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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  Dr. Jeckyl/Mr. Hyde - 2007 BMW X3
  By Eric - July 27 - 12:56 am

  This is our 3rd X3, and I loved the other two, both 2005s. This seems to be a different vehicle. Same great finish and handling, but awful acceleration. As written elsewhere, it is bothersome and dangerous. I loved the responsive, fun to drive qualities of our other X3s. This one makes me scared to enter the highway. Not so fun. Once you get past 40, it is fine, but getting there can be tough. Sometimes you punch it and boom, other times you count to three before anything happens. Someone is going to get into an accident because of this. We went to the dealer and they tried a software fix, but it only made it marginally better and we seem to have lost 1-2 MPG. Disappointing.

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  Maybe in 2005, needs some changes - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By Amgolfin - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I am the market of trading in my Lexus, undecided weather to purchase the 530i or the E300 Mercedes. My first impression of the 530i - a beautiful designed car, having several noticeable flaws that many consumers have identified. I possibly will wait until 2005 giving BMW an opportunity to provide the awesome car they intended.

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  Always loved BMW... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By blayne - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have been in love with German Engineering and Styling but there may be a down side. Within 1800 miles the dealership had to put a new transmission in the vehicle. The car is now in a dealership 300 miles away from home due to a "porous head". Cylinder #1 filled with oil and the car smoked heavily out of the engine compartment and undercarriage. Not sure if anyone else has had this problem.

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  Nice - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Steve InColorado - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Exceptional handling and way fun to drive. Not as powerful as I thought it would be, at least here in Colorado. StepTronic is disappointing. Shifts very slow (1-2 seconds) in "manual" mode, and sometimes upshifts when you might not want it too. I should have bought a 5 speed. 4WD system is great. Harmon-Kardon stereo is weak, way not worth the extra $$. Climate control system is pretty unintuitive and hard to use until you get used to it. I want a 330xi with a 6-speed!

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  2008 BMW X3 - 2008 BMW X3
  By don592 - July 21 - 9:27 pm

  I’ve had the auto 4 months, handling is outstanding. Acceleration and braking also outstanding. Interior fit and finish are top quality. I ordered a 6 speed manual, a big part of the fun factor – the manual transmission is smooth and easy to use, although the position of reverse, to the left and up of first, takes some getting used to. The exterior finish is perfect. Dashboard and radio controls are different than most cars, but after a few weeks, it all makes sense. While super unleaded fuel is recommended, the auto runs fine on regular. My previous car was a Honda Pilot which was a nice solid car, but the X3 brings back the excitement of driving and everything still fits.

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  Fifth 5 series, but the last two horrible - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Lone Ranger - July 21 - 11:57 am

  I took delivery in June, 2007, but because of an issue with "High Battery Drain When Car Stopped" that they could not fix, they replaced my car in June, 2008, with another identical one. This one has the same problems, and is still at the service department. They cannot figure out the problem. Worst two vehicles I have ever had.

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  Bmw328i nice buy - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Valdez Wilkerson - July 21 - 9:53 am

  This is a great looking car. If this is your first experience to bmw then you will love this. If you owned something like a z4 or faster then I would suggest upgrading and paying a little more for that power which can be amazing in times of need.

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  Not too bad, but would not buy again - 2006 BMW X5
  By Rob - July 17 - 1:26 pm

  Well, I decided to write my review after owning the vehicle for 2 years. It is a lease, and we are due to turn it in in 5 days. So here goes. First, my likes. This is my 3rd BMW, and of all the BMWs Ive owned, I have to say this one has been the most reliable. We have had virtually no issues at all with the car, unlike my last BMWs. The only real problem we have had with the car in the 2 years, is that the drivers side exterior mirror glass is tarnishing badly, and needs to get replaced. Things I dont like. Let me tell you, if you have kids, do NOT buy this car. It is way too small and short wheelbased for a comfortable family car. Rides too stiff and seats too hard.

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  Fun while it lasts - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By R. Parker - July 17 - 12:10 pm

  I was completely in love with this car when I bought it. Although I bought it used, it was my first BMW but most likely will now be my last. The problems I have had on this car are unbelievable. The warning light that the right tail light is out has been on and off since I bought it. I have had to replace window regulators, the sunroof, injectors, spark plugs, bushings and a host of other things. The straw that broke the camels back came a few days ago - an engine/exhaust problem thats going to cost $3500 to fix. In the last year Ive shelled out $9K on this vehicle. I loved driving this car it was so much fun. But now I am looking at something more reliable - like a Hyundai.

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  My birthday present - 2004 BMW X3
  By Sherri L. Meier - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car the X3, about a month ago. What a pleasure to drive. In a previous life, I was manufacturers rep and put on 100k miles/2years. I spend alot of time in the car. I feel very secure and safe driving in the crazy Atlanta traffic,