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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  BMW328is 2 door - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By TZILLIGEN36 - March 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best handling car I have driven. It is a fun car to drive and gets good gas milage.

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  M Drei - 2004 BMW M3
  By mj2 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Best Sports car for the Money. Carries Four adults comfortably. Decent Cargo room as well. Did I mention it goes like stink. Very detailed break in Period w/Engine and drivetrain. Must follow this to the letter. After 1200 mi. let it rip to the 8000 RPM Redline. Car doesnt stand out from the crowd that much, a boon to some and not to others. Sucks down gas like a drunken sailor, but who cares this is a sports machine, youll be driving like Montoya in No time!!!

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  Coors - 2000 BMW Z3
  By Beedracer - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Had my 2.3 roadster for 1 year. Full Sport package and every option. Love it. Used to hate Z3s before I drove a six cylinder model. Its quick, and drives like a go kart, but it feels substantial. BMW makes great cars. The steering and shifter are perfect. No problems so far.

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  A big change from an SUV - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By jenny - February 29 - 7:20 am

  Ive enjoyed owning the 330i, however it has been a big change from an SUV. For someone who is taller it is much harder to get in and out of. You must fall in and climb out of the vehicle. Also, the sport package is great, until it snows. The traction control worked as long as you were moving. Once you stop you are stuck. It feels great to drive but the tires like to follow the grooves of the road and you feel every bump. The sport wheels are also very difficult to keep perfect as the rim is so low to the ground. It is very easy to ding and scratch your rims. All in all it has been fun to drive.

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  BMW X5 "Pinto in a 3 piece suit" - 2001 BMW X5
  By av8r07 - February 29 - 2:00 am

  What do you get from BMWs latest 50K+ SUV? I think of it as a Pinto in a 3 piece suit. Looks great, fun to drive but an absolute junker in terms of quality and reliability, not to mention some of the worste customer service I have ever experienced. BMW USA has proven to be horrible in terms of customer service and apparently have no problem leaving thier customers literally out in the cold. If your looking to drop 50K on an SUV dont

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  Last BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By jake - February 27 - 6:56 pm

  I have driven BMWs for years but this is my last. Replacing the run flats at $1300 every 8 months didnt make sense. Plus, run flats gave it a terrible ride and handling and very noisy. I replaced tires with non run flats. Handled like my previous BMWs but no spare, no room for a spare. The resale value didnt hold up well. I bought a new Audi A4. Handles better, more features. I will not buy another BMW.

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  Built on a Friday - 1998 BMW Z3
  By Ericz3 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  My Z3 was in the shop about 20 some odd times. The problems ranged from leaking softtop, blown thermostat, busted sending unit, and so on. Fun to drive, and I love the look of the car!

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  Wow and then Oh No ! - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill in Cincy - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW,new 2004 325i,4dr sedan,jetblack w/tan interior,Premium package,sunroof, steptronic transmission. Beautiful Car! Wow, this is a sports car in a practical sedan. Handling is unreal which makes driving fun and ride is smooth & comfortable. Oh No ! comes from transmission having to be replaced at 1000 miles!! BMW apparently outsources the transmissions to Ford/ZF(are you kidding me, junk)and told me they are experiencing a "seal leak" where transmission doesnt engage

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  NATES Riew - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By W.N.V.sr - February 25 - 2:00 am

  tHIS IS A NICE MODEL MY SECOND 5351,PERFORMANCE IS REAL NICE SMOOTH,MPG IS NOT BAD EITHER ON LONG TRIPS I HAVE ACHEIVED UP TO 25.7 MPG CRUISING UP AROUND 75MPH,KEY IS TO OWN TOOLS AND THE BOOK THAT MAKES IT A FAR MORE ECONOMICAL OWNERSHIP. IT ALSO AFORDS YOU THE OPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND TO KNOW THE CAR.NICE INVESTMENT,PLEASURE TO DRIVE AND RELIABLE.4 MO. AGO TOOK ON A 3200 MILE TRIP. WAS SMOKING!!!!

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  Fun to Drive but lacks Quality - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By rpcmig - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 99 and currently have 65k miles. Great handling and sporty ride.Awesome to drive but its starting to fall apart.Its been back to the dealer countless times to replace different sensors.Currently having electrical problems. Something keeps draining the battery and the car wont start after sitting for an hour.Dealer says repair could be expensive. Everyone knows the cupholders are awful. I feel we paid way too much for what we got. We would have been better served with a Lexus or Volvo.