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:

• 

  Best Little Sports car on the used marke - 1998 BMW Z3
  By BeaterBMW - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Great car! bulletproof!! Only lacks usable cup holders.

• 

  Makes the Cayman look like a Kia - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By Adam - September 25 - 7:36 am

  I always used to look at this car and think the styling is too weird and quirky. I then went on the site to look at the 5-Series and I saw the hatchback Z4. I then went to the dealer to check it out, I tested the Z4 coupe and the M coupe. I walked out with the M I tested. The styling is so unique that you will always get noticed, I got it in the brown colour and I will never regret it. It really brings out the curves of the car. I tested the Cayman also and it was going to cost $10000 more for not even the S! This really shows how good a designer Chris Bangle was. Get the nav with iDrive.

• 

  Needs more space - 2001 BMW X5
  By Sebastian - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This car needs more trunk space

• 

  BMW 2003 - 2003 BMW X5
  By Reda ishak - September 24 - 2:00 am

  too many plastic parts in the trunk area that creats noises specailly in the cold weather. should be littel lower than it is now. tail gate should be lower and more accessable.

• 

  10 years old and still a cool car! - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By filoux31 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I dreamed about this car for years. One day, I decide to buy a used one (in fact, my purse decide)! And... I still love this car. Mine has 10 years old and 190,000 km but drive better than a lot of new ones, believe me ) Just the A/C disappointed me (Its very fragile and cost a lot to repair) and the body near the wings... watch the rust! In general, the gas mileage is very good: Around 10L/100km.

• 

  One thing that you should know - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By Christian - September 22 - 5:23 pm

  By far this is a great car. I live in Orange County, CA, its my 2nd lease of a 3-series. One thing that bothers me is the tires that BMW decided to put on these cars. They Bridgstone Turanza EL 42 Model RFT (Run Flat Tires), it comes standard on all BMW. I have about 600 miles on the car and just had a nail on of the tires. BMW dealer would not patch this and tires are not part of warranty. Costs about $300/tire to get a new one each time you have a bad luck running over a nail. In addition, they last only about 10,000 - 15,000 without mileage warranty from Bridgestone.

• 

  X5 4.6: A Mix of Sport Utility & M Power - 2003 BMW X5
  By MattW75 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This version of the X5 is truly an awesome blend of power and performance. It drives like a sports car with a hard ride and razar sharp handling... The Standard 20" rims and crome dual exhaust covers give a subtle hint to other drivers that this is no ordinary X5. The dash is designed the same as the current M3 dash. If the feeling of leaving other drivers in the dust at a red light appeals to you this is the truck for you... but be warned.. expect plenty of visits to the pump.. It averages about 10mpg. It may not be for everyone, but those who appreciate the raw power (0-60 in about 6 secs) and incredible design will truly love owning one.

• 

  Rides Like a Truck not a BMW Sedan - 2003 BMW X5
  By GregM27265 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  It is quick, it is nimble, and functions very well in winter weather. It is not used for off-road, so not an issue for me. I like styling. I wanted a V-8 which narrowed my options. After my first long road trip on interstate highways where I felt every imperfection in the road, I decided my wife (who loves it) could have it. It is not a long trip luxury vehicle which is what it replaced.

• 

  Finally got my BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Finally a BMW - September 17 - 3:56 am

  I waited a long time to get a BMW. Its fun to drive and is the best engineered car I have ever had. Nothing at all on the car is loose, or makes any type of rattle or squeak. The Bluetooth works exceptionally well. The car rides very hard though and has a tremendous amount of road noise due to the Run Flat tires - there is so much road noise and the seats are very uncomfortable so I will not be keeping this car when the lease is up. I love the power folding side mirrors - they really help to make more space in the garage when walking between the two cars.

• 

  safe, fun, and EXPENSIVE - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By bimmerdriver - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Been in two accidents and the car saved my life. Lots of little things that go wrong cost a ton of money. For example, a new window switch cost $45 at the dealership. The wheel cover with the BMW emblem came off--$75 and you cant get it at an auto store. Very fun to drive as long as the RPMs get up over 3k, and its awesome in the summer, although to fix the top will cost $1,500--forget it, Ill run it manually. Safe, fun, and expensive.