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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  Beware of the hype... - 2002 BMW M3
  By Playdrv4me - May 14 - 1:28 am

  In my mid 20s I have owned about 30 cars, many of them BMWs, and BMWs are my favorite by far. Some of them also with higher miles and never a problem. This includes a 2003 Range Rover (highly modified X5 essentially) with over 90k and a 1995 750iL with 114k. My M3 convertible SMG CPO only has 78k and already feels like its falling apart, has been to the dealer numerous times for an engine tap they insist is normal, and is unacceptably loud and harsh for the performance you actually get.

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  X5 Beats Cayenne!!! - 2008 BMW X5
  By Mike - May 13 - 1:19 pm

  Much smoother than the 2006 Cayenne S I had. Definitely more technologically advanced. Owned for about 2 weeks now, and waiting to break-in to about 1k miles, then Ill drive more like a speed demon.

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  BMW X5 - 2008 BMW X5
  By JC - May 12 - 12:03 pm

  This is my first BMW. I have driven 3,000 miles since purchase and have been impressed by build quality and technology. I was drawn to the X5 by its looks, both external and internal, and BMW Ultimate Service. I opted for 3.0 over 4.8 due to significant addtional cost of the V8 and a little better fuel economy. I also own a Mercedes GL450 which I prefer over the X5 if you really need or want a V8 SUV with a useable 3rd row for kids or for towing.

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  1998 BMW 3 Series - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By THE "G" - May 9 - 1:30 pm

  Bought my Black 328i in 2000. 2nd owner it was a lease vehicle. I have been a naughty owner and have only changed the oil, rotors, brake pads, brake sensors & tires for the most part. I put TVs in the head rests, Chrome 18" rims w/z-rate tires and a kicking stereo system in addition to the HK system that included a tv in the radio as well. Ive driven this car through out Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, and from coast to coast (in the US. The tint came in handy) plenty of times and never has it stranded me. I had a problem with the acceleration in auto and would have to drop down to manual but it still never starnded me and continued to out perform other vehicles.

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  ONE SWEET RIDE!!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Ride or DIE! - May 6 - 6:36 pm

  This car is a great daily drive. Its sporty and luxurious. Also get great gas mileage for the powerful engine it has.

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  As sour as a LEMON - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By yan94us - May 4 - 2:00 am

  AT the time of this writing we were in process of a settlement from BMW on the LEMON weve filed on our car. First, the front driver-side window didnt work. Then, the front passenger-side didnt work, we were told the regulator for both sides went bad. Eventually, all four regulator was bad and replaced. The most important problem we had was the rain leaking through the interior and soaking our front driver- side, the problem never stop since. Also, there were times when we had the BMW emblem falling off, clear coat paint was so thin that bird droppings peeled the paint.

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  no reliability - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By joseuz - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The 03 BMW 330i has been the most unreliable car ive ever owned. Ive had to PUSH THE CAR OFF THE ROAD twice because the fuel gauge and fuel pump sensor problems. The dealer told me BMW knows about the problem and is working on it and the problem only occures in California due to its low emission requirments. I called BMW of N.america and they said they had no knowledge of the problem. The service engine soon light has lit up twice. They replaced a sensor. The light came on again within a few days. I am trading in this car soon. If you live in California consider my experience before you buy a BMW. You might run out of gas and not know it.

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  Not reliable - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By BM - May 3 - 9:29 am

  I bought this car in 2002 because I test drove a friends car and I loved it. Its a true sport sedan, got enough power, it looks really cool and fun to drive. But the car is not reliable. I have put only 47k miles on it and many things broke down I have to replaced alternator, air blower, power window motor, battery twice, front and rear brake twice and expecting another power window motor. I will not buy a BMW any more.

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  Smaller SUV - 2008 BMW X3
  By Jeff - May 1 - 11:47 am

  I was looking for better fuel mileage in a well built SUV with many of the features from my previous vehicle. The X3 has more room than it looks. It is well finished inside and out. I like the engine but the 6 sp auto trans. seems to hold onto gears too long and down shift easily. Mileage is only about 21 in a mostly highway commute. The ride is very firm and it handles well for an SUV. The X3 reminds me of my wifes old 2003 530 in many of the interior operation components.

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  MPG - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Jan - April 30 - 6:39 pm

  Awful cup holders with AC blowing on them. Mine has 94,000 and just performs more gracefully with age. Recommend you absolutely find a local garage that you trust and you will save at least half of dealer repairs. My MPG indicates 5.9 miles per gallon (not, not on liter scale). But I seem to be getting about 16 MPG, which is not great. For first time this week, I used 89 instead of 91 at the pump and car is running beautifully.