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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  Great car but low reliability - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By LuvChiana - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This was my first BMW, and it was the best car I ever owned -- until its second birthday. Great handling, braking, overall feel. Above average marks on luxury and comfort. No problems until the two year mark, then all sort hit in fairly quick order. Including: electrical system problems stranded me three times in two weeks, rotting trim, radio & climate controls, and computer display panel fading out. Traded car after Internet research - - BMWs OK reliabilty in general but if you get one that goes bad it really goes bad.

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  good job - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By bbivin - May 30 - 2:00 am

  now suprises... Performs just as promised..

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  2001 530i with Premium/Xenon - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By kashvyas - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2001 530i after a few months of research but dealer left a bad taste. The car is fun to drive and looks awesome but seems to require regular visits to the shop for various issues like radio, cup holders, wipers, bulbs, etc. The dealer experience is terrible - I have tried 4 different dealers over 3+ years and it is the only major regret I have (enough to make be go to another brand for my next car). Poor handling in snow. Front bumper is low enough to require frequent visits to the shop. Side and rear visibility is poor due to small mirrors and huge headrests.

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  Great Sport Sedan / Acceptable SUV - 2002 BMW X5
  By RONBO - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had basically good experience with my X5. I am a sport driving enthusiast and this is my family and commuting vehicle. As an SUV only the price for the functionality is kind of high. But, I like to drive. This one has the sport package. Basically, I gave up nothing in the fun to drive and handling areas to have the utility of an SUV like vehicle. It is fine to drive, unlike the wallowing beasts that other makers put out as SUVs. I hope I can drive this until the wheels fall off.

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  Great Car Limted By Electrical Quirks - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By mickt2 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Mechanically, the only thing Ive had to do is replace the brakes once. Electrically, its been a nuisance. In the past 2 years its been in the shop for ignition failure, windshield wiper motor replacement (twice), window regulator failure, electronic trunk release failure, failure of sunroof, loss of sound to half the speakers. The heated seats keep blowing a fuse,and it cant be repaired without replacing both front seats. Each shop visit has run in the several hundred dollar range, and BMW dealers seem to think its nothing for you to wait 2 weeks for an appointment and then leave your car there for 2-3 days.

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  Love the bimmer - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Territory49 - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my first bimmer and Id have to say it is my favourite car to drive for luxury and comfort. I owned an rx-7 and a suped up, customized 65 karmann ghia both of which had power, but the 540ia now is my prized possession. I love all that it has, except for the maintenence costs. Its a bmw what do you expect though. Anyway for a 95 it is almost as nice as the new ones and a fraction of the cost. I get excited everytime i get in the drivers seat. Definitely has power. Just ask the cars next to me at the lights when I blow their doors off. If you can find a 540ia in good shape for a good price I recommend it. I am a true BMW fan.

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  fast lane to the poorhouse - 2000 BMW Z3
  By rufwun - May 23 - 2:00 am

  I love love love this car but it is killing me with maintenance costs! Owning this car has been like having two car payments with the inevitable trips to the shop every 6 weeks. But she is solid, nimble, attractive, powerful and above all, fun! Shes my dream girl, but sometimes theres a lot to be said for the frumpy, low- maintenance girl next door. If you can afford the upkeep, this car is pure joy.

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  A bargain supercar!!!! - 1991 BMW 8-Series
  By Juan - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I wanted to have this car from the day that it came out. This is not the fastest car, not the best car of its time. But this is a car that still turns heads. People even ask me if it is a bran new BMW. It does have a great design, and it still has fetures that are top of the line. Performance is superve specially at mid speeds. I can drive at 120 MPH and feel like I am doing 70. The torque on the V 12 is amazing. Well, the down side is the MPG, it gives me about 13 MPG average. But as a weekend car, you cannot beat the price of this rockets, for what they represent.

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  Fun to Drive - Reliability Issues - 2004 BMW X5
  By khalsamd - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is fun to zip around in. The ride is stiff/sporty compared to other Luxury SUVs. The biggest problem I had with the vehicle was that its AC broke down 3 times during the 1st year. Only thing hotter than the Texas temperature was my temper during this period. To have plunked over $50K for a vehicle with an unreliable AC is unthinkable. Once this problem was resolved, I have had a very nice experience overall with the vehicle. The standard Audio system for this vehicle is a joke. Its the worst in this category of vehicles.

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  never again - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By lg72 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  In the 2 years Ive owned this car Ive had to replace 4 power window motors, 3 diff sensors and some temp gauge for the A/C... thank god its under warranty. But the warranty expires in Nov and Im selling and never buying another BMW. Way too high maintenace. The roadside assistance guy told me theyre great in the Alps... but thats about it.