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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  The Ultimate Batmobile - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By pistorp - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Just a really great travel car. We drive 700 miles with our 3-year old son and we are not even tired. Incredible performance, a greaty interior and so many super gadgets, I think its my best car ever

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  Problems, less than 30 days into car - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By mochamix - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The "rankings" they ask for do not allow for functional problems to be addressed. I have had this car for less than 30 days and I already have a message telling me that the restraint system (of all things, safety) isnt working! Air bags and seat belts... While it is a pleasure to drive this car in general and all "expected", it is only the ultimate HANDLING vehicle, not the ultimate DRIVING vehicle as it has nothing on driving a cadillac down the coast as far as comfort goes...BMW should take note of how cadillac masters luxury DRIVING especially at the price they are asking for the 745s.

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  This is a sport car - 2003 BMW M3
  By scott - July 28 - 2:00 am

  The perfect car....if you drive on a track. I have the SMG transmission and really dont care for it much. It is very notchy and not very friendly for mundane daily driving. If you drive very aggressively all of the time, this could be the car for you. If you dont, I would suggest one of the other 3 series cars....Ive owned them as well and loved every minute of it.

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  2008 BMW 535xi - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By magic frog - July 22 - 12:03 pm

  I owned a 2007 BMW 530xi so I can tell you from experience that the new car is light years above the previous year in all areas. It out-performs it, it is built better, it handles better, and although most of the changes were subtle, they were in the right place, such as the window controls on the dirvers side. This vehicle is a veritable rocket for a 6 cylinder car this is amazing. I also own a late model Mercedes with a 382hp 8 cyl that can barely stay in the same room with the BMW performance wise.

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  Almost Perfect - 2008 BMW 5-Series
  By Bagwhan - July 21 - 4:56 am

  This is an unbelievable car. I test drove the 535 with the twin turbo, but its no match for the smoothness and sheer grunt of the V8. I had a Mustang GT before this and this is faster, smoother and more fun. Mine is optioned to the max, with HD radio, Satellite radio, HUD, sport package, cold weather package, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, Nav and so on. The 19 inch wheels look very cool! I also have the sport transmission, with paddle wheel shifters. So far, I have not used these that much. All in all a great car, that I highly recommend.

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  silver bullet - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By shadowraven - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Great car an a blast to drive, great on gas as opposed to my dakota pickup, I get 30mpg. Electronics are very poor, check engine light, abs light alway go on, climate goes off. $261 for new one. Tip: join BMWCCA the parts discounts are worth the fee of $35 a year

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  Lots of things to fix at 146K miles - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Sky - July 17 - 6:06 am

  Its a family car thats turned over to me. I have mixed emotions. Happy because its a gift. Nervous because its turning to be a money pit. I have a long list of things to fix: driveshaft replacement, oil pan gasket replacement, transmission service and selector shaft seal replacement, upper control arm bushings replacement, brake rotors, pads, water pump, thermostat and hoses replacement for preventive maintenance. Update: Its now on its 151K miles and didnt replace water pump, thermostat, and cooling system hoses. I didnt replace the driveshaft and oil pan gasket. I only lose 200 ml of engine oil every 5K miles. I can live with the driveshaft "ting" noise only at take of anyway. Update @ 157800 miles - Car is strong. Engine oil leak is not bad and I replace the oil at least twice a year. Cooling system is ok without replacing any parts since 145K miles. This BMW E39 is really comfortable and reliable.

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  Lots of things to fix at 146K miles - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By Sky - July 17 - 6:06 am

  Its a family car thats turned over to me. I have mixed emotions. Happy because its a gift. Nervous because its turning to be a money pit. I have a long list of things to fix: driveshaft replacement, oil pan gasket replacement, transmission service and selector shaft seal replacement, upper control arm bushings replacement, brake rotors, pads, water pump, thermostat and hoses replacement for preventive maintenance. Update: Its now on its 151K miles and didnt replace water pump, thermostat, and cooling system hoses. I didnt replace the driveshaft and oil pan gasket. I only lose 200 ml of engine oil every 5K miles. I can live with the driveshaft "ting" noise only at take of anyway. Update @ 157800 miles - Car is strong. Engine oil leak is not bad and I replace the oil at least twice a year. Cooling system is ok without replacing any parts since 145K miles. This BMW E39 is really comfortable and reliable.

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  You will be treated like you are famous - 1991 BMW 8-Series
  By Vette Killer - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This is one powerful and beautiful driving machine. However as any car that started out with a price tag of 80+ grand, you are going to have to keep some cash in the bank for upkeep. Forget about gas mileage, the car loves to drink like a college frat boy. However, you should see peoples faces when you zoom by them at 150 mph. It makes it all worth while. The valets love it as well. Not a car for the broke. "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up" - Ferris Bueller

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  Love-hate relationship with my E36 - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Andy S - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my 328i. The steering, throttle response, pedal placement, driving position, etc. were very well done. The down side is the know list of "common E36 problems" that I keep having to fix. Expect to replace front ball joints and rear shock mounts. Also, its just a matter of time before some component of the cooling system will fail.