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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  Get this one if you are looking for a safe car. - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By agoudy - September 30 - 10:12 pm

  This was my first car, purchased it used, and I had it for exactly one month. The car itself overpowered my abilities as a new driver, and I would suggest that only experienced drivers use this car! The brakes were spongy, despite being new performance brakes. I had to really slam on them in order to get the car to stop. The car has a nice, comfortable interior and the controls are a little counter intuitive at first (being a German car) but you will adjust quickly. Also, the leather interior will split at the seams if not taken care of. Overall a nice car for someone who appreciates good handling and a balanced, powerful car. ***I was in a 40 mph head on collision in this car. I ran it directly into a tree. I totaled the car, but came out of the accident unscathed. I had some minor burns on my arms from the air bag, and a mild concussion, but I was otherwise kept safe. The air bags deployed properly, and the car crumpled as it should have. The passenger cab of the vehicle was kept in tact and I had no issues getting out of the car. If safety is a priority for you, I can tell you from first hand experience that this car will keep you safe.***

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  BMW x5 3.0i loaded-quality problems - 2003 BMW X5
  By jmoriarty - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Lots of mfg/assembly quality bugs. rear lid pops opne when it rains/cold, Doors freeze easily and you cant keep them closed when they do. Poor handling in linited snow conditions Vehicle doesnt always start on first turn of key(fails 7/10 times) Power Windows fell off runners had to have service fix them but they diod a poor kob at removing/reinstalling door panels Alarm system goes off when it is hot out Window shades break easily Navigation system can only be shut down by shutting down the car. No SW control to turn off system. Note I have spoken to at leastthree other owners and they have experienced 95% of these same issues

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  Not Happy! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Tarek - September 6 - 2:00 am

  After my 3Yr warranty expired, the reliablity problems are gaining momentum. Got a $CDN 5000 repair bill to replace/fix belts, valves, shock mounts, brakes, trailing arm bushing and the list goes on. Aufwiedersehen BMW, I am buying the 04 Acura TL3.2

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  believe what people are telling you abou - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By wishI hadnt - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I also got one of the early models. Had tremendous number of problems. The dealership could never fix them. I just traded it in on a Mercedes S class and they gave me $50K trade in due to all the problems...they know noone wants the car.

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  one word: problems - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By DallasDriver - August 9 - 2:00 am

  I love the car (525i with M sports package manual) when I actually get to drive it and when it works. It spent more time in the service dept than with me (hence the low mileage). The svc. dept. rep. knows me on a first name basis. Took it twice for the air bag light once for a problem with the drivers seat 4 times for a clutch problem (which has not been solved yet). Im in the process of looking for a new car. Definitely NOT a BMW.

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  Overpriced - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By lushan - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Overpriced. Hyped car! Acura much better for the price.

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  BMTroubleU - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By fjm1 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  30+ unscheduled trips for dealer service says it all.

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  Solid but quite Sluggish overall - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By dieter maximillian - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle as second owner (bought 2 years used with 20,000km). Have only two complaints. Firstly when engine is hot (riding around for several hours in summer heat) car shakes in first gear... starts smoothly directly from 2nd at a red light with a little longer cluth action. Electrical should improve - lights out often. Funny I still like it.

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  Have another car - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Techshark - July 14 - 2:00 am

  While this car is fun, it needs to visit the dealer about every 6 to 8 weeks, so make sure you have another car to use. So far weve had breaks, new seat belts, plus a host of unknown "service engine soon" requirements for which it needs to go in each time. We are afraid what this will cost us with it comes off warranty.

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  New car with defect parts - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Unlucky Owner - July 9 - 12:00 am

  I had a bad experience with 535xi purchased recently, which was customer ordered from BMW manufacturer. With less than 100 miles, the car has been found to have two defective parts: 1. failed tire presure sensor; 2. faulty engine cylinder injector. They showed up in this brand new car, and malfunction signal displayed on the panel. I am really disappointed with that. Having other new cars and I never have such bad experience. Maybe this just bad luck.