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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  Got out just in time. - 2007 BMW X5
  By Rich - May 2 - 8:03 am

  Our X5 was bought new in February 2007 and regularly maintained thereafter. It was our fourth Bimmer and, probably, our last. The car was comfortable, had good performance, and good looks. The I-drive was OK and there were enough knobs and buttons to help you avoid using it. Panoramic sunroof was great, wished wed used it more often. The first several years were uneventful, just what you want in a car. The last few, however, were anything but. We got to the point where we were afraid to take it out for more than 100 miles. We spent $3,400 getting a "valley" gasket fixed. That was the beginning, leaks began showing underneath the car. Not only oil but brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc. Our local, well-regarded BMW specialist said to get it steam cleaned top and bottom so they could assess where the leaks were coming from. I read horror stories from other owners about mid four figure repair costs for leaks, one guy spent $8,000! After the steam cleaning our mechanic wouldnt return my phone calls, I think he knew he could only give me very bad news if they put it up on their lift. The steam cleaner said not to drive the car very far after the cleaning because the leaks looked to be numerous. With great relief we traded it in on a new Acura RDX last week after having driven it 98,000 miles. The guys who write the BMW commercials should build the cars because BMW reliability is a thing of the past.

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  Excellent Car with minor issues. - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By Rolly64 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, lots of room and plenty of power. My issues is the rear shade not working and needs to be replaced (according to dealer) and the passenger side view mirror does not move when you go to reverse. So, do I get them fix for over $1,000 or leave it alone?

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  bmw7 - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By djp - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I cannot stop smiling while I drive this car. No need for a sports car anymore.

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  My Z3 is fun...but it can be improved - 1996 BMW Z3
  By Z3Luvr - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Z3 used with 40k miles and mint overall condition. It is very fun car to drive and the top should always be kept down. Most people that say this car is too slow never drive it properly. The M44 engine must be driven with the revs up above 3500rpm, which can be labeled as annoying for some and fun for others.

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  Careful - 1st Model Year! - 1996 BMW Z3
  By No longer a BMW fan - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This was my dream car - or so I thought. Stylings beautiful, but BMW missed the boat on designing this car for longevity. The car has literally been falling apart since it was about a year old...roof leaks, pieces falling off the dash, the door handles pulling out of the door, seat belt locking, air bag light staying on for first 5 minutes after starting the car. And, of course, once the warranty was up, the worst starting happening...and it costs a fortune to fix!

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  RW 92 525i - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Richard Wamboldt - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Caris basically excelent,however, numerous mechanical problems have been encountered: 3 burnt exhaust valves between 96000 and 123000 miles, A/C compressor failure at 82000, water pump total failure at 90000, fuel pump failure at 97000. The clutch, which I drove for 104000 required replacement recently and then, only the throwout bearing actually required replacement. The car is in excelent condition, no body damage and the leather interior is clean and undamaged. All functions are working.

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  BEWARE OF SMG PROBLEM - 2002 BMW M3
  By oettinger - May 1 - 2:00 am

  First time M3 buyer loved the car for about one week. After that it was pretty much a nightmare. The SMG starts to do funny thing like switch gear from the current gear to neutral, while in motion. The problem is due to bad hydraulic causing the gear to switch from gear to neutral. The car is still at the dealer WAITING for the part to arrive sometimes this week. I am just hoping this problem wont happened to anyone who is consider buying this car. This is a great car to drive but not its reliability. If you are consider of buying one do think twice before purchase it. Dame should have got myself a C32 AMG instead.

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  Not Bad - 2002 BMW X5
  By G. Balack - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I have the X5 3.0, 5 speed. My 94 Explorer cannot compare to this vehicle. My X5 has great handling, very comfortable and not bad on gas. At first I did not like it (which was strange), but the more I drive it I liked it more. Great Vehicle.

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  1994 325i - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By rgbraith - April 30 - 2:00 am

  If you love to drive and truly appreciate what that means, you cant find a better sedan for the money. The E36 chassis with a five-speed is superior to many of the sport sedans that are sold new in the US today. The car will do an honest 150, 60 in second gear, and gets 26 mpg in all around driving. I live in Wisconsin, and with snow tires it handles better than a front wheel drive car with average tires. Note, a stock 325i will not perform on par with the above, my car has a Dinan chip and B&B exhaust that increase the horsepower/torque to 210/210 (a rather conservative estimate), raise the rev limit safely to 7000 rpm and eliminate the top speed governor (normally 128 mph).

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  BMW RULES - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By BMWRULES - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Some say this car is ugly that is a matter of personal opinions. I, along with the many who purchased this vehicle (record sales numbers) think this car is a work of art. Some say this car is too complicated. WAKE UP!! Other car companies have already started trying to develop a similiar system to BMWs idrive. Why?? Because thats how all cars of the future will be. BMW just had the ballz to put it out first and suffer all the controversy. I love it. If you know how to use a computer (which you should living in 2002) you shouldnt have a problem, and once you get used to it, you will hate to get in an other car and look away from the road to change the radio station.