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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  Loved this car for 4 years until.... - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By maverick1012 - February 10 - 1:31 pm

  Ive owned this car for 4 years now and put atleast 20,000 miles on it per year. Drove many 5,000+ road trips, handled extremely well, love the power and acceleration. Loved the overall experience UNTIL this past January (1/09) my car decided to die. I quote my mechanic when I say "the car has demons!" It decided when it wants to start, stalls when it wants to, its been in the shop for 3 weeks with no resolution. I absolutely loved this car until now :/

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  Its in the details - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By volcomized - February 9 - 11:10 pm

  Ill start w/ what I dont like: the cup holders! Handling is pretty stiff, which I enjoy since I get a sportier drive, but drinks in cup holder go splashing around when I make a sharp turn. Second, theres a blind spot on the drivers side, and no matter how I angle my mirrors or slightly cock my head to check for cars, there have been a few close calls. My car now has a screeching noise driving at 10-35 mph! The service dept. says if they cant hear it, they cant fix it. I love driving the car, but thankfully my lease is almost up because I would be wary about keeping it past its warranty.

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  2001 BMW 330Ci - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By fb - February 8 - 1:32 pm

  Bought the car in 6/04 when it had 41k miles. Engine has always performed flawlessly. I have the 5 speed manual and it has always been extremely smooth and fun to drive. The car though has consistently had minor cosmetic problems and once these cars have over 80K miles they are VERY expensive to have serviced. Once you pass 100k miles a lot of stuff has to replaced and in my case its all come up at the same time. With the repair costs approaching half the value of the car, Im not sure if I want to hang on to it. I still love BMW but whenever I get another one, it will be a new model on a lease so that maint will be covered. Stay away from late model units... too expensive to maintain!

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  2000 BMW 528i car for rich people - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Andre - February 5 - 11:27 pm

  Very expensive to maintain. A lot of plastic details clips, houses, etc., in engine that needs to replace. Only rich people can afford to have this car serviced at dealership. You need to have 1K in your pocket all the time for unexpected maintenance. I would not take this car for a very long trip. Prepare to downtime. Do not buy it if you do not have a good mechanic you can trust.

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  Reliability?? - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff - February 3 - 5:04 pm

  This is the second review after owning the 535xi for 18 months. I can not say enough good things about what I like about this car (see first review for that). However, the reliability of this vehicle is just not even close to expectations. I had it in the shop 7 times in the last 1 1/2 years. 5 times for check engine light and rough running: 1) replaced fuel, 2) replaced computer, 3) replaced ignition coil, 4) replaced fuel injector, 5) replaced fuel pump. The 6th time I brought it in the front suspension was creaking worse than my 70 Mustang. Dealer said it was normal, but somehow they fixed it. 7th time was for an iDrive malfunction. For the problems I have had, BMW should provide an extended warranty free of charge. If they could make this thing reliable and restore my confidence, it would be the best car ever.

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  Truly a Brute in a Suit - 1991 BMW M5
  By M5-Mike - February 1 - 9:46 pm

  It may not be the first M5 but it is the "real one." The first 4-door sedan to make a Ferrari humble and rip to consecutive series race track triumphs in Trans Am. "What do mean it only has a tiny 6 cylinder motor?" Ha. Stand on the gas and the symphonic 6 comes to life. Sure BMW has made more powerful M5s but none have this panache. The faster it goes, the smaller it feels. Truly amazing car.

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  06 550i sport - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By bluebimmer - January 30 - 4:35 pm

  Love my Bimmer! The sport package is a must! Drives and handles very well. I heard things about the iDrive but realized that it is not complicated at all, I can even input on navi while driving, cup holders do not bother me either. Heads-up display is awesome, it even shows directions from navi. Very comfortable. Overall the car makes a statement!

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  Solid for a challenging climate - 2008 BMW X3
  By Debbie - January 28 - 1:20 pm

  For me driving in major snow storms is a given. This vehicle does everything you need it to do and feels rock solid. I drove through a monster storm this morning and to a ski resort last week on poor road conditions. I was never concerned.It tracks the road, is very stable and in the worst storm is balanced and steady. Unlike some larger SUVs I have had, the size and weight distribution on this vehicle provides a feel for the road surface and an ability to get you there. This vehicle is for someone who wants a smaller suv that can get you around in the worst of conditions. And of course, its a BMW so it goes without saying that the interior, the reliability and the extras are fantastic

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  3 months, three times in the shop - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By floridafan81 - January 27 - 10:42 am

  I bought this vehicle because of the quality I associated with the name. Three days after purchase the car was dead in my driveway. After a battery recharge and a navigation reset I was back on the road only to need another navigation reset. Now the rear window is broken. All this is a BMW "certified" vehicle. And dont forget the CPO warranty has a 50 dollar copay each time! BMW dealer never has loaner vehicle because they are always full of cars for repair. Something to think about before buying a "high end" vehicle. BMWs comment -- well this is a high maintenance vehicle you know. High maintenance = to the shop monthly. BEWARE. I will be cautious before buying a BMW again.

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  First BMW, mixed feelings - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By RAO - January 26 - 6:27 pm

  Bought the car over some competitors mainly due to leg room (Im a bit over 65 and about 195 pounds). Certainly the fit is better for me than my previous Nissan Altima, but, when it comes to interior squeaks and rattles, this car comes up a bit short. Squeaky dash, especially when accelerating in chilly weather. I get 24 mpg with premium with little interstate driving. Paint finish is horrible, Ive never owned a car whose hood is so susceptible to chipping off (and I owned a Skoda at one time!). These days, I always look at other BMW hoods in parking lots, and sure enough, their hoods are dotted with paint chips as well. Disappointing.