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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  sexy and complicated - 2017 BMW X1
  By Charles Connoy - July 31 - 8:37 am

  confusing controls --- complicated! not much visibility at the back

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  Fun to Drive 8.0, Reliability 4.0 - 2002 BMW X5
  By OilManJMC JMC - July 28 - 2:00 am

  My first BMW at 12K ball joints replaced,emergiency brk replaced, radio died-water leaking inside. Never been able to get key to consistantly return seat to memory position. Drivers door frozen most Jan, Feb mornings, crawl in through back. HORRIBLE in snow, only good thing is DSC keeps you from sliding off into the weeds. Rain sensing works erraticly. 44K all new brakes incl front rotors, ball joints rattling again. Interior dr pull finish chipped. Do we really HAVE to agree to legalities EVERY time we start the car to use radio, nav system? Heated seats set to RUMP-ROAST.

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  Has BMW forgot about reliability? - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By rrand - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car thinking I wouldnt have to buy another car for years. I had nothing but problems from the day I bought this car. The car stopped running 3 times (twice on the highway). Each time I was told the problem was fixed - fuel sensor that registered 1/4 tank when empty. The list of problems is endless: faulty computer software, leaking water tank (never was fixed), faulty climate control, seat pads that were hot enough to leave burns, interior parts that came off. Sure this was all covered under the warranty, but what a hassle for a car that is not cheap. I sold the car a few weeks ago - good riddance..............

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  I hate this car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By K Harney - June 22 - 2:00 am

  There is always something wrong with this car. The top quit working, the trunk lid wont catch properly, the all-window switch broke, the auto door locks stick, the brake rotors are wear items(!!), the covering has worn off the center console, the glove box wont open. I will admit it drives great, but I cannot accept the constant stream of annoyances. BMW customer care couldnt care less. Ill NEVER own another BMW.

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  Reliability or Performance - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By ronkmartin - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive when it is on the road. Ive owned cars that had a reputation for poor reliability but the car beats them all. Im a first and last time BMW owner. Buy it only if you have a second car and lots of extra cash.

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  Nice but .... - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By jc4642 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice car, but lacks the fit and finish expected in a car of this price. There are numerous squeaks and rattles that are quite annoying. It is fun to drive, lacks power in the low revs, but around 3500RPM it picks up nicely. One major complaint is the Auto-Manual shifter. To upshift you push forward, and pull it back for downshifting. This seemed backwards to me. Only trouble I had is a peice of door trim came loose, and the shade for the moonroof came off its track once. Both issues were fixed by the dealer under warranty and without hassle. Overall, its a good car, but a little overpriced for the quality.

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  Fun but costly - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By vac5588 - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Great looking, fun to drive, lots of power but what a headache to maintain. Would never buy another.

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  Made a Mistake - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By made a mistake - May 19 - 10:00 am

  It is a noce car, but not worth the money. There are many other cars that I test drove that I sould have purchased. This car is a waste of money, they are surviving on their name only at this point.

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  Watch out for Trans Problems - 2004 BMW X5
  By mikeohah - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but mehanical problems since I bought it. Having a new transmission at 6k miles and more electrial problems seems like its cursed like the 7 series.

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  Not Up the Mark - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By alg863 - April 29 - 2:00 am

  The BMW is called the Ultimate Driving Machine but the fine print should be "Between Frequent Trips to the Shop". We spent $12000 (yes, twelve thousand) in repairs in about 2.5 years on this car. We had the car for 5 years between 48K miles and 82K miles. Even during the warranty period the car had several problems. It had to be towed twice to the shop. In the end I lost confidence in the car and traded it immediately after spending almost $1500 in repairs. As a luxury car, it was not great. The automatic climate control was not up the mark - generating hot and cold air randomly. Even dealer experience was poor - nothing compared to Lexus.