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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  Still In Love - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By D. - November 28 - 1:44 pm

  The car looks and drives great. The size is perfect for me. My boyfriend has even been offered phone numbers from women while he was out washing my car & NOT his Infiniti G35! Here are the issues Ive seen. Drivers door wont open when its raining. My "1-touch" sunroof wont close with 1 touch, I have to hold the button. Molding peels in South Florida heat. Trunk button in the car doesnt works. The biggest issue is the height of the car. I know it helps with stability & avoiding rollover but new & potential owners: ALWAYS BACK YOUR 3-SERIES IN WHEN THERE IS A CEMENT STOPPER! Its the only way to go. Ive replaced my front bumper cover twice.

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  BMW M6 Convertible - 2007 BMW M6
  By NabeO - November 27 - 10:48 pm

  I was excited when my dealer told me a new black M6 convertible was in stock so I rushed out to get this baby. About a month of ownership later, I am so disappointed with this car that I may burn my BMW fan club card. Im close to swearing off BMWs and giving Mercedes or Lexus a try. I loved BMWs in the first place due to their engineering, reliability, style, and service. So far, the M6Cs engineering is questionable, reliability pitiful, style passable, and though the BMW service is superb, it has nothing to do with the physical car itself! My new M6C has been in the shop 4x in the last month and needless to say, its the most unreliable BMW Ive ever purchased and Ive owned 6 so far.

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  What a car should be - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By grovesd - November 26 - 1:56 pm

  I have owned my BMW 528i since June, 2000. It has 85,000 miles and I have had only one significant repair - an electronic component affecting the transmissions performance. Other than that, this car has been a dream to own and drive. It has loads of safety features and drives like a car should drive. Its a solid, responsive, road- hugging blast. The inline 6 is throaty and powerful although you wont be pinned to your seat like the V8 540i. Two gripes for me - the bucket seats are not comfortable in long drives and the environmental controls require too much button mashing. What the heck is wrong with a knob? Still very happy and Ill own this car for at least another 50,000 miles.

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  One week old - 2007 BMW 6-Series
  By lannyger - November 25 - 9:03 pm

  I purchased a 2007 650i convertible one week ago and here are my initial comments. The iDrive was easier to learn then I expected and, though working, the radio is certainly more complicated then having a couple of buttons, still the iDrive gives you access to many sophisticated features. That said, my wife, who owns a 2002 BMW 535, will not replace that car with another BMW if it has an iDrive which is too complex for her to operate.

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  BMWs review - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Stefano Vranca - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The car is wonderful driving machine. It handles very well. I had a few problems with some fixtures but overall I am very satisfied.

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  Great car but still needs improvement... - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By RAV - November 24 - 10:00 am

  325i - 5M, sport package, leather seat, moonroof, HK sound, xenon lights - Tight steering, great handling, love the gearbox. Ill probably add a couple of things to increase the power/torque. Should probably cost 2K less, unless that 2K is the price you pay for being in the club. I would recommend the 330i over the 325i if you can afford it. Overall, its a great car.

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  Update from previous review. - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By SLW - November 23 - 7:13 pm

  Now have 72,000 miles on car. Have replaced the radiator, water pump (left me stranded) valve cover gaskets, power steering hoses. Down to one functioning cup holder. Replaced one catalytic converter for a thousand bucks and the other one sounds like its rattling (I hope its the other one!). Blowing fuses on remote locking system and had to unplug the gas filler door actuator to stop it. Headlight adjusters broke. Still love the car though. Fun car but not Lexus reliability by any means.

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  Overall Great Car - 2006 BMW X3
  By Robb - November 21 - 2:13 pm

  I went from the 325i to X3 and have overall been pleased. Minor issues are only one cup holder in middle many come stock with fake leather- it looks terrible and doesnt wear well either. Go for the REAL THING! It does feel more like a sports vehicle than luxury. But, its fun to drive!

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  Compromises with Few Compromises - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By VA22204guy - November 21 - 11:28 am

  Purchased this car with 44k miles. Has nearly every option available (sport pkg, xenon, winter, auto). Little did I know how expensive the 50k mi checkup would be $1,400! In addition, I had to replace all four wheels/tires with the horrible Wash, DC potholes. Stuck with the OEM Contis -- mediocre but not too expensive. So, I found the secret to keeping the tires/rims OK: Inflate to 38psi. That stopped the sidewall bubbles and I havent had a rim problem since (except for my poor parking skills). Since the $1,400 job (two years ago), no major issues. Gas mileage isnt great (city+hwy ~21avg). The best small car I will ever own! Love the AWD, handling, engine, power. A handsome car.

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  Dont keep it Past Warranty Period - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By keywestmike - November 20 - 3:46 pm

  This car was originally owned by Dave Thomas of Wendys fame, he turned it in in March 2000 I bought it in May. Smoothest most fun car to drive ever. However, you must no keep it beyond BMWs Certified Warranty four years from purchase or 100,000 miles. I have 87500 miles on it now and the maintenance has been $8000.00. Apparently these cars are designed for heavy mileage but will start falling apart at age eight.