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 to drive, but service is tough - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By AT - September 25 - 7:17 pm

  I ordered my car a few years ago and for the most part have really liked it with a few caveats. Its been driven to Montana in the snow and handled Seattle snow-pocolypse 09 with flying colors. I think it handles better in the snow than my previous subarus. The caveats: The fuel pump has been replaced twice due to factory flaw (warranty repair) and this series of car has consistent issues with the brakes making noise as you take off (not under braking). BMW currently will not fix it. The service experience has me re-thinking the car. I may go to something smaller and slightly more fuel efficient for commuting. It wouldnt be an issue if I bought a truck, but this is a BMW. I expected more.

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  BMW 550i review - 2009 BMW 5-Series
  By DH - September 25 - 6:59 pm

  this is our 3rd bmw previously owned an 07 convertible & 07 7series. there is alot to luv and enjoy about this car. comfort, ride, luxury all in one package. standouts are the sports mode/pkg/kit & signature silver color. hd radio stands out immediately more car companies should offer it.

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  Its been fun - 2006 BMW 6-Series
  By Ernie Loynaz - September 24 - 5:28 pm

  After my 4-years with the SC430 from Lexus, I was unhappy with its soft steering - heard the purr of the 650s engine and fell in love - at last the muscle car I could not afford as a teenager, with the class that comes with maturity (OK agreed - if I was so mature, I wouldnt care - right?).

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  Reliable - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike - September 24 - 2:58 pm

  We bought this the first year out and besides the window regulator not working and being replace a few time it has been a great car. I have looked to replace it and unless I spend over 30k is performs and gets better gas MPG then the new cars of it size. I get 20 around town and 30 on the hwy. I will drive it until it dies.

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  From a MINI to a BMW - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By LG - September 23 - 9:42 pm

  I have driven BMWs before and it seems all the interiors all pretty much the same. I would like to have nicer buttons for the radio. Also, I am very disappointed that the mirror on the sun visors do not have lights. What a bummer for such car! Response is awesome compared to the MINI but the mileage per gallon consumption went down 25%. The handling of the car does not compare with the so much fun go- kart driving of the MINI. I guess I compromised on that. Overall I am happy with it.

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  Wonderful Car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By srm858 - September 15 - 2:46 pm

  I bought my car used, 3rd owner at 108k. I drove it a year and had continuous cooling system problems. It turns out the previous owner cracked the head by overheating the car. I replaced the head myself and now the car is fantastic. You cannot have these cars serviced by the dealer, it is way too expensive. Do maintenance and repairs yourself or find a good independent mechanic, there are many. This is a great car on the highway and the handling with the sport package is exceptional. Overall the car is very well made and you can see where the money has gone to. I would highly recommend to anyone.

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  What a Disapointment - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By bropup - September 15 - 2:00 am

  What a disappointment. That is what our first and last BMW is. It has been in the shop over 15 times AND THAT IS NOT INCLUDING THE OIL CHANGES! Every window has gone off track, the radio has been replaced twice, and the brakes needed replacing after 36,000 miles! to name a few of our problems with this car. Luckily, BMW replaced the brakes for free! We will be purchasing another car before the warranty is up...but it WILL NOT be a BMW. I really regret selling my Honda wagon for the BMW. Not once did I ever have a problem with the HONDA.

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  X5: Fun to drive to the shop! - 2003 BMW X5
  By x5driver - September 15 - 2:00 am

  X5 drives like a dream! The 4.4 that we own has excellent responsivness on the road, no body roll [unlike other vehicles in SUV category]. Switching to Sports allowed me to zoom to 120 mph without the car straining. Truly excellent BMW-like performance. Unfortunately... the car was built in the US and it shows: trunk light poped- out, sun shades hooks broke, two recalls, auto-level computer failed, GPS had navigational bugs, etc. Nothing critical but annoying and time- consumming. Great, safe, fun car to drive but it was rushed out the door and the "little things" were not built to BMW-appropriate level.

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  Second 750iL proves same as first one - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By ST - September 14 - 4:32 pm

  My 2nd 750 has been the same as the 1st in terms of performance & problems. My 1st, a 99 bought @ 51Kmi & totaled @ 105Kmi, not a horrible crash by any stretch, major damage under the car was the problem. Current vehicle bought @ 41Kmi now @ 53Kmi. Nothing but batteries so far but the oil service light just came on so I am prepared for at least a grand for the soon to be scheduled service by BMW (Break My Wallet). Will probably do the plugs (12). If you cant afford a few grand/yr. in service, this is not the car for you. Sway links & thrust rod bushings will be covered. Extended warranty for 48Kmi/48 mos. cost $4,100 & if you own these cars, you had best get a top of the line warranty.

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  Good compromise in a small package - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By massa - September 10 - 4:25 pm

  The car is small and very fun to drive. The 128i engine has plenty of power. Very comfortable seats (sport option). The rear seats have more room that you may think, and gave to the car a great practical aspect. Trunk space also is not too bad, but it is a fun car. Inside noise, with top up or down is very low. No annoying rattles. Fuel economy: just ok. Fuel tank is small. The Ipod option works well.