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:

• 

  Read before you buy - 2001 BMW X5
  By CRJ Driver - April 22 - 2:05 pm

  I do not own this car any more. This was the car that made me switch brands for good. I am like most of you. I dont mind paying as long as I get my moneys worth. I did not. Reliability is a big issue with me. I have had it until it went out of warranty, only owner, always kept up with the services, 11 pages of records from day one. Little things, dead battery, window regulators, Nav screen, abs sensors, vacuum leaks (intake manifold) MAF sensor, self leveling rear suspension sensors, A/C sensor, oil separator, among other things. Other than that, fun car to drive when not in shop. Well built, smooth engine but the fear of something going wrong anytime overshadows the driving experience.

• 

  Good News and Bad News - 2003 BMW X5
  By lnesq - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Handles like a dream, real performance vehicle. Gives you the pick up you need at stop lights and when you need to pass. Interior center console is useless,does it ever occur to designers that people might have different uses for these? Forget the cup holders, or at least allow me to remove them if I wish. The manual AC is a mystery. There is no way to figure out the controls, something about blue dots and red dots and several little dials need to be lined up in some sort of order. Who knows.

• 

  Lemon after 100K miles - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Tom - April 11 - 4:19 pm

  Great name except it is always in the shop. Car troubles include high pressure A/C hose, crankcase vent valve and accessories, hazard switch replaced, front window going down slowly,computer module needs replacement total repair costs of $1,585. I have burned oil from the moment it left the showroom. One quart every 1,000 to 2,000 miles. I will never buy a BMW again. I thought BMWs last 200K- 250K. It might cost me that in repair bills if I keep it that long.

• 

  2013 550i - 2013 BMW 5-Series
  By William - April 10 - 1:29 am

• 

  Little disappointed - 2007 BMW M5
  By georgoi - April 3 - 3:43 pm

  This was one of the first 6 speed MT cars in the US and I have to admit I was pretty angry to find out the traction control could not be turned off no one told me this ahead of time. This is not in keeping with the M car concept. I dont know if this approach is an attempt to save the driveline or save drivers from themslves but either way, this should have been made clear BEFORE the car got to the US. I dont think I would have bought it if I had known. Otherwise the car is very well appointed and fun to drive. Handling even without EDC on is very good. Brakes are outstanding. Cant get over 12 mpg no matter how I drive, but what can you expect from a car like this?

• 

  Need more on the inside - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Shahzadee - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The car is small, not much more they could do for comfort. For that price more should have been included like Mercedes. We were told BMWs are such great cars they donÂ’t need to include the fluff. I strongly disagree. At that price, heated seats, CD changer, automatic softop, dimmer light, car mats should ALL BE INCLUDED. Customer service-lousy. The car is gone as soon as the fun wares off. My daughter drives a ercedes and we are having second thoughts. If you want fun, go for it. If you want comfort, class, fluff, and great customer service: Look elsewhere. Feel free to email me with any questions @ shahzadee@aol.com

• 

  Fun to drive, but... - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By photown - March 31 - 3:04 pm

  Feels as solid as a tank. Could be quicker but fun nonetheless. Handles as if on rails. The controls are in all of the right places. Looks to kill. Perfect car, but its an absolute money pit to own. Spent $6000 on repair bills including water pump, computer ($2000), rear-end bushings, 3 window actuators ($375/each) and other misc. parts. Dealer wanted to do even more repairs totaling $4000 (replacing radiator and expansion tank was $2500!). Walk away uless it comes with a very good extended warranty.

• 

  Fun car for good weather - 2006 BMW M3
  By traktorist - March 27 - 9:51 am

  Ive had the car for about 9 months now. The driving experience has been great fun. The only problem Ive had has been the recent snowfall (I do know that the car is not meant for driving in snow). The other problem was that I acquired the car through BMWs European Delivery. The so-called "re-delivery" was hopelessly late. And BMW will not compensate you when your car arrives late. Neither will the dealership. Beware of the European delivery!

• 

  Overall a good vehicle but pricey - 2007 BMW X3
  By franz g - March 26 - 9:10 am

  Great vehicle dynamics silky smooth transmission good trunk space switched from FX 35 which was a great car. Has less interior storage compartments than FX 35. Nowhere near the interior quality of the FX. My X3 has a sticker price of 44k and can you belive in that price is not even a car alarm included. But what is bothering me is those very cheap controls on the radio as well as steering wheel. The radio control button is awful! BMW please! I also miss that beautiful vehicle information screen. Sound system just ok. Car has a little wind noise at speeds above 55 mph. City mileage 18-19 mpg. Highway 24-25 mpg so far.

• 

  Mighty M5 - 2006 BMW M5
  By pgrantsr - March 23 - 1:43 pm

  Ive only had my M5 for a month but in that time I have come to appreciate the beauty of this car. Sport car performance in a four door sedan. Engine that sings a beautiful song and has performance to match. Handling almost as good as my S2000 but without the harshness. Interior amenities to match any other manufacturer. The only downside is the poor gas mileage, but that is not the reason I bought this car.