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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  1st BMW - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Diane Martinez - February 28 - 8:25 pm

  Well, I had been driving a 1991 Volvo, so the 2008 528 is a major treat!!! Unbelievable in the workmanship, performance and handling!! I hope to always drive a BMW. It just hugs the corners when driving. Cant wait to try it on a Calif hwy like Hwy 1 in Half Moon Bay!

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  Glad I leased and didnt buy- be careful - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By djl - February 28 - 6:08 pm

  This was my first BMW and likely my last. Was initially excited about the ride, performance, and interior (except cup holders) until it stranded me twice. One engine failure at 75 mph! Have been through 3 thermostats, computer reprogramming, and more. Had hoped to buy it initially after lease end, now Im glad I leased so I can walk away.

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  135i not a 3 series - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By LovenMyBMW - February 28 - 1:19 pm

  Ok lets start out by saying that we all have a opion. This is a 1 series not a 3. So with that said. Understand its smaller. Yes the interior is almost the same. Back and front seats. And head room. Just the body. With the 1 having less weight than the 3. The little beemer is amazing. Is faster than a Cayman, Niss 370, Mustang, and Camaro. Now its not a drag car. Its a sports car with style. Some parts seem cheap but what car under 60k dont. This little car with a back seat that can be used for kids and luggage, small bags and other items is perfect for a person not wanting a big car. If you want big buy a 7 series or a SUV. All said if you are thinking about it. DO IT

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  Second X3 better than the first - 2008 BMW X3
  By Eric - February 27 - 10:04 pm

  We leased a 2005 X3 and loved it so much, we leased a new 2008 when the first lease was up. I wanted to post this review because many people post because they have an axe to grind. Both X3s we owed were excellent. The 2008 has been completely perfect, no flaws or repairs in 22,000 miles. The new 3.0si engine that was put into X3 beginning in 2007 flat out rips with 260 HP. Handling is great, yes it is a little stiff but you are rewarded with a SUV with 50:50 weight distribution and very sporty handling. If you want a cushy floaty ride, numb steering, and 30 MPG, look elsewhere.

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  ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By alan robinson - February 27 - 6:08 pm

  Acquired 5 years ago - this is a sport car sedan. Driven properly it has no serious maintenance issues. It does run through tires every 25,000 miles. Avoid around town driving - best if driven on interstates at 70 mph minimum 30 minutes. Basically, I drive it 1-2 days per week for pleasure. An extremely powerful vehicle that clings to the road. It is the ultimate driving machine.

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  MORE COMPLEXITY - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By DL - February 27 - 2:28 pm

  Looks great, AWD with winter tires makes it unstoppable in snow. Standard seats not good for long trips. Recent 1200 mile trip in 09 accord=much more comfortable in a car costing 1/2 of my 3 series. This is my third BMW, all electronics get more complex and inscrutable with each new model: bluetooth phone not well thought out, and my ipod becomes more difficult to use with BMW controls. If you like making a hobby out of learning how to use a car, BMW controls may appeal to you. Minimal storage space in passenger compartment. Lots of unfixable noises in very cold weather. On the plus side, great handling, nice ride (16 inch tires). Fold down rear seats very useful, esp with small trunk.

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  Never Again - 2005 BMW X5
  By Infiniti G - February 26 - 11:35 pm

  Creature comforts are very nice and fun to drive but horribly unreliable. At 42,000 miles started to sound like a diesel, alternator bearings bad and then completely failed. Cheap oem crimp style hose clamp on transmission recovery bottle failed which is also positioned directly above alternator.Dealer service technicians incorrectly diagnosed as having a bad high pressure power steering hose.Found out they wanted 1500 for repair and I towed it back home to fix myself for $150.Eats break pads and rotors for lunch,repld with better aftermarket.Brake pad sensor is poor design and you must replace sensor at pad change or your brake pad warning light will stay illuminated.

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  528xi - 2010 BMW 5-Series
  By hawk - February 26 - 7:20 pm

  First time BMW owner, a solid car, fun to drive, break is strong and smooth, precision steering, communicative road feel, wish had 535i, power is okay, but feel a little weak when loaded with 5 people, Navigation told me to get off every exit on NJ TPK for no reason and then get back on no matter what mode I select. One time when fuel was low, the car was driving rough and jumping on the road, stopped the car, refueled, and restart - the problem run away.

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  CPO 3 Series - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve - February 25 - 7:42 pm

  Bought this car with 35k on it in November of 09. It was CPOed and I really believe that is the way to go. So far, the reliability has been great, as I drive 110 miles round trip to work everyday. This is my first bimmer with many, many more to come.

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  Very Poor Reliability - 2010 BMW X5
  By emc - February 25 - 6:42 pm

  Very poor reliability. I am not going to say much other than if you buy one you were warned. Maybe because they are build in the states and not Munich. Maybe because they have so much electronics that no one knows how to fix when it breaks but mine has been nothing but problems. Climate control issue, leaking of fluids and high battery discharge than can leave you stranded and has twice. The sedans seem fine and I should know as I drive loaners of 1, 3 and 5 series more than my SUV. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere.