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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  Good Suv is in - 2004 BMW X5
  By Fred Travas - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Very good overall wery nice i mean itreally truely nice leather

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  One of the Best - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By mdc973 - October 26 - 1:00 am

  They dont make them like this any more. Still has that all important feel of the road missing from newer models. Not super powerful off the line but still plenty of power to drive safely in virtually all circumstances. At higher speeds can compete with just about anything on the road. Not one of the best body styles. BMW owner for >25 years.

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  Better To Buy Pre-Owned - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By slkman99 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but positive things to say about this car. I own the 184HP 325i Sedan w/Automatic Tranny and it holds its end of the bargain VERY WELL!! Im highly impressed!!

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  great sports sedan - 2003 BMW 5-Series
  By x021627 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  previously owned acura tl and moved up to 530i. excellent handling, standard stereo and excellent materials and workmanship. i just love to drive this car!

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  Long Term Bimmer - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Eric Rohrbach - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new. Been thru all the electronic crises, a little expensive, mostly annoying. But - the car is definately worth the trouble. Has always been totally reliable and a hoot to drive. Lousy in snow, but good winter tires in all four corners transforms it into an acceptable performer. Would buy it all over again....

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  Fantastic Car - 1998 BMW M3
  By Chalupa72 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  No major mechanical problems at all. The handling in this car is unsurpassed and inspires driving confidence. Despite entering curves at very high speeds I have never felt the car couldnt handle it. The only minor criticisms I have is the rather bland interior and the ridiculous cup holders.

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  Nightmares of repairs - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Docweller - October 18 - 2:00 am

  The car is great, but in 9 months of leasing, 6600 miles its been in shop for repair 16 times for the nav, tire pressure and phone system.

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  A hoot - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Dave Berlin - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive enjoyed this car for 6 years. Sold a vintage jaguar, too much trouble. This car is really fun to drive and still has absolutely nothing wrong with it. (yes, we baby it a little). I look at it as a sports car thats practical. The back seat is tight but comfortable and combined with the trunk there is lots of luggage space compared to a real 2 seater. While four seats may not sound like a sports car, it doesnt matter since it looks like one and still to this day the car turns heads. 30 mpg aint bad either.

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  Great fun if you dont mind the repairs - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By Saloon325i - October 15 - 2:00 am

  The E36 M50 engines are reliable if you spend the money to get them that way... Before buying or shortly after, make sure to replace the plastic waterpump housing and the waterpump itself. The plastic used on both is prone to breaking and will overheat the car. Also, replacing the radiator and thermostat is a good thing to do if it has never been done before. The rear shock mounts will fail also. Replace these with E46 mounts. The ignition coils will need to be replaced also if they are original. Be sure to buy a car that has been serviced regularly. Transmissions should not be an issue, but the auto does have more failure than the manual.

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  Disappointed - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By MikeD1 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Im disappointed with the number of problems that I have experienced since buying the BMW 323i. I was expecting more based upon the reputation. I like the car, its fun to drive, but Im in the dealership for repairs every few months....broken window glides, defective interior light, body molding coming off the exterior, battery failure. Beware.