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:

• 

  Cant give it up - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Terrell - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my BMW 330i with 16,000 miles on it in 8-2001 and I already have 43,000 miles on it to date. Goes to show you how much I like driving it. This was my first BMW and I have been impressed with the style and handling of it. It sits very low to the ground and you rarely feel any bumps. I rarely use the steptronic manual transmission b/c theres so much power in the automatic. Now that Im 8mths pregnant, its hard to get in and out of, but I hate the thought of trading it in, so Im going to suffer thru this last month. If I hadnt gotten such a good deal on the 330, I probably would have gone with the 325, same car, 330 is more $$$...

• 

  Great Ride/"I drive" over done - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By WG - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had the 745i for a little over a week and driving it is pure fun. Each time I get on I20 some teenage with a loaded small Honda pulls up beside me to race. All they see is how great my car looks from behind! The inside is very comfortable however the I drive is two much. I will trade mine on the first future 7 that comes out with a touch screen. I ran my battery down just learning how to operate the I Drive.

• 

  new 745i owner and happy - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By richard d shapiro - April 3 - 2:00 am

  just purchased this vehicle and having a ball with it. Basically it is awsome. Still learning all the functions.Performs remarkably. This is my 5th BMW and it is definalely the most advanced and best

• 

  WHAT A CAR - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By DARIENMAN - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I PICKED UP MY 745I ON A SATURDAY THE SALES PERSON WENT OVER THE BASIC FEATURES OF THE CAR WITH ME THEM LET ME GO AND DRIVE THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS. WE MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR ME TO COME BACK AND SPEAK WITH HIM ON THURSDAY, OR THEY HAVE A BMW MASTER TECHNICIAN AVAILABLE THREE NIGHTS A WEEK TO GO OVER ANYTHING IN MORE DEPTH, HE WAS VERY HANDY WITH EXPLAINING THE NAV. AND PHONE WITH THE CAR. I LOVE THE CAR THE WHOLE FEEL OF IT HAS A CERTAIN PRESENCE, AND THE EVERYONE STOPS TO LOOK AT IT. I GOT THE LUXURY SEAT PKG, PREMIUM SOUND AND REAR SUNSHADES

• 

  Wonderful Car - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By cruiser - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Sorry to be cliche but it is THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE

• 

  New low in customer service - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By disappointing - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The car has its fun moments, but you cannot count on BMW customer service team. I have had several incedences where they just didnt stand by their car when something goes wrong. They put their buttom line first. I recently had a tail light replaced and they gave me nothing but poblems. I discovered that it was cracked a day after I had it replaced, but they said it was damaged by road debris. A gremlin would have been a better excuse.

• 

  Makes me find excuses to drive - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By rgzimmer - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my convertible bimmer as a replacement for my old Mustang. Ive read a lot of great reviews on the car and its got the classy look Ive been wanting. I went to the dealer and took a test drive and fell in love! I look forward to driving it all the time. I jump when someone needs to run up to the store. I dont mind the brake dust, though it is excessive. It gives me time to admire my ride. :-)

• 

  Stalling out problem & other problems - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Ex-bmw driver - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Ever since I purchased my 2004 330CI 6 speed manual, I was the service shop almost every week during the first 3 months of ownership. I had speaker rattle noises coming from the passenger door. Insulation between the speaker and door panel fixed it. Equiped with BMW 18" rims that constantly pulled to the right. BMW ended up replacing 1 tire and tweeked alignment to improve it. Worst problem encountered was the sporadic stalling problem when car was at an idle at a stop light. Engine would just cut out. BMW claims it is a software problem and no current fix at this time and had to temporarily increase my idle speed by 50. I got rid of this car!!

• 

  My Dream - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Karo - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I have wanted this BMW for several years. It definitely is a WONDERFUL vehicle.

• 

  Silver w/PP - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By ksm1998 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I am a car nut, had owned 11 in the past 6 years. I have to say that this car is the best so far, even more than my S2000 (and about as fast). Quiet interior, handles great. Thick M steering wheel helps. Shifter not as nice as S2000, but I dont think there is anything in the world that is.