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:

• 

  many small problems - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By CJ - August 11 - 2:00 am

  oil leaks,a/c noises-rattles,this car runs sluggish at times.handles very well.onboard computer always dispaying incorrect warnings!

• 

  X% a bummer and NOT a bimmer - 2002 BMW X5
  By Disappointed BMan - August 11 - 2:00 am

  The X5 looks great and performs well during the first year. However, the vehicle does not keep "chuggin" like the other BMSs I owned. This one is a true American car. All the platic pieces start failing at 25,000 miles and the brakes, transmission and AC fail at less than 30,000 miles. BEWARE! The X5 is not really a BMW. Its good looks hide faulty workmanship.

• 

  First and Last - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Sandman - August 3 - 2:23 pm

  This is my first and last BMW. I am very disappointed in this car. I have already had to replace the run-flat tires. When I took the car in for its maintenance service, I was told tires were a safety issue and lucky I havent had an accident yet. Around 15,000 miles, tires started making an awful droning noise. Leather already flaking and peeling in several areas. Other family members have leather in their cars and never an issue. Dealer would only fix the rear air console. All other areas considered "normal wear and tear" per the dealer. Have had to bring it in 3 times for computer adjustments. Steering column also had to be replaced.

• 

  Fun but better can be had at this price - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Mark - July 16 - 1:10 pm

  The front seats are comfortable. The rear lacks leg room and just OK for 2. Extremely uncomfortable for 3. Great engine. Reliability could be better. Interior materials are cheap and constantly need repair. Exterior rubber trim dry rots quickly, especially those around the windows. Other, better luxury cars are available in this price range.

• 

  Dont buy a BMW over Lexus or others - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Big Money Waster - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Since the purchase I have been plagued with mechanical issues that just shouldnt happen in a flagship vehicle like this. Heres the list: - Door handle broke off in my hand. - AC system noises took 4 trips to eliminate (most components replaced) - Front suspension vibration took 3 visits to resolve (bushings worn out after only 22k miles!!) - Battery replacement (dealer wanted $250) - Engine gaskets leaking (not heads) - Power steering hose leaking (replaced) - Stereo is terrible - Loud AC noise from engine compartment - Check engine light comes on for no known reason Im selling this overpriced hunk of metal and going back to Lexus or Mercedes.

• 

  BMW 7 Series poorly build - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By wtmason - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car and the way it looks. This is why after having a bad maintenance exp. with my 1992 BMW 7 series and purchased a new 1998 series, all to find I have the same on going maintenance. I have now given up and I am selling to buy another car from another manufacture.

• 

  1998 BMW 740i - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Jim T - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I have been very disappointed with this car. I used to drive a 328 i and absolutely loved it. Excellent performance and exceptional reliability. I assumed upgrading to a 740i would be a wise move. Was I ever wrong! Ive had this thing into the shop at least 4 different times in the past year. It also stranded my family hours from home after the water pump blew. Numerous electrical problems as well. Never EVER again will I buy a 7 series BMW .

• 

  Looks nice, completey unreliable! - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Michael S. - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I leased a used, 1998 BMW740I. I felt confident that I would be protected by the manufacturers warranty. However I later learned that the warranties are tiered and started expiring months after I signed the lease. The car only had 19K miles, and Ive only put 12K on it. I am turning it in early becuase it has so many mechanical problems, mostly electircal, but it has also has overheated three times, leaving me stranded. I cant afford to miss any more work. This car is going to ruin my career. I want my Toyota back!

• 

  BAD CAR! - 2001 BMW X5
  By LousyBeamer - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Aside from the numerous service issues which has precluded me from being able to drive the car over the past year and a half, I now have a battery that wont hold a charge. According to BMW - "if you dont drive your car 1000 miles a month, you are ABUSING Your car and the warranty is not valid" for the battery. How bout that? Another $250 down the drain..

• 

  TBD - 2002 BMW X5
  By blkbutterfly - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a 3.0 for the spouse. Will be testing it on the Bahn. More to follow. I am however concerned about the lack of A/C power. Ive test driven this car (German spec) on numerous occasions and didnt see a problem.