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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  Think twice - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By adc - December 27 - 11:19 am

  You need to remember that you are buying a luxury car and with that comes very expensive repairs / diagnostics. I have the 740i sport and the top of the line tires cost $300/each to replace. The cost to replace a battery is over $300. Synthetic oil changes cost around $200. Prepare to spend a least a few thousand dollars on upkeep of this car and also, be very aware that its rear- wheel drive. If you live anywhere that is prone to ice/snow, think twice about this car! Fun to drive / nice looking car did not outweigh the costs associated with ownership for me. I seem to be one of the few dissenters on how great these cars are.

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  Sporty car - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Nicole - December 24 - 6:03 am

  This is my first BMW, I said for my 25 b-day I will get one and I did. I have always loved bimmers. Its a nice ride and the sport seats are great for my back. The only down side is it takes a lot of gas, but hey its a bmw not my old 04 honda civic, in l.a. traffic.

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  Great car but reliability is awful - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jcwizard - December 24 - 12:24 am

  I fell in love with the look, performance, and premium features of this car. Ive owned it for 2.5 years and it has been at the dealer for repairs about 12 times. No major problems but problems nonetheless that require constant repairs. Defective battery, leaking headlight washer system, broken trunk lock, rattling convertible top, squeeky window, the list goes on and on. I bought this car and babied it, planning to keep it forever. Im not planning to dump it as Im sure once the warranty is out I will be getting killed on repair bills. Ill never buy another BMW.

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  Failed - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Richard - December 21 - 3:31 pm

  Our New 750 died after 500 miles. Multiple warning lights came on Car has been in shop for 3 days and no answer yet to solution or when it will be returned. This is our 12th BMW and 4th 7 series They are great cars until they fail. I have had S classes and the Beamer is both more responsive and has a better road feel. I just wish the reliability was better.

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  Now I look forward to my long commute! - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Zoli - December 21 - 1:20 am

  Bought 2 weeks ago what a FUN car! Im a big guy (61", 260 lbs) but still have plenty of legroom. 2 minor drawbacks - lots of squeaks from plastic parts if seats all the way back cant seem to get more than 19 MPG no matter how conservative I drive. Live in San Diego so I drive top down in December heated seats are a plus! looks great, sounds great, responsive, tight steering, the perfect toy!

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  650i BMW Convertible - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By TERRY C - December 19 - 7:43 pm

  I have been used to Mercedes since 1985 and fine this a fun car to drive. Needs some help in the rear seat area. Also needs touch screen when using your bluetooth phone. Passenger side needs memory seats. The "I" (information) button and screen are a little confusing and you have to be careful using it when driving. I did not get the head up option and that would be helpful using the navigation screen and the "I" system

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  Hit to the wallet - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Larry - December 19 - 1:59 pm

  I was in love with this car for almost two months. This 528i was a previous lease and then a BMW certified used car. I put 2500 miles on it and the transmission completely ate itself. Transmission (not dealer replaced) and two control units (dealer replaced) my wallet is now $5500 lighter. This after 78500 total miles on the car. I hope my letter to BMW falls on sympathetic ears.

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  Wonderful car but too many problems! - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By A & M - December 14 - 10:16 pm

  We loved everything about our 2005 645I convertible. Talk about a car that catchs everyones eye and is a blast to drive! But....we had so many problems with ours we regretfully ended up giving it back under the lemon law. It was in the BMW service dept 32 days between July 6 and Oct 1, 2006 - not counting weekends! We were told it had 19 computers by 15 manufacturers and the glitchs werent worked out yet. We expected more from an $80,000 car but agree wed buy another one if we were promised it wouldnt have so many problems!

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  comfort and gas - 2006 BMW X5
  By Joe - December 10 - 3:21 am

  I would like to say a few things about my X5, the price was great, but i should of test drive the car first, I got the sports package which makes the ride of the car very bumpy, I had no idea it was going to be so rough. But one good thing about the car is that im very surprised it gets great gas milage for a big V8.

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  Know What Youre Getting - 2002 BMW M3
  By Rakete - December 8 - 12:42 am

  Before you buy, be sure to research the service histories of these cars. Model year 2002 had a series of engine recalls that are warranty items (bearing service), but necessary fixes. Be sure theyve been done and ask dealer to provide service history to prove it. If buying used, I do not recommend this model year to be purchased from a non-BMW dealer or private owner unless VIN proof can be provided that the recall service has been completed. Engine failure, while rare, is catostrophic. That said, I purchased mine from a BMW dealer with all service documentation and have had nothing but miles and smiles of glee!