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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  Learn from our mistakes - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By MBH - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 BMW 330ci is an awful vehicle. I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle.. It is my third BMW and I am very surpridsed at this. I have lost a lot of respect for BMW after having this vehicle. This will be the last BMW I will ever purchase. I am sorry I wasted my money and BMW lost a faithful customer.

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  best suv yet - 2004 BMW X3
  By briansheep - January 15 - 2:00 am

  X5 meets 330xi best piece of machinery ever built by bmw

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  Santa got it right - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By xmsbmw - January 14 - 10:13 pm

  Santa brought a 1997 red BMW 5 speed convertible to our house on Christmas morning in 2006. My wife absolutely loves this car. We took a ride along the southern half of the Blue Ridge Parkway this summer with the top down and it was an incredible trip. We have had (knock on wood) no problems and no repairs since the day we got it. All we have done in two years is change the oil. Some day the top will need to be replaced but we knew that when we got it. I compare this to a 1986 Buick "T" type I bought new that was suppose to be GMs answer to the BMW. I spent $16K on the Buick, had it 9 years and put over $17K of my own money in repairs. I now know, if you want a BMW, then buy a BMW!

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  In A Class By Itself - 2009 BMW X6
  By Mark - January 14 - 7:19 pm

  Of all the xDrive BMWs Ive owned or even driven, this one is a sublime blend of sure footed panther and raging bull. Fit and finish is above even BMW standards. It feels like its hand made on the inside and looks like it was left behind by advanced intelligence from another galaxy. Drove both engine sizes and went with the big one 5.0 V-8. The roar alone justified my decision. The slack-jaw looks it earns from the ignoratii are priceless. Forget about cargo space. This is not for soccer moms. This is for a single individual to get out and have fun quickly. Sport package is a must on this car. So is Technology package. Logic 7 premium sound is a hedge against any conversation. Get 1

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  Beware of the X5 - Very Disappointed - 2008 BMW X5
  By mattshahidi - January 14 - 7:17 pm

  At first the X5 was great to drive until all the problems started. What we did not know about the X5 is that it has a history of electrical problems. BMW has yet to fix them for 2009. If you are unfortunate to have these the dealers will never be able to fix them. Be aware if you have a fatal or any other warning light it will show up in the computer, so you must tend to it right away to avoid liability. As for contacting BMW assist, forget about it if you have a problem on a weekend. Better yet, just have a second car. Less disappointing that way.

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  Inspires driving confidence, but flawed. - 2008 BMW X5
  By AbaundvrM3 - January 14 - 12:32 pm

  Overall my wife and I love the X5, its classy, rides good, and gets decent mileage. Average 18 mpg in mixed driving, but 40 hp more would help move it better. On the Autobahn the faster you drive the better it runs and it gets the same 17 mpg at 110 as 80 mph! We keep the baby seat in the center, but it lacks the latch anchors so we have to stagger the two side seat anchoring points. Also, my biggest beef with the X5 is the factory running boards. While making it sportier they get in the way getting in/out. My poor wife gets dirty every time she puts the baby seat in. Lastly, the drivers seat always ends up in the wrong spot even w/memory seats, a few flaws that get irritating!

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  325 Ci Coupe - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By sdburnett - January 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice car. I fell in love with the front looks of it! It handles very nice. I absolutely love the body style of the new BMWs!

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  Electrical Nightmare.....BEWARE!!! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Electrical Disaster - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Rear tail light burns out 3 months after purchase. Dealer took care of it with NO PAPER WORK. 8 months later, same light burns out. Service guy handed me 5 bulbs, NO PAPER WORK. I neglected to notice a few little electrical problems from a few months after purchase. After 3 years and 106,000 miles here are my electrical problems: Left rear tail light wont work, sun roof wont work all the time, headlights pulsate in intensity along with clicking sound in glove box, and this: door locks dont work all the time. I got the attention of BMW, USA and they paid HALF the cost $2,100! Why? Because I didnt document my electrical problems before my warranty expired.

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  I made the right choice. - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By guiseppe - January 14 - 10:00 am

  After months(3)of comparing cars (G35,AudiA4,Bmw 325i), I chose the BMW. While the G35 offers far more power, and handles great, I did not like its exterior design. I tried to like it because it made the most sense but...I couldnt. The A4 looks great, but, lets be honest, it looks too much like the Passat. It took 2 test drives to convince me that the best choice (for me) was the 325. One last thing, two words: Sports package!

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  BMW 330Ci Review - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ZAB - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car throught the European Delivery program. Great handling, and interior controls. Only single drawback is the Harmon-Kardon stereo; it is just lacking. The low-mid range frequencies creep into the cabin speakers causing system to sound muddy when the overall bass is increased. A better low frequency crossover and/or an onboard sub volume/eq would help out a lot.