Drive is not that confusting, people say it is, but 10 minutes behind the wheel and youll get it.

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  Dont buy a BMW over Lexus or others - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Big Money Waster - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Since the purchase I have been plagued with mechanical issues that just shouldnt happen in a flagship vehicle like this. Heres the list: - Door handle broke off in my hand. - AC system noises took 4 trips to eliminate (most components replaced) - Front suspension vibration took 3 visits to resolve (bushings worn out after only 22k miles!!) - Battery replacement (dealer wanted $250) - Engine gaskets leaking (not heads) - Power steering hose leaking (replaced) - Stereo is terrible - Loud AC noise from engine compartment - Check engine light comes on for no known reason Im selling this overpriced hunk of metal and going back to Lexus or Mercedes.