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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  X3 weaknesses - 2007 BMW X3
  By Heidi Gross - January 23 - 11:34 pm

  There is definite hesitation when attempting quick acceleration. The gps is horrendous! Neither my husband nor myself have figured out how to enter addresses. It just shouldnt be this difficult. His aftermarket gps works like a dream. Not only is it easy to imput data, but also warns of traffic slow downs and alternative routes. The stereo is mediocre. The controls are mediocre.

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  Best one yet - 2008 BMW X5
  By OC - January 23 - 10:48 pm

  My 3rd X5 and def the best one yet - have the 4.8 sport, comfort ventilated seats (super comfortable++), upgraded stereo and love it - test drove Cayenne S and Range Rover Sport. Liked them both but they felt smaller inside than my old X5, interior technology packages and the interior of the X5 is much nicer IMO. I was happy with the old x5s but i felt it was time for a change but at the end of the day, the 2 best competitors underwhelmed me. Great driving, handling and comfortable car - cant imagine any other SUV driving better - drives enough like a sports sedan to make me happy and still have plenty of utility. it demands to get pushed and rewards accordingly

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  My Performance Packaged 330 - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Durban - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Love to accelerate this one, when it throws your back into the seat. Great roadholding

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  Two Years Into Ownership... - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Kendall - January 20 - 1:42 pm

  I purchased my 2000 BMW 328i 4DR almost two years ago. I paid too much for the car, paying $5,500 and not noticing the plethora of problems it had. Immediately I needed front brake pads, rotors and sensors, oil filter housing, valve cover gasket, and oil pan gasket just to stop the oil leaks. Put on a new cabin air filter because there was not one on it already somehow. Replaced a $200 battery and had to get the wiring in my tail lights redone which was over $500 at Reliable BMW, the wires had frayed and severed from the socket. Coolant expansion tank sensor went out, so I replaced the coolant reservoir for about $60, and had to replace a return air hose and intake sensor boot for $100. Now, it needs tie rods and rear brakes, and both front window motors(neither of them roll up after being rolled down), and a lot of attention to the interior. I have owned two of these cars (both E46) and the headliners in both were atrocious. That being said, I do love this car. Its quick and powerful, comfortable and spacious as long as youre not six feet tall like my friends. It IS a reliable car if it is well taken care of, just do not be tricked by someone offering you $3,000 trade-in-value for your less than okay Camry... I have always been a BMW enthusiast and love driving the ultimate driving machine. That said, it is a 16 year old vehicle with lots of miles, but I do recommend it to people wanting to experience German ingenuity.

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  2008 BMW 335i - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Dan - January 19 - 3:50 am

  THis the first BMW Ive owned. I always thought spending more than 25K on a car was a waste of money. I was wrong. This car is an absolute hoot. Acceleration, handling, braking are outstanding, like the racing go-cart I always wanted. It is scary fast. The seats are comfortable; dash well laid out. Stereo sounds fantastic. And its a damn sharp looking car.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By bimmer530i - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I was 14 years old I always wanted a BMW, now Im 16 and owning a great 530i. You cant go wrong with this car; it has performance and great stability in tight corners. BMWs are truly the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Will buy another great car! - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Santi - January 18 - 4:25 pm

  Ive owned this car for just over two years now. I have looked into selling it to buy a new, nicer BMW 5 series and was unable to sell this old 3 series! It is a great driver, one of the funnest on the road that I have been in. 17 years old and its still put together well. This car is so small it can park anywhere, and with great gas mileage it is the perfect city car. I have recently put in over $7,000 to restore this car to like-new condition - ITS THAT GOOD. :)

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  Great Car - 2008 BMW X5
  By Joshm18 - January 18 - 12:55 pm

  I love the redesign. I had a 2005 4.4 and there are clear improvements to the 2007/8 model. Performance is improved with the 4.8, but the handling and feel of the road is terrific.

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  nice ride - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By TB - January 17 - 3:41 pm

  Love the car but had some problems with driver side mirror, driver side seat control and do not like the cupholders. They are flimsy and had to have one replaced and also do not like where they were placed. Also, there is nowhere to put sunglasses and CDs. Inside door handle on drivers side was peeling and had it replaced.

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  Best in class, doesnt say much - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By blueguydotcom - January 16 - 12:46 pm

  Less than a year of ownership and my 2006 330i has had 3 major problems: bad brakes; HVAC stops working; comfort access works intermittently. Yes, its fun to drive - once I replaced the lousy run flat tires. The handling and feedback are best in class, but that mostly reflects on the weakness of the class. Woefully underpowered with the 255 hp 3.0. The exteriors a total nightmare. But again, in the class, theyre all ugly. Big, bloated and very heavy describe the 330is outside. The interiors cavernous and very Buick-like. All around the cars a gross departure from my dearly departed 2003 330i ZHP. Unless the class sharpens up though, I cant imagine getting anything else.