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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  What a car! - 2007 BMW Z4
  By DOUG - September 24 - 1:37 pm

  Ive had my Z4 coupe 15 months and have 17,700 miles on it. First car I have "loved"! Im 65 and behind the wheel, I feel like 25. I have driven just about all sport cars, but none have turned me on, like my coupe. I drove a Porsche on a race track once, but this coupe will beat that Porsche on any curve anytime. And I might add, for half the price. The Z4 coupe is and will be the only car for me. When Im too old to drive, Ill sit in my rocker, rock the day away, while looking at my Z.

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  Flashy headache - 2008 BMW X6
  By MrObjective - September 24 - 9:00 am

  Sure, it gets attention, but I wish more attention had been given to practical design. Its nearly impossible to see out of the rear window making reverse a dangerous exercise. The rear view camera display states to "never rely solely on camera" when thats exactly what the driver must do. Side vision is also hampered by the steep drop off of the front fenders--the driver cant tell see the outboard edge of the car. The liftgate has two opening heights, but getting past the low one is fiddly at best, making loading anything back there a long reach into a shallow slit opening. Super- expensive tires. People will look at you, alright, but Id rather the car be more user friendly.

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  Class, Comfort and Quality! - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Paula Hurley - September 24 - 12:17 am

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  Disappointed - 2007 BMW X3
  By tlp - September 23 - 7:27 pm

  This is my second x3, the 1st a 2004 so I expected a better BMW but what I got was what others are complaining about: poor shifting patterns at speeds under 40 mph. Has been in the shop for software fixes but no improvements and the techs tell me they dont notice the problem. The sport drive is horrible and this is called a "sport utility vehicle". This is not what I expected from BMW.

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  Twin turbo failure - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By JEG - September 22 - 11:54 am

  I bought 335XI with all the options, car has been a blast to drive, however in May 2008 my engine light came on took it to the dealership. Dealership had the car for 3 weeks after replacing both turbos and numerous other parts I got the car back but the mechanic did not know what caused the original failure. I started googling "335Xi twin turbo failures" there is a real problem with these cars overheating into limp mode especially cars that dont have oil coolers installed which mine did not I called BMW of North America 3 different times and got the same response, though I bought the 335XI with all options, since I had 17" instead of 18" wheels I was not eligible for the oil cooler kit

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  One Awesome Automobile - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Tom - September 21 - 10:33 am

  First BMW Ive owned and Im hooked. Tested the Infiniti M35 and Acura RL and the 535i blows them away. The car is rock solid, fast, and handles like a sports car. The interior is comfortable and quiet and the ride is perfect. The twin turbo inline 6 is a phenominal engine. Very smooth and plenty of power when you want it while providing better than expected milage (Im averaging 20-22 mpg city and 28- 30 mpg highway). Simply the best car Ive ever owned. You just want to keep taking it out for a drive.

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  Mixed feelings - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Wheels - September 20 - 8:12 am

  Bought mine used a year ago with about 65K miles. Never owned a more solid car, nothing even close. Makes my in-laws 2007 Accord feel cheap and gutless. Great ride and handling, good power, 29 mpg, very comfortable (62", 225 lbs). But the repairs have me frustrated. Belt idler pulley bearings shot at about 70K miles. AC/Heater blower motor regulator needs replaced (at 86K miles). Trans is making odd noises. Drivers window motor is almost shot. Taillight ground problem. Bad battery. Window trim fell off. None of these are catastrophic, but Ive driven many other cars for many more miles before these types of problems arose. I wont buy another one, though the positives make it tempting.

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  Disappointed - 2005 BMW X5
  By luckymom - September 18 - 6:28 pm

  I bought this SUV almost 3 years ago and already have had problems!! It needed a new transmission at 54,000 miles and just recently had 2 sensors go out that cost $1,000 to repair. I really had hoped to keep this car for many years, but now dont want to take my chances with any more repair bills. Love my car, but not that much. I prefer reliability over repair bills!

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  E60 aka "Dire Wolf" - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By SK Davis - September 17 - 10:34 pm

  My first BMW, but not my last. I bought this car with 66k miles. Tight like a drum--no rattles, no issues, just a clean used car. Says something about design AND previous owner. The 5 is the touchstone of sports sedans. Responsive, tight, and the 3.0 is quick, but not impressively fast (nor is it meant to be). Sports package brings it all together. And the iDrive? Get over it, iDrive is convenient, easy, and keeps the dash layout clean and elegant. I recently did a 1000 mile trip with my wife, 3 kids, and a full trunk. 29 mpg @ 82 mph. Not bad. Could be better round town, though. Oh, and the color? Copper Metallic. Very cool.

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  BMW X5 - 2001 BMW X5
  By giovanni - September 17 - 12:21 pm

  Good looking exterior but very expensive to repair, great car before 60,000 miles after that it has been in the shop 3 times per year within 3 years I spend 11,000 dollars just in repairs.