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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  1994 740i stay away - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Golf - January 23 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has a short block issue. The car run good at high speed, but performs badly at stand still. Idle is low due to a leak down engine problem. The problem was well noted by BMW and 180,000 units were affected. The Engine is this car does not do well with American gas due to a Nakusil material that the short block is made of. Theres material on the web that supports this claim. The car is no good for that year. I wonder if the BMW engineer was terminated. The dealer sold me the car knowing that it had a problem that they could not fix. As a consumer it only to me one day to late to figure that out.

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  2nd and last BMW - 2002 BMW X5
  By Fred Tramutola - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Fast and good handling as long as the road is bone dry. Slides on wet roads even with anti skid. Snow is the worst. Doors and windows freeze shut in sub freezing weather. Locking system is impossible. Pieces of molding fall off. No where near worth the high cost.

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  Love our BMW! - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Pistol - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used (a one owner lease return) 528I w/sports package and 38,500 miles last year. Have driven it for 10,000 miles and it has been flawless. I have never owned an automobile that felt soooo secure - this car really handles. Previously owned a Saab and a couple of Volvos. My wife drives it every day - I get to drive it on trips - she says she never wants to own another car make - only BMW (and I dont disagree!)

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  Bug Alert - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Bummed BMW Buyer - January 20 - 2:00 am

  If you happen to get one which has some sort of bug in the complex computer system which runs the vehicle, you are doomed. I have had the same problems over and over again. Faults in the airbag/restriant system keep occuring. Something is draining on the battery and keeps shutting the car down such that interior lights dont work, the convenience package portion stops working, CDs keep shuffling through the changer and starting at the 1st CD every time, etc. Things have a mind of their own and reset themselves constantly. The bells and whistles dont work half the time. My advice, the vehicle is not worth the money they are charging.

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  Too Many Parts - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By disatisfied ob-gyn - January 12 - 2:00 am

  It has been a lifelong dream to finally own the car. Now the bad part. The car has been into the dealership more times than I can remember. Problems started with the electronic keyfob system. Ive been stuck along the side of many roads and in many parking lots waiting for BMW roadside. I thought it was my fault that the doors were left open and my belongs ransacked but as I tried to lock them I saw that the locks open up by themselves. Overall I cant say that I am satisfied. I probably should have bought an S series Benz. To have so much electronic equipment and not train the mechanics is just Bad Business.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW M5
  By dshin - January 10 - 2:00 am

  This is what BMW is all about, and its the category that no others can compete. If they can only make one car without any business pressure, I think this would be it.

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  First model year - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By dan7788 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  97 is the first model year of the 528i (build starts 96). I think many 97 528 owners, many of the them have the same problems. The rear power window regulator breaks. Water pump would go at about 70k mi. power seat have problems, so is the airbag warning sensor. interior starts making noise after awhile. The alarm sensor for the trunk might have problem. BMW issued notice for dealer to fix a lot of these problems. Early model dont have manual shift mode. The brakes are really good but dont last long. The engine only makes 190hp, it runs slower than my old C280.

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  My $2000 per year wallet drainer - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By albuquerque bimmer - January 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the way the car looks, performs, and drives, however failing electrical system, and computer system is very disappointing. Windows have failed 4 times. Sandia BMW wants $1100 to fix computer/sensor. Labor charge ($90) per hour plus outrageous part costs make this car difficult to own. I dont intend to buy another.

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  could be so much better - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Art Kubach - January 3 - 2:00 am

  BMW seems to have a problem with fit and finish. I also own an 2001 x5. They have problems with plastic parts that fall off (small control buttons on the dasboard of the x-5, rocker panels on the 745) Also have a problem with paint peeling on x-5 interior door handles, and 745 rocker panels. The plastic is probably polyethelene if it is not heat treated poperly nothing will stick to it, that is probably the problem. However since I purchased the x-5 in 2001, and, the 745 in 2003 you would have thought that they would have fixed the plastic/paint problem by now.

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  NICE CAR - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By HEATHER - December 30 - 2:00 am

  THERE ARE DEFINITELY CHANGES TO BE MADE ON THE INTERIOR TO MAKE IT MORE USER FRIENDLY. THE CAR PERFORMS SO WELL, THOUGH, THAT IM WILLING TO FORGIVE SOME OF THE CONVENIENCE FLAWS. I ALSO GET A LOT OF COMPLEMENTS ON THE NEW GRAY GREEN COLOR.