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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  540 Sport - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By DC - October 17 - 11:46 am

  I bought this vehicle with a little over 7k on it. It was a worthly vehicle for about a year. Electrical problems started with the HVAC system which eventually led to a major electrical fire. An igition coil overheated which melted the entire electrical main housing. The car was under warrantee, but was in the shop for 47 days. I fought BMW and they agreed that I got a lemon.

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  Luxury Sedan means Sport. - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By JD - October 15 - 3:40 pm

  Just less than 700 miles but I like this car, both a luxury & sport vehicle. Its worth your money. But, iDrive BMW still have a lot of functions you never need. Dealer must warn customer for Auto Park feature before leaving dealer lot.

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  Unreliable - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By UnhappyBMWowner - October 14 - 4:41 pm

  Purchased used with 33,000 miles. This is my second, and how disappointed I am. Way too many problems, with everything from the windows to the braking system, to the engine and etc. 14 trips to the dealer for repairs since 10/2003. I would never buy another, and am looking into an Audi or Mercedes. I do have to admit the the MPG is awesome, at times I have clocked 40+. BMW is not what it used to be!! BMW really needs to work on the reliability. This car is way too expensive to maintain!

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  Follow-up Review 1 Year Later - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By TechJunkie - October 10 - 10:41 am

  The driving experience dramatically improved after I replaced the stock Continental tires with Pirelli PZero Nero. The cold start issues I had were resolved with a software update. The flickering trunk light was resolved by replacing the locking mechanism. The felt next to the weather stripping on both doors were replaced as the original glue did not hold. The moon roofs sliding shade was replaced as the plastic clips broke off. Im currently getting 27 MPG on the HWY with conservative driving speeds. I have put over 43k miles. I took it on a cross country 6.2k mile road trip, and received compliments at gas stations and in Canada.

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  Rocky start - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By r11rs - October 8 - 8:35 pm

  This is my 4th BMW in 25 yrs, and by far the worst. Everyone claims this is a tight handling car...I simply dont understand how anyone can say that. Compared to BMWs of the past, this handles like an Oldsmobile! Its so loose, that it is pathetic. The design of the car lends itself to very poor visibility. The blind spots are terrible. Within the first 6 months of ownership, the car broke down 2x, with the same problem (bad auxiliary fan). BMW was difficult to deal with during these problems. Otherwise, reliability is fine.

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  NIGHTMARE VEHICLE - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By T Rodriguez - October 8 - 4:06 pm

  This is my first BMW purchase and it has been a nightmare from day 1. The iDrive has caused problems, the steering rack had to be replaced at 6,000 miles, the run flat tire sensor continually shows up whether I have a flat tire or not. BMW is unwilling to take this vehicle back. They stated that the car has ONLY been in the shop 20 times, which is not enough according to their standards. NEVER again I will purchase a BMW!!!

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  Alarm and Electrical trouble - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By crunchdoc14 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchase a brand new BMW 325i in January 2003 in the 3-4 months that Ive had this vehicle I have had to bring it in for service 3 times. first for a really bad smell coming from the A/C after I turned it off, the trunk opened itelf several times and the alarm not arming properly. second time was for the remote power windows not working properly and the panic alarm wasnt working at all, but the most dangers condition of the vehicle was that one time the passenger side seatbelt failed to lock and my friend hit his head on my dashboard. The third time I brought my car in for service it was because the second set of alarm keys wasnt working at all.

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  2006 - 760i - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By rick - October 7 - 5:21 am

  The car is a most responsive machine. It is comfortable yet able to handle the road very well at any speed. Cornering feels as if the tires have glue on them. In all a fun car to drive.

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  3 series review - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve - October 5 - 6:00 pm

  Always look forward to driving to and from work because of this vehicle. Great balance and tossability along with good power, brakes and fuel economy. A little pricey to service and may not have the reliabilty of a Honda. Makes me feel young again.

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  Pathetic quality - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Mayer Rud - October 4 - 8:40 am

  The total of 10(!) window regulators have been replaced in just 21,000 miles. In addition, had to be repaired: electric sunroof, A/C fan speed regulator, windshild (replaced due to bubbles in glass), engine RPM sensor (car began stalling), MPG sensor. Also noticed a leak (on a rainy day) on the floor by the driver side (front). I am not a lawer, but in my book Ive got a lemon. BMW must recall all the cars with substandard power window regulators and replace them with the re- engineered ones since the replaced regulators are failing as well. While I like the performance and the look of my car, I am not buying another BMW any time soon. A car is more than just a smooth drivetrain!