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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  No More BMWs - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Joe - January 22 - 1:45 am

  Day 1: Check engine light came on. I had to take some time off my work and took it to the dealer. No loaner. I had to rent a car. They called me and they could not really found the problem after swapping coils and injectors between cylinders. After owning the car for 3 years (60k now), I can assure you that these are the most unreliable cars. The main problem, in my opinion, is the buggy engine management software that cannot function without problems for long. Basically it throws these errors and lights all the time in your face. Mine is 6 years old now and the dealer for the last two years could not figure out why I am getting a misfire on cylinder 3, 4, etc.. Avoid

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  Best car Ive ever owned. - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Larry - January 21 - 5:31 pm

  Reliable, fun, handles well, looks good, for 2nd, 3rd owner dont lose much. Best and most reliable car Ive ever owned.

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  Turbodiesel X5 Tops All Mid Size SUVs - 2009 BMW X5
  By Bob A - January 21 - 5:04 pm

  I waited 6 months to write a review of the turbodiesel X5 to make sure that there would be no issues with the engine. There arent any issues with the diesel - its great! Plenty of power on the low end with good power at speed. The six cylinder gas engine is way underpowered. The V8 has great performance with terrible fuel economy. I am getting between 30 and 32 MPG on the highway and 18 MPG in local driving. Figure that you will average 22 MPG in combined driving.

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  Almost perfect - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By DIC_CAMARILLO - January 21 - 12:07 am

  Ive owned my 540i for about 6 years now. What a blast to drive - I actually prefer driving my 540i over my 911. The power is great, suspension very precise and brakes rock solid. The interior is awesome (great leather). This is my favorite 5 series body style. My 540i looks fast standing still. Gas mileage is about 18-19 combined. The problems cause me to selectively drive my 540i. The transmission is acting up again. I had the valve body rebuilt and everything was good. Then the transmission light came on and it goes in limp home mode. The radiator, fan, fan clutch, water pump have been replaced. Ditto for numerous seals and gaskets. Power steering fluid res. cracked.

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  Ultimate Tanning Machine (Update)! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By VB - January 20 - 3:37 pm

  I’ve had it for 1.5 years now and obsession doesn’t stop (just ask my wife). Now that I am approaching my 40s (whew!) and have a wife, couple of kids, etc. I decided to buy a car of my dreams, a BMW 3-ser convertible. So, when the time was right I went ahead and purchased a beautiful E46 325Ci Convertible with sport package, premium package, cold weather package, and 5-speed. It does everything very well. It is a joy to drive and I still wake up in the morning with the thought that I am going to drive it and leave work looking forward to hugging corners on the way home.

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  WOW - 2005 BMW Z4
  By RXZ4 - January 20 - 12:06 am

  WOW and to think we waited over three years to finally find and purchase our dream machine. 05 with 22K, CPO and extended maintenance plan, and fully loaded. The tires are pretty sensitive to less than perfect roads and youll find yourself driving with two hands on the wheel. We actually like the cup holders and the radio rocks!

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  328i - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By raisbeck - January 18 - 10:15 pm

  Long story short. I wound up with this car by accident. I thought that I was buying something nice and boring and maintenance free... Itt aint. These (I bought one for my daughter) things take some TLC but if you stay away from the dealers and do your own work, theyre no more expensive than a Pontiac(got the bills from my wifes dealer). E46 - watch out for the cooling system. Radiators and water pumps are plastic and die after 8-9 years. Keep up the "routine" maintenance religiously. Find a reasonably priced source of parts.

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  Awesome Combination - 2010 BMW X6
  By DrEvil - January 18 - 9:30 pm

  Came from a porsche + SUV and I wanted to experience both in a single vehicle. This is it. The acceleration, handling and feel are hard to believe at first, but you get more confident as you go. It responds and feels like a sports car at high speed, and like a midsize SUV at slow speeds. Absolute luxury and comfort. Looks mean and drives meaner. Every techno gadget you could want and the best VR and nav in the business. The interior rivals a 7-series.

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  Good but miss expectation - 2010 BMW X5
  By lbc - January 18 - 1:49 am

  Got the new X5 for a very good price. With just a few hundreds over invoice and factoring in the $2500 rebate, great deal. Had a BMW 330i with ZHP before. Expected a similar "best in class" dynamic. Was quite disappointed. The vehicle is close to my outgoing 2001 MDX than the 330i in terms of performance and handling. Dont know about the turning radius myth. Where my MDX could make a straight U turn, I have had to do w/ 3 point turns. Big gaps in the doors letting dirts in. Tires are run-flat only. Hugely expensive as BMW disallow repairs. A small nail had cost me $400.

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  335d 2009 Great Car - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By MJ - January 17 - 2:32 pm

  If any one is looking for a 335 BMW. Take a close look at the 335d. It is very fast, 425 lbs ft. of torque and 265 hp. It to me feels much faster than the 335i in normal around town driving. I now have just about 7000 miles on it. No problems at all. I also have a lexus for my wife. The reliability is the same both, great. However the big plus is the mileage. I get 30 mpg around town and 39 on the highway . The 335i cannot do that. There is no diesel smell or smoke ever. Diesel fuel cost is at or just below high test in Northern Va.