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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  I have had lots of electrical problems - 2004 BMW X5
  By Luca Forcellini - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The car electrical system has a mind of its own. I have almats crashed twice on the freeway for the wipers stopped in downpoors. The selflevel suspension inactivates on its own, the brake light and rear light and other warning messages constantly flash on computer display. The dealership dismisses problems as burnt bulbs or loose wire. The car is really dangerous and BMW refuses to replace with all kinds of lame excuses. I had a horrible experience with it. I have to sue for a new car!

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  SUN ROOF "less" - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By tony b - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This was always my dream car,, but a major Draw back for a Coupe that cost $75K,, the so called moon roof , sun roof opens only 2 inches as a VENT.Poor design,, also extremely tight in rear sit.

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  lots of fun/problems - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By sanjaysp - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Great drivers car!!! pleasure to drive, get lots of looks.

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  Best 5 series ever - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bert - March 16 - 2:52 am

  Ive owned a lot of Bimmers. The E60 5-series 550i is my absolute favorite. Very composed and agile for its size, it comes with a screaming 4.8l V8 good for 360HP (or about 500HP if you put an ESS supercharger on it like I did). I have owned mine for three or so years now, and the only issue I have had is with an intermittent clock reset due to a failing comfort access door handle. It is roomy, smooth, and comfortable for those long highway drives, but one must constantly be aware that the car tends to want to cruise at its comfort zone of around 85MPH - i have had many occasions where I am doing the 65MPH limit, get distracted talking or listening to music, and then find myself at close to 90 when I look at the speedo again. The car is near silent and rock solid, so you really dont get the normal cues that you are speeding. Gas mileage is the Achilles heel of this car, though. I averaged about 15-16MPG in normal combined driving, which would drop to 10-12 if driven hard.

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  Get back to basics - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris - March 15 - 6:59 pm

  I previously owned a 95 M3 that was rarely in for repair. This 2011 535 has seen the dealership far too many times. In a span of just over 2 years the following has occurred: keyless entry failed (multiple times), water pump failed, AC failed, valve cover gasket replaced, another oil gasket leaked (last 2 were total $2,300), 2 wheels bent, 1 wheel cracked (run flats not for typical roads), sway bar replaced to name a few I recall. Other than that, I do love this car. X-Drive is probably better than most SUVS out there. Love the aggressive looks of the M-sport package. Car is bank vault solid. I feel very safe hauling my family in it. I-drive is decent but not as intuitive as Acura. Gas mileage is outstanding for such a large car (29 hwy). Long trips Ive done 34 mpg. Power is impressive. Hesitation from stop is there as others have written. Very odd. Feels like transmission is slipping. Dealer claims its normal. Seems almost any brand has issues. If you get lucky with yours, you will love it. BMW simply needs to simplify their electronics. Stop the over engineering and focus on building a solid car again. My problem is I visit the Philly auto show every year. Not another car out there that meets my need for performance, style, price, awd, safety and comfort. Sounds like a market opportunity...

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  Beamer - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By GeorgiaStar - March 14 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this BMW since new. This car is built like a tank. She never gave me one bit of trouble. I still have her, she still looks brand new after a waxing.

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  Not as expected - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Charles - March 13 - 12:46 pm

  Owned a 93 325i. this is my 2nd 325i. I am so disappointed. stereo sound quality is substandard, acceleration is poor, transmission screams noisy "whirr" sound (done intentionally by BMW), shifting D to SD is awkard, front cupholder spoils liquid onto stereo and shift gears, not iPod-ready, combo computer-stereo display is hard to reach and adjust, center dashboard casts a large distracting shadow while driving under blazing sun, various warning signals come on and off by itself, car jerks during quick stops (BMW says its normal), little storage space, window switches are too far front. Sadly, after 5mo, there is nothing I can brag about as a owner. I regret it.

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  Good Solid Performer - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By jtwizard - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 25,000 miles. It now has over 173,000 on the clock. Overall it is certainly above average. The exterior look is attractive and timeless. The car is well thought out and most services are easy to do (except the pollen filter). I personally went through the entire car when I purchased it, so I could trust it. It has proven to be very reliable. I have an automatic transmission and would trade it for a stick shift in a second because I prefer a stick.

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  The best 6 ever - 1992 BMW 7-Series
  By Danbookman - March 11 - 2:00 am

  110000 and counting. Runs like a dream. Thanks BMW! I will be driving it for the 10 years.

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  The Ultimate Repair Experience - 2004 BMW X5
  By Kalli - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Love this SUVs styling. However it has been in the shop 7 times in 8 months for things like: broken fuel pump, transmission reservoir came unsealed , brake line reservoir broke , brake calipers malfunctioned ( twice for this includuing a week for them to figure it out), remote key access unreliable, DELIVERED with broken washer pump . Every fluid reservoir and pump has ben replaced as well as brkae calipers. I had less visits with my Ford Windstar. I am tired of hearing about its high performance and weight. This was poorly built and BMW of North America is invloved. I am sure not all X5s are like this, but have patience if you buy one.