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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  Wish I had a Vette - 2003 BMW M3
  By GirlOutOfControl - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven too many sports cars to list. As for the M3, I agree with the guy who wrote in about the Corvette. If the vette had a back seat for my son, then, I would own the "Ultimate Driving Machine". I believe there is too much hype over a car that pales in comparison to the vette overall and watch your fuel consumption...the 8-cylinder Vette has them beat there too! Dont get me wrong I do love the M3, because it offers safety, room for 4 passengers and sleek looks, but cmon, it certainly is NOT "scarry" as one critic wrote in.

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  BMW M3-GREAT PERFORMANCE MACHINE - 1995 BMW M3
  By BMW CCA MEMBER - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I HAD BEEN LOOKING TO PURCHASE A GOOD USED SPORTS CAR FOR A FEW MONTHS. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND REFERALS(I WORK IN THE CAR BUSINESS) I DECIDED ON A 1995 BMW M3. WHAT A BANG FOR THE BUCK! THE RETAIL NUMBERS ON THESE CARS CAN BE WAY TO HIGH BUT I FOUND A CAR GREAT CAR AND BOUGHT IT AT WHOLESALE. MY CAR CAME EQUIPED WITH THE SPORT PACKAGE WHICH IS A GREAT OPTION. FULL POWER SEATS, WOOD ACCENTS AND M COUNTOUR 17 WHEELS THAT LOOK GREAT. I HAVE INSTALLED A DINAN STAGE 1 CHIP THAT GAVE IT A SLIGHT BOOST IN POWER AND A NICE 200-300 RPM BUMP. KEEPING IT STOCK HAS HELPED IT STAY VERY RELIABLE. THIS IS A GREAT FUNCTIONAL SPORTS CAR!

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  Run dont walk from this disappointment - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By TagAxle - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I was leary about the 745 from the 2002 reviews but thought that all the computer glithches would have been resolved by 2003--No such luck--My vehicle is again at dealer to fix the gremlins of the I DRIVE--intermittent problems persist with phone,navigation and tire pressure systems--Now a recall for more software updates for rough idling--

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  530i - fine sports sedan - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By brad_t - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my 530i w/ Steptronic and Sports Premium pkg. While its not as powerful as, say, a G35 sedan, its better balanced handling, precise steering and grippiness make it the most satisfying sports sedan in the mid luxury class. New 5 coming soon (with fancy steering), but I think most people will find the old 5 fine enough. 5/5 stars... and Im not alone, "Car" of UK rates the 5, 5/5 also. Brad

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  The SPORTS Is Gone, Replaced By Luxury - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Jonathon - August 24 - 11:46 am

  BMWs major changes to its 2006 3-Series is fascinating and yet somewhat boring as well. This is my 4th BMW in the 3-Series and while I welcome change, I find myself associating the new design and approach as similar to what Nissan did to its Z cars or what Ford did to its Thunderbird. Sports cars that were fun to drive became fat, boring and touted with luxury instead of sport. I love BMW handling and above all, BMWs intense focus on safety. My 325i 2006 came with i-Drive and the navigation system. Once I get my pilots license, I might have it mastered. Until that time, I really dislike it. Rear view side mirrors are too small and run-flat tires with no spare concern me.

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  Fun Car if you afford it! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By rickn - August 20 - 2:00 am

  After owning the 323 for three years, I can tell you it has been a joy to drive. The handling and overall feel of the vehicle is better than anything IÂ’ve ever driven. The only reason I would caution potential buyers is the reliability has proven to be poor. I have had interior trim fall off, many sensors blown and strange electrical/ computer malfunctions. Fortunately, the very expensive repairs were covered under an excellent warranty program. But, with the warranty ending, the annual repair costs will be high. Check with many on line forums discussing the BMW H46 and Consumer Reports, which recently removed the 3 series from their recommended list.

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  Have enough cash for numerous repairs - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By superjunkyard - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Owned this car new. Many problems popped up over the years. This car can drain the money in your pocket fast because of constant repairs that are very expensive. Repairs range from wiper motor, turn signal problems, radiator hose leakages to leaky transmission fluid pan, etc. Engine is decent, but not that powerful. The paints on the body is crappy.

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  Great Classic Cruiser - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By C Patterson - August 13 - 1:47 am

  Maintenance expenses are steep but necessary. Technology is now dated but the car is smooth, fast and stable.

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  What a car! - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By Modelengine1 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 325I for over 6 months and have loved everything about it. Its a blast to drive, and it has more style than most newer cars on the road. Most people ask me if its only a couple years old! I have had to replace a transmission sensor, but beyond that I have had no problems. BMWs are expensive to fix, but for the amount of performance, luxury, and pure enjoyment, they are well worth every penny spent.

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  Too Much Fun - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By RobB - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought my beemer in 00 I have just loved it. It did go thru a period of breakdowns around 80K miles but this is to be expected especially how I drive it. I regularly run at 115 to 120+ on the open Northern CA hwys. Very responsive and fun. Comfort level is way up there. Raced it a few times at Infineon Raceway. This is a car that loves to fully aspirate in huge deep breaths and so do you when you drive it.