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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  Had 550i GT 5 days, In shop 12 days - 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
  By Nevada Driver - June 2 - 3:56 am

  Had the car for four days and the DDC failed. Dealer cannot fix the problem but they are trying. I have no complaints with the dealer it is BMW that is the problem. Need a part from Germany but it will take, and I quote BMW, "WEEKS". To be continued

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  Excellent Car/SUV - 2002 BMW X5
  By Peter - May 29 - 11:20 pm

  I really love my X5 4.4i. Every time I get out of it I just cant wait to get back in! Its such a joy to drive. I have had a few problems with the radiator system though (overheating and such) but it seems to be fixed now and all was covered under warranty.

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 BMW X3
  By Miguel - May 29 - 8:25 am

  We purchased the X3 early this year. So far I have no regrets. Reasonable gas mileage. Confortable heated seats and fun to drive.

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  Watch that paint! - 2004 BMW Z4
  By MCP - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car to drive. The 2.5 is a little sluggish from the line but makes up for this with impressive high speed power on the highway and in the turns. The car is an attention getter. The top works well and quickly. The paint job on this car leaves a little to be desired. This is a $40k with features, but it has the paint job of a car costing about $10k. This car scratches easily. It requires copious amounts of wax to cover these imperfections.

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  Sleek - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By KLS - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 330Ci used w/ 45K miles. This car definitely turns heads. Its style and handling performance is quite impressive. Weve encountered a few minor problems with sensors for the ABS and transmission but were easily resolved.

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  BMW330xi2001 - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By C H Smith - May 28 - 10:00 am

  performed well in heavy snow and ice

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  FUN - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By page684 - May 27 - 4:53 pm

  Been driving this car for some time now and it is truly an incredible drive. If you are looking for a luxury sedan in this price range, I would certainly recommend it, specially if you are a gadgets fan.

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  Problem since day 1 - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By elizabeth - May 26 - 9:00 pm

  I will just list the problems: 1. "service engine soon light" came on while driving home the day I purchased this car with only 20 miles on it. 2. starter replaced. 3. sunroof malfunction. 4. transmission thumping when coming to a stop - dealer reprogrammed computer. 5. Driver door handle broken. 6. Remote on key stopped working (couldnt unlock door). 7. Interior moulding around doors falling down on driver and passenger side. 8. Engine/ignition coil caused engine light to come on - recalled item. 9. Currently in shop for multiple other mechanical problems. The most frustrating part is that most of these problems each required several trips to the dealer to be fixed correctly. Very disappointed!!

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  My $600 phone is easy to use $39,000 car is not - 2015 BMW X1
  By bdmccarthy - May 25 - 4:54 am

  The car handles well and really shines on a 2 lane highway. Lags between 0-5 mph which is mildly annoying but otherwise is OK. I like the gas mileage and it is comfortable in the drivers seat. The problems: 1. Navigation - slow to acquire satellites and then 5 minutes later will alter your route based on traffic, this is sometimes too late to take a better route. My phone is much better. Also, if you decide to go a different route the system will keep trying to reroute you back to the original rather than recalculating. Once I went 70 miles and passed into the upper in Michigan before it recalculated. I was recently sent a notice that I could upgrade to current maps for $59 annually. This is pretty funny. 2. The bluetooth phone works OK, but it takes a minute or two to reload the phonebook from my phone each time. Why? Again my phone is better. At least the car bluetooth will pick up the call after I have made it on my phone. 3. Hands free control - you can speak controls but you have to know the exact sequence of words, for example for an address, you cant easily search for anything else, this is not really useful. Bottom line is that BMW should hire some Samsung or Apple engineers. Not sure I would buy again but would consider if they caught up with Fords on technology front.

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  My X5 - 2001 BMW X5
  By 2001 BMW X5 - May 25 - 1:26 am

  I have enjoyed this vehicle immensely since first day of ownership. Had electronic-engine trouble at 50,000 miles which eventually required a $1500 repair. Now have 90,000 miles with no additional problems. Expect to own and drive for another 60,000. Vehicle is extremely smooth and versatile.