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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  Ignition lock up - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Sree - January 6 - 5:06 pm

  I got my new 06 525i last week. The ignition locked up this morning. The key will not go in at all. Road side assistance told me to wait 30 minutes since this could be an anti-theft protection. However, even after 1 hr the ignition was locked up. I called up the dealter and I was told that to have the road side assistance tow the car in. Not good for a one week old car. Otherwise, the car was driving great..

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  Happy m5 owner - 2006 BMW M5
  By jdyjak - January 2 - 1:24 pm

  This is an incredible sports sedan, lots of power at very high RPMs, Im still in the break-in period, so I have not pushed it that far yet. Im a little disappointed the launch control that had been advertised is not available in the U.S. overall Im very happy with this vehicle, if you consider purchasing this vehicle remember there is a reason why there is a $3,700.00 gas guzzler tax, this car drinks it.

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  Great Car, But... - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By methodmadness - January 2 - 1:03 am

  Ive had this car for about a year and Ive had little to complain about. The car is very fun to drive and very comfortable. However, the run flat tires are AWFUL and need to be replaced with regular tires. They make every bump a jarring experience, and make hitting minor potholes feel like you just got hit with a sledgehammer. They also seem to have some deleterious effect on high-speed cornering maneuvers.

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  Know your preference - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By JoeMarlin - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Without a doubt the performance is outstanding and the exterior design is quite elegant. I enjoy driving this vehicle. However, problems have made ownership much less satisfying than it should be. (MINOR: window squeaking, passenger door hard to close, moonroof shade off track, loose DSC related connection, popping noise in rear, clunking noise in 1st gear, bulbs frequently failing. MAJOR: failed ?sensor leading to engine overheating, vehicle shutting off at low speed while stopping). In sum, know your expectation (performance or reliability) and pick accordingly. Consumer Reports removed its recommended rating due to reliability problems.

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  good but not perfect - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By hrp - January 1 - 10:00 am

  The BMW 540i is fun to drive but lacks interior comfort. Why cant they build a car with the comfort of a Lexus or Mercedes on the interior with the good looks of a BMW on the outside. I have owned three Mercedes and ejoyed their interiors and comfort but always thought the drive was not spunky or exciting. The 540i delivers a thrilling ride and wonderful handling, but I miss the comfort. Am I too old for this car?

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  goodoptions, superb handling, weak acceleration - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Alan - January 1 - 6:09 am

  I have owned this car for over 4 years. The options and interior beat out many of the newer cars available today ( adaptive xenon, leather interior, wood trim, fine stitching, interior lighting, hill descent control). The ride is very good and typical on highways of the best luxury cars, the ride on rough terrain or around town is painful given the suspension. I enjoyed driving this car; in the rain and adverse conditions this car offered incredible and confident road handling, great visibility and solid performance. Braking and handling are classic and sharp; heated seats and steering wheel are better than on any car Ive owned or tested. The trunk was deep given the lack of spare and provided ample storage for a coupe. Passing was always a breeze. Now for the negative... the 0-60 specs are around 7+ seconds which are pathetic for any car, the maintenance is painful, a 3 series is an entry level luxury car and I was shocked at the cost to maintain , every time i took it to the shop after 70k miles it needed something. The windows always fogged in cold and/or rainy weather and keeping the defroster on always made the cabin way too hot. It was impossible to keep a good temperature (notable BMW problem). The speedometer was always 5-10MPH faster than i was actually going (another notable bimmer problem-they purposely inflate to make it seem faster). After owning for a few years the depreciation in the vehicle was awful, everyone talks about the value of BMW but they dont hold it. All in all it is a great car with high quality assets but a fair amount of "manageable" downfalls. Bottom line is : you will enjoy the car and it is a better option over many newer vehicles however it will cost you to maintain and watch those potholes.

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  Im very happy - 2006 BMW X3
  By 05x3 - December 31 - 6:46 pm

  I got my X3 3.0 in March 2005. This vehicle has everything I need. Besides a few small problems the car works fine. This the the 4th BMW Ive owned. I live in downtown Chicago and this is an ideal vehicle for city driving. Great turning radius!

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  Still fun - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By cabimmer - December 30 - 8:15 pm

  Bought this car after owning a 95 M3 for its four doors, steptronic tranny and luxury features. Still fun to drive, always feel the difference after being in the wifes Lexus SUV. BMW engine, tranny and handling are great, but the interior and electronics are subpar. The newer ones are getting better, but I just dont think the germans know as much about electronics as the japanese do (Ive owned 2 BMWs, 2 VWs, and 2 Hondas). On the flip side, BMW just feels better on the road than the japanese cars do. Overall a very positive experience!

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  Wish it used less gas - 2005 BMW X3
  By yetialan - December 30 - 12:56 am

  Wow what a great car/truck/suv. I would expect it to get better gas mileage since it is based on a car platform. Awesome ride and handling and what an amazing sunroof. Got the red leather interior. Interesting no one has it so it looks sharp. Easy navigation system. Not that much room in the trunk area but certainly enough. Feels rock solid on the road and safe. Memory seating build into key fob has to be one of the best features along with heated steering wheel. Great sunroof. It sure holds its value. Hope this helps. Thanks

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  Stepped up their game - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By R.J.Romae Llc - December 29 - 12:28 pm

  Driving this car compared to the previously owned 2002 same model there is a big difference. The car now has a big car feel, big car ride,and big car power. That along with its maintenace and warranty program make it fun to own and drive. I have owned a 318i, 525i, and three 530is this is the best one yet.