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:

• 

  BMW X3.25i Really is the Ultimate - 2004 BMW X3
  By MattSue - September 1 - 2:00 am

  The car drives like a dream. However, the cabin interior makes creaking noises at slow speeds (5-10 mph), and you can hear the wind blowing at higher speeds (40 mph +).

• 

  Only 4 mo old and it broke? - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Duc - August 29 - 5:30 am

  After having my car for only 4 months, the seat belt arm broke. It took 4 visits to the dealership until they finally fixed the problem. When my car was 10 months old, the windshield wiper fluid pump stops working. It took 2 visits and they kept it in the shop for a total of 3 days until the realized there was a huge air bubble. It was very annoying that these little repairs take so many visits and time to be repaired. Every now and then my SOS doesnt work, which causes my bluetooth to malfunction. Other than that, the car drives well and I still like the slick look.

• 

  Tall folks should be weary of seats - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By backpain - August 25 - 2:00 am

  The BMW has a great sporty solid feel, and holds the road well. Cross wind performance in this car is also excellent. I liked the car very much "except" the seats. I am approx. 61 and over the 1 year I owned this car the seats became more and more uncomfortable. Several times I complained and requested some help from the dealer and BMW, and I never got satisfaction. This eventually due to extreme discomfort forced me to sell. Be careful if you are thinking of purchasing this car and you are tall.

• 

  1999 740IL - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By meemygirl - August 25 - 2:00 am

  The ride is excellent but too many gadgets have had to be repaired: rear and front cup holders, rear glass window up and down, car phone electronics still do not work, glove compartment latch. I could go on, but the smooth ride is still the best.

• 

  Its a BMW - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By wrld traveler - August 24 - 10:00 am

  2nd Bimmer, first a 96 328is which I loved. Decided to go for the new design in 01 w/ the 325ci. I got one of the first ones so I took what I could get. Prem. pkg, auto trans., no xenons(big disapointment!!). Great car, handles like a dream although! Perfect for a college student (a kid has an M5 on campus..parents must want him dead). NOT too fast, but not too slow at the same time and its extremely safe. I drove the 330ci after much hype (sales guy was like "this thing is a rocket, better be careful!") my girlfriend and I were very disapointed..we were expecting a very fast car..even my 328is felt faster.I will probably always stick with the bimmers..next up is the M3 coupe w/SMG

• 

  Transmission Jolts/Jerks/Clunks Fuel Ec - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Greatly Disappointed - August 22 - 2:00 am

  From speed of, e.g., 30 mph, as gas pedal released to bring vehicle to stop/lower speed (when coasting and/or braking), as vehicle slows driver feels jerk/jolt forward a number times as vehicle shifts/lurches down from gear to gear (seems to be caused by abrupt increase, and then decrease in speed and sometimes associated with a clunking sound) as it comes to a stop. At a stop, when placed in reverse, and after releasing the brake pedal, without depressing the gas pedal, the vehicle suddenly moves in a backward motion and reaches a speed in excess of 5 mph. BMW&service states: "normal" conditions.

• 

  Fix and Repair Frequently - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By UNHAPPY/04/530i - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have an 04/530i with sport suspension.... what is that old adage...never buy a first year model..the car has been towed to the dealer 3 times., radio has been replaced, the LCD screen has gone dead numerous times and the dealer has had to replace it, no numerous occations the "i-drive" LCD screen will not operate until 5-10 mins., after the car has been started., the chasey creeks, rattles...ps this has all hapeened over the last 10 months.....road noise from front tires(had them checked by dealer....no unusally wear) sounds like Im driving a truck wit old retread. By the way my wife has a 03/525 that is a dream .

• 

  Almost as good as it gets. - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Rodney J - August 22 - 2:00 am

  The car handles and corners amazingly well considering how soft, quiet, and luxurious it otherwise rides. The inline six is sporty enough but could use some more torque. The black interior looks luxurious and a little wicked at the same time. I took a friend of mine who recently bought an Infiniti for a ride in my 528. Within a mile he was already talking about getting a BMW. The reliablilty, compared to Toyotas, is dismal. The dash electrics, air conditioning, exhaust, 3 sunroof repairs, engine idle solenoid, window motor, trunk release, radio have all had problems (1 non- routine problem per 6,800 miles).

• 

  323i update with 115k miles - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jimbo 323i - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Heres an update since my last posting 17k miles ago. I discovered my independent BMW mechanic is a liar,(I followed up on his work). I dont trust dealers either. I have learned to do all maintenance myself. I still have the airbag light on, but will be replacing my seat belt tensioners/buckle and resetting airbag light, apparently this is a common problem to air bag lights coming on. Here is what I have done to the car so far at 100k miles, all done by myself. Replaced all 4 oxygen sensors. Changed out the Automatic transmission lifetime oil with the same,

• 

  Allens critique - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By BMWfool - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is a gas to drive. Responsive and solid. Feels and handles like a sports car. Now the bad news: be prepared to be raped by your local BMW service dept. They assume all owners are rich and do not care about price. My dealer was charging my wife $125 for an oil change!(Try $8 a qt. for Mobil 1 that can be had at parts stores for under $6) Routine repairs are always $800 to $1,000. I have all the service records and will be happy to share the news.I will buy another when pigs learn to fly. My 01 Corvette is faster,way cooler and I get the oil changed for $40.