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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  Best for the money, most value - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jamie Randazzo - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is a workhorse/tank. It offers the most performance, stability and safety unlike any other car. Acceleration is a dream while gas mileage is at 28mpg. And I shift at 5,000 rpm. I have only been serviced for oil changes.There is little back-end maintenance.

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  Still the best sports sedan - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By MyHarpoon - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I test drove many of the contenders before buying BMW. The G35 wasnt out yet - it wouldnt have mattered (no manual). The IS 300 didnt have AWD and I didnt feel like settling on the all-season tires. The X-Type was slow and the styling wasnt "Jaguar". The WRX didnt impress me. The 9-3 Viggen is a front-driver. The C320 didnt have a manual. It was a close call between the A4 and the 330xi. The BMW is a great daily driver, but I always have a smile on my face knowing that if I should meet a winding, country road, I can cut it loose (Ive found a few such roads in Western Michigan).

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  what a car.. - 2003 BMW M3
  By skifahrer - April 24 - 2:00 am

  i just got my m3 smg about a month ago. so far i have to admit its a great car.. the ride is great.. the speed you can go into turns is phenomenal, the gear changing with the smg transmission is is awesome.. forget about stick shift.. and if you are stuck in traffic roll along in automatic.. the pick up is more then good enough if you want to go faster..in the automatic mode. the breaks are great and no fading even after a few hard brake downs from high speeds (+/-140mph to 65-80mph).. the ride is hard but hey, if you want a softer ride get a c-class mercedes benz or a lexus.

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  Joy to own - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By carski7 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive loved driving this car all year round sun, rain, and snow!! Biggest problem was ball joints every 20k mi seemed to be due to lack of rotating tires soon enough and abusive Detroit roads. Now all OK. Radio and Climate just stopped working--cert pre owned warranty was good!

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  My last BMW - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By MJS - April 20 - 2:00 am

  My second 740 and what a disappointment. Too many minor problems, mostly electrical and all costly. Virtually all 1998 versions have leaking rear light assemblys( condensation after rain) which cause false "brake light out" messages. The climate fan is loud and costly to repair.

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  Love the ride, but hope it lasts - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By Leo74099 - April 20 - 2:00 am

  Best option BMW NA made available is the Sport Package on the 740i. With a short wheel base, tighter springs, bigger tires (vs. L), etc this is a big car that feels much smaller. Never a problem in corners, this car inspires confidence at speed and has a standing still presence that is hard to match.

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  What they should have built originally - 1997 BMW 8-Series
  By KElliott - April 20 - 2:00 am

  This is not your fathers 850. A stock machine was given to Steve Dinan and $45,000 later, a twin-turbo super coupe was delivered. Suffice it to say that all of the performance short comings were eliminated as there now lurks a 525hp, 550 lb.torque well mannered V12 waiting to be driven. Less then 50 V12s were altered and of the 8s, most were automatics (not as much fun as the 6 speed but very well behaved). This combination of raw power, slot-car handling, and technology, all brought together in what is perhaps the best looking vehicle that Munich has ever produced, is hard to beat.

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  Ridiculous Cost of Repairs - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By mjsaad - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this car for the past 5 years UNTIL I have had two repairs totalling $1,000.00 already and the issue is in the high cost of the parts. The fuel pump costed $250, which can be argued as my fault, BUT the $900 bill for fixing a leaking air condensor and drier was ridiculous. What is next? Maybe the $5,000 + engine? I am now concerned and am ready to trade in this car for another brand.

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  Close to perfect - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By BMWBOY - April 18 - 2:00 am

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  BMWs are built to last - 1994 BMW 5-Series
  By Mr BMW - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over 4 years now. I bought it used in July 1998 and have had no trouble with it whatsover. It rides like a beauty. When I got it it had 44k miles. It now has 122k miles and it still has the same punch and ride as it did 80k miles back. The only drawbacks are the somewhat cramped backseat leg room. The trunk is very spacious. I have my golf clubs and a cricket kit bag in there all the time and I still have room to fit in stuff. The on-board computer is very helpful.