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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  Perfect sports sedan - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By Skimmer - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Was, remains the first quintessential sports sedan. The unassailable benchmark. Superb in every performance and handling respect, except high speed sweepers. Lithe, tossable, and possible to drift & steer with a throttle, though its glue-like grip makes it necessary to speed to break away. Its flaws: a cheap looking interior much improved in later model years, and many flawed materials. Problems I have had in the first five years included a broken radiator tube a leaky gas tank a broken rear spring a broken window lift two leaky oil pan gaskets inability to start due to plug fouling and, twice, loud exhaust due to total loss of muffler baffles.

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  My First BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By D&D - July 7 - 8:43 am

  This is my first BMW and I purchase almost all the options available. premium Pk, Sport Pk, Cold Weather Pk, Navigation System. It is very fun to drive and has great cornering stability. Acceleration is good except offline, midrange is powerful. iDrive is very robust but it takes time to learn. All in all, money well spent.

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  Update from Last Review (mnfsto) - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By mnfsto1 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I have replaced all 4 tires at 21,500 miles. The air conditioning is now cutting out. No fun when it is 90+ outside and no air coming out. Was talked about a buy back then stonewalled. Once I start to feel good about the car again it decides to have a failure of some sort. "German Engineering" is not inspiring words. Looking to sell when 350z conv. comes out.

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  Ice Cream Runner Z3 - 1998 BMW Z3
  By VFRAV8R - July 4 - 2:00 am

  My wife had to have it. We imediately replaced the loose seats with aftermarket and its been a joy. Tops are easily fixed or replace and its a looker. Inexpensive fun and 30 mpg. Exactly what we wanted. Pleasant ride. Manual tops seem to work better with these models. Give one a try.

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  $$$ Repairs $$$ - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By itzed - July 3 - 2:00 am

  This was the best car Ive ever driven and the worst investment I ever made. I had a love/hate relationship with this car because I loved the way it drove and hated the constant money I spent on repairs. And the repairs were weird stuff that Ive never had happen on any car Ive owned before: Brake calipers ignition switch door locks window motor auxiliary (electric) fan etc... The list goes on and on, and everything seemed to cost about $500.00 to repair - not cheap. At the same time, I got the feeling that the engine, 5-speed tranny, & most normal wear and tear items would have lasted forever. It was well designed & a blast to drive, but...

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  Perfect car for teen - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By templau - July 2 - 2:00 am

  The 318is does not have the power of other BMWs, but it has the handling, braking, looks, and feel all BMWs have. I bought it used because the price was good and the miles were low (46,000). At first, I was concerned that maintenance would be high as it typically is for BMWs. However, I use an independent mechanic who has serviced my cars for 13 years, and this car has been a dream. The small engine, manual trans and good handling are a great combination for a new teen driver while also providing some style and "cool". What I didnt expect was how much fun it would be or that my wife and I would fight with our teen over who gets to drive it.

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  X5 4.8 isnt really that great - 2004 BMW X5
  By dania - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Its not worth the money if you ask me. Its a good car but still, the LX is better for the money.

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  Fun car to drive - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Thebitz - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car in 10/03 and I absolutely love it! For a 98, it looks and handles great! I test drove it on the west side of Cincy on curvy SR roads and it was an instant sale. The only problem I had was replacing several seals on my convertible top/front windshield, but I guess that should be expected with a 6 yr old convertible. I had to drop $2000 the first month I owned it and now another $500 for a carb sensor, fan or something. I knew the maintenance would be expensive, but that hurt a little. Even with these costs, I still love the car (as long as another $2K bill doesnt come up within a yr)

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  Car Phone didnt activiate - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By RLCPAPC - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2004 silver metallic 745i with a phone that wont activate. The dealer give me a new one and it works now. Stereo is great but dont have XM. Havent tried Sirius yet. Seats are very comfortable and am finally getting used to all the controls. I like this car.

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  fun - 2004 BMW 6-Series
  By siasconset - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Nice car was purchased as college gradutation gift. Looked at Lexus SC430 but liked larger size of BMW. Beautiful design as well as fit and finish. Must be seen in person and drive to be appreciated.