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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  Not too bad - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By twmark - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 330Cic in November, 2002 and after only 800 miles the car broke down. I couldnt believe it. I was told that they had to replace the entire engine! The dealer however was very understanding and I was given a brand new car with same spec...but I had to wait a month. During that month they loaned me a 325i which I actually thought was more fun to drive and had better seating dynamics than the 330 cic. Since I got the new 330cic, its been a pleasure but I think my next car will be the 325i

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  They need to work out the bugs - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By JohnFischer - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I had the car for two days, and then the problems started. i would list them if I didnt have to be under 700 chacters. Apparently there are many software bugs that need to be fixed. Of course the dealership doesnt tell you until after you purchase the car. I have been told that my problems have been already documentented, and BMW is aware of them. However they are not fixed. Its been at the dealership over a week now. The mechanics dont even know how to fix it, and must rely on BMW NA to help them.

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  My Fun Toy - 2001 BMW Z3
  By zippyiceman - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Its a very fun car to drive and draws a lot of attention. But they have to upgrade the cheap plastic interior parts and rear window

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  Fun, but totally impractical - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Debbie - April 21 - 5:13 pm

  I bought my 330Ci convertible in March of this year and traded it in September. Part of the reason was a chance to own my "dream" car and an inability to justify owning two convertibles, but part of it was the sheer impracticality of the car. We couldnt fit two carry-on suitcases and two backpacks in the trunk, no one could comfortably ride in the back seat, there is very little storage space inside the vehicle and almost none that is secure if you leave the top down. The tires cost $355 EACH and apparently only last 8,000-10,000 miles - an added cost no one tells you about. The car was already recalled with a problem within 6 months. All in all it was fun to drive, but not worth it.

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  problems only - 2002 BMW X5
  By danieldanko - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I got my x5 3.0 for a 4 months now and went to service for 5 times . First week- check engine light on(bad fuel cap) second visit - same problem plus problems with memory seats (no solution). third visit - check engine light again (bad fuel hose)plus headlights getting foogy (new driver headlight) fouth visit - problems with am radio(no solution still suks!) plus headlights getting foggy again (passenger side) fifth visit next week - temperature in chicago 90 degree and a\c is not working. Dose anybody has the same problems ??? Let me know

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  H_ll of a car!!! - 2000 BMW Z8
  By andjelo_miklic - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This is really a car. The time it is passing, and im still more and more in love with it. Beautyfull. Totaly diferent from other BMWs that I dont like much. Excellent.

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  fun vehicle - 2001 BMW Z3
  By williamshim - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle. If youre looking for a top down driving with for 2 people, its hard to beat this car. S2000 may come close but it doesnt have the comfort of Z3...

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  Electronic Mirrors - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Sabrina - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my BMW in June 2003 and its been in the shop for over a month. The fuse to the electric mirrors keeps blowing. After all this time they still cant figure out whats wrong. They are playing a guessing game and now replacing the mirrors. Not only have I had problems with the mirrors, my radio had to be replaced as well. Ugh!!! I thing I gotta lemon!

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  Stay away - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By badnews - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the most dangerous car Ive ever owned. In the two years I have owned it, the engine has blown, the electrical system has completely failed, and the car almost caught on fire. I bought it used with 42,000 miles on it and it now has 91,000 miles on it. BMW should be embarrassed. The only saving grace is that I have a 100,000 mile extended warranty. It has easily saved me $15,000 in repairs. I am about to trade it in for a Honda Accord.

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  My BMW - 2001 BMW Z3
  By JerryMo - April 6 - 2:00 am

  In general I love my Z3. It obviously has some flaws but the overall driving experience is very positive. If I had to do it over again I would probably purchase a Honda S2000 instead.