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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  2003 540i 6spd Sport - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By lochaven - February 14 - 1:44 pm

  Purchased new in Sep 03 after driving 2004 530i (liked the styling, interior, and lack of iDrive of 2003 better). Traded a 2 year old Corvette. 540i only has 85% of the Vettes performance but is 200% more refined. The manual 6 spd was a little notchy for the first few months but was smooth after that. Seat and door seal squeaks were the only quality problems I had and the dealer eventually fixed/replaced them. One dealer frustration was they didnt know why my auto-headlights didnt work after two trips the the shop. I later learned that this feature is disabled when foglights are on! After 5 years I want to buy a new car but just cant find one with better styling or performance.

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  Dead Battery - 2009 BMW X5
  By Don - February 13 - 8:03 pm

  Huge problem with the battery system. The push start system has no accessory mode, therefore if the engine is not running and you turn it on to use the radio, phone, DVD, etc. The battery will drain in 15 minutes. No indicator, no warning, just dead battery. The dealer service departments say they have to put the car on a charger just to work on them or the battery will be dead. The BMW answer is you have to have the engine running "all the time". Forget the after engine turnoff heat, you cant use it. Forget the DVD player that logically you cant use while driving, but you have to keep the engine running. If you expect to use your car a lot like I do, forget it.

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  Smooth Operator - 2003 BMW X5
  By Joseph Chik - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Drove the ML320 for a year and not vey happy with the driving. The car is reliable but not as smooth as my previous 5 series (528i). Thought I should try Mercedes but not completely happy. So I traded in for the 4.4 X5 and so far it did not disappoint. The car is so smooth and yet so solid. Driving it is sheer joy and I look forward to many yeras of great motoring.

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  The best - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Dayo - February 13 - 2:00 am

  The best car you can own

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  Love it!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Joey Boy - February 13 - 2:00 am

  After looking at Audi, Saab, and Mercedes, I ended up with my 325. I couldnt be happier with it. The styling, the power and the reliability all add up to a car I recommend and recommend to my friends and clients. You wont be disappointed. Good value, too!

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  awesome - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By jayne - February 13 - 2:00 am

  this car is not only fun to drive it turns heads and performs like no other

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  seating space - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By seniorcitizen - February 13 - 2:00 am

  the only thing I dont like about my BMW is the tight seating in the driver side.I`m a big man(275lbs)and find it difficult to slide in behind the wheel.Otherwise,once in place,there is no other great feeling like driving this vehicle.

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  Dont buy BMW X5 - 2008 BMW X5
  By 2008 BMW X5 - February 12 - 6:56 pm

  This SUV handles like truck and rides like truck in regular road. I took it to off road recently, I wish I could return it, it was worst riding than 18 wheelers. (1) In 2 months A/C motor had to be replace. (2) Back up light at night is so bad you can not see the curb (try it). (3) You need to continually give gas to go forward, or it will drastically slow down. (4) Now motor sit adjusting on the drive side makes noise. (5) So on, it is just bad SUV.

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  Reliability?? - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff - February 12 - 2:48 pm

  Update on reliability issues on my 535xi. I contacted my dealer with my concerns and they arranged a face to face meeting with the dealer CEO, Service Manager and BMW North America. I was very pleased with the outcome of the meeting. I am glad to report that BMW is standing behind its product. I posted the note below on "Reliability???" and only feel it it right to give props to BMW and my dealer for handling my issues in a very professional and respectful manner.

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  Luxury and Performance - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Aowilliams - February 12 - 1:52 pm

  After having reached 50,000 miles, the car is still fantastic and has been thus far trouble free. It is highly stable at highway speeds (and beyond) and is sensational in corners. Its a great driving experience with nice luxury features that make it a joy to drive to the market or across country.