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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  Bavarian Headache - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Kline47 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful, graceful, hard charging people mover. Ergonomics are perfect and interior finish superb. Most comfortable and fun BMW Ive owned.....when it isnt in the shop. Replaced auxillary fan twice, bearings in rear wheel, front control arm, and I have to bring it in now for a faulty rear brake caliper and a loud suspension rattle. The car just broke 30000 miles. The car gets a higher overall rating from me due to fit, finish, and fun factor but reliability just is not what I know from BMW. Unfortunatley my third will be my last.

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  Delightful driving with the wind blowing - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By basilmerlot - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Second BMW 330 ragtop owned. Delightful to drive but has two weaknesses. Underpowered even with the 225 HP six and engine sound is so flat you feel you are in a Yugo. Missing the muscular engine of previous 3 series. Has some body roll but is very tight for a convertible. Well built, few problems within first six months of ownership. Upgraded 18" wheels are beautiful and get compliments wherever I drive. Little wind noise at high speeds.

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  Great, even 5 years after manufacture! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Pat - December 26 - 2:50 pm

  I fell in love with the Z4 while looking for a sports car. Had a rough start though since I have the sport package a deep pothole ate the passenger side and forced a repair. Then the convertible top refused to work. Then an electrical failure forced another round of work. In all though, Ive taken this to the track and on road trips-and its been sheer joy. Even driving to work is fun! Its gotten nice looks from passerby too. A few nits: tire roar is deafening even with top up, rattles galore on rough roads, and auto top suffers from finicky electrical shortages. But dont let those stop you from buying this wonderful machine.

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  Unreliable, Buy Japanese - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By mnfsto - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This car has been in the shop for numerous problems. The most extensive was when the car was in the shop for two full weeks. Serious transmission problems(electrical), air bag problems. It doesnt run smooth but the dealer says there is nothing wrong. 6 months of research with reviews to back me up all wrong. CR did rate it correctly. Average reliability. Mine has been less than average. Buyers remorse.

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  Fun but costly - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By shmeezil - December 19 - 3:53 pm

  Most fun car to drive Ive ever owned when its running. In 9 months of ownership have spent over 2K on repairs. Best advice is to find a competent independent mechanic who specializes in Bimmers. Going to the dealership for repairs or routine maintenance is a very costly and time-consuming adventure. From a drivers perspective the car is awesome. Enough power off the line and especially when passing on the freeway over 60. The steering makes you feel like youre connected to the pavement. If you can afford the repairs and downtime, this is a fun car to drive.

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  Pure sports car for mechanics - 2002 BMW M3
  By JASON YU - December 19 - 12:30 am

  You have to be either mechanics or available for extra money for repair. Its been 18 months since I bought my M3 vert. I only could drive my car for 12 months. Other 6 months? It had been at the shop for repair. So far spent 8000 dollars on only repair. Here are some highlights. Motor mount, tranny mount = $1000 Smg2 transmission issue(broken gear selector detent springs) = parts $50, labors $1050 total: $1100. smg2 clutch assembly replacement with new slave cylinder= $2500 drive shaft center suppport bearing=$500 Used smg2 hydraulic pump unit=$1000 smg2 hydraulic replacements with coding=$1300 other minor repair=$800 Willing to spend more money in repair than the car value? Then this is the car for you.

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  Fun car - 2004 BMW X3
  By Gerrit - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Great Car, fun drive but a little stiff. 3.0 is the engine to go with if you want to have some reserves, the 2.5 we have is great with a stick. Great design and wonderful for a family with lots of storage and trunk space.

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  My first BMW - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Gsp1885 - December 12 - 12:33 am

  When I first got this car, I hated it because it was a manual and I had a hard time learning. However, once I learned it I loved it, and I became a car enthusiast. I also now love bmw, although it has given me some problems.

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  Stunning! A Dream Vehicle For Me... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Jonathon - December 10 - 10:00 am

  What an amazing vehicle. So much fun, so much pride, so sexy... Yet what is most important is how reactive this automobile can be in case you get into trouble and need to really stop on a dime or accelerate your way out of trouble. It handles every sense of your commands. Often I feel like it is pre- anticipating my every move just before I accomplish it. It is so very sure of itself that you drive her with little effort and with total ease and control as though you were a pilot on a Boeing airplane.

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  Fun at First - Then the poor quality - 2004 BMW M3
  By Frustrum - December 9 - 4:05 pm

  Had a lot of fun with the top down, great acceleration and speed -- loved the SMG. Not enough space for all the bad. Twice transmission died on the freeway at 90 mph, flying in neutral. Manage to get to the side, tow-truck guy says "these have been dropping like flies." GPS never worked. Took into different dealers totaling 5 times, everytime they said it was fixed. It actually works now. Intermittent glitch on windows rolling up, still not fixed. Tire pressure light is on now and wont go away (tires checkout). Took to dealer and they said it was fixed, drive it away and light still on. Anyway, tons of other basic quality issues. Frayed steering wheel leather.