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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  Many Improvements Needed - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By TechJunkie - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Ti silver 04 330Ci with sport and premium packages and Al trim. PROS: Extremely fun to drive on any road! Smooth, sleek, beautiful and sexy exterior & interior. Plenty HP and torque. Tight suspension. Precision steering. CONS: Has issues cold starting in winter months. The climate control is not intuitive and doesnt remember to recirculate air. Too much wind noise at 70 MPH. Lifting seats will smash the back passengers feet. Insufficient leg room for rear passengers. Horrendous brake dust problems on wheels. Quirky electronics: trunk light flickers, OBC inaccurate. 60 cycle hum out of speakers on all 3 Series w/wo premium HK sound. 1 CD in-dash player w/o song repeat.

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  Worth the Aggravation - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By RAB - December 21 - 9:57 pm

  OK, Ive had problems. Most recently the alternator overcharging. BUT - there is nothing else like this car at this price point. I bought a fully loaded low mileage 02. Once you familiarize yourelf with the Steptronic transmission, you will never buy another brand of car - the performance is that good. And you have to consider the real source for a lot of the little issues - Germans simply do not care about brake dust, wind noise, or cup holders. They want a fast sport coupe that handles well and stops well - period. If you like driving, then the 330Ci is for you.

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  Top Notch Vehicle - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Sully - December 20 - 10:55 am

  This has been a great car and one of the best I have own. For a convertible it is very practical although not very fuel economical. Overall have had very very few problems and the car always provides a great driving experience.

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  Sad to say - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By louis - December 15 - 11:49 pm

  Love the car when it is not in the shop.Purchased an 07 model in May 06. Car has 6000 mi and has been in the shop 40 days. First it had a steering angle sensor problem took 30 days for part to come in. Then a recall for shock absorbers. Then 3 trips for bluetooth problems and sunroof. After that had programming problem with air conditioner. Car is only 5 MONTHS OLD!

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  Richard Neft X5 SUV - 2007 BMW X5
  By Richard Neft - December 14 - 12:13 pm

  The X5 is a great SUV. This is my second X5. It is a great car, dependable and comfortable, safe and has many features.

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  Excellent.. BUT - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By MRF - December 13 - 2:47 pm

  While this is certainly the finest car Ive ever owned, I have been rather disappointed with a few items. Good stuff: This car has an amazing balance of handling prowess and ride quality. Its quiet (except for Dunlops) and feels planted at any speed. The sport seats are incredibly supportive and the controls are well-placed. Silver/black which is a stunning combination. No comparison to my Saab 9-5 in most ways. Main complaint comes from the seriously weak sound system (base system) and the creaks/rattles that come (Im told) from my fold down seats. Hey BMW, dont offer fold downs if you cant build them without resulting in rattles. Rust spots not covered by BMW (still fighting).

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  00 BMW 323 Wagon - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By R. Kataoka - December 8 - 12:20 am

  Pretty steady car, Great for small families, good performance, interior engineered well and is holding up fine. Real good on tires. First set went about 55K. The cons are not real bad but gas mileage - the auto transmission tank vents and dirt accumulated in the engine compartment. Lots of brake dust and get used to cleaning it - all the time. I would buy another. Repairs are a bit pricey.

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  Noisy Engine - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Kel - December 2 - 2:00 am

  First time BMW owner. Heard engine noise from front. Drove with a BMW senior technician. He said its normal. You can notice the engine noise is louder than a 323i. I was told its bcoz the engine is smaller compare to 323i but produce same power, and more noise! You can hear the car scream when it climbs a hill.

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  BMW Owner No More - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By JUAN B - December 1 - 3:04 pm

  I always wanted a BMW, this was my first and maybe my last. I have not driven the car one day without a light coming on. Either the turning lights (I havent figured out the problem) or the check engine light, or the ABS and the list goes on. There is a lot of noise coming into the cabin from the suspension. The moonroof was always a problem. It is not a family friendly car, my babys stroller barely fits in the trunk, and with the drivers seat in the driving position, not even my 6 year old would fit. I had to service the A/C because a low pressure hose broke. I hate sounding so negative, but it is true. I ended up buying another car, not a bimmer.

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  My First was the Best - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By thewonger - November 28 - 3:17 pm

  My 1st BMW was 1998 5-series that I regret not keeping. Im on my 3rd 5- series and seriously considering another brand. The gas tank has been replaced, passenger side window motor replaced, the trunk opened randomly (finally figured out it was a faulty switch), alarm went off in my garage and it wasnt even armed (from what Ive read, this was likely due to low battery drain), rt-rear passenger didnt always lock during drive-away, and passenger-side airbag sensor replaced. I like driving the car and the looks are great, but to have a $50k+ car in the shop so many times in 2 years is too much.