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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  Hate to love it - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Steve B - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I love the car and the compliments. Legroom for everyone. But too much maintenance on things that shouldnt go wrong. When I ask, I hear "yeah, the 7s do that." $3500 in the last year or so...this is ridiculous.

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  Great Car! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Kencal - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my BMW 528 back in 1999 and have enjoyed it a lot over the past 4 years. I had a few repairs so far, the worst was the breakdown of the board computer after 3 1/2 years which set me back about $1,200.

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  Truth about the early Z3 - 1996 BMW Z3
  By MikeInDallas - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Had Z3 2 years now, bought used. Door handle pulled off/common defect. Light switch is a pull switch, but the snap-on cap that covers the screw-on bolt is also snap-on. Duh. Location of window controls in center console results in shorts because its next to shifter and gets dirty. Windows sometimes dont roll up/down. Cat. Converter bad, rattles like mad. Top rattles too. Trunk leaks. This was a factory approved used car. Ive talked to others who have cited similar experiences. Maybe an older model you buy will have these things fixed, maybe not.

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  Worth the money - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By ymerej23 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I love the car in spite of its imperfections. It doesnt have enough power and the fuel mileage is horrible for a 4 banger especially if you really drive it. It is very comfortable and fun to drive. It is definately worth the $ paid for it because it looks more expensive than it is. It is a great looking car and gets a lot of compliments. It is also reliable and easy to work on. Over all it is a great value.

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  need better relibility - 2001 BMW X5
  By bruno1 - May 31 - 2:00 am

  transmission went out at 29000, no reverse, many other little problems, back hatch sticks, park distance control 2 times replaced sensors, now have some awfully squeaking sound. Love the way the car drives but lacks reliability.

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  fun but pricey - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By GuyM - May 30 - 2:00 am

  electric top mechanism required $1600 in repairs. SRS light required a $450 "brain". Everything expensive. Never again.

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  Could be better - 1999 BMW M3
  By MJD181169 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This car has amazing performance and styling. However, the interior craftsmanship leaves something to be desired. The steering wheel vibrates and makes noises, as does the dashboard. It is frustrating to think how much I paid for this vehicle, only to listen to constant cabin noise. With high performance tires, this car is useless in the snow. Also, the trunk-mounted CD changer skips regulary on less than perfect surfaces. All in all, the performance will leave you grinning after every drive.

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  BMW X5 4.4 - 2001 BMW X5
  By mdratliff - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The 2001 BMW X5 supports BMWs mantra of performance. My vehicle performs as well as some sports cars (4.4 & sports package required) and provides excellent acceleration. I am disappointed in the vehicle quality (radiator crack) along with numerous computer/electronic failures (engine, transmission, fuel gauge, CD player,etc) requiring unnecessary trips to the local dealer. In the three years of leasing the vehicle, I have had the vehicle towed three times (all between 15K - 28K miles). My expectation for a $60,000 vehicle are much higher than a $30K vehicle and will purchase a Lexus or Infiti vehicle next.

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  Smooth as Silk - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By paonlou - May 25 - 2:00 am

  3.0 litre engine packs nice punch, with tight handling to go along. Comfortable cockpit with great adjustable leather seats.

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  Good performer, questionable reliability - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Jason - May 24 - 11:16 am

  After test driving several makes and models, I bought the 335i xDrive with the sports package and nav. The car has been in the shop for approximately 2 of the 6 weeks that I have owned the car... so far (issues with a coolant pump). Car drives well on dry road but during our recent snow storm, the car had poor traction despite xDrive and the car slips and slides with the slightest braking. Most likely due to the tires that come with the Sports package. When I drove the 328xi loaner car, while my car was in the shop, it drove well in the snow. Overall, a good looking sleek car with good performance and features.