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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  Great car, if you ignore reliability - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Mike12345 - July 18 - 6:38 pm

  I love the handling, the ride, & the fuel efficiency. The engine power is only slightly lacking. However, a car must also be reliable. This car requires repairs every 8 to 12 weeks (seriously). Thank god for the extended warranty. I fear the day the extended warranty expires & I still owe monthly payments. I love this car&hate its ongoing issues: new radiator new plastic radiator reservoir washer fluid pump failure (3 times) pcv valve failure ($700 to repair) & my personal favorite is when the seat warmer caught fire. The car is awesome to drive and looks like poetry in motion but my 30 year old Ford truck has been more reliable. German efficiency does not seem to include reliability

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  lemon x5 4.8is - 2005 BMW X5
  By ak - July 18 - 10:01 am

  This is my third BMW and I would not go for BMW again. Sometime the back door locks wont open and we cannot open the back door from inside or outside. Kids can be trap inside the car unless they climb to the front seat. The steering wheel get stiff from time to time. Self leveling light is always on. In the winter the lock freeze easily thus impossible to open or close. The motor rattles too much on a cold days. I went to the dealers many times and they have no clue what is going on. The computer cant pick anything up. This is a 80 k truck and it made like crap. I certainly wouldnt try another BMW again. All German car dont seem to know how to design electronic properly.

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  Design Defect - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Regina Wofford - July 17 - 11:32 am

  I love my car, but there is a definite design defect. The electronic module that controls most of the electronics in the car is located under the tire well in the truck. Its very easy for liquids to seep into the compartment and cause an "electronic malfunction". I was carrying groceries in my trunk and some liquid spilled. Before I made it home, my cars electronic system went haywire. I took it to the dealer and explained my problem and he new exactly what it was. It seems many other car owners have had the same problem. At a cost of $790 they repaired the problem and relocated the electronic module. It seems this is an ongoing problem and BMW should have made owners aware of the issue

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  First BMW - 2011 BMW 1-Series
  By Mcon18 - July 16 - 2:32 pm

  Have owned the car 2 weeks, no major complaints. It is very quiet with the top up, except for the nice sound of the engine, which sounds even nicer with the top down. I thought the cheap added cup holder would be annoying since the navigation buttons take away one of the real cup holders, but it really isnt bad. There is a pretty big blind spot behind the rear side window, but I guess its just something to get used to. Happy with the gas mileage too, averaging 24 so far. Overall the car is very fun to drive, my only worries are with the run flat tires, and the fact that the top had to be "re- programed" since I kept getting an alert that the "hydraulics overheated".

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  Like it so far - 2011 BMW X5
  By Dr. G - July 12 - 8:40 pm

  Test drove both the premium and diesel versions. Diesel felt heavy and did not have the quickness the premium X5 had. Overall, ride is firm, handles well, and gas mileage early on is not bad, about 17 mpg in city driving. Like the punch the turbo delivers when you press the accelerator. Had some issues with the power windows but since have corrected. I-drive is fairly easy to use and like the fact that you can store music. Power liftgate is a nice option. Plenty of other good suvs out there but this one is one of the best inside and out.

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  Top SUV - 2006 BMW X3
  By pinoyfrnc - July 6 - 9:55 pm

  If you enjoy speed with a dash of mobility, flexibility, security and dont have a lot of commitment in life except to be with your love ones to include all your pets. This is the vehicle to get. Perfect size and comfort for the couple and/or some that just wanna go out and play some more.

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  2011 550i - 2011 BMW 5-Series
  By kevin - July 6 - 12:55 am

  Very fun to drive. Powerful V8 Twin turbo is exhilarating with low end torque. thirsty for gas..better interior upgrade compare with 2010 model.

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  Drive It, Youll Understand - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Hoosier BMW - July 1 - 10:01 pm

  I have had the BMW one month. Have remainder of factory warranty and service. That is good. Had 03 525i. It was good,but this one is much better. Smoother, quicker, better build quality, higher quality interior. I -Drive is a bit of a pain but you get used to it. Dash is more modern. Cup holders better than 03.Handling is more effortless. Conti tires are fine.Driving on highway is a joy. MPG is 25 mixed.XI good for snow days. Radio is just ok. No satellite in this one.. a bummer. Roomier than in 03. Styling is ok. Monaco Blue/camel is a nice combo. Bought used with 34k..but feels good. All in all love the car, just drive one, youll want one.

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  Engine oil level - 2007 BMW 7-Series
  By Donald Thomas - June 24 - 8:45 am

  after 4 month and 3,000 mile I had to add a qt of oil. While driving up an high hill road the transmission made a loud noise like metal on metal.

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  Ready to TRADE! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Money Guzzler - June 23 - 11:02 am

  I purchased this vehicle in 2008 and 2wks after purchase I had a ton of issues. Had new engine dropped in the car after purchase due to dealership negligence. After the repairs I have had minor issues nothing major. So far I have spent about $500 on repairs not covered under warranty so I consider myself lucky compared to most 3 series owners. Just dropped $800 on new tires and now need an alignment that will total about $240. This car looks nice and rides sweet, but once they go down youre out of luck! The maintenance is absolutely ridiculous and the rear wheel drive is CRAP in snowy weather. So I have decided to trade this money guzzler in for a low maintenance ride.