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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  M5 rules - 2006 BMW M5
  By Mach 5 - July 14 - 5:02 pm

  I studied and drove everything available in the 50-60K range. This car has everything you need and more power. The performance is outstanding. The exhaust sound has improved with mileage. Now it sounds WONDERFUL!

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  Great car... very fun to drive. - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Balsar - July 13 - 10:17 am

  I purchased this vehicle with 9,500 miles on the Odometer. It has been an incredible car. Fast, reliable, comfortable and economical. I drive very aggressive yet still average 23mpg overall in LAs bumper to bumper traffic...amazing mileage! We also own a 06 330xi...also a great car - a lot more nimble than the 5 series when driving twisty roads...but the 545I can easily keep just using the extra power.

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  Amazing Performance - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By rp401k - July 11 - 10:03 pm

  Relentless acceleration, great engine sound, and fantastic handling. Regular mode for automatic is like an economy mode in normal driving. Sport mode feels like a manual in that it holds a gear and quickly downshifts. Do not really use paddle shifters very much.There is plenty of room in front and the rear is acceptable if average size. Rear is difficult to access. Top mounted seat position adjusters are very handy for this. Careful driving results in excellent gas mileage. Ride is acceptable, and would be much better without run flats. Great visibility and very nice interior. At first sport seats seemed confining, but now they feel very comfortable. I enjoy each chance I have to drive it.

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  Fun vs. Frustration - 2003 BMW X5
  By uncbears34 - July 10 - 4:53 pm

  I have owned trucks and SUVs all my life and I have yet to own one that is as much fun to drive as the X5. You pass other drivers like theyre in reverse and it corners and brakes like a BMW should. Its one of the best looking vehicles on the road and no matter how hard you push it, it wants more. However, every other month another sensor or display light would go off or hose will leak or seal break and Id get hit with another $500 bill (at a minimum) to fix something that just shouldnt go wrong (door locks, airbag light, etc.). It was always something. If you have the patience and another vehicle to rely on, its a great car. If its your only car, check your roadside assistance.

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  Ouch Ride - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Disappointed - July 8 - 5:57 pm

  I had the car less than a month when I hit a pot hole on the Long Beach Freeway popping one tire and bending two rims. The ride is horrible when going over small bumps and it bottoms out on small speed bumps. I had to replace both rear tires at 20,000 miles as they were completely worn through on the inside. The dealer helped with this due to the earlier problem, but the tires should last much longer. There is no window switch in the back seat! The rear seat passengers have to ask the driver to lower or raise the window. The car is beautiful, but Im glad Im leasing it because its going back at the end of the lease!

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  ONE Whiny BMW 328i - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By SpencerB - July 8 - 2:21 am

  Overall car is fun to drive, the performance is what you would expect from a BMW car. The appointments in the car are first class, but there is one thing that I see lately, which has frustrated me, and many other people on the Bimmerfest forums...that is a terrible whining noise coming from the transmission or differential....drives people crazy !!! I seen the same issue now on 5 Series and 7 Series cars, and BMW doesnt seem to care about this, but it totally frustrates many people that have spent a lot of CASH!!!

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  Great value great running condition - 1997 BMW 5-Series
  By Jim Mal - July 7 - 4:00 pm

  I know a mechanic who worked at BMW 7 years said this model and years were some of the best

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  RFTs ruin this car - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By JRMACH1 - July 7 - 8:07 am

  Recently bought 09 328I coupe with Premium and Sporkts pkg. The car is outstanding in every aspect except for the Run Flat Tires (RFT) which come on the car. The tires produce so much road noise that they totally ruin the BMW experience. If you dont mind a sports/luxury car that has the road noise of a 4 wheel drive truck/suv then you will love this car. Wish I could get my 02 325CIc back.

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  AWD Fun - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Bimmer man - July 6 - 2:52 pm

  Traded a 2003 325I for the 328 X Drive to help w/ the midwestern winter. Love the car, more refined than the 2003. A tad quicker, a tad bigger. Little concerned about a front end noise when entering parking lots or the driveway. We also have a 2004 G35X, stronger engine, more interior space but not nearly as refined as the BMW overall.

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  Ultimate Texas Driving Machine Update #2 - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By raiderwes - July 5 - 3:24 pm

  Rolled over 100,000 7/09. Just put new front brake pads/rotors ($650) & rear pads ($253), air mass meter ($1000), PCV valve ($500) & drive belts ($211). Car still runs well and drives great. There has been one other front end issue described as "rubber mounting" for $566. Gas mileage is about 24 hwy, 14 city. 16,000 mi between oil changes. Valve cover gaskets leaking on each side and hoses need replacing ($1000) and it has a leak at the timing chain cover ($$$). Replaced Kumhos after 30k mi with Micheline Pilot Sport+ ($$). Overall, however, a good experience. At this age, car will not depreciate very fast. There is a noise, however in the front end, that has gone undiagnosed by 3 dealers.