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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  Fun to Drive But Not Reliable - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Enver - December 6 - 4:28 am

  I got my BMW 3.30 Ci in 04 February. The performance of the car is amazing. I had some minor problems tho. The car passenger door window failed at the first month. Then the handle on the driver seat that is used to move the driver seat to front has failed. The door seals fail on both doors due to hot weather at Reno. I believe the car should have been designed for worse temperature conditions. The sunroof failure is almost very BMWs problem. The engine was running rough at first but fixed by the help of software upgrade. The car is really fast and very fun to drive.

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  Great drive but bad bad quality - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Matthew Graham - December 5 - 3:42 pm

  I love driving this car and this is the second BMW that I have purchased new. The first was in the late 80s when I lived in Europe. I only kept that car for twelve months. It was an absolute mechanical nightmare. I said, I would never buy a BMW again but test driving it changed my mind within minutes, maybe before I put it in gear. They are by far the most comfortable and amazing car to drive but their reliability is just awful and they severely lack the quality and workmanship of their Japanese competitors. I now know I will never again purchase a BMW. It is definitely a younger personÂ’s car and as I dive into my middle age, I need and deserve something more reliable and less hassle.

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  06 BMW 750Li - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By woodwrkr2 - December 3 - 3:49 pm

  Have had more service visits for this car in the first six months of ownership than I have with my Olds Silhouette minivan in the 5-1/2 years Ive owned it. Frankly I expected better from a expensive luxury car. Granted it has a ton more bells and whistles and rides, handles, and performs better (except in snow) but its dash is noisy and its only got 4100 miles.

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  Great Car - 2004 BMW X3
  By baddog123 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Overall, love the vehicle. The safety features are incredible. After driving a Jeep cherokee with nothing for safety this is great. Weird quirk-cant open the rear hatch from inside car; must use key. The xenon lights are amazing and truly increase visibility at nite. The dash area wouldnt win any beauty contests, its a bit rustic.

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  BMW - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By jambo - December 2 - 12:25 am

  Great looks. Power is decent. The only issues I have are the tire wear (sport package) and way too many rattles in the interior. Prefer standard dash contols over the iDrive.

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  BMW X5 UNRELIABLE - 2003 BMW X5
  By DETCORD - November 30 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE NINTH BMW THAT I HAVE PURCHASED.ALTHOUGH BMW HAS A GOOD WARRANTY,THE VEHICLE SPENDS TO MUCH TIME NEEDING IT. MY VEHICLE HAS 36,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS.BOTH STEERING CONTROLL ARMS REPLACED,BRAKE PEDAL ALMOST FELL OFF,NINE BURNT OUT HEADLIGHTS/FOGLAMPS, WHICH ARE TIME CONSUMING TO CHANGE.ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELLS ETC..WILL MOST LIKELY NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER X5

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  X3 could be better - 2004 BMW X3
  By RussoX3 - November 28 - 5:27 pm

  With 18k miles, this car rattles from a few areas, and there is a water leak soaking the back seat floor. Car handles great and is fun to drive - the 6 speed helps! Overall car is comfortable and handles like a BMW. Quality of materials is a problem.

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  Alabama Review - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Peri - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the vehicle overall. I experience some problems with the transmission that revs up when going down a hill which bother me. I understand there is a recall for the exhaust system so will have to take it in for that also.

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  95 318IS - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By Ken O - November 25 - 12:48 am

  Purchased this car with 19000 miles on the clock. Have meticulously maintained since. Only significant repair was replacement of the ball joints around 100K. Other than that, only routine maintenance, brakes, tires, tune-ups and fluid changes (I switched to all synthetic). Exterior still looks like new. Plan to keep the car until she reaches 150K

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  first time Beemer fan for life! - 2005 BMW X3
  By Tom Beemer - November 24 - 11:55 am

  G-friend turned me on to bmw! I wanted the utility space, high sitting position and a sport like performance. This car, like the write ups states, is the car to get! Only draw backs: the arm rests - slightly slanted downward my arm never finds comfort. The leg room seems a bit confining - however with all the adjustments it all works out! Gas fuel economy is not too bad if you are patient at 55 mph. I have clocked 29 mpg on the h-way! Usual combined city/ hway: 21 - 24 in a 3L engine with 224 hp - that rocks!