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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  V12 in the family - 1996 BMW 7-Series
  By rwr - May 20 - 7:19 pm

  Looking for what to buy next, Im reviewing my decade with my 750iL. Bought off lease at 62K mi now has 160K. Fabulous handling given the sheer size of the car. Great brakes, turns are fast and precise, and the engine is nearly great. Its underpowered. For a v12 that could put out 1000hp it does about 380. Smooth and powerful but not as impressive as it should be. Precise shifts at all times. Cost to maintain is about $4K per year but I paid that gladly for love. Electrical and plastics break or wear out too fast. Best time has been 140K mi and up- no more problems, but 14 years of dings, scratches, kids, time for a new car. I never liked the new 7s and M5 and i-drive so whats next? MB S65?

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  Awesome for Foursome - 2008 BMW X6
  By 50nesto - May 18 - 3:06 pm

  Got every available option on my X6, and I am loving it! Dont confuse this car with an SUV it is a Sports Activity Coupe with room for any foursome (golf, tennis, skiing, or dating)and all the accompanying equipment (clubs, rackets, skis, and luggage). My grandson can even watch movies in the back seat! Just got mine back from BMW Collision after rear ending a Cadillac sedan. Awesome collision safety behavior from the car with only frontal damage while the Cadillac regretfully was demolished. The repair by BMW looks amazing!

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  Ultimate driving machine - 2005 BMW Z4
  By Frank - May 18 - 1:57 pm

  This car may have the best design of any convertible on the market. BMW is not known for interior bells and whistles, so creature comforts are sparse but they make up for the lack with exceptional performance and safety. Great trunk room for the size of vehicle, better than stated mileage (31mpg hwy) and once youre in, quite comfortable. Entering and exiting requires a bit of agility but its a sports car. The 3.0 probably has all the pep ever needed for this size vehicle. The 2.5, that I have is quite functional, just not quite as nimble as the styling dictates but very adequate. Traded a Miata and what a step up. This car fees much more substantial than its size and I love the styling!

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  What can I say??.......... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Chickpea - May 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd 3 series coupe. They just keep getting better & better each year! The handling is superb like always and its faster than the previous coupes (yay!). I get so many complements on the style and color (mystic blue metallic). I purchased the premium package with the upgraded radio (harman kardon),leather heated seats and onboard comp. The only thing the car didnt come with was the xenon headlights. But thats no problem. I installed aftermarket Hela xenons and they look just as good for less money. I plan to keep this one a long time. VAROOOOOM!!!!!!!

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  Perfect 10.. well almost - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By MyCarRox - May 17 - 7:36 pm

  Man my dad was mad when I bought this one but I was ecstatic as was everybody else who got the first ride in this beauty. I got nlack with black leather, navigation system, premium package, Satellite radio so this has a lot of bells and whistles. Well I am shallow. I have had this car for 13 months now and boy have I been happy. Just sitting in it makes me smile. Driving it gives me a rush like I am on top of the world.

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  The best car ever - 2006 BMW 5-Series
  By stan - May 17 - 6:59 pm

  Great car! Mileage couldnt be better. This is the first BMW I have owned and I love it. Very fun to drive.

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  Nice Ride - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By Ar15 - May 17 - 6:08 pm

  Just traded in my Lexus IS250 for a 09 328i. The Lexus ran smoother, but the BMW performs way better. Cant really explain it, but the car seems to know what you want it to do. Everything about the car feels tight and just right. If you want a smooth cushy ride, go with the Lexus. But if you want exceptional handling characteristics and a car that is fun to drive, the BMW is it.

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  Great car! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Cursed E90 - May 17 - 4:42 pm

  I ordered this car back in November of 2005 after seeing one cruise by me on the highway. Received delivery on Dec 14th, 2005 with less than 8 miles on the car. Driving this car is such a pleasure in every way. 42 months, and 52,000 miles later and the car still feels almost as tight as the day I picked it up from the dealer. No squeaks, no rattles, nothing loose, nothing has stopped working. Nothing has discolored. Just an extremely well built car. Even the headlights are still crystal clear, unlike Mercedes headlights after a year or two. My only regret was ordering the beige interior instead of something darker since even the floor carpets are beige.

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  My 1st and probably last BMW - 2002 BMW 5-Series
  By Steve - May 17 - 1:24 am

  I bought my silver beauty (All German cars should be silver) "Certified Used" it had 36000 miles on the clock (Let me think for a sec... Hey! ItÂ’s a lease return) Came with full warranty to 50K. All Ive had done to it is regularly scheduled maintenance it looks, runs, and feels brand new. I said its my last BMW because Im 63 and itll probably outlive me... LOL.

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  With Upgrades, Pretty Much The Perfect Car - 2004 BMW M3
  By Bimmer Owner - May 16 - 9:59 am

  Amazing balance of performance and practicality. Research the VANOS, cam bolts, and rear subframe. Upgrade kits and parts are available for all. They can cause major damage if not inspected and addressed (if nec., as far as the subframe). Convertibles are reportedly less likely to have the rear subframe problem. Skip the SMG - arguably hard to live with, unreliable, expensive. Consider removing the manual transmissions Clutch Delay Valve (CDV). The car can be hard to shift smoothly and fellow owners recommend it, saying doing so solves the problem (Im planning to do it). Car is a remarkably comfortable tourer on the highway and is equally adept at carving up mountain roads. Seats are the best Ive ever had and upgraded stereo (Harmon Kardon) is the best OEM Ive ever had as well. The convertible does flex a bit. Top up, there are blind spots. Its also hard to judge the corners of the car from the drivers seat and easy to scrape the front spoiler. Parts and oil can be expensive, but considering the cars performance, its still a good value. You can drive it like a Honda all day or get on it and accelerate like a hoon. UPDATE 11/28/16: Still love this car. Had the CDV removed and it does shift much more smoothly. The strong online enthusiast community for these is helpful, friendly and informative. Some people find the e46 M3s ride too harsh; I suspect this is regarding the coupes and the convertibles extra weight improves things. Also, the 19-inch wheels reportedly result in a much firmer ride (I have the 18s). As the cars get older parts can be crazy high, but here again the online forums are a great resource. And a quality, well-reviewed independent mechanic is invaluable.