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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  Have to drive it to believe it! - 1990 BMW 3-Series
  By 1989 bmw 325is - August 22 - 4:04 am

  I bought the 325is used with 170k for $2.5k and spent another $4k to recondition the BMW. Guess what? It worth every single penny! The 325is has great interior features, reliable German engine, excellent handling on highway and street.

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  One mans garbage is anothers pot of gold - 2008 BMW X5
  By Juan - August 20 - 9:34 am

  Wanted to write my own review of this machine. I got a hold of this truck at eight years old with 56500 miles on it. For being that old with two previous drivers, this truck still looks like new, and it seems to have been built with quality exterior paint and strong leather that also looks new. After reading a few of these reviews I can see why people complain about the third row seating, its really meant for kids under 5 feet. The rear view camera doesnt function well at night. The transmission is a beast but when going through first and second gear it doesnt seem to sync right after that its all down hill. I enjoy the 350 hp, the panoramic sunroof, all accessible controls, quit ride, bright led lights, the onboard diagnostic feature. I hope my review doesnt change in the next year.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By catbijou - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Nice little car, great mileage, handling fabulous. Finish good, seats ok, a bit firm for long drives. Car is too low to ground, difficult to get in and out. A bit too much engine noise, but it is a BMW.

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  Z4 - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Doc - August 15 - 7:37 pm

  Dont get me wrong. I bought it, okay? But... the Z4 is fun to drive and stylish, but cramped as hell, hard to get in and out. Bad gas mileage. Fast, though

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  2004 BMW 325 Ci Convertible - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Gina Celentano - August 14 - 11:32 pm

  Reasonable fun to drive. Interior design/style could be nicer for this price point. Window and doors have problems. Interior buttons break.

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  BMW M3 Black/Cinnammon SMG - 2005 BMW M3
  By rkb - August 14 - 3:33 pm

  Excellent car overall. Fun to drive. Powerful engine. Excellent handling for a sedan. Love the SMG.

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  Disappointed - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By JN - August 13 - 9:54 pm

  This is the second 325 Ive owned. The first one (2001) had frequent finicky problems besides the major problem of the transmission going out at 55,000 mi. I got the 03 as I figured it was unusual. However after owning this 03 for 2 yrs I will never own another BMW and I cant wait to get out from under this one. When you know the shop manager by first name you know you have a problem. Ive never had to have a car in the shop as much as this one. Many many little problems. Nothing major yet but its only a matter of time. Engine wise and driveability its a great car, but something is always causing it to be in the shop. I also own a Lexus and NEVER have a problem. Bye Bye BMW

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  Great Car - 2007 BMW 5-Series
  By Military Buyer - August 13 - 9:06 am

  Bought the car on military sales overseas, nice price with a 3k rebate (just under 53K fully optioned, no HUD/auto cruise but NVD, etc). No glitches, drives wonderfully.

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  Electrical - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By McLain Garrett - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Excellent driving car. Had car for 4 1/2 months and it was in the shop for over 40 days on five visits. Car was declared a lemon. Will replace or get money back.

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  330i - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By ultraman - August 11 - 4:56 am

  not enough bang for the buck. price/power ratio not favorable. underpowered for the price. still a nice car.