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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  Over 40 Club - 2005 BMW Z4
  By bobbyr35 - January 14 - 5:57 am

  Ok, we have had the Z4 for seven months. It has been driven in the USA and we brought it to Germany in November 2005. My wife drives it to and from Frankfurt every four days on A3, so for the two hour and 20 minute trip four times per week it is being driven at 120 mph on average. Too bad it is a US Specs. Bimmer...

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  BMW Does Not Equal Quality - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW = Quality??? - January 13 - 6:35 pm

  Im a 32 year old financial planner. Owned a Honda and two Toyotas before deciding to buy THE car. I bought a used 2000 328i with 45k miles on it two years ago. It now has a little over 100k on it. It still runs great, feels great, looks great, its a real joy to drive. BUT the maintenance costs on this car are crazy. Sensors, computers, brakes, thermostat. Ive probably spent an additional $3,000 in the last 12 months on maintenance issues. I finally found a local shop that works on them rather than getting robbed at the dealership for every little thing. Fun car to drive, expensive to own.

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  Second X5 and might buy a third one! - 2006 BMW X5
  By Edward - January 12 - 4:21 pm

  Without a question, this is the 4WD to have. Pricey vehicle but the best by all means. I would have given a perfect reliability score, but a faulty passenger seat sensor that activates the air bag left me without my X5 for 29 DAYS because the spare part had to be ordered from Germany, and part number was not availble??? That said, the dealer loaned me a fantastic 530 for the whole time the X5 was in service and every day they kept me informed about the situation, with a very professional and courteous approach.

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  Never Again! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By T Gillespie - January 12 - 8:24 am

  After owning this car for over 5 years I can honestly say it is the most unreliable & expensive to repair vehicle Ive ever had. Everything that could go wrong has and at a huge cost to repair. Anyone thinking of buying one of these cars should think again! Ive endured complete brake replacements every 15K miles, had to replace almost the entire front suspension (worn ball joints can not be replaced by themselves), the mass air flow sensor, all 6 ignition coils, cam shaft sensor and a whole host of other "should be reliable" electronic components have failed. If someone gives you one of these cars - sell it!

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  Great performing coupe - 2005 BMW M3
  By mminor - January 11 - 10:58 pm

  The past year with my M3 has been a fantastic experience. I special ordered my car to have the options I wanted, and I highly recommend the process - it only takes 6-8 weeks. Fantastic overall performance, comfortable, and relatively economical, the M3 is the ultimate driving machine (for me anyway!). Reliability has been great, almost 10,000 miles so far and zero problems. The build quality and quality of components is first rate. Included maintenance for the first 4 years/50k is a real $$ saver.

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  BMW X5 - 2005 BMW X5
  By tom - January 11 - 10:41 pm

  I love my bmw and its been a great car with not one problem yet. It Is a really strong car and very comfortable. And we use this car a lot on long trips and the longer we are in the car the funner it gets. I was suprised that when we went to tahoe without chains, it went perfectly as if the road wasnt slippery.

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  BMW 645ci coupe - 2005 BMW 6-Series
  By Dennis Tam - January 11 - 7:21 pm

  Awesome comes to mind. Great road handling, great pick-up speed, great sound system and a car that receives a lot of "double takes".

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  2003 Used BMW X5 - 2003 BMW X5
  By johnsc - January 11 - 5:51 pm

  Love this car. had an Acura. much more upscale. More Power. I miss XM radio. Truck very responsive, quick,stable, safe. Had it almost 3 months no issues.

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  A REAL car that suits me perfectly - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Carlman - January 11 - 3:22 pm

  Ive owned several cars over the past 10 years. All were new compacts. I wanted something that could take passengers to lunch for business but was fun to drive, reasonable gas mileage, and was quiet and comfortable for long trips. I got it all in spades with the 325i I bought. I bought a base model which had more features than I wanted. Finding a manual tranny on a 325i is tough. I replaced the wood trim with aluminum and it looks fantastic. I love the sound of the engine, the handling, the intuitive nature of the controls, and everything about this car. I couldnt be happier with my decision.

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  Great car minus run-flat tires - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve - January 11 - 4:33 am

  Bought a pre-owned 06 325i with Sport, Premium, etc. Car had 9500 miles at purchase. Had a 4 tire replacement worked into my deal as the tires were extremely loud. So, the noise is gone for now. Other than the tires, the car is outstanding. Build quality really jumps out at me. Handles very well and is extremely efficient, 31.7 mpg on the highway.