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 worth it! - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By Jbmw5 - May 4 - 4:05 am

  After having numerous BMWs from different segments (3, 5 series) I decided to move up to the flagship: the 7 series. I should have realized before buying the car that there would be problems. The engine was just replaced by BMW b/c of a recall. I bought it with 36,000 miles and a warranty on the engine. However, 3 months after having the car the transmission failed! It costs me $5,000 for a rebuilt tranny and another $1200 to install it. The car was an electrical nightmare! I spent over $1,000 in just the electrical failures (windows, moonroof, seats switches) Although, it was fun to drive the costs of maintenance is not worth it. Stick with the 3 and 5 series!

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  Problems with the M3 - 2005 BMW M3
  By Mspeedy - April 16 - 12:43 pm

  This woulh have been a great car if it was not with the SMG transmission. SMG lot of lag and does not change gear in time.

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  Not as pleased as I thought I would be - 2005 BMW X3
  By Robert Nierman - April 9 - 4:41 pm

  When we bought the BMW X3 (our first) we were very pleased with it. As we drove it and got in and out of it, we were disappointed. They put a stupid ridge that gets in your way when you try to get out of the SUV and you have to lift your feet up or trip. Same as getting in. Its also hard to see out of when you are backing up. Too many blinded spots and the passengers mirror moves down when you put the SUV in reverse which can cause you not to see that well. It is a stiff ride and god forbid you hit a speed bump too fast. We bought the BMW X3 for the leg room, since Im 64", because I can extend my legs. Would I buy the BMW X3 again, NO.

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  330i Forget about it - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By hannah max - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Electronic system a total dog. I bought my car 3 months ago and it has been "in the shop" almost all summer. If you let the car sit for two days without driving it, the battery is shot. The same thing happened with the 330 loaner; it would not start after sitting idle for 2 days. I traded in a 1992 Acura that went into the shop once a year; I wish I had it back. I am receiving a refund and understand there is going to be a recall on this model. Be certain to ask about the electronic systems. Consumer Reports has now dropped this model from their recommended lists.

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  Totally Unreliable! - 2005 BMW X5
  By dr d. hill - April 5 - 8:34 pm

  Fun car to drive! No fun in the snow with 4.4i Sport package. Electrical nightmare! Check Fog lights continues to menace us after "fixing" the problem four times by Phil Winslow BMW, Colorado Springs. Ashtray rattles, armrests squeak, rear storage cover flimsy, on-board computer on the blink, door locks faulty, rear heated seats faulty, ghost in the rear view mirrors, steering wheel whines when turning, tailgate locks after opening then closing doors, small and very expensive. First and last BMW I will ever own! Just recently bought a Lexus GX470. What service. I should have never left Toyota/Lexus!

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  going back to mercedes - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Kristopher ogonowsky - March 12 - 11:49 am

  This car handles and performs great but it stops there. The electronic are a nightmare, phone only work 50% of time, front seat should be in line with tne center pillar and the front door should be bigger. The steering wheel moves too slow. I really regret buying this car, especially coming out of an S class

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  New 7 - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By james donovan - March 10 - 6:06 am

  After driving comparable vehicles, Ive come to the conclusion that I should have purchased an S-Class instead. If I wanted sportiness, I would have purchased a smaller car. The Beamer cant compare class-wise to the Benz.

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  The ultimate machine ? - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By MDontheroad - February 27 - 2:15 am

  Not a good car to have if you are busy and using it as much as I do. The radio goes out on/off. The seats wear you out after a long day and the a/c has its own temper. What really discourages me is that the radiator went out after 47,000 miles. If you need reliability dont get here.

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  $60k lemon - 2004 BMW M3
  By blur - February 23 - 8:22 pm

  I special ordered my m3, my first bmw, and my last. Its been serviced 11 times in the past year, mostly for problems with the smg. the smg is the most overrated transmission ever and should not be sold until perfected. Its sluggish in first, sometimes choppy, and most recently just stalled completely. it had to be towed back to the dealership to replace the relay...again.

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  Dissapointed - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By aramas - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 325I back in March(2003 Model) primarily for its engineering/quality. I have been sorely disappointed. It has been just 7 months and cars faulty transmission is being replaced. Bottomline I was looking at 525 as my future car and now I am not.