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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  Enjoyable Ride - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By tommoss - November 15 - 7:01 pm

  This has been a most enjoyable car to own, albeit expensive to maintain. Road manners are great this car is not nippy but nonethless has plenty of power when you need it. I had great fun driving through the mountains in the west and out performed every other car on the road through the twisting gradients. Loved the seating and the luxurious interior and the great sound system. The absence of a built in compass and no automatic headlight cut-off was disappointing. Just after having spent money on new electronic displays, cupholder, etc. have now had damage created by being hit by a flying deer. A new hood will cost me $1700. How much more money do I want to put into an 11-year old car?

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  Interesting package - 2004 BMW X3
  By Volkot - November 15 - 10:00 am

  My X3 2.5 got all options but premium sound, 10-way seats and heated steering. After reading reviews, I was afraid of the build problems, but my car got almost none. Reflex LCD Nav unit and sunroof are great. Interior material quality is fine (same as Z4). Engine is ok for everyday drive, would feel better w/manual. So 3.0 is not really needed, unless you think you can race an SUV. I mostly miss alarm, premium sound and lumbar support. Also do not expect much in electronics dept, as Austria is far behind Japan for things like MP3 and bluetooth. Also, typical to BMW, most necessities (i.e. all-weather mats) are not standard.

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  Excellent Value! - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By BTinDallas - November 14 - 9:08 pm

  I was in the market for a car after losing my company car. I looked at a lot of offerings and finally decided on the 530i. I bought it about 4 mos. ago and love it. This is my 2nd BMW (my other is a 1988 M6) and it is everything I thought it would be. I bought mine with 65K on the odo, but it is a CPO car with the 100K warranty. It is probably the best value out there. I got one of the best sport sedans made, with a factory warranty, for under 21 grand! Im glad I got the sport package, it really adds to the looks and handling!

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  Its an OK Vehicle - 2005 BMW X3
  By Tom Cuomo - November 7 - 4:10 pm

  I recently leased a BMW X3. The vehicles is nice. But BMW could give you more standard features. One example is Fog Lights which cheaper SUVs have as standard equipment and cruise control. Come on BMW engineers this is a BMW not a KIA or Hyundai. You even have a space on the bumper that looks like fog lights. I already got stuck with the car it wouldnt start with only 1500 miles on it. The BMW road service had to flat bed the car and bring it back to the dealer. The dealer tried to talk me out of a loaner. I got a loaner finally, a Toyota Camry which was ok. When I got the BMW back they did not replace the little cover on the bumper used for towing and it was dirty. Is that BMW service?

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  not a reliable vehicle - 2003 BMW X5
  By pcc - November 6 - 2:00 am

  A very disappointing vehicle. Our X5 is in the shop an average of every six weeks for various problems. It has been recalled several times. The interior door handle finish is peeling off on all four handles (supposedly, this is "normal" wear and tear - sure, if this were a ten year old car!). The steering wheel makes a horrible grinding noise in cold weather (three visits, not fixed - a piece fell out recently). The latest problem - the seal on the sunroof is starting to fail. This vehicle is not up to usual BMW standards. We are getting rid of it this week.

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  Buyer beware - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By john samson - November 3 - 8:38 am

  I would recommend this car to no one, I bought mine last year with 40,000 miles. It was like it was brand new, then I heard a banging noise under the car. The frame of the car had come apart itÂ’s a little known design flaw. I ended up paying $4700 to get it fixed. The car has always run great, handles great, but you would expect more from BMW then for it to fall a apart at 50000 miles. So buyer beware.

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  2006 530i Disappointment - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By helodrive - November 1 - 6:55 pm

  I have taken the car back 7 times in a little over a year for repairs. I am very disappointed with BMW and will not buy another. The day I picked the car up I had to return it because the SOS system was not working, iDrive went out, the sunroof had to be repaired to work correctly, warning for high battery drain (2 times), window anti-trap warning, rough idle.

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  A Bad Year - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Joe - November 1 - 11:53 am

  Amid the favorable reviews I must interject some objective facts. We purchased our 525IA on a lease turn-in and spent $9,000 repairing and maintaining it over the course of 3.7 years. Reliability was awful, having stranded my family four times. Once each for fuel pump, A/C compressor seizure, self-destructing water pump, and seized belt idler pulley. When asking BMW of North America, they apologized for my model year being one of the "Dark Ages" vehicles where they outsourced the offending parts and/or labor. When the question of service came up, they sent me a standard form letter. Stay away.

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  Pleasure and pain - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By cobra27 - October 30 - 6:19 pm

  I bought the car w/38k miles. In the 22k Ive put on it, its given me lots of smiles, and also had me cursing at it. Its a great performer and handler, but Ive replaced a mass air sensor, camshaft sensor, CD changer and more. Im not sure if I would get another one.

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  Excellent Car, Questionable Value - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By quikkash - October 28 - 11:23 pm

  This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. The engine is smooth and feels more powerful than its advetised 215 hp. Manual transmission is slick and precise. Base model is well equipped, which is fortunate because options make the price unreasonable very fast. Keep the pedal off the firewall and fuel economy is average. Zing it to the redline between every stoplight (much fun!) and economy will suffer greatly. Ride is firm and controlled with base suspension, but not harsh. Have had no mechanical problems in the 3000 miles Ive owned it. Base stereo is passable, but disappointing in a car of this stature. A great car, but probably not the best value available for your money.