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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  Perfect except for reliablity - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By davidsmith - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Bit on the pricy side with only 170hp, since most japanese competition now offer 200 or more. But it doesnt feel slow by any means. Design and materials used in the cabin are top notch. Too bad they rattle like nissan sentra. Lots of minor problems, like airbag light being on constantly,(fixed 4 times already) but probably more fun to drive than lot of sport cars. Minor body roll without sport package.

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  love it...quirky though - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By ole - April 13 - 2:00 am

  this car is SO much fun to drive. BMW makes a quality car, but crazy german electrical rears its ugly head.

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  An expensive lemon - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By VA BMW Owner - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I drove my 2002 745i for six months before I finally was fed up with the never ending updates/defects and traded the car. I quickly learned the iDrive system and I have no patience for the whining computer illiterate types who bought the car and cant figure out how to use it. This car had a never ending series of bizarre defects and constant problems that were repaired 2 or 3 times with little success. I also tired of the never ending series of software updates and control module replacements that required an average of 3 days in the shop per round of updates.

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  RIDES LIKE A ROCK, Road vibration - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By r baldwi - April 10 - 4:33 pm

  This new 06 330 rides like they forgot to put tires on it. Road vibration works its way up the steering wheel and after an hour of hi-way driving your hands start to tingle. Car shimmies at 50mph. The I-drive system has the speed of a 15 year old computer. Too much road noise enters the car. My old 01 330 much much better. One would think that they could consider the ride and some confort on newer models but they took it away. Great car if you travel over 75 mph all the time & take almost any corner at that speed and you really like feeling the road. I dont recommend it to the people that drive the speed limit on average roads. This car is not worth the money if you drive the speed limit.

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  5 series eval - 1990 BMW 5-Series
  By steve galgoul - April 8 - 2:00 am

  the car has been quite reliable for 13 years, the interior leather should be upgraded, as is showed wear signs quite prematurely,i would consider another if sales incentives,(low finance,free finance)were available...Germanys gutless failure to support the US war effort could affect my decision

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  Unique - 2001 BMW Z3
  By stz3coupe - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car because it is so unique, not allot of people have one. Many may not like the way it looks, but I think it looks great. Added some DINAN upgrades and WOW, nice improvement! The car really involves you in driving. Met plenty of people at work and at the gym who first don’t like the coupe, but soon tend to change their mind. Its easy to follow the crowd, I wanted a car that helps me stand out.

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  great car - 2000 BMW 5-Series
  By raroberts - April 7 - 2:00 am

  A great driving machine. Does 120 as easy as 65.

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  Great car, maintenance nightmare - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By cats-rule - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, but hate the maintenance. I did not want to have this close a relationship with a service department. The service department is great and they treat you well, but they charge you tons of money and your car is there a lot.

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  A Most Enjoyable Ride!!! - 2003 BMW Z4
  By real - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Enjoy the ride, the performance and the compliments and attention.

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  Great drive, average reliability - 1998 BMW 5-Series
  By kevin528i - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used while still under warranty, thank goodness. Fun to drive and great acceleration, had multiple issues with the vehicle - ranging from emissions to faulty sensors. Expensive to maintain, but the best car I have ever driven.