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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  Lucky - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By Mike - August 2 - 9:40 pm

  Well I have had a lot of great cars, Lexus, Mercedes this is my 5th BMW first 7 series. I had 3 3 series and 1 528 All very nice and great cars in their own right. But by far this is the best car I have ever owned. I never kept a car more than 3 or 4 years. I have now had my 7 for 9 years. 205K and still running strong. Same feel as the day I bought it. I did replace the alternator and the radiator. Also had the trans rebuilt. But with two kids in college and this economy 100K for a new one is a bit on the back burner. I would buy this car again in a heartbeat. My 13 year old son and I were on a trip recently and he said to me Dad this car is great. Well he did grow up in it!

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  Solid purchase - 2007 BMW X3
  By Pleased - August 2 - 8:51 pm

  Bought a CPO with premium and sport package in May. Have driven approximately 5200 miles since without real complaint. The Nevada leather seats are great and I love the huge moonroof. I commute ~50 miles/day mostly highway and enjoy every bit of my drive. Handles like a dream. Gas mileage has been fair averaging ~22.5 mpg (65/35 highway). Did have to take in for a solenoid issue but service experience was excellent. Havent had any transmission issues reported in other posts.

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  Mixed Bag -- But Still Love It - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By cjprof2 - August 1 - 2:36 pm

  Have put ~6K on the car in just two months and have had no problems. The 135i handles like a go-kart, has a silky smooth manual, is comfortable on long hauls, and oh, the sound of 300, 300 when the "go" pedal is mashed! MPG just about 23 overall.

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  Expensive to OWN - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By mwreid22 - July 31 - 9:46 pm

  Do not purchase this car if you dont have A LOT of cash for all of the repairs you will have at high mileage. Window motors $1000 / computer $2800, power steering $3000, timing chain $4000, etc. I could not get rid of the car fast enough. Took a total bath and lost a lot of money! Run run run from this car!

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  Dissappointed - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By yorgi - July 30 - 6:01 pm

  I bought the car from a carpool co- worker with 97,000 mi. The car was in excellent condition and garage kept. The radio failed on me, the rear differential had a slow leak, the air conditioning dash unit had to be replaced. I also took excellent care of the vehicle expecting to easily get 180k mi or more. At 156k it just overheated on me, and needed head gasket repair $1800. Two mechanics have told me when this happens on my model usually the head unit also needs replaced $1K, and typically the cylinder cracks, coolant gels, water pump an issue. The BMW mechanic said I was better off to replace the engine $6K if I keep it. Now looking for salvage value after several years of pristine care. :(

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  For show NOT off road - 2011 BMW X5
  By sokunroath - July 29 - 9:55 pm

  PRO: Great Saving by order through manufacture and took 4 weeks to get the wagon Xdrive 35i. MSRP $61,925, bought for $56,250. Luxury richness is there. CON: Nav & temp systems are rather difficult to navigate. Rear camera noise would not turn when need it to be off.

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  Changes - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By George - July 29 - 10:06 am

  This car replaces a 2008 328i. It has the same engine and BASIC design. They have added 17 inch wheels (about time) and made the lights and body a little more sporty. They have decreased the power hook ups. They removed the ash tray and cigar lighter from the dash. The only power hook up is now in the console. Bad idea. This is the days of pcs, PDAs and portable GPS. They all need power! The steering seems to be a little looser, more play in the wheel etc than my 2008 model. Not sure if this is just my imagination or not. They decreased the number of speakers. The sound is a little thinner.

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Dan L. - July 28 - 8:38 pm

  Traded in my 2007 Volkswagen Passat for the 2007 335i sedan and havent looked back! Powerful acceleration is exhilarating. Handles like a dream. Great looking car. Understated but luxurious interior. iDrive is fine once you get used to it. Decent sound system with the Logic7. Only time will tell on long term reliability, but after 3 months, no issues. When driven civilly, good gas mileage. Be careful because its easy to get a speeding ticket.

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  Fourth BMW & Better than ever - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By PJD - July 28 - 1:29 pm

  Bought as CPO have driven 5,000 mi with no problems. Great car in all aspects except run flats.

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  Maintenance Hog - 2004 BMW X5
  By RaleighBMWOwner - July 27 - 1:53 pm

  Purchased new. Always followed recommended maintenance schedule. 54,000 miles driven as of jul/2010. Front brakes replaced under warranty (28,638). Starting to have lots of maintenance issues. Heat exchanger (34,113 miles). Thermostat (37,803). Front axle boot (47,488). Brakes fluid needed flushing (52,779). Rear brake light assembly (53,353). Front thrust rod bushings replaced (53,793). Told we need to replace other front axle boot. Passenger side a/c not working. What is next? All BMW repairs are not cheap. We purchased a 2005 Ford escape SUV (now with 57,000 miles) and have experienced only brake replacement. We didnt expect a $50k BMW to have these issues. We intended 2004 x5 to be 100,000 car.