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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  Looks are deceiving - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Eddy P. - March 30 - 6:07 pm

  Mechanical issues all the time, 60k and so far have had to replace; The Alternator, Sparkplugs, coils, breaks, roaders, the battery. Also seems to be a big issue with the ABS module on this model. It goes bad and the Start light, Break light, and cruise control go off. To replace it is pretty expensive depending where you take it. So while the car is nice, make sure you only lease a BMW not what I expected when I got it. Not buying another one anytime soon.

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  Not up to BMW M standards - 2007 BMW M5
  By Bruschak - March 16 - 3:14 pm

  Too heavy, not a precise and agile M car as its forebears were. Most of the performance is completely unusable in daily driving. Prepare to be beat at every stoplight unless you are really on it. I think J. Clarkson said it best: completely annoying until you hit the M button. Too bad you cant use that button for 95% of your driving meaning you will have a really annoying car for 95% of the time you are driving. Sold mine a bought Porsche: a massive improvement in just about every way.

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  Dont buy BMW X5 - 2008 BMW X5
  By 2008 BMW X5 - February 12 - 6:56 pm

  This SUV handles like truck and rides like truck in regular road. I took it to off road recently, I wish I could return it, it was worst riding than 18 wheelers. (1) In 2 months A/C motor had to be replace. (2) Back up light at night is so bad you can not see the curb (try it). (3) You need to continually give gas to go forward, or it will drastically slow down. (4) Now motor sit adjusting on the drive side makes noise. (5) So on, it is just bad SUV.

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  Learn from our mistakes - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By MBH - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 BMW 330ci is an awful vehicle. I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle.. It is my third BMW and I am very surpridsed at this. I have lost a lot of respect for BMW after having this vehicle. This will be the last BMW I will ever purchase. I am sorry I wasted my money and BMW lost a faithful customer.

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  Wait for a later model - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Bavarian Motor Works - January 4 - 8:53 pm

  The sport suspension is too firm for highways and city streets riddled with pot holes and bumps. Too stiff for a daily commute, but not bad for a weekend drive with twists and turns. The interior is plain, cold and somewhat stifled. The cup holders are too small and not deep enough. Turning the corner could knock your coffee onto your leather seats and stain the carpet. Plus, the drivers cup holder is on the passengers side. Simply put, ill interior design. I would expect more luxury from this brand for the price and reliability and longevity.

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  going to MB - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By MrBreadToast - October 17 - 10:00 am

  trading it in because of all the electronic problems. Nothing but a hassle

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  Flashy headache - 2008 BMW X6
  By MrObjective - September 24 - 9:00 am

  Sure, it gets attention, but I wish more attention had been given to practical design. Its nearly impossible to see out of the rear window making reverse a dangerous exercise. The rear view camera display states to "never rely solely on camera" when thats exactly what the driver must do. Side vision is also hampered by the steep drop off of the front fenders--the driver cant tell see the outboard edge of the car. The liftgate has two opening heights, but getting past the low one is fiddly at best, making loading anything back there a long reach into a shallow slit opening. Super- expensive tires. People will look at you, alright, but Id rather the car be more user friendly.

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  Luxury headache - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By BMW Maven - September 2 - 7:41 pm

  Very overrated in terms of mechanical reliability. Numerous problems along the way that we never experienced with less expensive cars. yes, there is good road handling: acceleration and road handling is high quality. But the car has been embarrassingly unreliable (the 2010 model) and the dealership even seems wearied by this years inconsistencies. Furthermore, the interior design, as one grows accustomed to it, is simply dumb. Audi and Mercedes are far advanced compared to BMWs lack of imagination.

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  Overpriced Horrid BMW Model - 2008 BMW X3
  By Marc - August 27 - 5:54 pm

  This is an update of an original posting. The BMW X3 has HORRIBLE engine and transmission response. The dealer can not remedy it as no more software updates are out from BMW but I do not think any more computer programs will solve the potentially dangerous throttle response you do not go anywhere at times when merging. The navigation system is awful I had to buy a Magellan unit. The handling is sub-par, think the crappy cheap Pirelli STR part to blame but not up to BMW standards. BMW corporate is impossible to deal with they are of no help at all.

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  Disappointed - 2008 BMW X3
  By car guy - August 17 - 3:30 pm

  This is our second BMW, we are so disappointed with the quality of construction. The front bumper, a pathetic piece of plastic just buckled and fell when going over a bump. Told by a BMW service agent that this is happening so frequently with the x3 that people are not even bothering to fix the bumper, they just drive around with it hanging. This is unconscionably poor construction, design and quality. There are other issues with the quality of materials used in the construction of this car. This is definitely our last BMW and if it wasnt a lease, I would get rid of it immediately.