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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  Great Car - 2008 BMW X5
  By Joshm18 - January 18 - 12:55 pm

  I love the redesign. I had a 2005 4.4 and there are clear improvements to the 2007/8 model. Performance is improved with the 4.8, but the handling and feel of the road is terrific.

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  My first BMW - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By SC Guy - January 8 - 7:11 pm

  This is the first BMW that Ive owned. My most recent cars were Jaguar and Infinity. Overall, I am pleased with my choice. The styling and handling are excellent.

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  Big Disappointment - 1995 BMW 5-Series
  By Paul - January 5 - 4:29 pm

  The 95 540i is among the last understated, genuinely beautiful cars from BMW. It is tremendously powerful and the routine maintenance consists of little more than oil changes and brake jobs. The downfall is the transmission. It is a sealed unit with "lifetime" fluid (complete nonsense). It _will_ fail at 100k mi. and cost $5k to replace. The car is worth $4k. My trans has disgorged its fluid on the driveway fully 4 different times. Each episode requires a limping trip to the shop and a bill of $300. On the road, the car is heavy and ponderous and not in the least bit fun to drive. Brakes have only two modes: off and full lock up. Zero finesse. Big disappointment.

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  Fun to drive, not to pay for - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Mark - January 2 - 5:34 pm

  Torque out the kazoo, lots of grunt for passing, throw it in to corners as hard as you want. I regularly drove the car on 600-mi trips and was very comfortable at the end. However, exceptionally expensive maintenance has been a downer. I spent over $3500 (incl $650 to replace a window motor) in 8 mos and could be spending another $1500 as the car has >100K mi. Will not buy another BMW w/o warranty (and probably not with warranty until iDrive tumor is removed).

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  2000 540i sport - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By i006129 - December 30 - 8:22 pm

  After five years of driving, the 540 with the sport package is the most fun car I have ever driven. The six speed manual is a necessity. That said, this is also the most delicate car I have ever driven. Lots of issues with sensors, water pump and radiator replacement etc. The radio is also less than stellar. Not even worth calling a stereo. I spend on average $1500-2000/year on maintenance and repairs. Part of this cost is getting the wheels repaired after hitting speed bumps too fast (sport package comes w/low profile tires and alloy wheels). I dont know if this is typical, but Id suggest budgeting for higher than average repair costs. All that said, im still addicted to the drive.

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  Could Be Great - Comes up Short - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Michael - December 29 - 5:03 pm

  Wanted a large luxury car and chose the 7 Series BMW. Loved the ride, handling and overall performance. The suspension recall was my initiation of what was to come. Next, they replaced the cam shaft (no charge), tire monitors were replaced, but the worst and ongoing problem is the drivers door refuses to close. Imagine paying 85K for a car and you have to rope the door shut so you can drive it to the dealership, lol. Lastly, my experience in the car wash when the flood was delivered to the front passenger seat floor. I thought I left the window open, but no, there was a flaw at the base of the windshield. I wont be buying another BMW product if they cant get this car right.

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  Careful before you buy an X5 used! - 2003 BMW X5
  By Rizzo - December 29 - 3:55 pm

  Bought new in 2003 and worked great when it was under warranty but everything went wrong when the car reached 50,000 miles this year. Cooling system is leaking everywhere, power steering is leaking fluid at bushings, parking distance control often stops working, and much more. It is a fun, comfortable SUV that is a blast to drive but compared to the last BMW we owned (a 1993 3 series) it is not very reliable ($5000+ in less than 10 weeks is unacceptable).

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  A happy ownership experience - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW in DC Metro - December 28 - 8:49 pm

  After 2 yrs and 40k miles, Ill have to say that Ive been happy with my BMW. A problem early on with some of the fuel system parts, now at 40k peeling paint on a trim strip (will be covered by warranty), and a drivers winow that sometimes goes into "trouble" mode (only goes down about 2 inches until reset) are the only troubles Ive had. Yes, the OEM tires were HORRIBLE, but the car is wonderful after replacing them. The car handles like youve always heard BMWs do, the engine is sweet. Complaints? Few. Cupholders are annoying, as is the "freeze warning" that chimes whenever the temp drops below 37 degrees. Paint quality is not great. But I LOVE the car!

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  There are better values out there - 2005 BMW X3
  By clydesdalecm - December 27 - 2:15 pm

  This X3 is a sharp car and drives like a 3 series sedan...this is a blast to drive. Outside of that, it gets less attractive. It isnt very big for an SUV (ie Doesnt carry a lot of stuff or people). The fuel economy for a V6 is horrible (maybe 17-18MPG?) Four passengers in this thing feels like too many. The trunk is tiny (cant fit 1 set of golf clubs across). And the interior features arent stellar for a $40K vehicle.

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  BMW DEALER SHOULD DO MORE RESEARCH - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ET - December 27 - 11:33 am

  I have the same problem like other Bmw 325xi owner. The Run-flat tires. I had similar problems like everyone with the tires, but I replaced with dealer-recommended Continental which are run-flat as well. The dealer charged me around 1095 dollars to replaced the Bridgestone tires. The dealer said normally charge $75.00 per tire. Run flat tire is cost more money. $110.00 per dollars. Labor cost is too much. Bmw should pay for tires and labor. Bmw put the wrong tires on this car. Please do more research. The performance of this car is very good. The price is cost more than other car.