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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  Fun Ragtop! - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Tribefan47 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle for top down springtome fun...it lives up to my expectations. It could have more power but looks awesome even standing still. The E36 body style is still the best looking 3 series made! My second 96 3 (other was a 328ia). These vehicles epitomize what BMW should still be...fun, sporty, stylish cars. The new BMWs (except the Z) seem to look like theyre built for old people.

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  6 week owner - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By wxguru - April 20 - 12:11 pm

  Purchased it used 6 weeks ago with 79,000 miles after driving a Chevy Avalanche for 14 years and 178000 miles on it. Love the AWD aspect and the manual transmission. Very comfortable front seats and fun to drive.

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  X-5 4.4i - 2001 BMW X5
  By Addy - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had the X-5 for 2 months and the driver side window had to be repaired. The coolant warning keeps coming up although the BMW dealership says there is nothing wrong. Also had to get knob for the radio controls changed. Car is still under warranty so was covered for everything. Will probably get anxious when the warranty runs out in a couple of months.

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  Shop - 2005 BMW X5
  By Tom Reeder - April 15 - 5:46 pm

  Love driving the vehicle, looks assume, but its in the shop too much. Several trips needed to repair same problem. Have had it in shop way more then my plan Jane Chrysler mini-van. It becomes a pain after taking to shop more then twice for same item. Oh, did I mention its been to the shop too often? German excellence, not so sure, but it looks good.

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  Run dont walk from this car - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Yikes - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Door handle broke off in my hand. HVAC motors made squeaking noises. Power steering pump and hoses failed. AC clutch failed. Front suspension shimmy - bushings failed. O2 sensors, thermostat, idle control problems. Front chrome(plastic) grills cracked, fell out. Main drive belt needed replacing after only 20k miles. Now here are the problems still to come that are COMMON among other 740 owners: Radiator (plastic!!) hose neck will fail without warning and strand you. Catalytic convertors will fail. Transmission will fail at 60k. Oil pump bolts may be loose and thrown up into engine.

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  102000 miles and still going strong - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Jojoman - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car (325i auto) used from a local independent BMW dealer. The car runs and accelerates smooth at all speeds. I have fixed most of the minor problems myself and get a lot of supports from the net. The engine can run up to 250,000 miles without rebuild. There are many sites selling parts for it. If you are a DIY guy, this car is definitely for you.

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  Eats Boxters - 2003 BMW Z4
  By drdebt - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Look at a photo - youll hate it. Go see one in the "flesh". Hmmm . . . that looks different somehow. A few days later . . . I gotta have one. Test drive it (forget the 2.5 litre). Did you once have a go-cart? Then that seat of the pants feeling all comes right back. This thing stick to the pavement like velcro and runs up to 60 faster than the factory claims. Sure, you feel ever rut in the road, but is that bad? Downsides? Well the glove box is just that . . just enough room for gloves. Interior storage . . . whats that? Will your wife/girlfriend hate it? Yes. Is that bad? Not always.

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  M3 2004 - 2004 BMW M3
  By jj_annon - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Power available if you can use all of it. Handling is superb. Best sports sedan available.

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  Look No More - 2002 BMW X5
  By CLee - April 10 - 2:00 am

  After two years, I know we made the right decision. I only wished that we decided to purchase the X5 in lieu of the M CLass first. If you are looking for a SUV with performance and looks in one package, the X5 is the only one for you. If you are serious on buying the X5, dig a little more in your pocket and get the 4.4L since it offers more punch and standard equipment. If you add all the standards on the 4.4 compared to the options in the 3.0 for the same car, you will see that it is only a bit more. Believe me,you will not be disappointed!!! Happy driving!!!

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  Looks and feels good - 2005 BMW X3
  By yuppiescum - April 7 - 8:43 pm

  For a combo of city and rural driving where snow is sometimes a factor, X-3 was the choice for me. So far, it performs reliably. Lots of fun to drive, for an SUV. Roomy, but not impossible to park in the city.