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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  2004 530 is OK but not like previous 5s - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RiceOwls - January 17 - 7:20 pm

  This is my second 5 series, and is lacking compated to the 2002 model. The active steering is OK, as is i-drive, zip is good as is braking. I-drive is overkill (e.g. buttons for radio would be better), interior feels like a Camry or Avalon instead of a BMW, its got more squeaks and rattles than an 80s vintage GM car, it "floats" when hit by strong winds, problem with the gas tank such that it thinks its full after being filled with 1-2 gallons (even if it needs a full tank), had to have i- drive fixed by dealer within first few months, inferior storage and cup holders (OK so thats standard BMW and not specific to 2004 5 series), and in general does not stack up to the previous 530.

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  A dangerous LEMON - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By RRand - January 10 - 6:28 pm

  I obtained this, my third BMW, with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the car was a lemon from an electrical standpoint with multiple problems from the start. The worst were that the heated seat burned through the seat leather and burned through my clothes and into my wallet which was all that saved me. Now the seat is under recall. Next the assisted steering system failed on the freeway. I have returned the car most unsatisfied!!

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  I hate the I-Drive - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By No more BMW for me - December 28 - 3:59 am

  BMW should send this car back to Microsoft. The i-drive is worthless. In theory, it is a good idea, but in practice it sucks. Do you know you cant listen to the radio in the car when parked for more than 15 minutes? The whole computer system has to stay on and it drains the battery. The CD has almost no functionallity. It forgets where it was the last time you had it on everytime. The voice recognition is useless as it takes so long to do anything. The navigation system takes you to the wrong address by making bad assumptions (and not telling you about it). Overall, it is a disaster and I will never touch a BMW again. (I bought this model when it came out and have suffered with it for 3 years.)

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  Not again - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By JNWFL - December 13 - 11:01 am

  This is the 2nd 3 series Ive owned. I thought that maybe the 1st one (2000 323) was just a bad one, but coincidence or not, my 2003 325i confirms to me that I will never own another BMW. The sooner I can get rid of this one the better. Something (small or large) always seems to be going on. Ive never had a these problems with any other car Ive owned, especially Japanese autos.

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  Too expensive for its quality - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Masao Ishihama - December 12 - 2:00 am

  You can see a nubmer of BMW cars in wealthy suburbs of Tokyo. However, the users can not tell the real difference in performance form Japanese sporty cars. From my experience, Nissan Skyline, or Toyota Soarer, is much more fun to drive for less money.

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  Not reliable at all - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Jenny - December 9 - 1:00 am

  The car is fun to drive, but at $73,000, I wouldnÂ’t expect this many problems. The front suspension has been replaced, twice, the trannie was replaced, the dash stopped working, the fan blades EXPLODED and cut the radiator lines and punctured the hood. The drivers seat has stopped working 3 times, the nav system display broke, the engine leaks oil, and the car has less than 50,000 miles on it. Not worth the price paid at any cost.

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  nightmare - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By bob - December 2 - 11:45 pm

  i bought this car because i thought bmws were nice cars, mine on the other hand is a nightmare. i have spent over $2000 dollars repairing this car. i would have rather gone with something more reliable like a Toyota.

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  Should have kept the Z3 - 2004 BMW Z4
  By Logger - November 10 - 11:31 am

  I love the look of the car but it didnt drive as well as the Z3 and not as roomy as my Audi TT. Z4 has a lot of power and fun to drive, but wish I had my Z3 back.

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  Beware - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Bibel - November 5 - 7:22 pm

  Back at dealership 8 times over 7 years. Currently there (4-th week). Bad car .Bad dealer.

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  2003 745I I am worried for BMW - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By JERSEY - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The Engine,transmission, seats are possibly the best I have ever witnessed. However the car is pathetically confusing for valets, loved ones and owners. Nothing works correctly from memory to auto close trun that remains half up everytime. BMW service has been great, BMW company has been great. I do worry about this car causing everyone to run away!