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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  what a great car - 2001 BMW X5
  By phil73 - September 5 - 2:13 am

  its are great sport utility. Handles the road perfectly

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  Get A Grip - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By 1racefan - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several competitors cars to the 3 Series, but Im home now. Do not be lured into an imitation. The "want to bes" will come and go, and the 3 is the package. This car just begs you to do more with it, to use its potential. Im delighted with the dealer service Ive received, also. If you want, got to, have a good time behind the wheel .... there is only one ultimate ride, BMW 330i.

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  This car announces you have arrived!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Hemicharger69 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Its been two years since I bought my 330ci ragtop and I still get appreciative glances and comments. The body colored hardtop is a great accessory. All the benefits of a coupe but the bonus of a convertible. No major mechanical issues. The thermostat kept sticking when I first got the car, but it has since been fixed. No other worries. Just miles and miles of smiles and smiles...

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  AWESOME - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By CYRUS SHOKRAII - September 3 - 2:00 am

  THE BEST CAR IVE EVER DRIVEN

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  Long Term Ownership review - 4 + years - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By Ed C - August 31 - 4:09 am

  I bought this car with 18,000 miles on it in August 2013. It currently has 107,000 on it in January 2018. The acceleration is really good! Cost of ownership is terrible, still owe $9,000 on the principal loan and its starting to fall apart. Things that broke: 4 ignition coils (2 separate occasions), costing me about $25 / coil per time (DIY repair), 2 complete sets of tires. Currently the car has these problems: 2 bad rear wheel bearings, a failed DISA valve (engine rattle on acceleration) , serpentine belt tensioner pulley is slightly squeaking, rear upper control arm bushing is worn, and oil pan gasket and valve cover gaskets are leaking. The DISA valve is a known issue and a problem solver repair kit exists on Ebay for $80 (a new DISA valve costs about $250, and it will break down like the original). Ill be replacing the valve and wheel bearings as soon as the cold weather breaks. I love the way the car looks and handles so Ill be keeping it after its paid off.

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  2nd best purchase ever - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Jaclyn - August 29 - 6:23 pm

  This car is amazing. I purchased the 2008 in October of 2007. Alpine white with imola red interor. Equipt with cold weather package, sport package, bigger wheels, ipod adapters, EVERYTHING! I LOVE IT! COuldnt say enough good things about it!

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  Great car, my 2nd M - 2016 BMW M4
  By Tom M - August 29 - 3:35 pm

  Im loving my daily driver M4 convertible. Its a sport convertible, with limited space. Dont expect to put 4 large luggages, its not made for that. But it has reasonable space for a hardtop that goes in the trunk. I also wanted a 4 seater and the seats seem to have more space than my E46 M3 convertible. Overall, great car, but you do pay for it. I would buy it again.

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  Initial disappontment - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Japgerm - August 28 - 2:53 pm

  Just picked up a 745 and having issues already. My initial car was never delivered to me due to the dealers inability to fix a code error during the system checkout. So i accepted a different color vehicle with different options. During the drive home from the dealership my speakers POPPED and the Idrive system re-intialized itself.Next day it occurred again and my left front speaker is blown. In all fairness the dealer has so far been excellent since the day I walked in the door..

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  Not Bad at all - 2003 BMW X5
  By dudu - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Just pick up mine, love it. Of course, it is not like my old BMW saden....but it drive better than my old 92 Jeep Grand Cherakee. I will buy another one.....if I have the $$$$.

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  Tims Review of his 330xi - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Tim - August 26 - 12:46 pm

  I love this car! It is fun to drive and safe. With the AWD, I feel secure in snow and rain. I would recommend this car to anyone.