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 but flawed - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By parmijo - November 23 - 6:48 pm

  I bought this new and I only have 31K on the car now. I have the 5 speed and it is fun to drive, brakes well, handles excellent with the sport package. Gas Mileage is quite good at 25 city/hwy mix and 31 hwy. It still looks nice too. The problem is reliability. Some problems fixed under warranty but others I had to pay out of pocket. Also strange failure of the intake cam sensor which causes the car to stall at a stop. That was $300. Now the interior trim around the passenger door is falling downward. I guess I have to glue it back or something. None of the problems I had were atypical or surprising to the mechanics. If you buy one, expect extra maintenance cost as part of the deal

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  I miss my 2001 740 - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By CFC - November 20 - 2:54 pm

  I miss the gear shift. I miss the easy controls. I miss the aggressive style. The 745iL is engineered well, handles great and is comfortable. Unfortunately I dont feel connnected. The trunk looks like Im transporting a coffin. Im a computer guy and the iDrive especially the NAV is annoying. The phone hears me...sometimes. The say it a software problem. Unfortunately its hard to reboot on the freeway at 65. Unless things change, this is my last one. PS I love renting a car when I bring it in for service. At 80K I probably dont deserve one !

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  Nice Looking Car BUT... - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By b. thomas - November 16 - 11:06 pm

  Had the car less than a year -- already had to get the passenger front seat replaced. (The stitching came undone and the stuffing was coming out!) Already had to get the windshield replaced. (There was a stress fracture caused by the rain sensor? Thats what they told me.) Had to replace most of the rear brake light bulbs (car only a few months old, remember. Never had to keep replacing the bulbs with my other cars). Tire pressure monitor light comes on even when the pressure is correct. Run flat tires stink! This was my first and last BMW purchase.

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  Bow down, the King has returned! - 2006 BMW M5
  By impreziv - November 15 - 3:10 am

  The BMW M5 has always been the leader of the performance sedan class. Overall, the power, handling, comfort is unsurpassed. My trip to the local dragstrip showed 12.2 in the 1/4mile, finishing at 117mph. Thats faster than all current Lambos, Benz sedans, pre-03 Vipers. The car has yet to disappoint me. but maybe Im to preoccupied with the performance side to notice anything wrong. If you want supercar-like performance, but need four doors, this is the car for you. If you just want a status-symbol sedan, dont buy it. This car takes a certain breed of driver to appriciate it. It is more of a moneypit than most cars. I have averaged 11mpg, even driving within speed-limits.

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  Fun to drive but...... - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By autobahn - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Janese cars in the past, shouldve stuck with them...Ive had my 325i for about 5 months now and it had been in the shop 3 times. The car is fun to drive and very responsive, but it keeps breaking down. The dealership tells me its all "electrical" problems. As much as I like the looks of the car, I wont buy another BMW.

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  Saga ends positivly - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By bmwinct - November 10 - 8:30 pm

  Had problem from day 1 with vibration when releasing clutch in 5th. Dealer replaced tranny/clutch/transfer case, problem still persits. Car was at dealer 28 out of first 51 days. Dealer was very supportive. They paid my first months lease payment. BMW and dealer came through today and are going to replace the car with a 2008 model. Im going in to order it tomorrow. Even swap, and lease stays the same. Verdict still out on run flat tires. Happy with the fit and finish and performance.

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  Almost perfect - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Sean Craft - November 7 - 3:03 am

  I am a huge BMW fan. Once you get them into your blood, they are impossible to get out of your system. This model is small with very limited rear seat room and a tiny, shallow trunk, so try it on for size. While very sophisticated technically and engineered to perfection the interior is looking dated. The 325s smaller inline 6 is a little weak down low, but is fine for passing and highway work. Very smooth powertrain, great ride, smooth in every way. The last two years models have much more standard equipment then older models. They had standard sunroof and rain sensing wipers, CD and full power. They could use standard drivers power seat at least for this pr

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  Too Much Technology - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Bret J. Temple - October 28 - 3:47 pm

  This is my 2nd review of the car after having it 5 months now, its been in the shop to completely replace the ingnition system, because the car stalled in the middle of me driving twice. Very dangerous. I love the car, way too much technology, something is bound to go wrong sooner or later with everything in the car being electronic or computerized. BMW needs to get back to basics and just make a nice car without all the tech. Read my last review, and most of it still holds true.

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  Good, cheap way to join the BMW set... - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By QuikCash - October 26 - 5:41 am

  Bought this car on the cheap for basic transportation and have been pleasantly surprised. While the acceleration will not excite, the handling is outstanding. Stops and turns on a dime. Not a good highway cruiser in my opinion, but great around town. Car is simple enough that maintenance is a do- it-yourself affair, and parts are not too expensive. Looks great, and in my opinion has a "classic" ambiance not present in the more modern E36 3- series.

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  Squeaks Like a 2 Horse Wagon - 2004 BMW X3
  By Yard Dog - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought the X3 to replace an aging 328i, which stayed in the shop most of the time. Unfortunately, after a week the squeaks and rattles in the X3 were so bad, I had the dealer pick up the car. Now, 2 weeks later I still dont have it back because the dealer is waiting for some kind of part from Germany. To be fair, they have given me a loaner, but that is not the point. I wish I had bought the 4Runner.