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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  Its fun... - 2004 BMW X3
  By Mikeypny - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for 5 days.. and beside being nervous about leaving it within range of other car doors, Its nothing but fun. Rides very well... handles amazingly, has adequate power-- - comfortable, relatively spacious, and has that new BMW smel--- what more could I want?

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  BMW X3 2.5 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Mrtdono - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Back Door gives no Warning Light if not Secured. Beware! Alarm Functions are not programed. Veichle Options, should be standard. Other than that the SAV is OK. Not up to PAR for what 3 series comparison.

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  My new BMWer...Our dream car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Mark - March 18 - 2:40 am

  Being military overseas in Germany I was able to purchase our New 5 series at well below what the U.S dealers ask. My wife and I saved thousands and were able to get the 525xi with all the "toys" and luxury items we wanted and deserved. This car is awesome! The mileage this weekend touring Germany got us 30.9 MPG.

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  PERSONALY TOOK IT UP TO 148MPH. GREAT !! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By BROKERN1 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car last april for my wife as she graduated with honors. It is electric red and natural brown and every possible option in it. What a head turner. So far I have almost 4,000 miles on it w/out any problem except one !!! I cant stay away from this car. Every time I need to go somewhere I constantly ask my wife to give me the keys to the bimmer. It is so much fun to drive. I personally have a Lexus GS430 and yes I do agree that I have much more power but who needs it - - if it comes w/out handling. This car has been personally engineered for anybody who is a control freak at speeds about 130 miles per hour. I have driven it at 148 mph - nic

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  IF YOU DONT HAVE THE BMW Z4, BUY IT! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By rey - March 10 - 2:00 am

  it is ausome. especelly at firebird racway (phoenix, AZ). Ive always liked nice cars, but this is beyond nice, this, is the next Aston Martin vanquish. No doubts about it!

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  IF YOU DONT HAVE THE BMW Z4, BUY IT! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Rey - March 10 - 2:00 am

  it is ausome. especelly at firebird racway (phoenix, AZ). Ive always liked nice cars, but this is beyond nice, this, is the next Aston Martin vanquish. No doubts about it!

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  DO NOT BUY BMW - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By NEVERMORE - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Mistakenly picked 330i instead Volvo S60 T5. Paid $6500 extra for lack of quality, performance and RELIABILITY. Had it serviced 5 times, including towed for mechanical failure. The Volvo S70T5 never gave me ANY problems. Volvo service was never great but never treated me like bastard son the 3Series customer is viewed there. I thought to be buying exclusivity but see myself surrounded by hundreds in the hood. The bad quality wasnt paired by 1/3 of domestics I had for 15 years. Ill sell it a.s.a.p and move back to the beutiful, reliable, powerful and high quality Volvo S60T5.

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  Hope you have money to throw away - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Randy - March 8 - 6:30 am

  Bought my wife a 335i convertible after she was rear ended totaling her Honda S2000. she drove the care 3 months and the water pump had to be replaced. then the rear wheel bearings had to be replaced. Then the Turbos went out. this car has been sitting in the shop more than it has been driven. What a piece of junk.

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  Former Z3 owner gets a Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Colin Erven - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Its my 2nd BMW Roadster, and all I can say is WOW! Its as if BMW read my mind. The Z3 is a FANTASTIC car, but it had its flaws: Plastic rear window, anemic stereo, squirrelly rear- end, too much body flex, etc. BMW listened and fixed EVERYTHING! Ive had the car for a week (Z4 3.0, sport package, premium package, etc), and with each passing mile my smile only gets bigger. Overall, Im in heaven. This car is as close to perfect as I can find. Its 11:00 at night and I just got back from another pointless run to the market for something I didnt need. Excuses to drive are easy to find. The car is just too sweet to let sit.

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  How BMW lost a 15 year customer - 2012 BMW X5
  By Don Louis - March 1 - 8:45 pm

  We bought two X5s, one in 2001, one in 2011. The 2012 X5 has 28K miles on it and warranty expired in October 15. In early October, the car called BMW and said service was required. We took it and they could not say what service was needed. We told them to replace the wipers since we were there on our $1,000+ extended service plan. So far we have gotten two sets of wipers and two oil changes for our $1000. Dont buy that plan from them. It covers little. In December 15 the vehicle was leaking oil in the garage. They determined it was leaking from a hose going to the turbocharger and fixed it as a courtesy beyond the warranty period at no charge. 45 days later it was leaking again in the same spot in the garage. This time it was determined that the turbocharger needed replaced. They agreed to replace it with a 5% deductible of $263. Each trip there is painful. The service department is grossly understaffed. Today there was one adviser there, with a line waiting to see her. She was literally running, doing her best. After a 10 minute wait to pay and a 10 minute wait to get the vehicle, I was out. The car smells like glue really strong. I got an appraisal too, no longer having peace of mind. Our $60K car is now worth $24K after 4 years and 4 months, and 28,000 miles. BMW no longer holds its value. Our 15 years of BMW loyalty are at an end. The quality of product has declined, and the dealer experiences are time consuming and frustrating. BMW is supposed to give you peace of mind and the ultimate driving experience. For us, they have failed.