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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  Good but with questions - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By edmowl - December 29 - 11:15 pm

  Door handles had to be replaced. My 6- speed manual has a 4th gear that disengages between 60 and 75km/hr. No good for Prairie winters, even with new snow tires - xdrive might be better. Vehicle is generally too light for snowy climes and icy roads. Fun in the sun, though. Great handling. Good warranty and servicing support and dealerships offer very good customer service.

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  Little things are bugging me - 2010 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave J - December 29 - 2:31 pm

  I have had my 328i coupe for 4 weeks now and for the first time in my life the more I use a car the less I like it. The car has good performance but lack so may little things I have taken for granted in other cars. Example, the only way to lock the doors when exiting the vehicle is with the button on the key, you can not lock it any other way, the trunk lid is heavy you need a free hand to open it. I have also found the electronics to be difficult and not intuitive like in my Lexus.

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  Money Pit - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Richie Rich - December 29 - 10:13 am

  Remember the 80s movie with Tom Hanks and Shelly Long-The Money Pit...it was like that. Great car to drive when it ran. Electrical problems caused the battery to drain leading to 3 new batteries and 20 jumps/charges over the course of a year. Add new tires, brakes, water pump, antifreeze and oil leaks, control arms, sway bars, brake/abs/traction control sensors, etc and no repairs are affordable.

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  Almost a great car - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By emac - December 28 - 12:19 am

  Got my 135 coupe with 10k miles on it. Love the way the car drives and handles. Excellent manual transmission but this has been a heartbreak car. Reliability has been poor. Within three months, fuel pump went out then the tail light went out. Dealer failed to fix it the first time. Lots of creaks and rattles when road isnt perfectly paved. Handles well but there is more body roll than I expected. Also, heater puts out cool air from the vents except on highest setting.

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  Blast to drive but tons of problems - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By ross - December 27 - 12:18 pm

  This car is a blast to drive but I have had numerous problems. 45k headliner began sagging 47k both front door window cables had to be replaced 50k rear doors began leaking rainwater (vapor barrier) 70k hood mounted logo fell off 72k oil sending unit replaced 73k o2 sensor replaced.

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  Great car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By syncwithu - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my BMW. It drives just as I imagined it would. Got all the three packages.

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  My personal opinion of the 2004 325ci - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By castlg - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Even though BMW exterior design continues to disappoint me, they remain the best handling, best balanced automobiles on the road today. The current 325 convertible may seem underpowered on paper, but is a joy to drive quickly, which cannot be said for some of its competitors (Audi A4, MB C series). The 325 version is reasonable value for money (I picked mine up in Europe)and drives like a BMW should. If you want a comfortable highway cruiser, or a car with all the latest gizmos, look elsewhere. If you want a car that enjoys being driven hard, and has great feedback through its brakes, steering and suspension, stick with the Bimmer.

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  Used BMW the Good and the not so Good - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Hoosier BMW - December 23 - 2:57 pm

  Had BMW for 6 months now. Read many reviews. Like the older body style. It was a one owner all books and records. Impressions..handles well but stiffer than my many Hondas, ride is great, comfortable, Conti tires good. Maintenance costs more, if you buy used make sure you have records. Car is heavy and 525i has limited low end power, use only premium gas, so it costs more, I baby it. Bought aftermarket cupholders..solved that problem. Not so good in snow..snow tires a plus..but an added cost. Dont cheap out on maintenance. Oil changes cost $100+ and use synthetic...but a longer interval...10k, love car, but wife doesnt..says it drives like a tank.

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  Excellent Power Train but Bad Gadgets - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By Steven - December 23 - 11:19 am

  This is an excellent piece of machine especially if you like its aggressive and bossy exterior look. However, given the power train and the handling are excellent, there are just too many little problems that constantly haunt you. For example, weak cup holder (I replaced it twice), flimsy exterior thermostat (replaced twice), unreliable cooling system.

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  Poor engine design - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By XXonarrival - December 21 - 11:05 pm

  My first BMW to be the last, expensive replacement parts, engine head that sits on the engine block is made of an alloy that cant be refurbished, has to be replaced with a new. When the Head goes oil seeps into the coolant ruining the coolant system. When the head is replaced the bock is damaged and has to be replaced. The bolts for mounting head onto the block often damage the block, thus making it obsolete. Read internet response to this particular model overheating. Its a shame BMW hasnt addressed the issue nor recall the poorly design Head.