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:

• 

  Best Car EVER - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Autobahn driver - January 22 - 2:56 pm

  This is my 6th BMW and my favorite overall. Took delivery at German factory and drove in Europe for 6 months at autobahn speeds, then another 6 years of pure fun. Quiet, safe and secure at 50 mph or 120 mph. Except for the cupholders and the climate control, everything has held up beautifully, and the body style is a classic. Sports package and 5-speed manual makes the car. Repairs are getting expensive but worth it as I plan to keep this car another 6 years. A radar detector is recommended.

• 

  Better than the 745Li - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By BoBoBo360 - January 22 - 8:16 am

  Essentially a 745Li with a bigger engine, well after all it is just a refreshening. After trading the 745Li for the 750Li, the major difference is power. Its great handling, but some what indifferent to bonding with the driver. It kinda just does its thing, not much feeling... Anyways, compare to 2005 S500 definately better performance although only 6 speed as oppose to S500s 7 speed its still smooth. S500 has a much more comfortable suspension. It comes with 4 year warranty and the best part free maintenance. The BMW free maintenance covers a lot and will save you a lot too because it covers new brakes, oil changes, minor and major tune ups.

• 

  buy one if you can - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By icwl - January 22 - 1:14 am

  Probably my 15th car over 25 years of driving. Definitely the best so far. Fun to drive, aggressive styling, few on the road, lots of looks. Gas mileage is acceptable (24 to 27 mpg depending on driving style). At the limit of what I would spend on a car but great size for 4 adults, long trips, safe and solid. The short 6 automatic gears create fun acceleration for a large sedan. And yes, it does go 155 mph.

• 

  So Whats Not to Like? - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By Happy Owner - January 22 - 12:28 am

  Drove top line Saabs for 20 years. Worries about GMs support of Saab and desire for an AWD vehicle for Northeast Winters sent me looking. 530xi was the hands down winner after jarring rides in M35, A6 etc., minature trunk in Acura RL and worries of Mercedes quality declines. Strange to drive rear wheel car at first, but now love the whole thing. Perfect fit and finish like you cannot imagine. IDrive angst is overrated unless you have never talked on the phone and worked on-line at the same time. In that case this car wasnt meant for you anyway. Navigation system is terrific. Sound system, leather interior and service all top rated. So whats not to like?

• 

  STAY AWAY - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By brainey - January 21 - 11:43 pm

  I bought a 7 series thinking it would be very reliable by price/bmw rep. While the car looks nice and is fun to drive it has had so many problems. I have had fault lights going off monthly, there is a problem with the moonroof whistling - BMW states this is common for their cars, my speakers on the logic 7 crackled for 10 months before they could locate the problem (at least 5 visits to the dealer) and my tires went bald at 16,000 miles and cost $700 to replace. This is not anywhere near the relaibility, function, performance one would expect form an $80,000 car. I had less problems with used cars in the 80s. 15 trips to the service dept in 16 months has been inconvenient to say the least.

• 

  BMW BUYER BEWARE - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Unhappy Owner #9 - January 21 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased my 2004 330ci coupe in 08/2003. As I drove it home and I slide the sunroof cover closed it the plastic retaining clips holding the cover broke. BMW fixed it with metal clips. 2nd problem battery died due to heat seats software problem left one of the battery cells on after car was turned off and drained the battery. BMW fixed this by updating software and replacing battery. 3rd problem I ran out of gas when the gas gauge showed 1/4 tank of gas left. Fuel sensor gets clogged and fuel gauge stops working. Bmw does not have a fix for this accept to clean the fuel sensor with a easer the 1st time and replace the sensor the 2nd time. Im sorry I sold my Toyota 4Runner!

• 

  Ultimate Texas Driving Machine - update - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By raiderwes - January 21 - 1:57 am

  Ive now had the car for 30K miles and nearly 3 years. I still love it. I bought the car as a certified used unit & during the BMW extended warranty, Ive had a new radiator and water pump as well as two oil leaks. Each time the dealer has promptly repaired the car for a $50 co-pay. New brake pads were my cost ($$$). I replaced the OEM Contintal Contitracs with Kumho Ecstas and am very pleased with the improved mileage & I cant tell any significant difference in handling, but the car is much quieter. I hope to drive this car another 60K miles. The extended warranty expires within a month or so and I may hedge my bets by buying another warranty, based on my experience with the 1993 740

• 

  Best of the best - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Bo - January 21 - 1:40 am

  First BMW and without a doubt the best all around car I have ever owned. Traded a 2004 Mazda RX8 for it, the 545 outperforms the Mazda in every way.

• 

  Not an M6, but it is pretty.... - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By carlb9 - January 20 - 1:40 pm

  The vehicle handles wonderfully and weight is perfect. One of the best 2 door convertible on the market... The Aston Martin Convertible DB9 is the only thing that can touch it...

• 

  My car saved me! ...and other stuff - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Lexie - January 20 - 1:39 am

  I just recently got into a pretty major crash with my 93 325i and its because of that car that I walked away without a scratch (literally). The saftey features on the 325i are very good. The whole front of my car crumpled in to absorb the impact. The fireman and the tow truck driver both asserted that if it had been another car, I probably would have had to go to the hospital. Other than that- the car is a very fun car to drive, very strong (engine and body). Electronic and other features are very advanced for its year. The reliability is not too great, but if you have a steady income you should be fine (doesnt have to be big income). Overall great car. I wish to own another some day.