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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  3.0 Diesel Disaster cy - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By No BMW for me anymore - May 27 - 4:33 pm

  Never, EVER buy a 3.0 6 cylinder diesel BMW. Fortunately, I purchased the 5-year, 100K factory extended warranty for my 2011 BMW 335d, and boy-of-boy did I ever have to use it -- A LOT! This diesel engine is absolute crap. Had every fuel injector replaced at least once (a couple 2x) before hitting 45,000 miles. The car was out of service so often that I got to drive a number of other BMW products from dealer, most of which were no where near as nice or had performance as good as my other vehicles (Jaguar XK, Chevy Tahoe Z71 4x4, Jeep GC Overland 4x4 diesel). I bought the 6 cylinder BMW diesel based on a recommendation from a friend, in England ("John"), who told me that loved his (at the time). However, several months after I bought my diesel, John told me that his 6 cylinder BMW diesel engine had blown up (literally!) while traveling about 50 milers from his home, and this just a few days after it had been "serviced" by the local BMW dealer. His vehicle had just gone off warranty, and neither BMW nor the dealer would givr him any compensation or other assistance for the defective engine. Again, STEER CLEAR of any BMW 6 cylinder diesel engine -- they are "junk".

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  Fine leather (reqs reg. care) everywhere - 1990 BMW 7-Series
  By Bob - May 27 - 1:49 pm

  I couldnt resist discounted price of 12 cents on dollar compared to new price for 12 yr. old BMW in almost perfect condition in/out, & only 106K miles on clock. Yes, gas is a downside with avg. of 16/22, but car makes you grin every time you drive. Handles like a dream, lane changes at speed are a trip!!! I do my own work on it, manual and multimeter in hand. Wish I had small hands, only minimal space under bonnet. Devil of time tracking cooling leak (hole in the coolant resevoir) A/C went 1 year after purchase torque conv. crashed after 3 years, otherwise very few problems. Aftermarket parts abound with research, but still PRICEY. Styling is timeless. Luxury and POWER!!

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  Very Unimpressive Compared to past - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Dr. Ron Federici - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I was one of the first to buy the 2006 750Li when i was almost sold on the Mercedes S-500. My sales person assured me this new BMW "was far better than the rest". Just not true. Instrumentation panel and workings are very poor, distracting, and not efficient for the driver. Knobs and a huge "dial" to manage the car is uncomfortable and unsafe, as you must always focus on the screen vs the road. Seats are not great, gas use poor, and just not a comfortable or appealing interior. Not worth the money or wait. I am trading it on the Mercedes which beats it in all areas for the same price. I have owned many BMWs and luxury cars, and this one is, by far, the worst.

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  Lemon 2003 330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By WFO - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car and logged 13,000 miles before the DSC, Brake and other lights started to appear. Entire wiring harness as well as throttle replaced. BMW tried 4 times to fix the mystery problem with no success. BMW is buying the car back. Loved the car, but the color is no longer available, si I am forced to choose another color.

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  Fun to drive SUV - 2005 BMW X5
  By Jeffrey - May 26 - 9:52 pm

  I just owned this car for 1 week and really like it. It is SUV but feels like a sport sedan. I test drove 2004 X5 and it wasnt as good as 2005. I owned Lexus RX 300 before and it was an excellent car however no comparison with X5.

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  Happy but Sore - 2005 BMW X3
  By KEG - May 26 - 2:56 am

  Have had this car for three months, and so far absolutely no complaints other than a very harsh ride with the sport package. Believe them when they say it is harsh!! This is not a problem at all on regular roads, but uneven pavement/ dirt roads/ speed bumps, etc are brutal. Good handling makes it worth the sacrifice, maybe. Navigation system is a fun feature, although inputting the destination is a little time-consuming. Some passengers have commented that it is difficult to get in and out, although I have had no problem. Very fun commuter vehicle overall, looks great, and has a nice cargo space as a bonus!

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  Great car, just need newer.......... - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Judy Scroggin Updike - May 26 - 1:04 am

  Still love the car, but its getting a bit old and so am I. Think I need a newer model for safety.........

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  Love my M3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By t3knophile - May 25 - 8:59 pm

  I absolutely love my M3. Upgraded suspension, lowered 1.5", and installed 19" ZCP wheels (forged BBS).

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  Recommended - 2003 BMW Z4
  By RedZ4 - May 25 - 8:26 pm

  No regrets! My 2003 2.5i has been a pleasure to own and drive for the past two years. The car remains tight without squeeks and remains trouble free! The manual top can be lowered or raised quickly and easliy with only one hand and glass in the rear window is nice - but why should you care because the top will always be down.

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  The BMW 760Li - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Dylan Jestice - May 24 - 10:21 pm

  This car is excels in all areas except for the iDrive system. The system does not need to be integrated with the shift. It should only aid the transmission when a specific performance is selected, i.e- the sport shift selection. When scolling through endless options it may take a while to find the gear you wish to select. I only hope they do not integrate iDrive into the BMW 3- Series. The exterior design is truly timeless. The seats are very supple and the integrated heating and cooling system is a must for dark interior and cold climate areas. Customizable options to meet needs and wants of the consumer. This car is truly a solid made German vehicle. BMW has set the standard high.