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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  BUY IT - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWLOVER - April 24 - 7:01 pm

  I bought my 05 325xi six months ago. I love it. It was one of the best decisions Ive made. Just disappointed that leather and bluetooth was not standard. For the amount of money you pay for the car, one can just expect a few luxuries, and with gas prices running through the roof, I wish it was better on gas. You do have to buy supreme. The Mercedes C-class is comparable, but the BMW was more sporty. Since Ive only had the car for six months, I havent had any problems. Overall, its a good car. Its a BMW.

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  Horrible quality - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By J Feldman - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Okay.. I dont even drive much. in fact I have 7000 miles on my car after having it for a year.(its a 2003). So far I had to get my car fixed 4 times. Twice engine related problems. My 2002 Hyundai Sonata has been much much more reliable than this junk. I like the prestige of owning a BMW but thats about it. and what kind fo 30K+ car doesnt even have a CD changer?? German quality cannot compete with Asian brands any more...

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  BMW545i - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By 545i - April 20 - 8:04 pm

  I love everything about the car but the iDrive control. Gas mileage is far less than stated on the sticker.

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  Beauty and the Beast - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Steve - April 12 - 1:15 pm

  IÂ’ve owned 9 BMWs. We presently own 3 (2004 325xi, 2003 X5 4.4, and a 2003 745Li). I really agonized about giving up my last 740iL so I didnÂ’t get one of those awful first year 745s. Well, after 2 years and 17,000 miles in the 745Li, I have to say it is the absolute best car I have ever driven but the absolute worst pile of electronic crap IÂ’ve ever had to deal with. IÂ’m an engineer so I understand iDrive but this 745 has become a one-user car because iDrive is unnecessarily complicated and no one else in the family will drive it. Reliability has been perfect but this new style reminds me of driving a well engineered brick, not an art form like previous cars.

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  535xi has fallen behind the times - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By dteich - April 10 - 10:36 pm

  I took delivery 2 weeks ago, but the disappointment still stings. My previous car was a 2005 RL, my second car is a 2008 G53x. The 535xi is less fun to drive than the G35x, and its electronics, for the most part, are less advanced than the 3-year old RLs. I also find the seating positon too low, and the drivers seat does not go high enough (I am 511"). And then there is the much maligned iDrive. In my opinion, the critics are understating the inelegance and lack of thought put into the iDrive.

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  545: Drive it, buy it. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Salberts - April 8 - 7:08 pm

  I did. I was bored. It was rainy. I had the kids. I decided to test drive the new 5. Since I owned (and loved) a 530i (2002), I had no intention of buying the new model. Long story short, I test drove a 545, and I was sold. Not only is power, cornering, and ride vastly superior to the prior 5, the interior and trunk is larger, and the interior is better laid out. After a few minutes of minor haggling, the papers were signed and I was behind the wheel of a new silver grey 545i beauty. I drove it all weekend. Even the kids enjoyed it.

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  Too many issues - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By LA - April 7 - 11:36 pm

  Transmission needed to be replaced at 17,000 miles (apparently an issue BMW is trying to hide on the 2003), mildew smell from AC (BMW actually told me its cars arent made for humid conditions since its not humid in Germany), and had to be towed in to dealership 3 times in first year for a variety of what BMW called "little" issues.

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  Love the car, hate the problems - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By jlsocks - April 6 - 5:48 pm

  Ive wanted a BMW coupe for years and was excited to finally get one. I truly love the styling of the car and the way it drives. In less than 2 years of ownership, Ive had to bring in the car in for unscheduled maintenance/repairs 6 times. These issues included, replacing the door locking mechanism so I could get out of the car (problem has resurfaced), new transmission, dead battery, emissions issues, coolant system leak, and A/C recall. If the problems with the car had been relatively minor as can be expected in some German cars, I could understand, but I dont think Ill ever purchase another BMW again.

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  Pricey to own - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Daddio - April 5 - 12:04 am

  Greetings fellow beamer owners to be. Well this is by far the nicest car I have ever owned. It has everything you will ever need speed, comfort, luxury. A few things to be aware. Servicing this monster is VERY expensive. Cup holders stink, and it could use a better radio for the money.

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  Another BMW Winner - 2005 BMW X3
  By MarianneB - March 31 - 2:27 pm

  We moved from a 3-Series to the X3 and really didnt miss a beat. The functionality of the X3 was the biggest reason for us: hauling kids, dogs, hockey gear, ski and snow boards, groceries, etc. I miss the ride and better grade materials from the 3-Series however and plan to order the new 325xi and give the X3 to my husband! BMWs surpass all other cars weve owned with exceptional service, reliability, safety and incredible handling and braking. The one thing Id change about the X3 is the low hps in the engines. With all the competition out there, surely BMW recognizes the need to boost the power without boosting the cost. It shouldnt cost an extra $6K to get the 3.0.