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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  Poor quality from BMW - 2001 BMW X5
  By PoorQualityX5 - March 4 - 2:00 am

  Though I love the handling and performance of the X5, the quality and reliability have been TERRIBLE. We have documented 27 issues with this car in less than 2 years and with only 15K miles on it. It has been in for repairs 10 times. Some issues are small, such as the paint peeling from the door handles, the window motor sensors not working, and the key memory failing. But weve had at least 4 major issues with the coolant system and starter which rendered it undriveable. All of this on a car for which we paid $60K! Our $25K 2001 Tahoe has been in the shop exactly 1 time in the same time period. Which is the better value?

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  it could have been so good - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Dr kanji - January 29 - 2:00 am

  The interieur is miserable, the signallight stalk is placed wrong. The "I" drive should be srapped at once. The doors do not open far enough. Ever tried to undu the emergency brake,good luck

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  Nice, but way overrated. - 2003 BMW M3
  By Alexova - January 26 - 2:00 am

  The exhaust note is too loud and raspy. That may fit a utilitarian, no- compromises car like a 911, but not a BMW. At lower speeds there is a looseness in the gearbox. It sounds like something is broken. BMW says this is totally normal given the cars racecar heritage. I say thats a cop-out. The car is fast but not enough to justify that. The stereo sucks. Ive had problems with speaker vibration from the beginning and BMW cant or wont fix it. The cars performance envelope is too far beyond what you can do on the street. Under normal driving, this car is no better than the 330ci. My advice is to save the extra $20k and buy that model.

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  Neds Review - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Ned - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Way over priced. Tiny trunk does not handle well in snow or on wet road surfaces non-existent cup holders (break at least once a year) limited interior storage. Difficult for a six footer to enter and exit (steering wheel feature not really helpful) leg romm is very narrow for driver no compass.

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  330 CI - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark1897 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Enjoyed the car but hit a big pothole at 10,000 miles and car was never the same. Shaky front end and rattles emerged. Backseat is totally useless and very difficult to get into or out of. Lacked room for storage of items such as CDs, sunglasses, etc. Bascially too expensive for what you get. Didnt feel I got value for my money and wouldnt buy another BMW.

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  JB B - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By LSTW - December 31 - 2:00 am

  i lease this vehicle. which the price i pay each month, i think i should have bought a lexus or acura or infiniti. NOT BMW. i dont remember how many times ive taken the car to the dealer to fix it and almost everytime i need to leave the car there overnight. lots and lots of problem.. i cant believe BMWs top of the line luxury sedan is like this.. i just feel like im driving a kia with leather seat.. no more BMW for me..

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  German build quality - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By Bozz - December 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my brother in January from my manager. eversince we own this car, it has so many small accessories problem such as A/C holes leaks, gasket leaks, and now the heater holes is leaking. Althought, I really like the performance of the car but i just feel so annoy on fixing this small problems.

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  100 Days in the Shop. Its a lemon. - 2005 BMW X5
  By X5ers - December 21 - 10:30 pm

  Nice drive, when it works. My car spent 110 days in the shop during a 2 year lease. And BMW refused to help!

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  needs help! - 1997 BMW Z3
  By whitney - December 17 - 2:00 am

  the throtle on this car is a serious problem. the back window needs to be glass, not plastic!seats need work, after the car gets older they tend to move more than they should. the car basically looks a lot better than it really is and is not worth the money people pay for them.

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  My first, and last - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By TomnMemphs - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car CPO with 53K miles on it. Yeah, its a BMW, but that doesnt impress me much anymore. It drives great, but thats its only decent feature. In the last month, I have spent nearly $1,000 on various maintenance....brakes (just for the front - $500)and the dreaded Inspection II ( a glorified tune-up, and another $500). Ive owned both domestic, japanese, and other European autos and trucks. This car is NOT worth the cost ( both for the car, and the total maintenance costs). If you live in Memphis, youre forced to buy from a single dealer. I suggest you buy something else.