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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  318is - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By pbs - July 10 - 7:03 pm

  Excellent balance of performance and economy. A lot quicker than the numbers suggest - because of the 4.10 diff and close ratio gearbox, 3rd and 4th gear acceleration is very good. I also get an average of 30mpg (25 town, 35 motorway). Dont shoot me m3 boys, but the 318iS is the best handling e36 you can get it comes with proper ///M suspension, but with a lot less weight up front and the whole engine is set behind the front axle, giving excellent turn-in and balance.

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  Worst New Car I Ever Owned - 2007 BMW X3
  By Marc - July 10 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my new X3 a week ago and it is a total nightmare. I did not know that there was a major engine hesitation with many of these vehicles, and mine is very bad and even dangerous. The steering is not aligned due to either a wheel alignment issue or the wheel itself is not centered. The controls including the navigation system are way too complex and awkward, and using knobs to control everything is absurd. My car has cosmetic defects on the fabric on doors and pillars, and it looks like they totally left out the quality in this SUV. Overall, should have got the RDX.

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  Nice Ride, but.... - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By NormDePlume - July 8 - 9:52 pm

  I love driving this car - my 2nd Bimmer. That I cant get CD track titles to display has been driving me nuts for three years. I see the new 7 series has fixed this, and some other iDrive related short comings. Too bad they cant make those changes on the one I already own.

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  Not a good used car - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Levi - July 7 - 11:49 am

  Two years ago I bought my second BMW E90 mostly because my first one was so reliable and i wanted AWD. I bought a 2009 bmw 328i xdrive (sulev) with 120,000 miles on it. The car ran and drove great for about 4 months until it started to fall apart. I mostly drive only highway miles. First problem, happened while driving on the highway. The lines in the gas tank went out, I had no idea that this could happen!! $1700 for a new tank and labor. Second problem, three separate times I have had a run flat tire just go flat on the highway! $300 each, and you can not drive on these when they are flat!!. Third problem, the valve cover gasket started leaking a lot $400. Fourth problem, blower motor went out in the dead of winter, $250. Third and current problem, the car is currently in the shop because while driving down the highway a very loud grinding noise and an extreme wobble coming from transfer case or transmission, not sure yet what it is. its not going to be cheap im sure. On going problem, I have found that all sulev BMWs do is a loud lifter or lifters taping loudly. I love BMWs and my last one was great but after this one im probably done with them.

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  Great 2nd Car - 2007 BMW Z4
  By DaveinCT - July 7 - 10:47 am

  The car does what youd expect... great acceleration, exhaust note, handling. When driven with the top up on those not-so-perfect days, there are a few rattles in the roof/seats. Its not as fast as a Vette off the line, but the seats are exceptionally comfortable, the THX stereo sounds awesome, and the nimble handling make it all worth while in the end. However, if you plan to do most of your driving with the top up or in the winter months dont bother!

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  Not So Reliable, Not so Swift - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By HSD - July 6 - 4:15 pm

  Im often amazed at how so many reviewers who have only test driven the BMW so readily heap its praise. Ive owned a 330Ci Convertible now through 60,000 miles. In the last two years alone it has been in the shop for major repairs nine times. Count: new transmission, new alternator, battery, and ECU, new radiator, water pump, and impeller, new radio, new seat cover. Most recently it requires a new brake caliper, rotor and pads. Ive come to understand that BMW really means, "Breaking Motor Woerken." There is a reason BMW offers such attractive leases on their cars: The only way worth driving one is as a rental.

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  Mid Life Crisis - 2003 BMW Z4
  By burnsmw - July 6 - 9:49 am

  I traded in my 740iL for something a little smaller and more fun to drive and was not disappointed. I have been driving BMW since the early 90s and have had nothing but positive experiences with them all. I started in Europe where the BMW is at home on the autobahn then moved here to the States. The Z4 is quick and nimble, and though I chose the smaller 2.5 it has more than enough power to get things moving. Mileage is great for the power it has. The engine is typical BMW, VERY smooth and quiet. Trunk space is large for the class but interior storage is lacking. I have the sport suspension which is, at times, stiff enough to jar you when large bumps are found. Handling is great.

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  A MUST GET - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By june bug - July 5 - 7:30 pm

  Speed and suspension are excellent. Handles like a champ on turns. Not many people know about it right now so its a sleeper.

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  Just Bought a Used 2004 - 2004 BMW X3
  By S Lanoue - July 5 - 2:43 pm

  Ive only owned the vehicle for 4 days and Im quite attached already. The engine is powerful. One caution to first-time BMW drivers, the car uses premium gas. There are plenty of unique features that Ill be reading about for days and learning how to use (rain sensing windshield wipers, self-adjusting headlights, etc.). It does seem a bit utilitarian in the scarcity of luxury-type interior features (wheres the built-in sunglass holder and coin rack?). Also, the ride is very springy/bouncy, not as smooth as I expected. Nonetheless, I am smitten at least with the novelty of it all.

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  Maybe Will Keep Another 50,000 - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By PAUL WILSON - July 5 - 12:02 am

  I purchased the car while living in Germany, although it was a U.S. made car. I now have 205,000 miles and I have always had it serviced at authorized BMW dealers. No engine or transmission repairs ever. It is a really fun car to drive, and overall I would say economical. The first five years of my ownership were in Germany, and the car really did well at high speeds. On the Autobahn I usually drove 85-95 MPH, but I have driven it as fast as 140 MPH with no problems. Although the car has 205,000 miles on it I think it will be good for at least another 50,000 or more.