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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  BMW 335 - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Jasmin - June 26 - 10:36 pm

  Bought this car in Dec 2008 with 12,000 miles, CPO . Four times within 17 months, it was sent to the dealer for engine lights turned on. Not very reliable. Fuel pump was replaced three times within 17 months.

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  Worst car ever - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By scott - June 24 - 8:33 pm

  Purchased car new. I had nothing but problems. Engine needed all new lifters. Dealership fixed it, but then the engine started making other noises. Care was in shop for 24+ days. Dealer bought back car and had given a deal on a new 2007. That one lasted about 10,000 miles before I traded it in. It has front end issues and kept destroying the tires.

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  Engine oil level - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By Donald Thomas - June 24 - 8:45 am

  after 4 month and 3,000 mile I had to add a qt of oil. While driving up an high hill road the transmission made a loud noise like metal on metal.

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  Excellent driver though issues - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Romas - June 23 - 9:18 pm

  Purchased first ever BMW, was a CPO with only 29k on odo and had sport, premium, & 6 sp manual. I love the handling, excellent brakes, seats fit perfect & logic7 is 100% better than stock system. Complaints-Reliability 1 mo had an exhaust camshaft sensor, 2 mo later rr rt wheel bearing day then 3 mo later lt rear wheel bearing. Spoke to1st owner & he had nothing to hide (accidents, hard driving etc). Run flats worst tires ever owned. Tram lining & wear are horrible. Suggest top rated A/S perf tires when replacing!! Reliability will determine if its a keeper or seller at CPO end 2-12. Best ever daily driver if you can only own one car!

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  Muscle Car SUV - 2006 BMW X5
  By Greens - June 23 - 4:36 pm

  My X5 4.8is truly combines luxury and sport. This car sounds like a Porsche 911 on the outside and like a Bentley on the inside. I dont need it for commuting so it gets to sleep in the garage most of the week. But when it is time to play, it is rested and ready. It hugs you and the road nicely. Although I have loved the X5 look for years, I never thought the 3.0 had enough kick so 355 hp was the perfect remedy. Im not using it off- road but it will tow some toys. With 4 years and 45k miles I went ahead and purchased a 60 month 60k mile (additional)B-2-B warranty for $3k as I have heard that some of the regular repairs can get costly.

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  Ready to TRADE! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Money Guzzler - June 23 - 11:02 am

  I purchased this vehicle in 2008 and 2wks after purchase I had a ton of issues. Had new engine dropped in the car after purchase due to dealership negligence. After the repairs I have had minor issues nothing major. So far I have spent about $500 on repairs not covered under warranty so I consider myself lucky compared to most 3 series owners. Just dropped $800 on new tires and now need an alignment that will total about $240. This car looks nice and rides sweet, but once they go down youre out of luck! The maintenance is absolutely ridiculous and the rear wheel drive is CRAP in snowy weather. So I have decided to trade this money guzzler in for a low maintenance ride.

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  Fun and Economical - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Knoxville - June 23 - 10:04 am

  I bought this used four years ago when it had 84k. It was my first upscale car and I am totally spoiled. The 4cyl feels like a 6 and it can really move the car. The handling is solid and smooth. I believe that the ASC even kept me out of a major accident. Mine is MT and I average about 28mpg around town (although Im a very efficient driver). I put about $1300 into fixing an emissions problem when I first got it, but nothing has gone wrong since - other than taillight problems. Still feels like a new car.

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  Warning lights frequently on, 3 dmgd rims - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By Debbie - June 22 - 8:19 pm

  Regret purchasing car. Primarily chosen for its hardtop convertible. Have had car serviced 7 times in 1 1/2 yrs. Dash lights frq on even after being serviced! Rims not strong enough for poor road conditions here in new England i.e design flaw.Poor sound system. just not worth the trouble! Great gas mileage.Powerful and attractive, thats about it.

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  335i is great when it runs - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Bimmer - June 21 - 11:17 pm

  I bought my cpo BMW 335i last year with only 2,800 miles on it. What a great and fun to drive car. However, I start to have cold start up problem after 1 yr and 2 mo. Took it to dealer last week. They reprogrammed the car got it back in two days. Ran great over the weekend. Today, I have no power. After doing some research, this car has problem with its high pressure fuel pump. Called dealer today and they will provide free rental and replace the fuel pump. However, many blogger claim that replacement pump wont solve the problem. Well see. I cant recommend this car at this point.

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  2005 325 CiC Private Party Purchase - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By neprop - June 21 - 8:45 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used in San Diego with 37K miles. All package options. What a fun car to drive looks great rides great. Mileage is good for this type of vehicle and this is a relatively heavy vehicle you can feel the soundness of the car and you can hear it as the doors close. Best part for me is that I prefer the E46 styling over the newer look and by buying used I paid circa $20K instead of $50K plus new. Large enough for a family of four for drive arounds, and perfect for two.