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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  How BMW lost a 15 year customer - 2012 BMW X5
  By Don Louis - March 1 - 8:45 pm

  We bought two X5s, one in 2001, one in 2011. The 2012 X5 has 28K miles on it and warranty expired in October 15. In early October, the car called BMW and said service was required. We took it and they could not say what service was needed. We told them to replace the wipers since we were there on our $1,000+ extended service plan. So far we have gotten two sets of wipers and two oil changes for our $1000. Dont buy that plan from them. It covers little. In December 15 the vehicle was leaking oil in the garage. They determined it was leaking from a hose going to the turbocharger and fixed it as a courtesy beyond the warranty period at no charge. 45 days later it was leaking again in the same spot in the garage. This time it was determined that the turbocharger needed replaced. They agreed to replace it with a 5% deductible of $263. Each trip there is painful. The service department is grossly understaffed. Today there was one adviser there, with a line waiting to see her. She was literally running, doing her best. After a 10 minute wait to pay and a 10 minute wait to get the vehicle, I was out. The car smells like glue really strong. I got an appraisal too, no longer having peace of mind. Our $60K car is now worth $24K after 4 years and 4 months, and 28,000 miles. BMW no longer holds its value. Our 15 years of BMW loyalty are at an end. The quality of product has declined, and the dealer experiences are time consuming and frustrating. BMW is supposed to give you peace of mind and the ultimate driving experience. For us, they have failed.

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  Great to drive. Short on quality. - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By woohoo325 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Clutch assembly was defective from the factory and transmission had to be torn down at 3200 miles. I wonder if the defective part already caused unneccessary wear-and-tear.

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  Fun to drive - expected more reliability - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Obelix25860 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  * After 1 week I had to "sputter" to the dealership - blown spark coil in cylinder (it actually has 1 per cylinder). * At month 3 a panel lit up like a xmas tree (called service they said come in 1 week) one hour later the car died and I was towed into the Dealership. * From day 0 one keyfob didnt work and the replacement still hasnt arrived

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  Needs more power - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ken325i - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This car needs just a little more power -- 20 hp. Also, BMW does not finish the car out with the extras -- you have to pay for every little thing, like garage door opener. A car this price should include these things.

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  Amazing Whip... - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Frederick - February 7 - 11:18 pm

  I have a Jag Portfolios just is rare... Now I have a 2000 528i wagon... Its fine like new.. better gas mileage than I expected... Compliments on the car often... If you can get your hands on one do so... Quick

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  Amazing Whip... - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Frederick - February 7 - 11:18 pm

  I have a Jag Portfolios just is rare... Now I have a 2000 528i wagon... Its fine like new.. better gas mileage than I expected... Compliments on the car often... If you can get your hands on one do so... Quick

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  interior improvments needed - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Ronst - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Interior design around the driver is poor. Arm rest and storage comartment need major improvement. Side door pockets not as spacious as older models. Would like to see retractable arm rest back. "I-drive" you find a radio station! It takes five steps to get to the radio! I have to accept a disclaimer that pops up on the nav screen every time I start the engine. I was told satelite radio would be available-not! There is an annoying light on the ceiling that stays on when there is no passenger in the right seat that reads "air bag not activated" Goes off when seat is occupied.

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  good drive, plenty of fun - 2004 BMW Z4
  By drajax777 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  the 2.5 model is fast enough to get the driver in trouble but the brakes are excellent; the styling sets this car apart. my problem is with the run flat tires which seem prone to go flat and are expensive; in 12000 miles ive had three flats; no one is sure about a cause

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  Pity Poor External Design - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Anton - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic car to drive lots of fun. Good road holding and comfortable. Z3 styling was much much better.

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  BMW 325I Service Record - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Bruce Kahl - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I loved the car, but the repair record was horrendous. Everything kept breaking and the car had to go into service starting at 6 weeks.