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:

• 

  07 X5 Transmission issues - 2007 BMW X5
  By kblaxx - February 27 - 3:39 pm

  Beware the 07 BMW x5 re-designed 3.0 model has major flaws with the transmission. BMW has admitted to the issue and does not have a fix therefore recalls have not been sent out. A $60k car should not have a major fault. The car runs sluggish especially going up hills - it has a hard time shifting into the correct gear. The X5 does not accelerate well from a stopped position and it feels as if it is going to stall before it recognizes you are trying to accelerate. In the past 2 months my car has been in for service 5x times for a week at a time. I have been in contact with BMW North America at this point. BEWARE.

• 

  I Missed Christmas twice. No Rent money - 2001 BMW X5
  By BMW Xd Out!!!!! - February 26 - 4:11 pm

  I cant believe how great it is to drive... its completely the best handling S.U.V. The day I got it the check engine light was on then the Trans went for a $4,000 job. The rear light fixture had to be replaced rusted. The oil pan drain bolt stripped & was replaced for $600. Alternator was $750. Window Relay was $300. Left-Front wheel bearing $381. Air hoses and M.A.F $854. Now to things I havent got to yet. All Rear Upper & Lower Control Arms $2,200. Steering Shaft $800. Check Engine Light Still On & cant get Inspection. Already had a Fail-Pass Inspection & cant do it again. My shop gets mad when they see me because of the many problems. This X5 has messed up my life... be scared.

• 

  What Fun?! - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By HWDX347 - February 24 - 3:09 pm

  I sold my Audi A4 3.2 to my son and drove to Roadshow BMW, Memphis, TN to look at a Mini Cooper S. Drove out with a BMW 135i! They were great to deal with. I test drove one in Little Rock last summer and didnt realize how fast it is. I now understand what BMW mean by Ultimate Driving Machine! The A4 is a great car but the 135i is even better. The car is much quicker, the handling is better, road feel is better and its quieter.

• 

  Super fast and smooth saloon - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Szutao L - February 21 - 11:00 pm

  Got this car used for a fraction of msrp. My strongest impression is the low rpm punch and the acceleration. Engine and transmission is super smooth, lots of features are standard, interior is classy. Lots of room, very comfortable for long rides, especially passengers. Seat adjustment was unbelievable. Exterior look was an improvement with facelift, going back to classic bmw look. Why wont you buy a cpo executive car, it is a bargain.

• 

  A Non-Truck! - 2005 BMW X3
  By ProMariner - February 21 - 11:50 am

  I am not a big fan of SUVs, but finally needed something larger than my car. This baby does the trick! Styling, versatility, comfort, and performance all rolled into one! Inside you dont have the feeling of being in a truck or mini-van. Outside, theres no mistaking it for a pick-up with a cap. With the 3.0 liter engine you fly and if you feel sporty, the 5-speed automatic lets you shift manually. Between the roof rack, trailer hitch, and cargo bay you can put your bicycles on top, out back, or inside! It may not be enough room for a party of six, but its more than enough for a couple or small family. Only knock is that the AWD gets 16MPG around town and requires premium gas only.

• 

  328xi, Premium, Cold Wthr packages - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By DrB - February 18 - 2:21 pm

  My first BMW, had owned Mazdaspeed6, Infiniti G20. Very handsome car inside and out, premium materials inside. Loved it - until driving over NJ potholes. On 3 separate occasions, I hit a modest (not gigantic) pothole, and my can of soda went flying out of the holder, hit the ceiling, then fell to the floor spilling on the carpet. Incredibly frustrating, ride is way too stiff! During service at BMW dealer, I mentioned this to the manager. He told me it was a very common complaint with the new generation coupe. This was originally a $46k car, which I got for a steal at $32k with 18k miles. Despite my great deal, I sold the car after 4 months of ownership, I couldnt drive it on NJ roads

• 

  It simply glides - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Brian from Indiana - February 17 - 11:23 pm

  Became 3rd owner of a 2004 BMW 330ci with 26k miles in March of 2008. I fell in love with BMW during my first test drive. Powerful acceleration at all speeds. Goes from 60 to 100 without feeling anything. Smooth, quiet, amazing handling/cornering it simply glides. Be prepared to donate some organs to service and maintain. At 30k miles it needed rear brake pads ($250), alignment ($100), replace driver side door lock actuator ($800), replace throttle boot ($200).

• 

  First One On the Block - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Dogmom - February 17 - 9:36 pm

  This is my first BMW, have always owned practical japanese cars. Mine is basically stripped, only added the bun warmers. Checked out all of the competition first, this car wins (even though Im not crazy about the new styling), hands down. The ride in the BMW is firm, sporty as it should be, but unlike the Acura, you do not feel every pimple in the road. Ive driven a manual transmission for 20 years, and Im still getting used to this one. The more I drive it, the more I like it. The sound on the base stereo is wonderful. I paid $1,000 to "upgrade" the stereo on my previous car, and it doesnt even come close to the sound quality of this one. The start button is a hoot!

• 

  SOOO expensive to repair - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Heather - February 15 - 9:38 am

  The head gasket is a major issue... YIKES. The engine components are made up of lots of plastic. I have had lots of electrical issues and the convertible top gets stuck sometimes. The top is leaking and caused mold damage to my back seats.

• 

  Reliability?? - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff - February 12 - 2:48 pm

  Update on reliability issues on my 535xi. I contacted my dealer with my concerns and they arranged a face to face meeting with the dealer CEO, Service Manager and BMW North America. I was very pleased with the outcome of the meeting. I am glad to report that BMW is standing behind its product. I posted the note below on "Reliability???" and only feel it it right to give props to BMW and my dealer for handling my issues in a very professional and respectful manner.