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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  Looks Can Be Deceiving. - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By SportyDave - July 20 - 10:48 pm

  This seems like a brilliant car, the interior is sumptuous with a gorgeous dashboard (especially when the navigation is on). Ride is smooth, and engine just purrs. Every angle of this car grabs attention. However, the reliability is abysmal! This car has been in the shop so many times, I eventually just sold it. Glitches in interior parts (too many motors and unnecessary gizmos prone to go bad over time) just added to the gamut of problems. This car is atrocious in the winter or any slick conditions. The fat rear tires get no traction, and on subject, tires they DO sell are outrageously expensive. $400 a tire! And they barely make 10k miles. In fact, most parts for this car are absurd.

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  An excellent veichle - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By alex lopez - July 20 - 8:32 pm

  I have a 1998 BMW 528i . A reliable and safe car. Ive only had it for a year and the only thing that went bad on me were the brakes, but overall its an excellent vehicle and I strongly recommend one as a first car. The parts are expensive but I think its worth it. The fuel is not so bad on it unless you floor it all the time, otherwise its fuel economy.

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  Still fun, but expensive - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By DennisGNY - July 20 - 5:02 pm

  One of the cars best features was BMWs all inclusive warranty (I also was able to buy a second year coverage). While I didnt have any major complaints the first year, BMW paid for thousands of dollars in parts and labor (mostly electronic). Fun to drive, very expensive to fix. Worn parts like springs, bushings & brakes should have lasted much longer. Based on my first two years experience I purchased a third party warranty to cover the next 37,000 miles. Dont buy a BMW without a BMW warranty. None the less the car is fun to drive, performance is excellent and you can feel the assuredness that is built into the car. Put on the Ray Bans, find an open road, drop the top and crank up the stereo.

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  Even "base" sedan is awesome! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Luis - July 20 - 9:36 am

  Used 2006 325i 4-dr, only options are A/T and power seats. Even in "base" configuration, this is truly the nicest sport sedan around. Ive had Saab, Audi, VW, Mazda - all good. But no one seems to have nailed that elusive ride- vs-handling balance like BMW. Not to mention "fun-to-drive", along with timeless styling inside and out. Sewing-machine-like drivetrain, thanks to silky I-6 engine. I was not considering an automatic until I drove it and felt how smoothly it shifted without sacrificing power. Even standard "leatherette" (German for vinyl) interior looks great. Ive heard its quite durable and outlasts leather. A solid near-luxury sedan value if you can find a clean, lo-mileage sample.

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  This car is a BEAST!!! - 2009 BMW M3
  By M3 Fanatic - July 20 - 12:05 am

  I had an 02 E46 M3 before getting my new 09 E90 M3. These cars are quite different in their personality, but both are great. The E46 actually feels more like a sports car while the E90 feels more like a grand touring car. The power from the E90s V8 is amazing and almost effortless. I ordered the M-DCT transmission and am absolutely amazed. The shifts are super quick and super smooth. It feels like the shifts from BMWs auto transmissions. While I tend to be a sporty driver, I have to admit the M- DCT tranny is so good, I often leave it in full auto mode. All in all, I love it!

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  Overcomplicated Undependable 4th car - 2004 BMW X5
  By RaySmay - July 19 - 8:21 pm

  Car was back in the shop for carburetion problems from the time it was new. Brakes are replaced with 50% + of pads left due to poor sensor system. Sunroof hoses pinched during assembly and as soon as a minor amount of dust collected in them water filled both front floor wells. Water ran down over fuse boxes while draining to the floor. Now the lights keep kicking out. Rear wells filled with water (behind access panels to rear light bulbs). All the wiring "boxes" filled with water and now all the junctions are corroded. Rear tail lights go out whenever they feel like it. This car is about the poorest engineered vehicle the devil could have designed. Need a Buick to get parts and make trips.

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  I just didnt know... - 1992 BMW 5-Series
  By Tony Holland - July 18 - 11:31 pm

  I purchased my 92 525i for 2900 cash. It had 204,000 on the odometer. 4 years later it is still a daily driver. A red 5 speed with all the options. I have replaced about everything under the hood from the a/c compressor to the alternator. Water pump, fuel pump and a new radiator. This sounds like a lot, but the absence of a car payment made it worth the money. The car is a joy to drive. The 5-speed makes up for the lack of power. The car is very at home at interstate speeds and will cruise "Way" over the speed limit for as long as the fuel lasts. This has been a great used car that is a blast to drive. Now I know..."BMW The Ultimate Driving Machine".

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  330i review - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Ken - July 17 - 11:56 pm

  Very exciting to drive. Lots of road feel. Very tight cornering feel. Brakes are super. Engine is very smooth. Mileage is less than advertised, but OK.

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  Junk - 2005 BMW X5
  By Gianmarco - July 17 - 2:09 pm

  I had a Dodge Durango 2001 before this x5 and never had a problem with it. The x5 is the worst car I had - it leaks from the roof when it rains took it back to the dealer to get it fixed so many times and still same problem. Electrical problem goes dead cant find the problem, driver door wont open from outside with this car you never know if the engine is going to start or not. You dont expect this from a BMW. I am about to put a sign on my glass saying dont buy this car ,too many problems.

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  BMW128i - After 15 months - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By JFi - July 17 - 10:24 am

  Even after 15 months, I still absolutely love this car. Its very unique as you dont see many around, so thats a nice touch. Wasnt even in the market when I bought the car, but had to have it once I drove it. The handling of this car is very smooth and very precise, glides through corners and turns with ease and precision. Lots of power for a car this size. Others are surprised by how fast and quick this little car can be. I dont think of it as a true sports car (although the backseat is basically unusable) because its got a great ride for a car that is so low to the ground (no sport package) and lots of nice luxury touches as well. Nothing else like it on the road.