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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  Great handling - electronic bugs - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Paul M - March 21 - 11:13 pm

  I have the curent body style BMW 530i, purchased near the end of 2003, when they first came out in Toronto. The driving experience is incredible. Handling is excellent compared to every other car I have driven. I tested many before buying the 530, including Volvo R60, Porche Cayenne, Audi A4/S4/A6, Mercedes SL500, Jag XJ-S, and loads of rental sedans. It has a heavy, solid feel compared to most other cars. A muscle car like a Mustang feels like there is more under the hood but the BMW is much more refined and very sporty. I took the BMW driving course and have gained a greater appreciation for the computer controls that keep you on the road. This car needs winter tires for snow conditions.

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  Problematic 545 - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By mark levi - March 18 - 8:10 pm

  The 545 is a beautiful car with speed and handling performance that is exceptional. However, the iDrive is very difficult to navigate and we had problems with error messages on our screen from the beginning. There was always at least one and sometimes as many as 3 warning displays. The dealer was never able to fix them and didnt respond to our continued complaints. We finally turned it in about 24 months into a 36 month lease.

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  Best Ragtop For The Money - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ElectricCatfish - March 17 - 9:27 pm

  After being a loyal Jag owner I went back to Bavaria and Im not disappointed. After spending time in numerous droptops ranging from the cramped Boxster to the ample powered XK8 I stumbled upon an 01 330CiC with 40k on the clock and ohhhh was I ever sold after the initial test drive. The build quality is incredible (far above the XK) and the performance is all there (I cant imagine this car with the M engine). The top drops with the push of a button and is silky smooth. The premium/sport options give you all the luxuries you want: xenons, hotseats and H/K audio for starters and interior noise is deathly quiet even at 100. There simply isnt a more perfect ragtop under $30k.

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  M3 after Nissan Maxima - 2002 BMW M3
  By Yelis63103 - March 17 - 6:17 pm

  Japanese reliability and German reliability are 2 different things. My 95 Nissan Maxima had 165k miles and almost no problems. 02 M3 with 40k miles (bought with 28k) does have some issues. 1. Before 28k miles engine: overheating + minor repairs. After 28k miles: water pump failed, windows/locks control module failed, navigation failed + minor issues. If you buy German car, make sure you have warranty. I have 100k miles and 2 years left on mine. Other then that the car is nice. SMG is #1 transmission in the world. DSC does wonders to save your life. Convertible looks sexy! And S54 engine considered to be #1 winner engine in the world from 3 to 4 litters from 2001 to 2006.

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  BMW Cut Some Interior Corners - 2007 BMW X3
  By Cathy Tulman - March 4 - 8:23 pm

  Time to downsize from Lincoln Aviator. 07 X3 is perfect size and 1/3 less to fill gas tank. Fun to drive, agile, smooth and quick. Interior disappointing. Have an 07 BMW 328xi and expected equivalent interior comfort features on X3 but BMW did not provide them: (1) heat/AC system is not dual, has no vent in rear seat, and no heat circulation when engine off (2) leather/comfort of sport seats inferior to 3 series (3) radio Bluetooth features are limited compared to 3 series (4) heated seats weak. The iPod add-on connection is awful - cant hook-up while driving, shows "Track #" not song name, cord too short, takes glove compartment space - use standard auxiliary. Park assist feature annoying.

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  If only it didnt have RFT tires.... - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By rrl - March 1 - 4:46 am

  BMW dropped the ball on this car. They equipped it with (no choice) run flat tires and no spare. The ride on these tires is downright frightening with each bump in the road being bone jarring! No kidding... hit a pothole and you could lose the fillings in your teeth. It should be a dealbreaker for anyone considering this car. The push button start/stop switch is an unecessary joke. do not even think about leaving the car with a valet... he wont be able to shut it off or if he does the next shift wont be able to start it. Ive actually posted a sign with instructions when I am forced to valet park. This is my fifth and last BMW unless this arrogant manufacturer replaces these tires.

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  Underpowered - 2007 BMW X5
  By Frank - February 26 - 4:49 pm

  Bought new 2007 X5 sight unseen. Ordered in October, picked up car in January. In gently rolling area the X5 3.0 seems underpowered. The transmission is constantly shifting and feels like it is straining. If you really put your foot on the gas, its not as noticeable. Love the design, in fact am trading in for the X5 4.8. Its going to cost, but my mistake.

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  Run Flat Tires are No Good - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By beverly5534 - February 26 - 2:13 pm

  I love my new 328i wagon. Plenty of room for two little dog crates even with the back seat up. Get decent MPG, certainly better than my x5 got. Handles wonderfully, rides GREAT, iDrive is fun, GPS is amazing, and I get lots of compliments on the color combo (barbaro red with tan interior). The thing I hate are the run-flat tires! I have my second flat in the 4 months I own the car. Not the cars fault, but I now need to take hours to drive to the dealer, wait for them to sell me another tire. I dont have time for this, not to mention the cost. I want to be able to change/fix the flat and get on with my life.

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  Disappointing 325xi - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By T Nguyen - February 20 - 7:14 am

  I bought it new in 2002. Since then, had to bring it back to the dealer for replacing (4) window operators. Alternator defect found after the 2nd year. After 5 years - just magically right after warranty expired! - rear window molding is peeled off (found to be attached to the car body via "stick-on" glue! - is this really German engineering?) and whenever it rains water is found puddling up in all footwells. The dealer tried to fix door seals 4 times, but water/moisture still infiltrate. Hint for other bmw owners: If your car windshield is fogging up after rainy weather, check under the floor mat! One more problem: power connector for the front seat operator is a cheap clip-on!! BMW value engineering is so disappointing!

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  Keeps on going - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By roys - February 17 - 6:42 pm

  This is a great car. The kind you WANT to keep on the road. Engine will run for 300,000 miles. Happy motoring.