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 a Long term Car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By S Alllen - December 16 - 12:31 pm

  Bought this vehicle for travel. It looks great, but wow, for a high rated vehicle, i wouldnt buy another BMW. The windows fall into the doors (BMW dealer says thats normal) and cost to fix $$$$. Heater doesnt work well, air doesnt work well. The heated seats they work. Wouldnt recommend a used BMW or keep one past 3 years. Not worth the extra money!

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  Diesel Exhaust Tech not ready for prime time - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By John Ranalletta - December 16 - 5:01 am

  Ive driven this 11 335d for nearly 5 years and 100k miles. I love the car but not when the service engine soon light turns on. Usually, its a fault related to the SCR (diesel exhaust fluid) system issue. Having purchased the 100k BMW warranty, the repairs were covered, except for replacement of the catalytic converter which the dealer stated was not covered. I have to pay $500 labor and the dealer is providing the part. This is not an inexpensive car to own/maintain and Id likely not buy another BMW diesel even though theres a lot to like about driving one.

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  Just Not Worth the Money - 2008 BMW X3
  By Marc - December 8 - 9:33 am

  This is my 2nd X3 in 6 months. I had so many problems with 2007 that BMW bought out my lease and I ordered another one (would not let me totally out of the lease). These are overpriced and not up to par with Japanese vehicles. Problems-- transmission does not mesh with engine, hesitation, brakes grab, OEM tires were AWFUL in snow last few weeks, took them off before slid into something. Navigation system is archaic. Radio even upgraded one just does not provide quality sound. This is definitely not the ultimate driving machine. I would never recommed an X3 to anyone else. I do not know how other reviews are favorable. Guess just taken away with BMW emblems all over the car.

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  Lost in translation - 2005 BMW X5
  By rem - December 6 - 3:52 am

  It may have been a great car. It may have been a great truck. But its neither. Very comfortable and decent performer with nice interior. Nevertheless, a very busy exterior, awfully heavy doors (watch your fingers), lousy electronics, bad rear visibility, gargantuan gas appetite, tremendous wind noise with open roof, unreadable computer display in most daylight and huge turning radius. Main forte - desirable name tag. Living up to the promised ultimateness - in chris bangles next life. We are walking away from it for. Thanks, munich, this was our last present to you.

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  The Nightmare Continues... - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By Hollywood - November 26 - 1:49 pm

  I just traded my 06 750Li lemon for an 07...and got another lemon. The 06 was continually in the shop for transmission problems, which after 4 attempts and a new transmission was never fixable. The new 07 has the same problems (I know, "fool me once..."). BMW as a company has been horrific to deal with. The mechanics say that BMW is well aware of the faulty transmissions, but no fix is available. Apparently BMWs policy is "let the buyer beware". Yikes. I now have an attorney instead of a drivable vehicle. Oh well, live and learn! I guess there is good reason why the A8 and the S-class have passed up the 7 series in reviews over the past several years.

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  Got rid of it! - 2004 BMW X3
  By Lisa - November 14 - 7:09 pm

  I think I was just so excited to be able to say that I OWNED a "BMW" that I got too caught up in the name. I was so disappointed to find out that only weeks after I purchased the vehicle, it started rattling like a cage! It felt like it was falling apart. I expected alot more from a "BMW." I traded that sucker and am now the owner of a Lexus and I couldnt be happier!

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  Revive the x5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By jogg - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Driveability is excellent. Build quality is poor. Too many options and few standard features for the price. For a status vehicle it should live up to its name and save the owner so many trips to the service dept.

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  Numerous Mechanical issues - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Unsatisfied - October 1 - 4:43 pm

  I have heard that these cars were very reliable. Mine was extremely fun to drive, but had numerous mechanical issues. Maybe I just got a bad one. Had to replace the drive shaft in the first year, drive belt tensioner "exploded" causing loss of power steering and cut hose resulted in overheat. Right front suspension replacement required before 50k miles... not driven very hard, numerous other issues final stage unit caused air conditioning to fail, replaced twice during time I owned, etc.

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  Problem with A/C blower motor - 2007 BMW X5
  By J. Yau - September 5 - 6:46 pm

  For those new owners of a BMW X5 3.0si, there are several units with a problem with the A/C blower motor. If you have heard a grinding noise coming from the inside of the A/C vents, you have it! The part is in back order. If you havent heard the noise, contact your dealer and ask if your car has the problem. Pray that your dealer is honest and will tell you the truth. Very, very frustrated with the brand. A $60K should be flawless.

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  4th one is not a charm! - 2007 BMW X5
  By bill jones - August 20 - 12:40 pm

  This is my 4th BMW X5 and the first one I am not in love with. The interior is noisy. The transmission does not seem as responsive as previous models. The sport seats are not comfortable. The iDrive is very buggy. Has been in the shop several times already. My previous X5s never saw the shop once except for an oil change. Will try to sell this one. Kind of disappointed since for the last 10 years every car I have owned has been a BMW.