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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  Fun, but horrible for rough roads - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By MichaelC - October 25 - 4:25 pm

  So, this is a screamer. Everyone knows that. Weve had a really bad experience, however. Weve bent 7 wheels and replaced 4 tires due to impact damage. The problem? Well, we live in New England and our roads stink. Huge seams where the roads are being repaved are very common. I think maybe BMW didnt give the suspension enough travel or throw or whatever its called because the shocks dont absorb the shocks on bad bumps and tire and wheel damage are frequent and hugely annoying. If you do buy this car in the North East (I would NOT), be sure to buy from a dealer that offers wheel insurance. Ours didnt. And for BMW, the lousy thing is, no way out. Cant get smaller wheels.

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  What A Ride!!! - 1998 BMW Z3
  By T Mc - October 25 - 2:01 pm

  Bought this used about five years ago. No... REPEAT NO mechanic issues to date. Enjoyable drive, sharp look. In short, Id buy this car over and over again.

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  Bach, Beethoven & Brahms... - 2010 BMW 1-Series
  By Rusty - October 23 - 1:24 pm

  ... are moaning in their graves at the standard sound system. It lacks power, the little speakers in the doors sound like transistor radios, and the player always defaults to radio, so you get a blast of static or commercial noise whenever you start the car or eject a CD. (Last years standard system included 10 speakers in 2010 I count six.) The weak dollar apparently has caused BMW also to eliminate last years standard moonroof. So the price point has been maintained, but you get less car. That said, it is a sharp little machine, my first BMW.

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  Great ride despite high maintenance cost - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By SeanK - October 19 - 11:20 pm

  I was looking for a luxury car to modify into a performance vehicle (gs300 +turbo kit & +tranny swap). When I found this car looking for 6 speed rear wheel drives, I was immediately taken. Quick, comfortable & connected. Why buy another luxury automobile and turn it into a performance vehicle when you can buy one that is already dialed in. They are rare to find, and even more rare w/ low miles & in good condition. Car feels glued to the road at any speed the governor allows. After leaning on the throttle uphill in 6th, I realized how much power this engine has. If you understand the cost of ownership, go for it. You will not be disappointed. If you care about MPG, get a different car!

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  They are right, the transmission is bad! - 2009 BMW M6
  By rc - October 16 - 1:36 pm

  I love this car as it is very fast and its a real head turner however, the tranny is like what others say, it is really herky jerky. In m mode at a stop light, it has a tendency to jump gears and jerk the car, first time I thought I got rear ended. At times, there is also a lag when you gas it, it takes a while to get moving... might be dangerous when you are cutting lanes real quick. 120k for this????

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  Has some problems - 2003 BMW X5
  By BobbyB - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love driving the X5. Ive actually had 2 of them and highly recommend paying up for the 4.4. I had major electrical problems with my first X5 that the dealership couldnt fix. The second one (4.4) has been perfect. The X5 has been recalled more than most SUVs.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Ryan - October 15 - 7:22 pm

  This is by far the worst car I have ever owned. You would think BMW would notify their customers if they had an issue with the car. The fuel injectors and the fuel pump are constantly malfunctioning and every time I take it in, they tell me there is no issue. This is my first BMW and my last.

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  TURNING 10! - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Jan Ellen - October 12 - 9:18 pm

  This was my first BRAND NEW Sports Car. She had only 3 miles on her when I drove it out of the dealership. It will be nearly 10 years together now and soon we will part ways! My only favorite times driving this car was on the weekends with the top down! Only because I had more room in the cock pit! It took about FIVE years and thousands of dollars for me to break in this car and keep out of the service department. Two AC compressors, CAMS, Radiator and more.

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  I got the lemon - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By Rich - October 11 - 7:49 pm

  I initially bought the 2000 BMW Sport Wagon used with just 20,000 miles. It ran great with no problems until it went past 60,000 miles. After 60,000 miles Ive had frequent phantom problems with the check engine light (and yes, Ive checked the fuel cap every time...it was fine). Ive had plastic bits breaking in all 4 windows regulators (one of them twice) and the sunroof clips (I hardly use the sunroof too). Ive had electrical problems with the air conditioner, anti-lock brakes/traction/stability control, rear view mirrors and door locks. But, thats not all. Ive always taken it to the BMW Dealer for repairs and maintenance to make sure it was done right. I think I got the lemon!

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  My first 200 miles - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By jdsses - October 9 - 3:53 am

  I just got my new 2006 330i and love it so far. I love the active steering and the aluminum trim (it goes perfectly with the grey interior). BUT one thing I realize I dont like is the ride - I did NOT get the sport pkg. but it rides like a buckboard in regular driving situations. I now wish I had bought something else such as the new Infiniti M. Its too bad that BMW took the perfect car (on so many things I like) and have made it way too bouncy for comfort - I am not expecting a Cadillac but this rides worse than my BMW 540 with the sport package.