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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  5 regrets - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Richard Fink - July 14 - 1:06 pm

  Notwithstanding the following, the 328 Touring is great automobile, but in the hopes that these comments may come to BMWs attention, here are five criticisms: 1) the rear hatch requires some effort to open; 2) the direction signal is overly electronic and can miss the off position; 3) the radio control is based on some old DOS format and is awkward to change from cd to tuner; 4) the car produces a large clunk over potholes; 5) the transmission spends so much time seeking gas savings its slow to down shift (and the sport mode is way too nervous). These should be all easy to correct. But perhaps most disturbing is that the cars ride is drifting towards that of Lexus and away from BMW.

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  BMW Z-3 1.8 - 1997 BMW Z3
  By Dan D - July 14 - 2:00 am

  All in all, an inexpensive sports car drive for a BMW. Good gas mileage but very weak pick up. Good for cruising, not much more. Build qulity definitely not up to BMW standards. Many problems widely known by BMW on this model that they leave owners hung with to pay. Mine also has a manual convertable top which is a bit of a pain.

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  The iDrive sucks, BMW, Never again. - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By S.H. - July 13 - 2:00 am

  The designers for the iDrive and the ofiicials at the BMW design center must be on drugs to think that iDrive is a good idea for the ultimate driving machine. It is a nonfunctional electronic trouble making disaster.

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  Didnt match Hype - 1999 BMW M3
  By JPSinMiami - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I must say that it is not the supercar that all the reviews claim it to be. Firstly, this car is waaayyyy to heavy and you can feel it on heavy cornering loads..it could use more power as has been put into the newer Ms but I would be really happy with the 240bhp if it trimmed a few pounds. This shift mechanism was also a huge dissapointment. Why manufactures still make rubbery indecisive gates is beyond me. Toyota got it right with the Mr2 MKI why doesnt everybody just copy it. Brakes and steering are among the best Ive ever driven. Its a good car...just not the great car I thought it would be. I shoulda saved 8k and bought a Viggen convertible.

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  Loving every mile - 2001 BMW M5
  By thegooch - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I was hesitant when I first drove the car when I bought it. Very soon though I came to realize that this was a savage machine able to withstand far more then I can dish out. Most at home on a track at high speeds, it is a super tank. Hanldes much better than this family sedan should and the overall performance is phenominal. I made a couple minor upgrades for the days the car is on the track, but these in now way interfere with my everyday commute.

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  Its not an MG Midget - 2000 BMW Z3
  By argonaut - July 7 - 2:00 am

  My first car was a 76 MG Midget. It wasnt fast, but it was 1800 lbs of light, nimble pure fun. Like the MG, it is small with a slightly claustrophobic interior and the top comes down. But, this is not a light toy, and weighs in at a thousand pounds heavier. It is reasonably quick, very responsive and just plain sexy. For a reasonably new car, it has had way too many mechanical problems, such as the heater fan breaking, and the seals all needing to be replaced so it would not leak. That being said, the car is lots of fun and well worth the money. This is a very refined true cloth top roadster. And its way cool to have heated side view mirrors.

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  2002 X5 with 26000 miles - 2003 BMW X5
  By jamsk - July 6 - 2:00 am

  My third BMW. The last was a 528i. The X5 3.0 offers BMW handling and ride with the attributes of an SUV. Plenty of power, reasonable Highway mileage (20) no need for a larger engine. I love it except for the seats being too hard and get uncomfortable over the long haul.

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  Repairs & More - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By Msaw - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Although the extended warranty to 100,000 miles covers the repairs, the repairs never stop nor to the headaces of having the car towed back to the dealership. Replaced stereo 3 times, valve cover gaskets, water pump, replaced radiator 2 times, trouble with the electronics, and now the A/C. BMW can make a great car, have a 92 525i with 182,000 miles and no repairs, plus its fun to drive.

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  318i Solid transportation - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By J.H. - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1994 BMW 318i used with 135,000 miles on it. It is a solid car with the basic amenities and teutonic interior styling. The quality of the car is excellent and it is still tight as new. The gas mileage is great and it is virtually maintenance free. Only Problem Ive had is the idle valve was faulty, but was easily replaced by the dealer for $400.00. The engine has no leaks and engine runs smooth and the car handles great. I have learned over the years parts are not as pricey as you would think compared to regular cars. Insurance is reasonable as well. I totally recommend a 3 series to anyone looking for a pre- owned Bimmer that is budget priced.

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  1993 325i 4dr - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By mark n - June 28 - 2:00 am

  This car has been the absolute worst for quality that weve ever owned and the most expensive to repair. In the 10 yrs and 105,000 miles on the odometer heres a sample of some of the problems. Radiator replaced at 60k, transmission seals and clutch at 65K, drivers window fell out two times. Replaced window elevator. Passenger window fell out one time. Rear wheel bearings at 80k ($700). More problems that I wont list. A miserable winter car (Wisconsin) even with Blizzacks on all wheels and it has positraction.