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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  my beamer - 2001 BMW Z3
  By bruce jones - September 23 - 4:45 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive, my wife refers to it´s economy as "smiles per gallon". It has the feel of the road and agility of a sports car you would expect,but still rides like a much bigger car. There is no rough ride or road noise like you get from a Miata. It looks so damn nice parked in my yard it makes me smile just looking at it.

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  Unsatisfied - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By JVT - September 23 - 12:29 pm

  Bought this car for reliability, but it is anything but reliable. There are lots of badly engineered parts that go bad and should be recalled but are not and you are charged for their replacement. Everything seems to cost over $500 to repair. A regular oil change and inspection costs $250. The brakes and tires dont last long, the water pump, alternator and other parts die suddenly before 100K. Now at 120K the car has broken down and left me stranded on the side of the road three times this year. The car does not deserve its reputation.

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  Great Touring Sedan - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By King Daddi - September 22 - 1:06 pm

  Although it is a great car in many facets, living in the midwest I should have gotten the Audi A8L w/all-wheel drive. The car is quite, smooth, very roomy and is a road warrior. Up keep is pricey but that should be expected, get an extended warranty or a certified one. This car will fishtail on you in the snow and rain that is why my next car will be an Audi A8 L. Also, a bit boxy compared to the same year, Lexus, Infiniti, Audi and Benz.

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  Silver Bullit - 1997 BMW Z3
  By oldcarguy - September 21 - 7:20 pm

  Great ride and handling with a strong grip. Engine is a bit thrashy for a four, but the car is quick when need be. Great value for the money with good reliablity. One of the greatest styles ever.

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  X3 - 2005 BMW X3
  By George - September 20 - 3:12 am

  The X3 is a very fun to drive SUV. More carlike in its attitude with great traction in rain and snow.

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  Way too much fun! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By MVF - September 18 - 5:12 pm

  I had always read about BMW- the "Ultimate driving machine" and thought what a bunch of $@&*- its a yuppy-mobile. A couple of quick test drives showed me just how wrong I was. I have the performance package and to say I am impressed with this car just wouldnt get the idea across. The suspension is an amazing blend of firm control and quality ride, the engine is great at nearly any rpm- so smooth I forget to shift & very gutsy. This is the most satisfying, fun car to drive (that is still practical) I could find. Owning it has been a pleasure- no problems of any kind, and it puts a smile on my face every day on my way to work- if you see a hole in traffic, its yours!

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  great car, bad tires - 2014 BMW Alpina B7
  By lbny - September 17 - 9:39 pm

  great car with excellent pick up & effortless driving. comfortable and luxurious. however horrible set of oem tires. they are high performance summer tires totally unsuitable for cold city roads. they will burst on any pot hole contact. pot holes are almost standard in new york city after any snow storm. the tires are not available at any bmw dealer or tire shop and have to be ordered. bmw does not give a spare tire. beware! this makes the car extremely unreliable as there is no solution or help available

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  Sexy X3 - 2004 BMW X3
  By Plummer - September 15 - 6:37 pm

  Purchased for European Delivery - family of 5 and luggage. BMW discounts about $2500, buy it from your local dealer. Also save rental exp. I found this site looking for a chip I might add to improve gas mileage. I get a horrible 13.8MPG in the city driving softly. Other issues: 1) at 75 MPH a high pitched noise is induced. Got to drive faster or slower to avoid it. 2) The rear hatch often doesnt shut completely. Interior light remains on. Need to really slam it. 3) Order the back-up warning system because the rear window is so high you cant see the hood of the car your backing into. 4) Stearing wheel blocks the speedometer. Regardless great car. Hope MPG can be fixed.

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  Nice styling, the car is not flawless - 2004 BMW 5-Series
  By amgolfin - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Sexy styling, nice exterior body lines. The car lives up to its heritage, having a very solid real and sporty performance. Hopefully in 2005, there will be some cosmetic changes and reliability improvements.

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  Great little SUV - 2005 BMW X3
  By BoiseBigKahuna - September 14 - 10:36 am

  This ute is a blast to drive. It handles great and is pretty darn fast. The interior is surprisingly roomy and the back seat is comfy for 3 adults.