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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  DREAM CAR TURNED NIGHTMARE - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By BRANDO - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I leased my BMW for 39 months. 45 days into the lease I was at a parking lot when the car surged and the engine revved up so high i had to put my parking brake on to control it. after being in the shop for 30 days they could not find what was wrong. it has been in the shop 6 times in the first year and a half for various mechanical reasons. i have had transmission problems, defrost problems, static on the radio, i am very disappointed in BMW and will never have another one.

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  Electronic Problems - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By seabreez - April 24 - 11:07 am

  We picked up A CPO 530i just off of lease. Records were clean & initially car lived up to the BMW standards. 3 months in the electrical system started going haywire (sensors) & has been a pain ever since. It has gotten to the point I contacted the CEO of BMWAG in Germany. Very disappointed they threw it back on dealer. It is the mfg. fault, not the dealer. At present working with dealer to roll out into another. Dealer is being very helpful & I hope for a resolution soon. Other than this the car is what you expect from a BMW.

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  Fun ride, electronic nightmare - 2008 BMW X5
  By SDR - April 23 - 5:10 pm

  This is my second X5. I absolutely love the way this car handles on the road. It is definitely a fun vehicle to drive, however, Ive had numerous issues with the electronics in the 2007 model which I did not experience in the 2004 X5.

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  Pocket Rocket! - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Colossus - April 23 - 3:35 pm

  I was looking for something fun to to drive and this IS IT! Drove G37, G35, TL-S, even a 335i. This is by far more responsive, fastest, and more enjoyable. Love the simple, but functional interior.

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  My 330i - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By New330i Owner - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2004 330i sedan, and could not be happier with the decision. Ive read about BMW 3Series, and seen them all over but I never really had the desire to own one until I test drove it. It really is a different driving experience and its so easy to drive, especially with the 3 transmission options.

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  Nice Car - 2004 BMW X3
  By Jae Yool Joo - April 23 - 10:00 am

  had a few very minor problems, such as airbag light problem, door locking system problem....but totally its fun to driving. Totally feeling ultimate dring machine!

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  Cheaper over the long run - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Laith - April 22 - 10:40 pm

  I bought this car in June 05 and I thought I made a mistake as it was probably the first car that rolled off the assembly plant. I was mistaken, I had similar problems like everyone with the tires, but I replaced with dealer-recommended Continental which are run-flat as well. The car is much better and longer tire tread, I have almost 40K miles, and dont have anything to complain about. Ive been driving GMs all my life, but was getting sick & tired of dealership services and not to mention the poor quality. When I bought this car, I decided to treat myself for a nice ride. I will definitely buy another BMW.

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  Class Ride - 2007 BMW X3
  By Ken Nersesian - April 22 - 10:07 pm

  Bought this car for my wife who was reluctant to own since she doesnt like the tight, sports car like ride. She prefers the soft, floating on air feel. Well, its mine now. The X3 has a lot of get up and go, and you just have to breathe on the brakes to stop the vehicle. On the highway, you need self-control to keep it under 100 mph. Its like riding on a rail. However, around town in stop and go traffic, it is not smooth acceleration and shifting. It lurches off the line and then quickly starts upshifting. Its what my wife did not like about it, and I have to agree. All things considered, it is an awesome vehicle and has a real class aura about it. I highly recommend it.

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  Instant, incredible fun - 2007 BMW Z4
  By Fred - April 22 - 7:37 pm

  Nothing like completely changing a day as to hop into the Z and spring off into the night. Incredible driving experience and am lucky to have many windy roads to enjoy. Fun, fun, fun!

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  Exceeds Expectation - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By J. Buckley - April 22 - 6:16 pm

  It took time (and miles) to understand this car. But it was oh so worth it! We understand each other in a synergistic fashion that defies description. I know its a machine but I swear that it knows how you want to steer and brake before you do. I have the performance package and it is truly unbelievable! The acceleration and braking and steering are beyond my wildest dreams. A truly magnificent vehicle!