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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  Everything is going wrong at 60k plus - 2004 BMW X3
  By Michelle - July 21 - 9:43 pm

  I have had the X3 for nearly two years. I am now having all sorts of issue about to have to replace the compressor at 67k already had to replace front brakes need rear brakes now. Have problems with the locking system. Also rear lighter cover wont stay closed. Overall I have enjoyed driving the SUV still with a sports car feel. Wish I would have bought the extended warranty,

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  WOW including MPG - 2010 BMW X5
  By JC55 - July 21 - 3:21 pm

  We wanted an upgraded fuel conscience SUV, the X5 Diesel is all that we expected and more. On a road trip we could not believe the performance in a variety of road types and conditions, we kept thinking the fuel gauge was not working, fortunately it was! Great performance with comfort and passing fueling stations. Cant rate higher than perfect 10s.

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  Fabulous! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Guy - July 21 - 2:43 pm

  535, 8 speed auto, sport package, premium package etc. Fun to drive, adaptive drive system can be changed with my mood. Controls intuitive. Quality materials contribute to solid feel. Engine has power to spare, transmission smooth. Very quiet cabin. Seats incredibly comfortable. Audio system sound excellent. Its a harmony of technology and power providing a superb driving experience.

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  Wow What a vehicle - 2011 BMW X5
  By guido - July 20 - 7:01 pm

  Took delivery of my 5.0 with the M package and let me tell you its a beast. Disregard the 5.3 0 - 60 time, in manual mode its faster. What a dream to drive, as comfortable as a 750. And the best part is the lease payments are low because the residual is 62% (36 months) Get one, you wont be disappointed

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  A Fun Drive - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By Driver - July 20 - 10:47 am

  If your objective is have a car that is fun to drive, you will do no better than a BMW 1. While our BMW 3 was a fun car it does not even come close to providing the fun drive of the BMW 1. It will bring a smile to your face every time you get behind the wheel. Because of the limited rear seat room this is not a family car.

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  Not totally in love - 2010 BMW X5
  By Dorothy - July 19 - 2:57 pm

  My husband loves the engine. Its quiet and peppy. We live in the country and are averaging only 20 mpg. You really do have to read the owners manual. On the down side my car sits at the dealership because the computer system went down at service and a part has to be manufactured. Five weeks and counting. BMW has been attentive to the situation.

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  Very nice - 2011 BMW X5
  By Spring - July 19 - 11:43 am

  Very good performance, handling and acceleration, diesel provides a lot of torque and you dont feel as much lag as you do on a 5 series. Needed something sporty that I could take the family too, this car makes the trick. Finish is top level.

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  BMW stands for: " Bring My Wallet !" - 2002 BMW M3
  By JimH from Tampa Fla - July 18 - 9:06 pm

  Im a working Joe, military guy, car enthusiast. Ive had faster cars and slower cars, but I like BMWs the best. This car is a blast. I got my steel Grey/cinnamon m3,6-sp manual, lease turn-in 26,000 miles, in 2005. It now has 106,000 miles on it and has cost me over $9300.00 in repairs and maintenance (including 4- sets of tires thus far) over and above my car payments. Its 2010 now, so for 5 years--thats pretty expensive! My m3 got a "new motor" sometime in its 1st owners life because of the main bearing cap recall. The motor/trans has been flawless! All the complaints that folks have documented are valid for mine. Call me crazy, I still love my m3. Its one gorgeous sports/gt car.

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  Great car, if you ignore reliability - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike12345 - July 18 - 6:38 pm

  I love the handling, the ride, & the fuel efficiency. The engine power is only slightly lacking. However, a car must also be reliable. This car requires repairs every 8 to 12 weeks (seriously). Thank god for the extended warranty. I fear the day the extended warranty expires & I still owe monthly payments. I love this car&hate its ongoing issues: new radiator new plastic radiator reservoir washer fluid pump failure (3 times) pcv valve failure ($700 to repair) & my personal favorite is when the seat warmer caught fire. The car is awesome to drive and looks like poetry in motion but my 30 year old Ford truck has been more reliable. German efficiency does not seem to include reliability

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  If you appreciate cars, look no further! - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom - July 18 - 12:37 pm

  Ive always been hesitant to purchase a BMW, and this is my first, whether due to the stigma or wanting to pursue a less predictable path, Ive just avoided them. After jumping in to this car however, I can say Im amazed with it. In spite of driving some very good sedans, this thing is just remarkable. The looks, both inside and out are outstanding. The refinement in this beast is special. I didnt realize a mid-size sedan could look, handle and perform like this either. Absolutely no complaints. Its all good.