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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  beamer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By manman - April 28 - 2:00 am

  it is so fun to ride in. when you have a drop top you do not want to get out of it. i love my drop top

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  Electronic Problems - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By seabreez - April 24 - 11:07 am

  We picked up A CPO 530i just off of lease. Records were clean & initially car lived up to the BMW standards. 3 months in the electrical system started going haywire (sensors) & has been a pain ever since. It has gotten to the point I contacted the CEO of BMWAG in Germany. Very disappointed they threw it back on dealer. It is the mfg. fault, not the dealer. At present working with dealer to roll out into another. Dealer is being very helpful & I hope for a resolution soon. Other than this the car is what you expect from a BMW.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By frp - April 22 - 9:04 am

  I bought this car new, and one of my initial reasons for purchase was the excellent resale value of BMW. However, I immediately decided I was going to keep it at least 10 years! What a fun car to drive! Its comfortable, the MPG is tolerable (esp. with $4/gal premium in Chicago), and it has held up very well over the past 7 yrs. I have heard of E46s from this model year suffering from poor workmanship, but Ive not had that with this vehicle. Other than traditional maintenance, Ive not had any major failures/repairs. And, yes, maintenance IS pricey, but there are plenty of "foreign car" shops to use.

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  This is a disappointment - 2005 BMW 5-Series
  By Ken - April 17 - 4:25 pm

  Owned many BMW products. All great cars except for this one. Car had repeated problems with navigation screen. I was on my third screen. The computer also reported many false positive problems that would mysteriously disappear and reappear. Great car to drive. Great performance. Actually good gas mileage for high-performance 8-cylinder. Unfortunately, I spent more time with my service manager than my family. I traded the car in yesterday. Took a bath on the trade. But was worth it. Ouch. Good riddance.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By me - April 14 - 3:40 am

  Just got the 535i with premium, sport, premium audio, hd radio, ipod, satellite. The car is really fun to drive, the handling is incredible. I like the iDrive, it adds a little mystery and class to the car. But I received the car with a non function sos system. I have to return to dealer and have it fixed. I hope this the only thing that goes wrong

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  Makes me nauseated - 2007 BMW X3
  By tbaran - April 9 - 7:16 pm

  Transmission shifting issues - shifts so jerky it will actually make me car sick. Have had back to dealer 2x for updates, shifting improved, but not even close to acceptable for any vehicle, but this one is $40k+. Dealer told me fix is to shift manually - no thanks, I didnt buy a stick shift. Live in western PA, lots of hills, car will not shift out of 2nd gear starting up a hill unless speed exceeds 25 mph - thats about 3500 rpm. When you take your foot off the gas, it throws you like hitting the brakes! Terrible engineering from a premier automotive company.

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  Not a bad ride! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ESL - April 6 - 11:23 am

  I really like this car, but I was well aware of most of its flaws before purchasing--so do your homework! It handles better than any car Ive ever driven (had Audi S4 before this)! Its got good acceleration than in years past (although slower than the S4). The audio system sounds about like what youd expect for a car in this price range. The iDrive isnt nearly as bad as everyone has said, but you must spend a few hours with the ops manual AS SOON AS YOU GET THE CAR - or at least soon after to enjoy all of its features. The NAV works pretty well, and the cd plays mp3s. However, whatever CD you have in plays continuously-the "off" button is only a "mute" button, so it keeps spinning.

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  Performs, but sensors and cold not good - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By John - April 4 - 11:55 am

  For the first 3 years I owned the car, I only needed to change the oil and some minor maintenance, but in Feb of 2007, it was a chilly -20 degrees Fahrenheit and the crankcase vent froze up and it hasnt been the same sense. In fact, it happened again in Jan 2008. I was able to have it brought to BMW who graciously covered $3800 of the $4000 repair bill. Since then, I have had an oil sensor replaced, dipstick brake off and now my rear suspension coil needs to be replaced (not sure how that could have broken). My next car will be a Honda or Nissan..

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  BMW Z4 - 2003 BMW Z4
  By docmatt - April 3 - 10:00 am

  My major complaint is with the low front spoiler. It scrapes on any bump or steep driveway. Very poor design for the road. Also, should be able to start in sport mode and not have to switch it on every time.

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  A maintenance nightmare - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By toni p - April 1 - 6:08 pm

  This vehicle has been like a beautiful woman with an evil heart. From the first year until the eighth year of ownership, it has been one "freakish" thing after another. Unbelievably, in the third year the engine went, a piston through the heart! Cat converters, AC, exhaust. Car is in shop for its final repair, a blown gas tank! Another $2100 repair bill! Great driving, great looking classic, but Ive had enough. Time to look at another brand! Did I just get a lemon or what?